Justice League The Darkseid War Part One Review

In the seventh volume of the best-selling Justice League series that sees the return of Darkseid, the very being that first brought earth’s heroes together and became the Justice League. His reappearance is not to take revenge on the heroes but, once again makes earth his war zone with the Anti-Monitor, one of the most destructively powerful beings in the Universe. Will the efforts of the Justice League be enough to stop these two unstoppable foes. Collects Justice League #40 – 44 and DC Sneak Peek Justice League #1 by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok.

Get ready for one of the biggest Justice League epics in recent years. The ruler of Apokolips once came to earth that prompted the formation of the Justice League and the Anti-Monitor, the universe destroying creature that the Crime Syndicate of earth 3 fled from in the Forever Evil story. These seeds that had been sown have finally come to fruition. The opening chapter is a prologue to the events of the Darkseid War, setting the stakes for what’s to come, while giving the reader some background the history of the DC Universe and introduces Grail, the daughter of Darkseid that’s joining the war against her father. There is some fantastic artwork in this opening chapter that depicts various timeline resets illustrated by guest artists throughout the issue, the recreation of the Crisis on Infinite Earths is stunning. It’s pretty heavy on the narrative before the main events of the story are set into motion. 

In a Terminatior esque opening, two evil new gods track and kill every woman that shares the name of their target that draws in the Justice League and the introduction of Mr. Miracle on Apokolips sets a foreboding tone of thigs to come. Things go to another level as the Justice League come into contact with Metron, the new god who observes events of the universe. The scale of the story is the biggest of the series the conflict on the two giant godlike beings having there war on earth where all most of the league can do is watch, elsewhere Superman continues his mistrust of Lex Luthor and the two are thrown into a situation where they are forced to work together, even though there missing out on the main action there is subplot is interesting with its own share of action and intrigue. The New Gods and the Amazons are one of the more interesting aspects of DC Universe, the two seemingly unconnected facets that this story originates from. Most chapters are narrated by Wonder Woman, it’s great seeing her as a front and centre along with her new costume redesign by Fabok in the last arc gives the character a welcomed focus while her narration adds that extra layer of gravitas to the conflict. Much of the league have great character moments, some even going through a vast transformation as they become more than human. While many stories claim that they takes the heroes in a new direction, here it’s an understatement, you’ve never seen Superman, Batman and the Flash like this before. Artist Jason Fabok made a spectacular debut in the previous story-line and he’s in finer form here, his dark but no less heroic art style gives an epic quality, blending intricate details and powerful superhero physiques while possessing a strong ability to convey emotions and moods. 

Even though the last volume was ten issues long this book is only half as long and ends on a pretty shocking cliff hanger. It would have been great to get the complete story in one volume but ending it here allows readers to get into companion piece graphic novel Justice League: Darkseid War - Power of the Gods, consisting of one shots of the heroes with their new abilities and roles. Ever since the launch of the New 52 DC Comics flagship title has been getting bigger and better, the Darkseid War is becoming Johns' epic finale in this best-selling and acclaimed series. With all the series of the New 52 the Justice League has the most benefited of the relaunch with many different having a fresh start from what’s happening in their own respective titles.

For the first part of the Darkseid War, it’s shaping up to be one of the finest Justice League story lines by Geoff Johns. It's epic superhero action on an unprecedented scale. Johns has been setting the story in motion for an over a year now and anytime they bring Darkseid into the mix you know it is going to be an epic story, and this one is no different. Usually stories of this scale become big crossovers, but this is a self-contained story. It’s another dark and superhero spectacle with epic confrontations, dramatic plot twists and cinematic art that isn’t just another Darkseid conflict, this is bigger and more unpredictable.

Wolverine Old Man Logan Graphic Novel Review

The Wolverine has hung up claws and now lives a quiet life with his wife and children at their farm. Set fifty years in a dystopian future Logan tries to live a peaceful life in a world where heroes are no more, the villains have won and taken over. Coming off the success of the hit story line Enemy of the State, writer Mark Millar returns to make another Wolverine epic this time joined by artist Steve Mc Niven making this classic 2008 story arc. Collects Wolverine #66-72 and Wolverine Giant-Size Old Man Logan.

The Wolverine is gone, now a peaceful family man, Logan seeks to live a life without violence and hasn’t used his claws since that day fifty years ago when the heroes fell. He's not the man he was, what changed him. Logan now lives a very different life in a very different world. He along with his family tends to his plot of land in the territory owned by the Hulk, unable to pay his rent this month he takes a beating form the Hulk gang, the once feared Wolverine takes a beating and doesn’t fight back. With the threat of their return and fearing for his family he accepts an offer of old friend and former Avenger; Hawkeye. Offering him a job to travel with him across the country to deliver a package. The two set off on a cross country road trip coming into a bit of trouble and diversions time to time. It becomes a road movie as the duo set off on a road trip that's sprinkled with many Marvel references to other heroes throughout. It works extremely well as a stand alone story. Its not your typical superhero story, its more of a alternative take on the superhero tale, the bleak environment and sombre colours set the tone. As the story progresses, flashbacks tease what happened to the Wolverine that night and what changed him. The shocking revelation adds to the already great story. Dedicating most of the chapter to that pivotal moment in Logan’s history, so much story had hung on this moment and it doesn’t disappoint.

It can seem like a short read as it can be light on the dialogue but for big on action, artist Steve Mc Niven is able to reimagine the fate of the Marvel Universe. His movie blockbuster style of panels and double page spreads make for some unforgettable images. Both he and Millar are allowed to flex their imaginative talent in this story setting. This story posses some fantastic art and detailed panels, with fun nods and references of Marvel characters scattered throughout. Mark Millar crafts a fantastic tale, it’s really well told. It has slightly familiar elements in the case that it feels like a Mad Max setting with a reluctant Clint Eastwood style hero. This is a fantastic story, injecting a fresh and fun twist to make for an innovative and classic story.The involvement of the Hulk pays homage to the original first appearance of Wolverine in The Incredible Hulk #181 in 1974. An excellent story, this version of Wolverine has seen a resurgence recently due to the Old Man Logan iteration of Wolverine getting his own series being part of the Marvel Universe. It’s also the storyline is rumored to be the influence for the upcoming third Wolverine movie.

It’s a big bold action story, that’s thrilling, exciting and imaginative. The story is a creative take on a different Wolverine than we’re used to. It fuses superhero elements with a in a western like tale of a man’s quest for peace. Pitting Logan against with who he wants to be against the man he truly is. It’s a fantastic story that's become a modern classic and one of the greatest Wolverine stories.

Green Lantern Volume 3 The End Review

With the Guardians of the Universe having unleased their Third Army like a plague across the cosmos, two of the greatest lanterns Hal Jordan and Sinestro have disappeared. Their power ring has gone in search of a new recruit, the wrongly accused Simon Baz. This newcomer has joined the Corps in a time of great turmoil. He seeks to clear his own name and discovers was happened to the ring’s former wielders Hal and Sinestro as the Third Army rages across the galaxy. The third and final volume by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke in their 2011 Green Lantern series, collects Green Lantern #0 and 13-20.

The Green Lantern series is hands down one of the best DC comics series in publication, in 2005 writer Geoff Johns launched the series, having resurrected fan favourite and most popular Green Lantern Corps members Hal Jordan, making him once again the greatest Green Lantern and turning the series into the epic space opera it is today.

Rise of the Third Army is crossover event across several Green Lantern related titles. The collection opens with issue #0 “The New Normal” released after Green Lantern Annual #1 in which the epilogue of the story depicts the beginning of the Third Army. Issue #0 tells the origin of latest lantern recruit Simon Baz, growing up he faced much percussion after the events of 9-11 due to this ethnicity. In his adult years he lost his job during the financial crisis and later got involved with street racing and car theft. One night he had stolen a van which he soon discovered was carrying a bomb, he drove to van to an abandoned location to avoid civilian casualties. His heroic deed was short lived as Simon was taken in by the FBI as a terrorist suspect. While most of the other zero issues are serving to reflect on the past of its titular characters, Green Lantern #0 is instead looked to the future. Introducing fans to the mysterious new Green Lantern of earth in a modern socio-political climate. He becomes the latest recruit of the ring, inadvertently escaping imprisonment much to the attention of the Government and Justice League. On the run and wanting to clear his name and find those responsible, it’s a modern political thriller told within within the pages of a comic about a cosmic police force becomes an engrossing thriller. It makes for a great and diverse story arc. The zombie like plague continues without much interference to Simon Baz’s own story,all the while getting a little teases at a time to the fate of missing Sinestro and Hal Jordan, somehow having survived their ordeal since we saw them last. With the conclusion of the first story arc, the Simon Baz story makes for a refreshing and fantastic debut story that’s intense, compelling and at times emotive and funny. 

