Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is a 5 issue mini series written by Gregg Hurwitz and art by Szymon Kudranski that highlights Oswald Cobblepott's back story that now has him hailed as the much feared, evil and vindictive Crime Lord. He is known as one of Batman's oldest and most persistent enemies. The Penguin runs a vast crime empire that is always at the of risk faltering due to the interference of The Dark Knight. Cobblepott's Iceberg Lounge acts as a front for his criminal dealings whilst appearing as a legitimate businessman to the public.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is a dark, gritty and psychological tale taking you all the way back to his childhood and the abuses that turned him into the ruthless and powerful Crime Lord. It tugs at the heartstrings making young Cobblepott a figure of mockery from the earliest possible age; spurned by his father, mercilessly taunted by his older brothers and his peers. The story is crafted in such a way that the reader gains a huge amount of sympathy for young Oswald but without condoning his violent actions, as an adult  you are swiftly reminded of how cruel and evil a man he is. He has grown to overcome his tormentors becoming one of the most feared men in Gotham City, this makes the clashes with Batman so interesting as The Dark Knight is the real ruler of Gotham. The Penguin sees him as the one final bully he has yet to overcome. A novel story highlighting his past but doesn't get too confined to that approach. Mid way through the narrative moves away from the grim and brooding character portrait and proceeds to the secondary plot involving the meeting a of a young woman as a love interest, in whom would give him the one this he was looking for.

It is a dark and disturbing tale of a man who has and can get everything, but lacks the means to get the one thing that would truly make him happy: love. It explores this notion as Penguin meets a young woman name Cassandra, who is not concerned with external beauty. He quickly falls for her but there's more under the surface here making the subtext so compelling. That is the beauty of the series, it's a much deeper story than the Penguin showing off how he always get what he wants, it's why the series is such accomplishment. When he meets a and falls for Cassandra, you believe it as it's genuine. He is not using her, he shows that he is capable of love, but is dubious because his own self loathing. You feel a great swell of pity for him as he finds himself incapable of trusting his love interest. On another occasion The Penguin demonstrates he's not a complete monster. For those that show love and kindness are generously rewarded displaying a humanity, a caring side previously unseen. While others that he views as having been disrespectful or wronged him suffer a horrible fate. Doing what he feels is right based on his own experiences, the Penguin doesn't just get even with someone, he ruins their lives with a series of horrible events befalling their loved ones. It works well because we've seen the the beginning of this in his childhood, isolated by his appearance he cultivates his precocious intellect to concoct schemes to rid himself of those that jeer him. He is rightfully feared.

Batman's appearance is limited in throughout the story. When he does appear, the reader is given only brief glimpses where very little of The Dark Knight is view. As we are repeatedly shown how young Oswald Cobblepot suffered at the hands of bullies as a child, we see how he views Batman as the worst bully of them all, who even acknowledges as much in a conversation with Jim Gordon. Questioning if it is fair that the people they protect are often just as terrible as the him. A view shared by the Penguin retaining that belief that has been the definition of the character since he was child persecuted because of his appearance. Batman and Gordon's heroism is preserved in the story, rather than portraying them solely as villains from the titular villain's perspective.The art is well suited to the materiel, The Penguin's world is a cold one, the overwhelming darkness reflects the way the light has gone out of Oswald’s life. Also included in this book is Batman: Joker’s Asylum: The Penguin #1 He Who Laughs Last, it shares a similar plot and could be viewed as inspiration and expanded into the five issue mini series.

One of my favorite Batman stories is Year One and The Long Halloween, stories that utilized mobsters and crime bosses such as Carmine "The Roman"Falcone. The Penguin is Gotham's current crime boss. It is a great story and the also gives fans of the Gotham TV series a better understanding and background of the one of the show's main antagonists. Pain and Prejudice gives us a new origin for The Penguin, the only back story I was familiar with was that of Tim Burton's Batman Returns, the climatic ending of the story is very and reminiscent of the movie.

It's not just a story that gives you a better understanding of a villain so evil and cruel but allows them to empathize with in a character driven story, seeing his point of view. It has similarities to Alan Moore's and Brian Boland's classic Batman: The Killing Joke. Building on DC Comics trend of villains in the main role in their own graphic novels and mini series.

The New 52 universe's examination of the character exhibits that the Penguin is rightly feared crime lord. It's dark, menacing, unsettling at times but more importantly fascinating. He is capable to kindness in rare circumstances as this story examines his pain and his prejudices. We see how young Oswald Cobblepot has went from being his mother’s good boy to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of the Batman. Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is a thrilling and emphatic story of one of Batman's most memorable villains that can highly be considered as a definitive Penguin story.

Thanks for reading and more to come,

K

Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes Review

Justice League Volume 5 is the latest collection of issues from Geoff Johns New 52 series. Forever Heroes is a collection of tie in's to the main event; The Forever Evil mini series. This volume doesn't pick right up after the events of Volume 4 The Grid, instead it reveals the origins of members of the Crime Syndicate, the evil counterparts to the Justice League, while the later issues progress on the story features the real hero of the arc, Cyborg.

The Justice League are gone now Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Deathstorm, Atomica and Johnny Quick, The Crime Syndicate have invaded earth from a alternate universe. The Syndicate are not just the evil counterparts of the league but have meaningful motivations for desire to rule the world. The begging of each issue spotlights the backwards and twisted origin of various members of the Crime Syndicate, some with their own motivations and some with hidden agendas. Ultraman, Owlman have their own issue and and the rest are featured the third issue. All expect Lois Lane as Superwoman, one of the most interesting origins of the group is left a mystery. Her files has been deleted from database only adds to her mysterious nature. One of my favorite moments along with the dark origins of the Syndicate was the moment where organised crime families were trying to find their place in a world where the Crime Syndicate has taken over, resulting with the incidental creation of Plastic Man.

Justice League #27 offers a change of pace for the series, the attention is back to Earth's dwindling lineup of heroes. Cyborg/Victor Stone had his human half ripped from its robotic body and left for dead. He is the only member of the Justice League that has escape the Syndicates attack and he is the only one who can save earth's heroes. On the verge of death, Victor emerges as a stronger, more confident hero who has fully embraced his place in the world. After a heartfelt conversation between Victor and his father work begins to rebuild his son and in the end, Cyborg earns his place among the Justice League in a way he hadn't fully before. Cyborg emerges in a new sleeker slimmer body and this is where the book gains momentum, with earth's heroes gone it is up to Victor Stone to act and he's gonna need help to do it. Enter Project Metal Men, into a story arc that's already crammed with super villian origins, Johns re-introduces the heroic Metal Men in this story.The Metal Men are heroes that truly want to help others even if it means self sacrifice, this is a completely straightforward and refreshingly earnest portrayal of superheroes. Cyborg plans to launch an attack on his Crime Syndicate counterpart Grid, the sentient computer virus that has taken control of Cyborg's previous robotic body. He leads the resistance against Grid who has taken control of the world's computer and communications.

The first half of the book was an interesting look at the origins and motivations of members of the Crime Syndicate. While the later half makes progress as Cyborg leads the fight to save to Justice League and stop Grid. Cyborg gets to really shine here as not just hero but a leader, he has fully embraced what he is and for a character that has had so many set backs keeps fighting. There’s a evocative moment in the final issue, one of the most famous images in superhero comics is that of Clark Kent opening his shirt revealing the Superman uniform underneath. The image that has been used many times throughout comics history, it’s symbolic not just of superheroes taking action, it’s a powerful image that resonates with everyone and this time that moment belongs to Cyborg. This story's strongest theme is about Cyborg embracing himself for what he has become and what he’s been all along, a hero.

Cyborg is the real star of the story and really develops as a character and it's great to see as he is the only founding member of the Justice League that doesn't have his own series. The evil origins was a fresh inclusion but these are only ties ins to the main event Forever Evil and Forever Heroes is the latest installment in the series that will hopefully resume to standalone epic stories that began this best selling series. 

K

New Graphic Novel reviews, Green Arrow: Road to Jericho, Batman: Zero Year-Secret City Volume 4 and Blackest Night

Hello all,

Few new book reviews, Green Arrow: Road to Jericho, Batman: Zero Year-Secret City Volume 4 and Blackest Night.

Batman Volume 4 Zero Year - Secret City

Batman Zero Year is a new take of the Batman origin. Since the New 52 relaunch DC Comics has changed, it has altered and modernized many of its heroes and villains in the DC Universe. Batman Volume 4 collects issues #21- 24, the first half of the Zero Year story arc.

Initially conceptualized as a Batman story line, that was announced in November 2013 and several titles would tie in directly to the "Zero Year" story arc. Writers of various titles in The New 52 were given the opportunity of writing a tie-in that would include their connections to Gotham City and first encounter with Batman. The Flash, Green Arrow, The Green Lantern Corps and Superman along with others in the Batman line, Batgirl, Batwing, Batwoman, Birds of Prey, Catwoman, Detective Comics, Nightwing, and Red Hood and the Outlaws all feature a tie in.

The Batman origin story has been told many times; most notably in 1987 by Frank Miller's and Dave Mazzucelli's Batman: Year One. This tale is hugely influential and that's still evident here in this modern retelling of the Batman origin story, along with the Batman Begins film of 2005 and more recently in comics the alternate origin story within Batman Earth One. Some would say the notion of redoing an origin over Miller's classic was untouchable. When I first learned that the next story arc in the New 52 Batman comics was going to re-tell the origin story, I felt unfavorable to the concept, the previous three aforementioned stories had been so well established in my mind. I loved the movie which was the reason that got me into comics and the Batman Earth One and Year One stories are two of my favorite Batman graphic novels and the latter my first graphic novel, if I didn't enjoy it I wasn't sure comics would have been for me, but I loved it hugely and continued getting into Batman books. Batman Earth One was an alternate origin told by one of my favorite and the best modern comic book writers Geoff Johns.

After Scott Snyder's and Greg Capullo's hugely successful and critically acclaimed run on Batman, the Owls saga; Court of the Owls and City of the Owls were a completely new facet and antagonist for the Batman. The idea of the city being as big a character part of the story also exists here. Then later their take on the return of Batman's arch nemesis the Joker was a brilliant story and one of the best Joker stories ever. I loved it, how could they follow it up after telling the best Joker Batman story of recent times? I became interested to see their take of the origin story of Batman. 