The second arc of the book and crossover event; Wrath of the First Lantern, with the Guardians misplaying their hand, the mysterious entity has escaped his prison and wishes to rewrite the history of the Universe. While the story to this point has had its newest Green Lantern as the lead, the mystery of Hal Jordan and Sinestro is about to be uncovered since their disappearance at the end of Green Lantern Volume 2 Revenge of Black Hand, they retake the spotlight as the main characters for this final chapter of John’s Green Lantern story. Issue #20 marks the conclusion of the arc and as well as the final issue of the series writer Geoff Johns nine year run on the title. The 64 page special final issue packs a lot for this big story making it a thrilling and epic, a satisfying end to his Green Lantern saga. An instant classic, bringing his whole run full circle with epic moments. The finale of his run is one of the best comics you will ever read, it embodies so much that made John’s run so memorable, acting as a love letter to long-time fans of the series. 

One of the most exciting aspects of this final issue is how it’s presented, the framing device of the Bookkeeper of Oa telling the story to of Hal Jordan a young new recruit. Chronicling Jordan’s time as a member of the Green Lantern Corps before the story returns to the main narrative. This look back reminds us of the stellar nine year run of John’s time on the title. A lot happens in this final issue with the current conflict with some surprises and ends in a fantastic way. When most creative teams pass the torch on a series they set up a tease for the new team to take on, Johns end his differently and in a vastly more satisfying way. Rarely in comic series do we get a definitive ending, but it feels right since this writer has had such immense run on Green Lantern creating many new characters for the mythos. He gives each of main characters an eventual fate and it’s great to see and gives the title that necessary to allow the book to end with a special quality. With all corps of the emotional spectrum on the front line for the final battle, the reader’s emotions are very much at the forefront of this amazing and unforgettable story. The final issue is one part final battle against the First Lantern while the latter gives the series its big finale send off to an epic series. The collection includes a special retrospective on Geoff Johns’ run on Green Lantern, it all gives for a strong sense of closure to Johns’ epic saga.

Sinestro’s complicated backstory is put to good use and there are solid character moments for both he and Hal in the amazing final issue as the story reaches its conclusion. Johns’ run on Green Lantern was as much about Hal Jordan as it is about his arch nemesis, Sinestro. Their relationship became more fascinating in it’s the final chapter. During the events of the story the two understood each other like never before that produces a very poignant moment as a perfect endnote to one of the most complex relationships between the hero and a villain in comics.

Artist Doug Mahnke carries out brilliant art throughout the book. His costume design of Green Lantern Simon Baz has a real standout quality to it. The excellent art carries throughout the story with many excellent moments. Early on I particularly liked the scenes in where Simon Baz’s ring erupts with energy as Sinestro and Hal Jordan’s message tries to free itself form the ring. The imagery of their heads wrapped around heads is amazing. Mahnke does solid work in the book while artists Ardian Syaf and Szymon Kudranski take over for two issues with the latter doing a great segment in the dark of the Dead Zone. His dark monochromatic art style is fantastic and if you’ve read Penguin Pain and Prejudice you’ll know what I mean. Overall the art is excellent with a few guest artists on the special finale issue.

I was initially concerned with that the collection featured two crossover stories that can make for an incomplete story. Thankfully there was only one instance where that was felt and it was minor so it doesn’t affect the enjoyment of the stories. For a book consisting of two crossovers, very little is missed. The final run by John’s is excellent is what long-time fans of his series would be extremely happy with. The introduction of a new Green Lantern whilst tying up and bring a conclusion to many elements of his amazing nine year tenure on this revolutionary series. All great things come to an end and the finale of this series is a great conclusion that could have been hoped for, an epic hit. After nearly a decade, Geoff Johns bids farewell to the character and concept he redefined for a new generation, creating one of the definitive superhero sagas of this era. 

The End is an apt title for the collection, providing a conclusion to nine years’ worth of storytelling and redefining Green Lantern for this decade. Johns’ final chapter created the newest human recruit and while giving a satisfying end to all of the major characters that existed in his Green Lantern universe. The series still continues with a new creative team, although what Johns gave us seemed like a series finale of the series that he redefined for years to come. Johns ends his Green Lantern masterpiece with a stellar blockbuster. Amazing, after a nine year run, comprising over one hundred issues, he had taken a somewhat cheesy character and turned it into one of the most consistently thrilling, compelling and outright enjoyable heroes in comics. He made Hal Jordan one of the greatest heroes in comics and along the way writer Geoff Johns became a hero to all Green Lantern and comic book fans.

Green Lantern Volume 2 The Revenge of Black Hand Review

The second volume of Geoff John’s New 52 Green Lantern series picks up exactly where the first volume left off. Sinestro has arrived on Hal Jordan’s doorstep after learning of a prophecy that will mean the end for the Green Lantern Corps and it will be the doing of their makers, the Guardians of the Universe. The former adversaries turned allies Hal Jordan and Sinestro discover that Black Hand, the villain behind the Blackest Night is found and is part of the Indigo Tribe, adding more mystery to that of many of the Indigo Tribe. Collects Green Lantern #7 – 12 and Green Lantern Annual #1 with art by Douge Mahnke, Ethan Van Sciver and others.

Picking up where the last one ended Sinestro envisions a prophecy of the Green Lanterns at the hands of the Guardians and its connection to the Indigo Tribe. Sinestro interrupts a reluctant Hal Jordan and during their confrontation the wielders of the indigo light appears, abducting the two and forcibly induct Sinestro into a member of their tribe.

This was one exciting read, the story features the villain Black Hand, the herald of Nekron during the events of 2009 event; the Blackest Night. In the epic , Black Hand resurrects an army of the dead as Black Lanterns. The story also marked one of the first major appearance of the Indigo Tribe and their leader known as Indigo-1. The story concluded with their disappearance along with Black Hand, taken prisoner on their home world. He seems to have been rehabilitated under the influence of the Indigo ring.

The collection covers two story arcs; the Secret of the Indigo Tribe and Revenge of Black Hand, this story arc about his return home and mission to resurrect the as many as the dead as he can with the underlying subplot throughout the book is of the Guardians preparing for their newest plan to replace their Green Lantern Corps, setting the stage for another amazing Green Lantern story, Rise of the Third Army. It’s a very thrilling read concerning two great characters once again on the same side; Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and Sinestro. It’s a great story with some fantastic visuals, with his power ring having limited functionality Hal Jordan must create other ways to get around as he can’t fly. This gives artist Doug Mahnke to be very creative for transport for Hal around the jungle of the home world of the Indigo Tribe giving way for few great moments. The story acknowledges the past Green Lantern stories, the formation and mission of the Indigo Tribe is very much tied to Abin Sur, the predecessor to Hal Jordan, the end fight between Hal, Sinertro and Black Hand is very reminiscent of the first time the trio first crossed paths in a graveyard in the revised back story Green Lantern Secret Origin. As you settle down to read prepare to read the final issue Green Lantern Annual #1 the dripping blood style Green Lantern logo, similar to the style of the Death of Superman story, lets you know that this 48 page special was going to be something else and it was. Ethan Van Sciver returns to Green Lantern, the hero he helped relaunch with Geoff Johns in their Rebirth miniseries that saw the return of Hal Jordan and launched a new Green Lantern series in 2005. It's fitting to have the artist back in the brilliant annual issue that sets the stage for the next big event in the Green Lantern universe.

The second volume of the amazing Green Lantern series is on track to setting up one big event and cross over, where the eradication of the Green Lantern Corps is at hand, but unlike other threats of before their extermination will be undertaken by their makers, the Guardians of the Universe, setting the stage for a soon to be epic; Rise of the Third Army. Longtime readers are rewarded with the origins of the Indigo Tribe, the ever-mysterious Corps were the only group not to have a back story since the Blackest Night, and it’s a creepy and eerie story.The tale makes use of prophecy scenes on page that Johns is famous for, creating a level of excitement for fans for what’s to come.

Green Lantern Volume 2 The Revenge of Black Hand is brilliant and better than the first, not to say the Sinestro Volume 1 arc was bad it was just a smaller scale story after the events of the War of the Green Lanterns arc that preceded it. The previous story had the reader guessing what Sinestro was up to or if we could fully trust him. That trail of thought leaves the reader in this story, the Sinestro arc was a more personal story as he attempts to free his home world from his own evil Sinestro Corps. This story sheds a little more light on his past and becomes more of anti-hero. Hal Jordan fans will be happier that the hero has more of active role in this epic that the earlier volume. After eight years and over 80 issues of Green Lantern Geoff Johns still provides fantastic stories in the series that shows no signs of dipping in quality or substance. Johns building to another fantastic story, revealing the origins and shedding more light on the formation of the mysterious Indigo Tribe while bringing the villain Black Hand back for another story before building to a shocking and eventful conclusion that builds the level of anticipation for the third volume in the series; Green Lantern Volume 3 The End.

Green Lantern Volume 1 Sinestro Review

Sinestro, once one of the greatest of the Green Lanterns that were ever was. And in the wake of War of the Green Lanterns he has become a Green Lantern once more. One of the greatest villains in the DC Universe seeks the assistance of long-time adversary and Hal Jordan who is struggling with his own life that he was stripped of his power ring and is no longer a Green Lantern that is until Sinestro makes him an offer to once again become a Green Lantern and rescue the inhabitants of Korugar, the renegade Green Lanterns home world from the his own Sinestro CorpsCollects Green Lantern #1 – 6 by Geoff Johns with artist Douge Mahnke as part of DC Comics the New 52.

When I started getting into comics it just shortly before the DC Comics initiative the New 52, in which DC relaunched all its titles with new #1’s acting as a fresh start to all its titles. On first impression it appeared the Green Lantern title went back to when SInestro was a Green Lantern. The misconception here is that Green Lantern is one of the only titles of DC’s relaunch that remained unchanged by The New 52. The villain becoming a Green Lantern is just the next exciting chapter in long time writer Geoff John’s amazing Green Lantern saga with artist Douge Mahnke.

With conclusion of the previous story arc Hal Jordan is no longer a Green Lantern due to the belief that the Guardians of the Universe deem him to be too dangerous, they discharge him for the Corps taking his ring and sending him back to earth. As Hal tries to pick up the pieces of his life, struggling to live a normal life and mend his relationship with Carol Ferris, Sinestro is on Oa being reluctantly being re-inducted back into the Green Lantern Corps. As he is now reinstated as a Green Lantern the former villain sets out to protect his sector including his home world of Korugar which is under the control of his own Sinestro Corps. He requires help and gives Hal Jordan a chance to be a Green Lantern once more in exchange for his help to free his people. The two have a long history, and this story becomes more of a character driven story with complex rivalry between Hal and Sinestro. Even though the Green Lantern series follows Hal Jordan as its main character, in this story Sinestro becomes more of a main role in the tale. It’s a smaller scale story that follows the event of the massive War of the Green Lanterns story building towards another big Green Lantern epic by Geoff Johns. The best thing about the story is these two characters in a “buddy cop” style, emulating the relationship of the former friends back to their roles in Green Lantern Secret Origin, the origin story for Hal Jordan as Green Lantern and his first meeting of the pair. This story revisits the original relationship between the two characters while not forgetting their long complex history, it reinstates the teacher and student relationship with Sinestro in charge and Hal in the student role with limited power ring. 

It's a smaller scale story that's a bit more intricate than most, the pair have a long history with different methods and views paired together back in a story that makes for a great story with great art with imaginative work by artist Mahnke. The story has an interesting intriguing hook, that turns out to be a great character drama as they seek to rescue mission without being fully trusting of the rouge Green Lantern. The story produces some interesting character work, and after the previous arc of the War of the Green Lanterns, it stays away from galactic sized threats allowing time to build up a new larger scale story. It’s a nice change of pace while foreshadowing bigger threats to come. It’s a joy to read before what’s to come. It’s a more personal story focusing more on the entertaining rivalry of Hal Jordan and Sinestro.

The Flash Volume 5 History Lessons Review

The Flash Volume 5 History Lessons is the final volume in the series by one of the original writer/artists of The New 52 Flash series Brian Buccellato before an all new creative team took over the series with The Flash #30. The main part of the collection is the three part mystery story History Lessons, in which The Flash uncovers a serial killer that was active during the year that his mother was murdered. He investigates if both cases are connected and if he can find his mother’s killer that his father was convicted of. Also collected is standalone stories as the Flash tries to stop a thrill seeking thief and a story that is the first meeting of the Flash and friend Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Collects The Flash #26 – 29 and The Flash Annual #2 with several guest writers and artists.

The Flash series so far has consisted of multi arc stories. Volume 5 History Lessons is made up of a variety of stories that take the Flash, to an alien planet with Green Lantern, to the skies to stop a thrill seeking sky pirate and investing a murder mystery with a supernatural element. The collection opens with “The Quick and the Green”, bucks the growing trend toward gritty realistic stories, it’s fun and light. It’s a reminder what superhero comics used to be all about. The Flash #26 is a standalone issue where the Flash has to chase down a group of thieves but, their method of transport leaves the Flash figuring out to stop group that travel by the sky. It’s a good straightforward simple story seeing the Flash in action and being tested in a way he hasn’t been before.

History Lessons is the final part of the book and the main story that connects more to the current series although, it’s pretty standalone in ways too. In this excellent mystery story the Flash/Barry Allen uncovers a mass grave that leads him to believe a serial killer had additional unknown victims. Barry believes that this could potentially include his mother Nora. Barry seeks to investigate if the there is a connection between the two cases. His investigation leads to the supernatural with the addition of a well-known guest star to help. I thought the premise of this was excellent and how it connects to Barry’s past and changes what we know. The interesting C.S.I. approach is brings it back to great elements of the series for a supernatural story. History Lessons offers an intriguing change to story of who killed Nora. The Flash T.V. series took it influences for the Flashpoint story and this newest take changes what went on before. Barry’s father had been convicted for the crime years ago and Barry always believed that he was innocent. This case is one he can’t leave alone, one that adds to his family drama. It’s a real good story.

Although thematically the Flash Volume 4: Reverse was more fitting conclusion to the original creators of this 2011 series. Brian Bucellato’s final few issues are good, offering variety to this volume before new creators take over the series. It gives you different elements and types of stories for the Flash while venturing back a bit more into his history and his mother’s death that make for the most compelling and intriguing reading by completing the final collection of issues by one of the original creators that made the New 52 Flash so great. A neat little collection of stories for fans of The Flash.

Batman Volume 7 Endgame Review

Batman Volume 7: Endgame is Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s latest addition of their Batman series. Engame is the sinister return of the Joker after his disappearance at the end Batman Vol. 3 Death of the Family. He’s back for their final showdown. For years, the Joker has regarded Batman with a sick, twisted love, thinking that one could never exist without the other. Last time the Joker set to kill members of Batman’s team, removing a weakness of the hero but now, he’s just out to kill Batman. The Joker has returned to Gotham City with a deadlier plan than ever before and is finally going to kill the Dark Knight. Collects Batman #35 - 40.

This is it, one of the biggest Batman Joker epics ever told, for decades the Clown Prince of Crime and the Dark Knight have battled it out for years with the Joker stooping to new lows and different forms of evil. The Joker’s latest agenda is to end all that and end the Batman once and for all. He’s deadly serious this time. The Joker’s first appearance in this New 52 Batman series was The Death of the Family story arc where he had returned to Gotham City after a year long disappearance after his face was cut off and reattached with belts, wires and hooks. Batman had thought he was gone for good at the end of the story. In this sequel, Joker has re-emerged with his face somehow repaired and he’s back with a vengeance this time. This story takes place after the events of Batman Eternal, Batman has a new base in Gotham and Alfred’s daughter Julia, who now works with Batman in his new base. Things kick off when Bruce Wayne is attack by members of the Justice League and battles the heroes on the streets of Gotham. Batman is horrified to learn that the Joker is behind the attack. What follows is a creepy, and sometimes bone chilling story. As the curtain is lifted on where the Joker has been hiding all this time is the first big chilling revelation of the sinister story. New light is shed on who the Joker is, it’s a thrilling read. Writer Scott Snyder first began his comic’s career writing horror comics, his unique style of horror had carried over to his Batman work and it’s been more evident in this Endgame story arc. His entire run has been horror driven, both the story arcs featuring the Joker have had a claustrophobic setting and a callous disregard for human life.