Starting off with Bruce Wayne as costumed Batman, taking place six months earlier in a four page prologue in a unrecognizable savage Gotham City, our story then skips back to five months earlier which see’s Bruce in a disguise in the middle of an encounter with the Red Hood gang. With a bag full of gadgets and Alfred in his earpiece providing him with information, Bruce dangerously but successfully saves the hostages from the Red Hood gang. The gang consists of wealthy Gothamites blackmailed into joining the gang by it's leader Red Hood One. You later see the frustration as Bruce's initial attempts at being a vigilante are failing, he has the skills, the methods and the gadgets, but some element is missing. Its not working. Where as Miller's Year One was a decidedly low tech Batman, Snyder’s is quite the opposite, Bruce is determined to take on the gang that is the biggest threat to Gotham. As the story progress you see that Bruce coming up short and needs to become the Batman. There are many familiar elements here that are consistent with the best known origin; young Bruce falling into the cave and the iconic moment of an injured Bruce seeing the omen of the bat and declaring "Yes Father I will become the Bat" straight from the pages of Miller's Batman Year One.

A Batman origin story is best when he takes on a non-super powered antagonist, like Carmine Falcone's and the mob in Year One. A great twist here in this tale is with the ever increasing gang of red hoods that can be anyone, anywhere. It's interesting to read throughout the story and notice the mannerisms and language of the leader of the gang, Red Hood One, it’s intriguing to see is this Red Hood, is he the man to destined to become the Joker? Is this his origin and beginning of his crime career? Before the Joker was never a factor in Batman's origin so this was a nice addition. This along with the backup stories at the end of the book showing up where Bruce got various types of training are nice bonus. Uncle Philip Kane is a new addition to history of Batman and his desire to have Bruce return to claim his place in the company, but yet his association with a certain somebody make his a suspicious individual. Jim Gordon plays less of a prominent role here as he did in previous origin stories; Year One, Earth One and Batman Begins. This first installment ends on an cliffhanger, it's likely that Batman Zero Year Dark City will feature the building of that partnership. Snyder’s earlier pre New 52 Batman: The Black Mirror was extremely reminiscent of Year One, getting to know Gordon and the bond between he and Batman. The Black Mirror is a one of the best modern Batman graphic novels and I would highly recommend you check it our, you won't be disappointed.

It doesn't go over all the same moments, a key component that is omitted is the is the shooting of the Wayne's in Crime Alley. Again, it's likely that in later issues in the next part of the arc will cover some of these important story elements. Its an intriguing to see a story that we've all been told before but in new and refreshing way. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's have already done exciting work on their Batman series. Although Batman’s Origin story is already so well known and legendary both in comic book form and live action, it is thrilling to see what these new creators would do with the already famous story. Although it may not have the same impact it’s a useful exercise in getting a new origin for a new generation. Exciting to see how these two creators would tell the origin story with their new twists and way of storytelling. Zero Year is especially praised for its unique spin on Batman’s origins, while also honoring the character’s history and spirit. 

How could you follow up the amazing Death of the Family story, that would be pretty hard to top, so taking it all back and tell a Batman story from the beginning was a stellar idea. If there is going to be a new origin for Batman it needs to be both retain familiar classic elements and well as new ones to make to stand out from the previous tales, and Batman Zero Year Dark City does just that and Snyder and Capullo were the right guys for the task. It is not a retelling of such origin stories like Batman:Year One but is a fresh take on the background of the Dark Knight.

Green Arrow Road to Jericho 

Road to Jericho is the 9th and final volume in this Green Arrow series collecting issues #66 -75 before Oliver featured in a new series with Dinah Lance titled Green Arrow/Black Canary.

What happened to Oliver Queen during the time before he became Mayor of Starling? Batman, Red Hood, Brick, Merlyn, Constatine Drakon, Deathstroke and the return of Black Canary all take place in this collection and finale. Road to Jerhico is a follow up that relies very heavily on the events of Green Arrow Crawling Through The Wreckage. The first three issues cover the events that took place preceding the events of the last volume. Oliver is again on an not so isolated island but this time he is here to improve on his training, this will only seem repetitive to the reader if they have recently read a origin story like Green Arrow Year One. The later story picks up from the last collection as Green Arrow teams up with Batman, as he comes to Starling City to track down the Red Hood.

The story opens on a wounded Oliver Queen and takes us back to fill in the blanks of the One Year Later event. Oliver, Mia and Conner are all on an island, Oliver feels the necessity to retrain himself and his partners to contend with the escalating threats they face. He has hired an assassin named Natas, the man who trained Deathstroke. These first three issues fill in the events of the year that Green Arrow was absent from Star City, as mentioned in the previous arc; Crawling Through The Wreckage. The rest of the story picks up where the last book left off. Oliver continues to deal with the crime in the Glades and as his role as Mayor. Things gets very interesting when Bruce Wayne shows up in StarCity and as Batman is on the trail of his former sidekick turned self styled vigilante the Red Hood. Writer Judd Winnick first created this character during his time writing Batman. I loved that aspect of this story, Batman Under the Red Hood is one of my favorite and one of the best animated Batman movies. The film is based on Judd Winick's Batman "Under the Hood" story arc and here you get to back to the character from Winnick's creation.The final arc follows Deathstroke and Drakon's escape from Alcatraz prison while continuing their feud with Green Arrow and these assassins are causing political difficulties for Mayor Queen.