It’s a bit of a mind flip at times, twists turns and revelations, it messes with the readers head as well as Batman’s. What you thought to be true isn’t. its incredibly satisfying that readers are right there with a perplexed batman, so often is the Dark Knight depicted as a figure one step ahead of everyone else. One of the greatest stories of Batman run by Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, his artwork on the series reaches new heights of creative and gruesome imagery in Snyder’s masterful storytelling. The art complements to the horror elements of the tale. The ending duel is one the most brutal and bloodiest comic book battles I’ve ever read, this two icons slugging it out in a bloody frenzy to the end. It will considered as one of the greatest Batman Joker stories ever told.

Death of the Family was the first Joker story of the New 52 Batman series, Endgame is a brilliant sequel to one of the most significant stories of Snyder and Capullo’s Batman series. Endgame offers up a new mysterious origin for the Joker adding new mystery to who the Clown Prince of Crime was before what happened him in Zero Year, whilst still preserving the mystique that makes the Joker who he is. Endgame is an appropriate title for the story act, not only was the story originally intended to be both the creators final arc on their four year Batman run, that celebrated both the 75th anniversary of Batman and the debut of The Joker but it’s conclusion drastically changes the status quo of the Batman universe, opening the door to many new possibilities of storytelling. Endgame reads and feels like the finale, with its call-backs to the Court of the Owls and Zero Year events and serving as a sequel to The Death of the Family made it easy to imagine this as the series finale by Snyder and Capullo, thankfully it’s not. The creators aren’t jumping ship at a time they’ve made the title more interesting. It’s their second Joker epic is a brilliant story adding new mystery to an already mysterious character.

Batman Volume 7 Endgame brings a brutal and bloody conclusion between the Batman and Joker long running conflict to a close for who knows how long. Its display of action, tension and dark moments. Even though it may feel like another Batman Joker story this is the one to end all Batman Joker stories with raised stakes than ever before. Taking what has been done before and injecting it with more excitement. Batman Endgame is the biggest, boldest story told to date and will be for a long time, a modern classic. It’s the biggest story line during the creative duo’s excellent four year run on the series. A thrilling story of the most famous rivalries in comic’s history in honour of its 75th anniversary.  

Superman: The Men of Tomorrow Graphic Novel Review.

The Men of Tomorrow is the sixth volume in the New 52 Superman series. The story arc marks the beginning of a new era for the Man of Steel with one of DC Comics greatest writers Geoff Johns and Marvel’s legendary artist John Romita Jr, joining DC Comics for the first time and drawing Superman. A planet with no future, two brilliant scientists rocket their young child away to a better world where he will grow strong and survive the fate of this planet. But, this is earth and the disaster is adverted. Ulysses of the Great World, a hero with incredible powers returns to find the destruction his parents feared has been avoided. With Superman, this new hero Ulysses is an ally, kindred spirit and a friend to the Man of Steel but his plans for a better earth are yet to come. Collects Superman #32-39.

Geoff Johns is back writing Superman again. The writer is responsible for some of the greatest Superman stories written is joined by artist John Romita Jr. They duo have created a modern Superman story that’s great as a standalone tale for the sixth volume in The New 52 series. Johns has had much experience writing the character with superb stories.The Man of Steel is presented in a way that has a classic feel like Johns earlier Superman stories have always done. 

New character Ulysses shares a origin story almost identical to that of Superman. This new hero has arrived on back on his birth world, a place he thought was gone long ago. He has come into Superman's life at a time when he is feeling isolated and alone. He has found an ally, a kindred spirit in Ulysses and though the investigative journalist side of Superman as he introduces Ulysses to privileges that he could never enjoy. It's great action story with a lot of heart. Lois Lane is in the story but only in the background. Editor-in chief Perry White and photographer Jimmy Olsen, two other of the Daily Planet’s team get their moment in the spotlight. Clark is depicted as an outsider and Ulysses is someone he can relate to, but this story also shows how he can bond with both Perry and Jimmy. One noteworthy aspect of the story is that Superman gets a minor update to his costume as well as a new super power.

The sixth collection of the Superman series of The New 52 is a stand out read.I hadn't been interested in either of the two of the Superman series or their collected editions with one exception, I had been intrigued by Grant Morrison’s new take on the early days of Clark Kent in Superman Action Comics Vol.1 - The Men of Steel, it was good but I never continued on with the series. Superman Unchained the limited series by Scott Snyder and Jim Lee was amazing. When I heard that super star writer Geoff Johns would be taking on the Man of Steel I was very interested for the forthcoming graphic novel. After I read preview online of a major turning point in the story, it really had got my attention. The premise sounded great and with Johns as writer it only built anticipation for what could be a great Superman story. I was really looking forward to what this story was about and it didn’t disappoint. The arrival of artist John Romita Junior is a big deal, he and his father have been legendary comic artists at Marvel for decades. His art adds to the classic feel of the story with colourist Klaus Janson.

Johns has had many great story arcs previous stories of Superman, Brianic, Secret Origin, Up Up and Away and the unforgettable Last Son with Richard Donner. This latest story is the next in the growing line of classic feel Superman stories. It’s a great story and worth the hype. Johns joined the series for an eight issue arc that's one of possibly the best of the best of the Superman 2011 series. The series was reinvigorated by the creative duo making the series a lot more interesting. The introduction of a new character with similar experiences to Superman makes for a exciting and brilliant story that is a stand alone self contained story that anyone can get into without any prior reading of the Superman series. The collection is the sixth volume in The New 52 Superman adventures but is not labelled as such, possibly in an attempt to not intimidate put off by whats been a less than stellar series for one of the greatest comic book superheroes in existence. This helps the books stand out as a stand alone story or as new jumping on point as the series continues.

With this year’s release of Superman Unchained and Superman The Men of Tomorrow its been a great year for two very brilliant and very different Superman stories. It had big heroic moments and smaller kinder in between. Its an quintessential Superman tale with a retro charm that recent Man of Steel stories haven't seen since the 2011 relaunch. Its a character focused story with heart and charm. The cover logo is evocative of the classic Superman movie logo works good too. There is a timeless quality to the story making it one of the most accessible and one of the greatest Superman tales. 

Geoff Johns returns to writing Superman after so many great stories is now joined by artist John Romita Jr. The two legends together craft a modern story with a much missed classic feel to their story that works so well as a stand alone and fantastic Superman tale. 

The Flash Volume 4: Reverse Review

Francis Manapul and Brian Bucellatto conclude their fantastic 25 issue run on fantastic the Fastest Man Alive – The Flash. The writer artist team reinvent one of the Flash’s best known villain’s in this murder mystery as The Flash chases down the deadly speedster who grows faster with each victim. The exciting story arc Reverse ends their run before a single issue crossover on the Batman origin event Zero Year. Collects issues: The Flash #20 – 25 and #23.2 The Reverse Flash.

Just when Barry Allen’s life seems to be settling down after the chaos that was his clashes with the Rouges and the invasion led by Gorilla Grodd on Central City. Barry’s life appears to be getting to a better place moving in with his girlfriend Patty Spivot and has rescued Iris West and the others who had been trapped inside the Speed Force. All appears to be good, until a super powered murderer starts killing those with a connection to the Speed Force. A new Flash epic stars here.

After the more fantastical elements have been dealt with in previous story arcs, the central conflict of Reverse is that of a murder mystery that’s a bit more grounded approach for a story. It’s a more compelling story than previous of the run so far, it exercises some restraint in its approach. The style of story and art by Manapul feels like the mystery stories that he worked with writer Geoff Johns on their 2010 series. The Flash can do almost anything but here he uses his scientist skills to help solve the grisly murders. With both Barry and Iris both targets of this killer, their proximity to each other may prove problematic for Barry’s relationship with Patty. With earlier Flash stories of the series having so much happen so fast, this story is slowly unraveled, just the way a murder mystery should. It has a greater emphasis on Barry’s police work and interpersonal relationships, adding more substance the world of the Flash. It also gives the core conflict a sense of urgency. The plot thickens at a slower pace than normal and it’s nice that the slow reveal gives the events ample room to breathe. Just as the killer's identity is revealed, the Villains Month issue steps back from current events and reveals the back story of the interesting villain, building anticipation and suspense for the overall story. The new take on the Reverse Flash is fantastic, his plan is a darker reflection of Barry Allen’s good intentions during the Flashpoint story by Geoff Johns in 2011.

The two year run by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato finishes on a high note, it’s a great ending story arc to their run on the Flash. Their Reverse story arc serves as a nice farewell to character that the creative team have handled so deftly. But before it can feel like a grand finale send off from the creative duo, they’ve one more story to tell. The Flash #25 is part of the Zero Year tie-in reveals Barry’s role during the Batman: Zero Year story. During Gotham’s blackout caused by The Riddler six years ago and before Barry Allen got the powers that made him The Flash. He responded to a call set out to Law Enforcement Agencies during their state of emergency, Barry is in Gotham helping out Harvey Bullock investigating a new drug on the streets of Gotham. In a surprising reveal it is the first meeting of he and Iris West. The two get on well and this flash back story sheds some more light on the chemistry between them, despite what is taking place in Barry’s relationship with Patty in present day continuity. The creator’s ability knack for characterisation carries the story through what would otherwise be a straightforward plot. It is an interesting tie to Zero Year with the focus on showcasing the kind of person Barry Allen is, with an eye on the hero man he’ll one day become.

The art thankfully remains one of the best parts of the series. Manapul and Buccellato fully perform art duties on their final story arc. In terms of art, the duo have been one of the most consistent on a comic series. Artist’s Scott Hepburn and Chris Sprouse pencil the Villain’s Month and Zero Year issues respectively, with original artists returning to their stunning art for the final few pages in Gotham. The art has always remained one of the greatest qualities of the stories, from the innovative layouts to the combination of soft tones and strong splashes of colour, everything about The Flash's visuals is executed with a level of sophistication that few superhero comics could match. In their final arc the two speedsters clash and produce incredible violent battles throughout the story that make the incredibly vibrant art alone makes this a Flash fight a standout of their run and one the Flash's greatest battles.

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato wrapped up their epic Flash run by introducing Reverse-Flash in a big way.The final story arc Reverse, concludes the run by pair duo 25 issue run on the Scarlet Speedster. Reverse plays more to Barry Allen’s strengths as an Crime Scene Investigator while the events of the story further complicates Barry’s personal live with an ensuing love triangle between Barry Iris and Patty.While Buccellato would continue as a writer for the last few issues on the series collected is The Flash Volume 5: History Lessons before both creators brought their amazing talents to Batman Detective Comics with issue #30. The final story puts the Flash against a new version of an old enemy while returning the character to its stronger central theme of a murder mystery that Manapul started with previous Flash writer Geoff Johns. This was the story I was most looking forward to stars a new and interesting iteration of the Reverse Flash as well as a brilliant and fantastic end to the creative run of Manapul and Buccellto, concluding their stunning run of The Flash.

The Flash Volume 3: Gorilla Warfare Review

Gorilla Warfare is the third volume in the series featuring the Fastest Man Alive; the Flash, Central City has been invaded by Gorilla Grodd and his army as he sets out to conquer Central City and possess the powers of the Flash. It’ll take more than the Scarlet Speedster to stop them as the Rouges join the fight in protecting Central City. Collects issues #13 – 19 by writers and artists Francis Manapul and Brian Beccellato with guest artist Marcus To and Marcio Takara.

Gorrilla Warfare is an big and all out action story with the Flash and the Rouges take on Gorrila Grodd and his army of apes taking over Central City. For the third volume in the series its more straightforward and a simpler story while tying up existing plot elements making it a satisfying story. It brings a lot of elements of Barry Allen’s personal life to a conclusion while setting up a complicated love triangle in the near future.

The talking gorilla invasion element is a bit out there but the characters of the story acknowledge it which makes easier to accept by the readers if you’re not into that part of the Flash universe. Grodd is a long time villain of the speedster and since has been lightly featured in this New 52 series since it began. This story arc is the culmination of Grood’s earliest appearances in the series, and seeing as Volume 2 Rouges Revolution opened and closed with the simian it is a worthy inclusion that made for a great story.

While the stories and always developing one thing that stays consist is the amazing and stunning art from Manapul and Beccellato. Their art always continues to astound. They always employ an inventive layout and different elements of the setting to conjure up an impressive title page. The standout example of their art is during a nine page display of the Flash’s mind envisioning different outcomes of the big conflict. The lighting-shaped panels making their way across the pages building to a wonderful visual crescendo where the lighting becoming the end title page for the issue.

In the aftermath of the Gorilla Warfare arc, the volume concludes in a two part story with a story ex-Rouge member The Trickster who’s been accused of murder. The Flash sets out to prove his innocence and becoming more difficult when he loses his powers. The story with guest artist Marcio Takara is a nice way to wrap up a good book while teasing the next big villain for the next collection.

Gorilla Warfare is the third big action story that capitalises on many of the plot elements introduced since the series began while giving way to establishing new plot threads to cumulate in Manapul and Beccellato’s final volume of the series where they introduce their new version on a quintessential Flash villain The Reverse Flash.

The Flash Volume 2: Rogue's Revolution Review

The second collection on The New 52 series by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato co writers and artists of this collection off issues joined by other guest artists Marcus To, Scott Kolins and more. The Flash has escaped the speed force and made it back to a very different Central City, where the citizens have turned on the Flash. Meanwhile The Rouges are getting back together with their new powers and a new leader. Collects issues #9 -12, #0 and The Flash Annual #1.

This volume kicks off where the last book cliff-hanger left us. The Flash escaping the speed force and landing in the midst of Gorilla City and the recently crowned King Grood. Arriving in the secret civilization of talking gorillas with the Flash taking on Grood and learning about the prophecy about the speedster. This is my least favourite aspect of the Flash universe, but the creators acknowledge it by Barry referring to it like something out of a sci-fi movie. After Barry returns home he discovers he’s not the loved hero he once was. It brings a nice change to the story as Barry is hiding out in a rougher part of town. Barry’s life as the Flash is turned upside down and keeps his death a secret from his friends and girlfriend while he figures out what to do next. For a character that has always been so positive it’s interesting to see what he does next with his life in disarray.

The second volume of the Flash is heavy focus on the Rouges, the group haven’t always been the most imposing threat to the Flash or Central City but now has changed, it works brilliantly in tandem with Barry’s personal life in the state that it’s in.

The Rouges, the Flash’s great adversaries, this supervillain team make their debut in the series relaunch. No longer with weapons they now have the abilities of their weapons. So it’s not as easy for the Flash to just stop them by quickly disarming them. The Flash comes up against each member of the Rogues in a before they are recruited by their new leader for a big showdown with the Flash. The story building to an exciting clash between the Rouges and the Flash. The Flash Annual #1, keeps the suspense going after the thrilling issue that preceded it. The double length annual issue does some exposition into the history of the Rouges and how they got their new powers before returning the story to the big showdown.

The Flash #0 is collected at the end of the volume and is a welcome return to wonderful art of Manapul and Beccellato. A loose origin story, this issue details how Barry got his powers and motivation for becoming a hero. It’s less of a superhero story and more of an emotional story, the tender subject of his relationship to his parents and the murder of his mother forms the heart of the story. It introduces an intriguing new mystery and history to the death of Barry’s mother Nora and what his father had in connection with his wife’s murder/death. It’s a new twist on a familiar story but it’s ambiguous and left up to the readers interpretation of what happened? Is the reboot relying on the most recent retcon to Barry Allen’s history by Geoff Johns in the Flash Rebirth series or is this New 52 Flash setting up a new change to this element of The Flash?

Again the team of Manpul and Beccellato create some beautiful art for their story, doing art for the majority of the issue while artist Marcus To fills into for two issues before we return to the original and elegant art the series is known for. The Annual issue features several guest artists for the double length issue.

Rouges Revolution is a solid follow up focusing on one of the best elements of the Flash, his Rouges. The Flash takes on each member of the group individually before as they all band back together to take down the Flash. Along with Gorilla Grood at the start of the book setting up the next story arc Gorilla Warfare which I’m sure is to also include the Rouges in the third volume of the series.

The Flash Volume 1 Move Forward Review

The Flash Volume 1 – Move Forward is the first collection of The New 52 series. The Scarlet Speedster is back in this new series from DC Comics reboot offering a fresh start to many of its characters. Central City police scientist struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals making him the Fastest Man Alive. Writer and artist Francis Manapul with colourist create the most beautiful comic book series. Move Forward collects issues #1 – 8 of the series. 

The Flash is back in this exciting and thrilling collection of the first eight issues of this series. I’ve recently become a huge fan of the character and this new 2011 series is a great place to enjoy new Flash stories. Barry Allen had a brief comics return since his return after a 20 year absence, he starred again as the main Flash in the 12 issue series by Geoff Johns before the DC Universe was rebooted. The Flash is one character that greatly benefits from this relaunch, no longer tied down to the occurrence of his own death, the series can run afresh into a new and exciting series for the Flash.