A lot happens in this volume, from Oliver's time on the island to teaming up with Batman against the Red Hood, threats to his role as Mayor and the return of the two assassins seeking revenge against Green Arrow. The book and series ends on a high note. I liked the book the Red Hood arc was the most interesting to me and the great return of Deathstroke. Fascinating story and a great send off for this series. The book is very good full of great moments and the flashback to one year later missing events are just there to fill in the gap it serves a purpose within the story. The idea of a non powered superhero needing to retrain to be able to compete with the ever increasing threat of criminals was a worthy and thoughtful addition to the arc. I was extremely curious to what happened to Oliver during his time away along with to how is so skilled with a katana sword. Although the main draw of this volume presents itself later, the events the one year on the island was not a filler or wasted storytelling. Oliver and Dinah Lance/Black Canary are reunited and have a very personal reunion . A big part of Green Arrow is his true love Dinah Lance, and they share an intimate discussion about their love for each other, it's a pleasant change of pace for an action packed story. It is a worthy sequel to the events of Crawling Through The Wreckage so make sure and check that out first.

All in a all great book and one I was very much looking forward to with the inclusion of Batman and Red Hood featured in the for a segment of the story. Thrilling to get another face off between Green Arrow and worlds greatest assassin Deathstroke so shortly after their recent clash. It does feel like a grand finale of the series, all the stops are pulled out for this heroic showdown that has been building up to. My favorite moment of the end of the series the return of one very fan favorite arrow. The plot building in the background of recent issues of the series come into play in a grand finale. After the One Year Later events are revealed The Red Hood/Jason Todd, has come to Star City and Batman isn't far behind. The situation becomes one that will take the team of DC Comic's most recognizable vigilantes to handle. But with the likes of Brick, Merlyn, Drakon, and Deathstroke joining the fray in the aftermath, Green Arrow may have his work cut out for him. But all this action aside, the most important thing in this story is Ollie's relationships, most notably the one with long time lover, Dinah Lance/Black Canary. Great book with plenty to keep fans interested, action packed with quieter moments. Great end to a great series.

Blackest Night 

In the Blackest Night, the dead rise, the story that has been building for two years. Black Hand, a character that has been present in Green Lantern comics for some time and since Geoff Johns run has been preparing for his masters arrival for the Blackest Night. Across the Universe the dead have risen and are recruited into the Black Lantern Corps. Heroes and villains have risen for one purpose to extinguish life across the universe.This limited series collects the main story; Blackest Night issues # 0 - 8. It focuses on the events on earth and features various heroes of the Justice League while other aspects of the story being collected in Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps books. Other tie ins of the story are available, collected in other editions of the story.

The prophecy has arrived. Black rings descend and reanimate the dead, the prophecy that Hal Jordan’s predecessor Abin Sur had feared. The book gives a text introduction to what have happened before. The story begins with the main characters; Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Barry Allen/The Flash at the unmarked grave of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Barry, who has recently returned to life, is our point of view character at various points of the story including here where Hal fills him in how Batman died and what other heroes have passed away during Barry’s absence. Hal shows Barry all the heroes that have died in a double page spread using the power of his ring. So it helps the reader follow on what has transpired before this story.

Death is always something that was a big part of the DC Universe and now in the form of Nekron, the embodiment of death and leader of the Black Lantern’s poses the greatest threat to the Universe and all life. Many heroes like Superman, Green Arrow and the Flash have died and returned while others such as Arthur Curry/Aquaman and J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter have been dead for some time. Earth’s heroes fend off the threat together. The dead just don’t return as mindless zombified versions but have a emotional response to those friends and colleagues they have targeted. As Barry Allen points out “Only the dead with emotional ties to people like us are rising. The rest are staying in their graves”.

Like Brad Meltzer’s Identity Crisis the story focuses on other heroes getting an opportunity to shine including Barry Allen/The Flash along with Aquaman’s wife Queen Mera, Ray Palmer/The Atom and the new Firestorm/Jason Rusch and Gehenna Hewitt. Although Hal is one the main characters in this book he is absent for a short time in the middle of the story as he must depart to fulfill his mission in order to help stop this threat on earth. His task is covered in collected edition of Green Lantern: Blackest Night. In the beginning of Part One, Hawkman and the Atom still dealing with the fallout events from the epic of Identity Crisis, this exemplifies how important of a story it is and some are referenced a few times. It is refreshing for a big event story like this where other heroes feature more prominently than the DC Trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman take a back seat in this story. But unlike Identity Crisis their presence isn't felt. There is a reference to how important these heroes are and at one point The Flash informs The Atom and Queen Mera that they must stand in for Superman and Wonder Woman in the event of this current threat.

Great that the story focus on Hal and Barry, the two most recently resurrected heroes in the DC Universe, both their “Rebirth’s” were written by Geoff Johns. Hal and Barry have both recently returned from the dead and with their former team mates so far being denied the same privilege. Aquaman, J’ohn J’onzz and others possibly harboring some resentment towards the duo.The Blackest Night has been two years in waiting, sometime big event comics don’t live up to the hype, lose their grasp or going off-road with story quality declining halfway. This does not, each chapter gets better and better while the quality of storytelling remains consistent and has the threat ever increasing going from bad to worse for our heroes. It’s a thrilling story full of amazing, shocking and one particularly very sad moment.The art is stunning, Ivan Reis who has previously worked on Green Lantern comics does some gruesome artwork and great double page spreads and some great crowd scenes. I'm now a new fan of his since his work on New 52 Justice League. I appreciated how the dead see the emotional spectrum aura of their victims and how it changes depending on their emotional state.