In this new continuity Barry is no longer married to Iris West, their marriage new happened and instead has recently started dating co-worker Patty Spivot. It’s during their first date that our story begins at a Tech Symposium where a masked gang break in looking to steal a piece of technology. Barry gives chase but the gang get away in their plane, Barry saves one from the fall but learns that he died and not only that, but the unmasked dead man is someone Barry knows, an old friend, Manual Lago. Knowing that something doesn’t add up related to his friend’s death Barry carries out his own investigation at home an intruder enters and it’s an alive and well Manual.

The mystery deepens to what’s going on with his old friend who is being chased by the gang known as Mob Rule that leads to a city wide blackout. The Flash gains a new power set as he develops his mind to function with his Speed Force and the rest of his powers which he doesn’t have full control over yet. The Mob Rule story arc is great and gives the character a new villain to contend with. The Flash later comes face to face with a classic villain Captain Cold. The Flash isn’t the only character to gain a new power set, the new and improved powers of Captain Cold make for an exciting story. The way the plot jumps back and forth through time helps simulate the quick-moving nature of the book's titular character and makes the read far more engaging than it otherwise would have been if it chronologically moved from one beat to the next.

It’s a fantastic opening collection of issues to this new Flash series and I haven’t even mentioned the art yet. The art is amazing , it’s some of the most beautiful, dynamic and wonderful art ever created. It has a retro feel with water paints style of colouring. The layouts are wonderfully presented and are so creative. It’s one of those occasions where full creativity is given to a creator who is both writer and artist on a comic series giving full creative control on the story and art. It’s a visual treat. The artistry was one of the main reason I got into the series as I had enjoyed Manpul’s art on the previous 2010 series by Geoff Johns. Manapul’s art and creativity knows no end, the opening of each issue cleverly displays “DC Comics Presents The Flash” incorporated into the background of the scenes. The art is incredible and makes this series so fantastic.

This new series is a fresh start with some of the most charming and beautiful art you will see on a comic book character that suits so well to the tone of the hero and the series. An adventure story with the bright red clad hero. Looking forward to the second volume and later series. The book is fun to read and the art comes first place seeing the creativity and imagination of its creators is stunning and a joy to read and a pure visual treat.

Green Lantern: Revenge of The Green Lanterns Graphic Novel review.

Green Lantern Revenge of the Green Lanterns is the second collection of Geoff Johns relaunched 2005 Green Lantern series putting Hal Jordan once again back on the forefront of the Green Lantern title. In the this volume Hal teams up with old pal Oliver Queen/Green Arrowand later Batman before the main story of the book, the One Year Later event where Hal discovers the fellow Corps members he left for dead are alive. Collects Green Lantern #7 - 13 with art by Carlos Pacheco, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis. 

Following Hal from the events of his resurrection and in the Green Lantern mini series Rebirth and the first volume of the series No Fear where Hal re-establishes his life in Coast City and as pilot while facing off with enhanced versions of the Manhunter Androids, Shark and Hector Hammond.

While Volume One: No Fear takes time to establishes Hal Jordan as Green Lantern once again on earth, this follow up dives straight into the action with three different stories. Classic team up of Green Lantern and Green Arrow open the collection for the two part story "A Perfect Life". Crossing over with the events of Infinite Crisis, Hal and Oliver take on the son of world conquer Mongul, here to finish his father's quest of conquering earth and subjects the duo the effects of the Black Mercy, a parasitic vine attaching itself to its victim giving them their vision of a perfect life while slowly killing them. It was a joy to see this concept that was first created for Alan Moore's Superman story, For The Man Who Has Everything in Superman Annual #1 in 1985.

"Branded", the second story is another team up with none other than the Dark Knight himself as the pair track down the hit man with the ability to make his tattoos come to life. Batman calls Hal for assistance while using the opportunity to test him and reconcile their differences. It was a good short story one that was crafted well to bring these two very different heroes together for a villain that they were well matched for while the two mend their relationship.

After those two fun team up stories we get to the real draw of the book, Revenge of the Green Lanterns. With issue #10 as part of DC Comics One Year Later event all titles jumped ahead one year after the events of Infinite Crisis. The story is interesting as Hal must face the consequences of leaving his fellow Lantern's for dead during the events of Emerald Twilight, the mid nineties story arc that led up to Hal's death. In that story Coast City had been destroyed by Cyborg Superman and Mongul. Hal tries to use his powers to rebuild his hometown but the Guardians of the Universe, the leaders and founders of the Green Lantern Corps who reside on the planet Oa forbid the act. Enraged Hal travels to Oa to and is confronted with several fellow Green Lanterns whom he stole the rings from and left for dead in space. Hal later went on to kill other members of the Corps and becoming a villain.

On the discovery that one of the Lanterns he left for dead is survived Hal and Green Lantern Guy Gardner led an a rescue mission to find these Lost Lanterns. Hal deals with the outcome from fellow corps members who hate him for all that he has done, once destroying the Green Lanterns Corps. Hal has a lot to overcome since being reinstated as a member and to make up for past actions he seeks to led the rescue mission to help redeem himself and save those he thought he had killed. Hal has to come face to face with those he's left for dead in the past and no wants to rescue. There's tension in this final story arc of the collection is action packed and exciting with great art by Ivan Reis. At this early stage in the series writer Geoff Johns is building towards the second of what's known as his Green Lantern Trilogy; The Sinestro Corps War. I've read several trades of his run on the series and this volume makes me want to get into more of Green Lantern run.

Revenge of Green Lanterns is an exciting and thrilling follow up to the previous collection No Fear. This includes a better series of stories, but then Green Lantern Volume 1 followed Rebirth which had a lot to live up to. This second volume consists of a central theme of more personal stories as Hal dreams of his perfect life that can never happen and reaching out to Batman on an emotional level. But Hal's biggest challenge is to confront the consequences of his actions of the past, rescuing those he left for dead who can never forgive him, it's hard hitting. I've been really getting more into Green Lantern recently and this book was a great read. I feel that's a great Green Lantern book in-between the massive epics of the John's Green Lantern series. This was great and well worth checking out. It was a book I was very interested and intrigued by about a year ago and it was definitely worth it.

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev Review

After reading all of Frank Miller's Daredevil work and Mark Waid's initial Daredevil series I decided to get into the other famous and excellent run on the character from the early 2000's by writer Brian Michael Bendis with artist Alex Maleev. These dark and gritty tales became a highly acclaimed run on The Man Without Fear. The main take away from the run was that it outed Daredevil's secret identity to the public, something that Matt Murdock had to deal with all the way up to Waid's 2011 run. So after completing and enjoy both Miller's and Waid's run on Daredevil I wanted to get into the other big run on the character in between both of the aforementioned writers.

Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev’s 50 plus issue stint on Daredevil remains one of the most influential creative runs in comics. Their run on Daredevil started in it's second series, starting in December 2001 until January 2006 was at the time was the longest running tenure on Daredevil, which was only surpassed last year.

Daredevil was started anew in 1998 with Kevin Smith's Guardian Devil story arc launched the new series. With issue #16 Bendis joined the series with Maleev joining with issue #26. Their award winning run lasted until issue #81, making it one of the longest running and most critically acclaimed runs for any writer on the character. Its been regarded as one of the greatest creative tenures in the comic giants history, stating that it rivaled Miller's influential work on Daredevil. 

These three massive trade paperbacks collect the entire Bendis and Maleev run. Each of the graphic novels collect around 20 issues, consisting of between 3- 4 story arcs of this best selling series.

Book 1 #16 - 19 and #26 - 40; Wake Up, Underboss and Out
Book 2 #41 - 50 and #56 - 65; Lowlife, Hardcore, The King of Hell's Kitchen and The Widow
Book 3 #66 - 81; Golden Age, Decalogue and The Murdock Papers, What If Karen Page Had Lived? and Marvel Ultimate Team-Up #6-8

Wake Up #16-19, with art by David Mack.
Ben Urich, Investigative reporter for the Daily Bugle. His current assignment is the murder trial of Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime. So why is Urich spending all his time with the catatonic son of a costumed criminal and how is Daredevil connected to a child he doesn't even know?

Underboss #26-31
Newcomer Sammy Silkie, plans to overthrow the Kingpin/Wilson Fisk and take his place. There is a connection between this uprising and the contract on Daredevil's life? The pulp noir crime drama begins here as the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev start their epic run on Daredevil, also features a special silent issue.

Out #32 - 40
Daredevil's secret identity is exposed to the world! Matt Murdock's most guarded secret is sold to a tabloid newspaper. What can will the Man Without Fear go to reclaim his life? The volume ends with a three part intriguing court room drama story with artist Terry Dodson.