The story is filled with some great fanboy moments including one that was so big that was spoiled by DC Universe Classics Wave 17 action figures here. There are some revelations to change that mythos and what we thought we knew according to one of the Guardians of Universe. As within the Sinestro Corps War it was revealed that Oa was not the center of the universe, instead earth is and this story shines some light on to the reason why. As a Green Lantern, Hal Jordan has faced his two biggest challenges, The Sinestro Corps War and The Blackest Night, fear and death, both things Hal has overcome before and now with the Blackest Night he must face and defeat death once more. This is a big story that is open to analysis and interpretations. It is one of the biggest event stories in comics, it also feels like it would make a great movie, it action packed on a large scale. It was a momentous and epic story.The miniseries event from DC Comics does double-duty both as a line-wide DC crossover and another chapter in writer Geoff Johns's ongoing Green Lantern series that has both engaging with emotional depth.

That is it for now. Check back for more soon, including Flash: Rebirth, Batman: Birth of the Demon and Green Lantern/ Green Arrow collection.

K

Book Reviews: Green Arrow, Green Lantern and Daredevil

Hey guys,

Here are some new reviews of my recent Graphic Novels that I have read over the last month or so. Hope you enjoy them

Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters
This highly acclaimed Green Arrow story from writer and artist Mike Grell, who is currently is on art duties for the comic series Arrow based on the hit TV series. This three issue mini series see’s Oliver Queen and his partner Dinah Lance/Black Canary relocate to Seattle. Green Arrow is the urban hunter patrolling the streets, back alleys of crime ridden Seattle. He soon comes on the case of a serial killer and Dinah goes on her own investigation into the city’s drug lords. Ollie also learns that he is not the only archer on the hunt. This is a great, gritty and dark realistic approach to a superhero story. Suggested for mature readers it’s easily one the bloodiest and most violent stories since Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns both released in the 1980’s.

I admired how near the beginning in issue one where he recalls past events, his time on the island, becoming The Green Arrow, losing his fortune and that infamous moment from the Green Lantern and Green Arrow series from the 70’s series depicting Oliver discovery of Roy being a heroine addict. 

The plot which starts as Oliver tracking down the serial killer leads that to a much bigger threat and the meeting of the mysterious archer. The story plays out like a good thriller while keeping you intrigued to the very end to learn of the connection to everything that is in play. And as I said before one the most violent stories I've read. The art and layout is great. It’s a unique opportunity for a writer and artist to fully express their vision. Even though it is a three issue mini series that sounds short but the each issue is double the length as a standard comic book issue, so it's just as long as a six issue series. As far as I can tell it is the first appearance of Eddie Fryers and Shado, two prominent figures of Oliver’s time on the island in the Arrow TV series first season.

After the success of The Dark Knight Returns, DC decided to create another mature themed series. Led by Mike Grell, The Longbow Hunters gave us a darker, harder Green Arrow ridding himself of his trick arrows and donning a new more antiquated costume. Grell even insisted on never calling the hero "Green Arrow" within the actual pages of the comic, a similar trait to the TV series. The mature plot and great illustrations re-launched Green Arrow making him accessible to adult graphic novel readers. The success of this series would lead the Emerald Archer into his next  Green Arrow comic book series in 1988, that ran for 11 years, gaining a surge of new fans.

Green Arrow: Hunters Moon

This volume collects the first six issues of Mike Grell’s Green Arrow series, taking place after the events of groundbreaking graphic novel - The Longbow Hunters, these are dark and gritty realistic stories. Oliver and Dinah are dealing with the events directly after the Longbow Hunters and throughout the stories and have the same mature tone and plot for mature readers. In these cult favorite stories from the 1980's Green Arrow hunts down a child killer, races to find a lost biological weapon before Chinese spies can find it and tackles a rash of violence against gays. These stories help re-position Green Arrow as an inner city crusader for justice who deals not only with super-villains but also with street level crime. The first volume of the new trade editions of the original Green Arrow run reprints Issues #1-6, including the arcs “Hunters Moon,” where Oliver hunts down a child killer and Dinah wrestles her assault by a psychopath following the events in Longbow Hunters, “Champions,” where Oliver is hired to hunt down a weapon that could destroy the world and Dinah finally comes to terms with her assault, and “Gauntlet,” where the duo try to help a kid on the streets escape the clutches of a local gang leader. 

Mike Grell  helped reinvent Green Arrow into the dark gritty crime fighter that fans best know from the Arrow TV series. If you enjoyed the Longbow Hunters this would be worth checking out. It provides Oliver with new challenges, but he and Dinah still deal with the outcome of traumatic experiences from its predecessor. Great set of dark and realistic 80’s Green Arrow stories.