Lowlife #41-45
Matt Murdock is forced to reckon with the problems and legal ramifications that emerged as a result of his public outing. One of Daredevil's most dangerous foes returns to take over the NYC underworld as Matt dwells on his problems, as a new love appears at the most dangerous and complicated time of his life.

Hardcore #46-50
Matt Murdock life gets a lot more troublesome. He's simultaneously faced with murder charges, a new romance, being outted by the tabloids, the return of one of his deadliest foe's Typhoid Mary and the Kingpin's attempt to restore his fallen empire bring on a shocking and surprisng ending.

King of Hell's Kitchen #56-60
A year on since Daredevil did the unimaginable, beating Wilson Fisk to within an inch of his life and declaring himself the new Kingpin. Now that the Yakuza has come to stake their claim for Hell's Kitchen, targeting Matt Murdock leading to an unforgettable battle royale.

The Widow #61- 64
The Black Widow returns to her ex-lover Matt Murdock, on the run she in laying low as Daredevil comes face to horrible face with Jigsaw as assassins are aiming for Blakc Widow's own head.

The Universe #65, Special 40th anniversary double length issue. This story backtracks over the time period that Matt Murdock was outed and fills in some holes in the already heavy plot from the points of view of other heroes in the Marvel Universe with guest artists while setting up the next story arc in the series.

Golden Age #66-70
Following his release from prison, Alexander De Bont, former Kingpin of Daredevil's earliest days. setting his sights on the outed Daredevil enlisting the help of classic Daredevil
villain, Gladiator. This unique story is told in three different time periods featuring distinctive art and coloring in each era. A classic crime noir story.

Decalogue #71-75
Covering what happened during Daredevil's year-long reign as the new Kingpin. His cleaning up of Hell's Kitchen revealed in all the bloody detail. Told from the perspectives of a support group who've been affected by Daredevil.

The Murdock Papers #76-81
The climatic end to Bendis and Maleev's epic run. Their award winning run has reached its conclusion. The return of Wilson Fisk makes was for a thrilling finale. Fisk has in his possession concrete evidence that Mudock is Daredevil and in exchange Fisk demands complete immunity for past crimes. Daredevil and guest stars are on the hunt for the papers in a stunning finale.

The end of this final volume also features bonus issues. What If Karen Page Had Lived? is an imaginary story if the worst event in Matt's life didn't happen, if she survived the attack spiraling off to another chain of events. the three part story collected in Marvel Ultimate Team-Up #6-8 features the escape of Frank Castle/The Punisher from prison with Spider-man and Daredevil after the dangerous vigilante.

Following Frank Millers momentous work on Daredevil, few writers achieved the same level acclaim. Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev became the next great creative team for The Man Without Fear, their award winning four year work was the next great Daredevil run.

It brought readers back to the crime noir roots of success that Miller planted over two decades earlier. Their work emulates Miller's time on Daredevil, integrating the street level tone that Miller introduced and making it part of Daredevil's character. Their first story arc; Underboss is influenced by Miller's seminal Born Again story, The Kingpin's knowledge of Daredevil's identity is now made public. Bendis takes what Miller had introduced and takes it to new heights without retreading old ground. Within the first year of their four year run it introduced the biggest change to the status quo for Daredevil on a level not seen since Miller's run. It laid the foundation for the stories to come and beyond that's felt all the way to current Daredevil series, showcasing that this newest run was off to a very strong start.

The stories centered on the daily humanity of the hero: Matt Murdock’s personal life. It reversed the narrative taking it from a typical superhero comic and making it into a crime story that included a costumed hero. Its grounded stories are so real are a reason behind its influence. Bendis understood that plot of stories is very important but so emotion and character that's even more critical. Matt Murdock was flawed man, sometimes his actions were so distanced from what we’d expect of a classic Marvel hero and as a Lawyer he repeatedly compromised his oath-bound ethics—but this enriched the mythology greatly. The art by Alex Maleev created certain visuals for the series that matched the dark and gritty storytelling. It had wonderful sense of mood: dark, gritty and foreboding.

The outing of Daredevil's identity is the single greatest element factor of the run, it a common superhero trope that's been explored in a way no other superhero comics had ever done. There was no quick fix or close call like so many other masked heroes have faced, it's existed all the way to the current series and it's due to be rectconned in the new Marvel Universe reboot; All-New, All-Different Marvel. The revelation made way for great stories to come for the series and The Man Without Fear.

Bendis and Maleev continued what Miller had started, in the 80's Miller redefined Matt Murdock's world, but Bendis has pushed it to new heights without retreading old territory. The run inspired Mark Waid's 2011 Daredevil series as a counterpoint to all the dark stories and misfortune the character had been put through. Bendis and Maleev's four year work on Daredevil continues to be one of the major high point of the characters history. It is the eptionme of dark gritty and realistic Daredevil. All collected in these three big paperback volumes giving over 50 issues of brilliant and unforgettable Daredevil stories.

Green Arrow Sounds of Violence Review.

Sounds of Violence is the sequel to the previous ten issue story arc Quiver. Writer Kevin Smith follows up his critical and popular success that resurrected the legendary hero. This next chapter is a harrowing tale with a brand new villain. It is the second and final part of Smith's run on Green Arrow with art again by Phil Hester and Ande Parks. Oliver Queen/Green Arrow is adjusting to his new life and his focus is his family. new bizarre serial killer stalks the streets hunting costumed heroes. Collects Green Arrow #11-15.

After the massive story that revived the original Green Arrow, re-establishing him as a more popular character. Smith had one more story to tell, that of a serial killer known as Onomatopoeia that is stalking costumed heroes, just as Oliver adapts to his new life with his family, his son Conor Hawke, his ex-girlfriend Dinah Lance and his new ward Mia Dearden are now his focus in his new life. He is getting to know his son Connor better and attempts to patch things up with Dinah Lance/Black Canary while Mia fantasies and wants to become Green Arrow's new sidekick, the new Speedy but Oliver's has deep reservations. He explains how things are so much more different in the old days when most superhero's had teenage sidekicks. His reluctance mirrors the upcoming threat.

Oliver and his closet loved ones are a potential targets for a enigmatic serial killer stalking non super-powered costumed heroes. Keeping consistent with the Mike Grell days, when his family is threatened, Green Arrow responds with equivalent force. New character Onomatopoeia quickly establishes himself as a lethal adversary. He is a creepy and unsettling villain. He is as mysterious throughout the story as he first meet him, Smith never reveals much about he character. It maintains the focus on Oliver and his family. The villain later returned as a adversary for Batman in both Smith's limited series Batman: Cacophony and its sequel Batman: The Widening Gyre. The original painted covers by Matt Wagner from the series are featured here in all their glory. While the last volume featured a miniature cover gallery on back few pages this book features each cover of the collected issues on a full page.The Kevin Smith 15 issue Green Arrow run has recently been released in as a Absolute Edition, a larger over-sized volume with bonus material.

Both Quiver and The Sounds of Violence were the ­final Green Arrow book's I was interested in, getting into the classic Green Arrow stories of the last few decades before or if I ever make the move to modern New 52 Green Arrow stories. I'm a huge fan of the Arrow TV series as a contemporary telling of stories featuring the Emerald Archer.

Sounds of Violence second Green Arrow Kevin Smith back into print that's a shorter read but is still an exciting story of Smith's acclaimed work on the character that's a bit more open and an accessible story. Green Arrow has seen a resurgence in popularity in last few years and Smith's is one of the many great runs on the character's long history. Smith revived Green Arrow in 2001 in the Quiver story line and this follow up puts new focus to what Oliver Queen's new life is all about family. This establishing of the family theme carried onto the next story arc when thriller novelist Brad Meltzer took over the series for a story that involved a member of Oliver's family that was absent in this story, his first ward Roy Harper/Arsenal spending time on together on road trip in the story Archer's Quest.

Sounds of Violence is less heavy on the dialogue than the Quiver story arc and it maintains the same tone and has more action. Its more adult than a lot of superhero comics with its darker themes and emotional and intense moments of drama breaking the usual mold in many ways. Sounds of Violence is a great story and follow up to Quiver, sharp, funny and chilling and with moments of tremendous tension at times.

Green Arrow Quiver Review.