Green Arrow: The Archer’s Quest

In 1995 Oliver Queen had died in Green Arrow #101, since then his son Connor Hawke has taken up the mantle of Green Arrow until the series cancellation after issue #137. Then in 2000 Kevin Smith had brought Oliver Queen back to much acclaim. Artist Phil Hester featured on art duties for Kevin Smith's run and continues here on the third arc of the series. Thriller novelist Brad Meltzer made his comic book debut with this Green Arrow tale of Oliver seeking out his personal affects, some of which that may lead to the exposure of his secret identity.

The Archer's Quest continues the theme that was the foundation of Meltzer's Identity Crisis, he explores to the human side of superheroes. Oliver seeks to reclaim personal items in order to protect his loved ones safe from harm should identity made public. Oliver seeks to avoid that situation that Barry Allen/The Flash's loved ones were put following the death of the speedster.This is how Meltzer see these heroes as real people with families. The theme of Identity Crisis was all about when the loved ones of heroes were being targeted by an unknown assailant and it is a risk that every costumed hero takes. Oliver goes on a trip for his personal items and like his infamous road trip he's joined by a colleague; his ward and former partner Roy Harper now know as Arsenal.

You don't feel like you're missing too much if you haven't read the previous two story arcs in the series. There is no required reading, this is a good self contained story and a good place to start as it feels like a road trip down memory lane as Oliver seeks out meaningful items from his past. I really enjoyed this book that was a great idea for a story. I like how it reminiscent of Oliver's earliest and best known stories by Neal Adams and Denny O Neil's hard travelling heroes where he and Hal Jordan went on a road trip of their own in the 70's. It's a great story, giving an insight into the history of Green Arrow. I'm a new reader to the character, this being my third book and the first modern story. I will be getting into the legendary tales of Hal and Ollie's road trip adventures that'll help bring more meaning to this story. The story has some sweet and heartfelt moments which was surprising but matched the story well. Oliver's quest is not the kind of story that leaves you on a massive cliffhanger, it's simply a brilliant self-contained story that you don't need a huge amount of Green Arrow knowledge to enjoy it. An overall great story that is a very enjoyable read that's fun, lighthearted and sweet in parts, but it in final pages contain a shocking revelation.

A fantastic debut for thriller novelist Brad Meltzer. I'd highly recommend this great, character driven story that's one of the definite highlights of the Green Arrow graphic novels I've read. I was confident that this was going to be a standout read as I thought Brad Meltzer's Identity Crisis tale was an exceptional story. One the best Green Arrow stories and one of my early favorites. Fantastic. 

Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War 

Earth's Green Lanterns; Hal Jordan, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart and Guy Gardner and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps must fight an interstellar war against the Sinestro Corps, an army led by the former Green Lantern Sinestro. Armed with yellow power rings and seeking a universe ruled through fear. The epic story is told back and forth between issues of Green Lantern 21-25 and Green Lantern Corps 14-19. The arc is great and is referred to as the second big epic in the trilogy of Green Lantern stories, starting with Rebirth, The Sinestro Corps War and finally The Blackest Night. 

Previously collected in two separate volumes but now available in a trade paperback collecting the 12 issues of the story. The story kicks off with a brilliant double length feature Green Lantern Sinestro Corps Special#1 which see’s the return of Sinestro since he last escaped Green Lantern’s Hal Jordan and Kyle Rayner near the climax of the Green Lantern Rebirth series. This story is all out war, action fills every issue as Sinestro creates his own corps to rival the Green Lantern’s to bring order to the universe but seeks to do so under his totalitarian control with his corps including The Anti-Monitor, Cyborg Superman, Superman Prime and the return of Parallax the living entity of fear that once possessed Hal Jordan. 

This is the fourth Green Lantern book I've read and as a general fan of Green Lantern it’s great to get a story with Hal Jordan’s former mentor as the main antagonist. As a casual reader it was easy to follow. I was mostly interested in the Green Lantern issues that were the best parts of the story featuring; the four human Lantern’s that we best got to know from Geoff Johns previous Green Lantern epic, Rebirth. I particularly enjoyed the Green Lantern issues. The Corps issues followed Kilowog, Sodam Yat and other members in side line events that ran along side the main story. It was a great read that I enjoyed thoroughly filled with some great moments and changes to the Green Lantern mythos. It’s a brilliant story full of amazing moments and great art of double page spreads. The ending served up some details and a minor tease in anticipation of its next epic tale; The Blackest Knight.

Green Arrow: Crawling Through The Wreckage

I was really looking forward to this volume, out of all the Green Arrow graphic novels I had intended to purchase this one had similar influences to the Arrow TV series. Crawling Through The Wreckage is a One Year Later story in which all titles in the DC Universe jumped forward one year in the wake of the large scale event known as Infinite Crisis.

Oliver Queen finds himself in the unlikely role of Star City's mayor. How Oliver Queen made the transition from super-hero to politician doesn't be revealed initially. In the wake of a disaster in one of Star City's underdeveloped districts known as The Glades and since said disaster Green Arrow has not been seen since, evocative of Season 2 of the hit TV series Arrow. 

Oliver, having once again amassed a large personal fortune is the newly elected mayor of Star City. He continues his fight for justice both on the streets and within the political system. He also has a new costume, which appears to be a combination of the classic Neal Adams look and the Mike Grell The Longbow Hunters costume. The new Mayor proves unpopular with some of the corrupt city’s corrupt investors, that hope to cash in on the disaster, prompting their order of an assassination on the Major. The world's greatest assassin; Deathstroke is accepts the contract to take out the Mayor ending their rivalry that started within the events of Identity Crisis. Their face off is the high point of the story and has a few surprises. Ollie is doing what he does best playing both sides as the new Mayor of Star City by day and the Emerald Archer by night, but all his efforts aren't appreciated by some other parties. The story is great and full of great moments and is quick read. One of the reasons for the One Year Later was to allow a fresh start of many of its titles allowing a starting point for new readers. I am looking forward to reading the next volume which answers some questions from the past year.

Daredevil Volume 5

Mark Waid’s Daredevil run has gotten better and better. Each issue is brilliant, this is the fifth volume of his series and collects issues 22 -27 of his highly acclaimed run. Chis Samnee’s art is great and really sets the tone for this new take on the Man Without Fear. This tale is about a more somber moment in Matt Murdock’s life as he receives sad news about one of his closet friends and a much loved character. At this difficult time in Matt's life, the villain behind Daredevil's recent problems is revealed along with the creation of a new one that we will hopefully get to see more of. One of the biggest talking points in the Marvel Universe of recent is featured in this story in its earliest stage; The Superior Spider-man. Doc Ock has taken over Peter Parkers body and is determined to be a better Spider-man. It’s fantastic that one of Marvels most popular events has crossed over into Daredevil series. It was teased in the last issue in the previous volume. Overall the entire book is great, action packed and fun mystery drama series by one of my favorite comic book writers. The series now in its second year has maintained the momentum and high standards of the previous books and I always look forward to the next. It is one of the best series of comics today. 

Bye for now

K

Graphic Novel Book Reviews, Daredevil, Justice League, Green Lantern, Green Arrow.

Hello readers,

I'm catching up on some of my recent Graphic Novels reviews. Daredevil Vol. 1 was the last one I read that I received at Christmas and the rest that have followed from then up until last night. Hope you enjoy them and you find these useful.

Marvel Masterworks Daredevil Vol.1

Marvel Masterworks is a series of graphic novels collecting issues of the original series of Marvels most loved characters. These books reprint the issues in full colour. Marvel Essential series collect more issues in a single volume but all issues are in black and white. So in my opinion Marvel Masterworks are the best choice when wanting to experience the original incarnations of Marvels most popular heroes. This Daredevil collection features the first 11 issues of Stan Lee’s Man without fear, Daredevil. Issue one depicts his origin and the rest of the book follows his early adventures and foes. All was as introducing readers to Foggy and Karen Page. 

I thought this was a fantastic book full of crazy and really out there moments that would have been the norm in the 70’s when these comics were first published. There fun and gives readers a real taste of how these characters in their first incarnation.Daredevil meets many foes and a love triangle develops between Karen, Foggy and Matt. These earliest stories were the inspiration for Tim Sales and Jeph Loeb’s much loved mini series Daredevil: Yellow.

Justice

The Justice League are not the only ones who can come together working towards a common goal. Enter the Legion of Doom.The Justice Leagues fall at the hands of their villains as they all strike them at once, how will the heroes come back and how will they stop the evil plans of all their enemies combined. This Graphic Novel collects all 12 issues of this mini series by Jim Kruger and the amazing Alex Ross.This is a brilliant book, I got such a kick out of it and I couldn't recommend it enough. It was a great story from Alex Ross and Jim Krueger. This 12 issue series is one of the best books I've read in recent months.

Although superhero stories can be very complex and have over the decades grew past the traditional good guy vs. the bad guys kind of stories. This story is both the traditional aspect of a group of Superheroes and Super-villains facing each other while still being an extremely clever and sophisticated blockbuster of a tale. It feels epic.

When a group of villains all experience a shared dream of earth’s demise and The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes, the Justice League unable to stop it they form an alliance to prevent the destruction of the planet. Every character gets their moment in this story with each hero narrates their own chapter that their the lead in, giving great variety to the narrative as villains take down heroes, one by one in a coordinated attack, while the characters like Poison Ivy and Captain Cold are doing good deeds to benefit mankind as the Legion of Doom turn the populace against earth's heroes. The story is full of great surprises and turns that I don't want to give away. Its one of the best Justice League stories out there and  I cannot praise this book enough, it’s exceptional, a good old fashioned tale of good guys vs. the bad in this awesome story.

Justice League Vol.4 The Grid

Throne of Atlantis was the high point of the series and in my opinion, the best stories of Justice League New 52. This story carries on for the events from Throne of Atlantis where the League wants to expand it ranks and give full time membership to many of it's reserves. Two story-lines exist in this book, the second is that of the Justice League series has been building to since its beginning; The Trinity War, where three different Leagues to war over a mysterious object. The Trinity War was the first big crossover event and this volume collects the first and the concluding chapter of the epic story-line with chapters of the story found in other books of to complete the Trinity War story arc. I wasn't really a fan of this story, it was good but it to too hard to top the three previous volumes that have come before it; Origin, The Villain’s Journey and the crowning glory Throne of Atlantis. These tales by Geoff Johns and various artists just got better and better and will be difficult to top. I enjoyed this book but I don’t feel the need to go and seek out the missing parts to complete the story, it wasn't for me. On a positive note I was extremely satisfied with the final issue and conclusion of the Trinity War story as it paved the way for a bigger and more interesting plot to unfold in Volume 5 with the arrival of the Crime Syndicate of Earth-3. 