Green Arrow Quiver was the phenomenal first story arc by acclaimed filmmaker Kevin Smith that re-launched the series after its cancellation. Oliver Queen was brought back from the dead and made Green Arrow once again. This collection features the first ten issues of best selling series by Smith with art by Phil Hester and Inker Ande Parks. This new edition was released after the Deluxe Edition of Smith's 15 issue run which was due for release last year was cancelled. Both story arcs have been re-released in trade paperback format with Sounds of Violence next on my reading list. Quiver is regarded as one of the best Green Arrow stories, a classic and thankfully now back in print since April.

Way back in Green Arrow #101 of October 1995,

Oliver Queen had died saving Metropolis from a terrorist attack and his son and Connor Hawke had taken over the mantle and remained so until the series was cancelled in 1998. Then in 2001, Oliver Queen was revived and was Green Arrow once more, but it wasn't all as it appeared. Oliver was back, taking down bad guys and protecting Star City but the mystery surrounding his return and apparent demise is what garners most attention from his Justice League colleagues and intrigue for the story.

The opening issue is a prelude of events to come and predominantly features the loved ones of Green Arrow, remembering what Oliver meant to his ex-sidekick and adopted son Roy Harper/Arsenal, ex-girlfriend Dinah Lance/Black Canary and his son Connor Hawke. All reminisce about him and what they meant to them, this exposition fills the reader in on some of history and interactions with each of them, recounting moments from their past that informs the reader about the character without him being present on the page. Green Arrow Oliver Queen makes his triumphant return as Star City's protector taking down corrupt city officials and drug dealers and his on the hunt for the Star City Slayer, a child killer and later he goes further down to path to discovery of what happened to him. It's a interesting and great read, Oliver has no recollection of the past decade, his last memory is the infamous road trip he and Hal Jordan/Green Lantern had undertaken. The interesting premise of his memory lapse adds more depth and weight as Oliver has no recollection of what good and harm he's caused in his past to his loved ones and who is gonna break it to him that his best friend Hal is dead. It even restores his personality to that of the old fashioned view of the character had decades ago. His Justice League colleagues are in shock and amazement of his return, Batman is less sentimental, taking a direct role into the mystery of Oliver's return. The serial killer subplot runs in the background without Oliver's influence as he goes further down to road to discovering what's going on with him, but ultimately both elements tie together near the end story. Both the main story and subplot do feature elements of the supernatural, its a both nice addition and surprise to story, due to the theme of resurrection of a character in a series starring non super powered and realistic hero. Mia Dearden is a new character to the series and DC Universe, this marks here first appearance and is introduced as a teenage prostitute who Green Arrow saves on his earliest ventures actions into resuming his role as protector of Star City. She's a character that's notable in the Green Arrow mythos of this age. 

The story does acknowledge several events in the DC Universe but the important ones are explained in this book, as they are part of the story. The opening of the book features two key moments that start off the story a discussion between Superman and Batman on the rooftop of the Daily Planet during the events of Final Night, where earth's sun was extinguished by the Sun Eater, an extraterrestrial being and the event of Zero Hour in which Hal Jordan /Green Lantern had gone insane and possessed vowing to destroying the Universe in which the Emerald Archer played a key role. The art that I enjoyed so much when I first read Green Arrow Vol. 3 The Archer's Quest is still great here. Hester and Parks work is a light cartoon style that balances the dark story. Its a humorous and enjoyable story, Smith does a good job to get a few laughs. There is some great action panels in between the dialogue heavy story that's both complex and interesting, a character piece just as much as its a comic book action adventure story about second chances.

The ten issue story arc sold over a million copies back in 2001 - 2002 and became a number one selling tittle, a testament to how great the story is, Smith's tale paid homage to other Green Arrow creators of the past. It revived the old fashioned approach to Green Arrow, his amnesia reverted his personality back to a more classic iteration along with his classic trick arrows. Smiths writing is humorous and in the right moments somewhat self aware of the absurdity of some scenes.The book that I wanted since I got into the character but had been out of print and almost released last year only to be cancelled. Green Arrow Quiver lives up to the hype and reputation, a fresh spin on the character on that's been revived in a great story for a new series. Batman has a supporting role in the story and almost steals the show at some points, Smith writes the Dark Knight so well and went on to do later in career writing two limited series. I knew I'd enjoy the story to some degree been such a huge fan of Smith's previous comic book tenure Daredevil: Guardian Devil, but Quiver is a great comic book story that does what all great resurrection stories do reviving the character while touching on their long history.

Quiver rightfully held in high regard in a great story with some fantastic characterization and great dialogue makes it all a highly enjoyable read. Its arguably one of the best written stories in DC Comics history and managed to propel Green Arrow to the number one selling title for the company at the time. It goes beyond the standard revival story of and old hero, it tells a well thought out and plotted story without a retcon to continuity returning Oliver Queen back to the DC Universe.

The Flash: The Road to Flashpoint Review

The Flash Volume 2: The Road to Flashpoint is the second and last collection of the short lived 2010 series by Geoff Johns. The last five issues of the run are collected; The Flash #8 – 12 with art by Francis Manapul and Scot Kolins. A prologue to the events leading up to Flashpoint, the upcoming event that was first teased in the previous Flash story arc of the series. The time anomaly that will change everything. Hot Pursuit, police officer of the speed force is tracking down the perpetrator responsible that will destructively affect the time stream. Meanwhile the recently returned Flash, Barry Allen is investigating mysterious deaths of rapidly aged victims. The events of Flashpoint are put in motion, setting The Road to Flashpoint continues to build the Flash up as one of the pillars of the DC Universe.

This volume starts off begins opens with how the preceding collection ended concluded with a Rouge profile issue, this time its ultimate Flash nemesis Eobard Thawne/The Reverse Flash. The villain who played such a big part in The Flash Rebirth story and Barry’s own life. Thawne’s new back story is told here, it’s a good and interesting look into the villain's 

time in the 25th century idolizing the Flash and his legacy.

With issue #9 begins The Road to Flashpoint story arc, picking up from the tease at the end first story of the series, Vol. 1 The Dastardly Death of The Rouges. Hot Pursuit equipped with his speed force powered motorcycle is seeking out the time anomaly that may be connected to Barry’s own mysterious case. The series keeps in with its C.S.I. tone as Barry investigates his latest case and as the Flash he begins to discover a disturbance of the speed force When he meets Hot Pursuit he warns the Flash of the threat citing it "single greatest time anomaly to ever threaten reality." I felt it would be very repetitive if this new character was also from the future like the Renegades of the previous last story that involved time travelling, thankfully Hot Pursuit is from somewhere different. Patty Spivot makes her return to Central City and its crime lab, a forensic blood analyst and former assistant to Barry Allen whom she harbors feeling for.

The story also deals with Barry’s personal life being somewhat detached from his family and too heavily involved in his work. The events of the last story weigh heavily on his mind, convincing and moving scenes as Barry is preoccupied and unable to attend family get-togethers, the revelation that he feels indirectly responsible for the death of his mother. The greatest tragedy in his life is something he feels responsible for. The story has its fair share of action and is emotionally complex, the art is wonderful and Francis Manapul’s illustrations are beautiful old fashioned but modern that's featured for the majority of the issues. In a particular scene showcases his artistic talents, the colour bleeds out from the panel around Barry, signifying how alone he really is. The art is so good, it’s a new favourite and I’m highly likely to get the first few volumes of New 52 Flash.

Geoff Johns hasn’t just revived the Flash, he putting the character back as one of the main characters of the DC Universe, back to his former glory. The final issue is an exciting end to the story that leads into Flashpoint, it holds back many big developments for the Flash-centric event that leads into changes for the DC Universe that becomes the New 52 relaunch in 2011. The story concludes in a matter of the calm before the storm type of effect, it builds a level of excitement for the next big epic in the DC Universe. it's the only crossover event featuring Barry Allen as the central character. This tale is the prelude to the events that will become one of the biggest stories of the DC Universe. At this point I’ve already read and hugely enjoyed the time altering epic that is Flashpoint. The massive event that went on to include several tie-ins featuring various characters in this altered timeline

It’s a good story as the Flash is involved with another speed force connected story, setting the wheels turning for what’s to become one of the greatest Flash stories. It’s not as big as previous Flash stories by Johns but is a smaller more intricate. In terms of action, scale and story it’s a tip of the iceberg, teasing a much bigger event to come. It’s the continuation Geoff Johns revival of Barry Allen as the Flash, a short lived but great series of the Fastest Man Alive before he before he's has to face what's next. It’s a smaller story, not as big or eventful of those that had preceded it but there is enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued in preparation for the upcoming story. If you’re like me and already read the limited series, the Road to Flashpoint gives new meaning to the story and Barry’s motivations.