Green Lantern: Secret Origin
Geoff Johns retells comics most popular Green Lantern, Hal Jordan’s origin story. This story was released mid way through Johns 2005-2011 series in issues of Green Lantern #29 - #35. The story was re-imagined to include several new aspects of the Green Lantern mythos; The Blackest Night prophecy and the introduction of Atrocitus , the soon be leader of the Red Lanterns. This story line served as the main inspiration for the Green Lantern 2010 live action movie in which Geoff Johns was involved with. You get to discover a lot of similarities between the book and the movie, even some direct quotes and scenes. The also focuses on some of Hal’s moments of his youth. The book is great and it tells the pretty standard origin story and it does a great job of wetting your appetite and wanting more of a Green Lantern story. This book is a great introduction into Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of Sector 2814. 

Identity Crisis

Such an brilliant book and suspenseful a murder mystery story. The 7 issue miniseries by Brad Meltzer, a well known and acclaimed thriller novelist creates a truly suspenseful and dark tale. Sue Dinby, wife of the Elongated Man is preparing her husbands Birthday surprise when an unknown intruder attacks and resulting in Sue’s murder. This tale takes a more human look at our heroes, every hero is out searching for the killer while still in fear that their own loved ones could be next.

This was a hugely successful story. I think it is exceptional when writers incorporated a classic genre story into the world of Super-heroes. Green Arrow has a prominent role in the story and long buried secrets come to light. There is a division in the Justice League, a team within a team. It is a great aspect of this story. It will keep you hooked from start to finish and with ramifications for years to come.

Green Lantern: Rebirth 

Geoff Johns 6 issue mini-series that resurrected the greatest Green Lantern of them all, Hal Jordan.

Hal made the ultimate sacrifice and had taken his final bow. A new Green Lantern of earth had taken his place. Kyle Rayner had been earth's primary Green Lantern for many years since Hal’s death and he is vital in his resurrection. Hal’s body was dead but his soul was seeking redemption and became the host for the Spectre; the Spirit of Vengeance. During the Identity Crisis story I was introduced to this aspect of Jordan’s new existence and during a conversation with his best friend Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Hal teased that he was working on something when Oliver asked him about making a return to the land of the living.

This was easily one of the greatest Green Lantern epics that will ever be told. At a previous Comic Con DC Comics had a video of various creators and had a montage of them all specifying it was one of the best stories and also this was the place for new fans to begin with Green Lantern. Mid way through the story Kyle summarizes the events that had transpired to fully catch the reader up to what had happened. It was a great part in  the story and if you had been a long time reader of Green Lantern you would know the story but it was delivered here is such a great fashion and integral to the story.

It is another one of those epic stories that features the entire Justice League and other heroes including the other earth bound Green Lanterns. It is easily one of the most important Green Lantern stories of in existence and better again Green Lantern’s Brightest Day.

Green Arrow: Year One

I've had this book for quite a while and it was worth the wait. I'd been saving it along with other Green Arrow books for after the fantastic second season of the ARROW TV series had come to its conclusion. I was waiting to enjoy these books when I was missing the greatest TV show I had ever watched.

Green Arrow is a great character to get into, he's one of my favorites and it's great getting into the characters roots. These comics are the TV series inspiration as well as potential future story lines. Green Arrow graphic novels new and old are growing in popularity due to the success of the show and Green Arrow: Year One is the best place to start. First of all I love the cover, when I ordered the book online it had a different cover image. This one is just exceptional looking and so reminiscent on the ARROW TV series. Green Arrow Year One as the title suggests is the origin story of how Star City's Emerald Archer came to be. This 2007 mini series written by Andy Diggle with great art by Jock who modernizes and retells the events the led to the arrival of Green Arrow.

Oliver Queen; frivolous playboy and reckless thrill-seeker, who also seeks more out of life, and after a rather embarrassing public display Oliver decides to join his friend and bodyguard, Hackett on a sea voyage. Oliver later finds himself betrayed and left for dead, marooned on a not so deserted island. He struggles to survive the harsh environment and later stumbles upon drug running cartel that has enslaved some the islands inhabitants for their drug manufacturing operation all ran by a woman Oliver has named China White. He has always been seeking a more meaningful life and has now found one thing he does care about, justice. Oliver takes the stand to stop them and free the people, and all while figuring out what he wants to do with his life and who he wants to be. The story plays out like a survivor action story in this grounded superhero origin tale. All the adventure takes place on the island while giving birth to a new hero for justice.

This series served as an inspiration for the creation of the ARROW TV series. Writer Andy Diggle even has two characters named after him, one of the main characters John Diggle who has a brother named Andy. The character of China White, whose first and only appearance is in this limited series, appears in the television series, - Season 3 has her introduced as a main villain in the flashbacks- direct homage, it seems, to her role in Year One.

This book is a great start for fans looking to begin an interest in the Emerald Archers stories. Green Arrow Year One manages to tell a thrilling re-imagining of Oliver Queen's beginnings as Green Arrow that keeps the essence of the original origin but updates it in a very formidable approach to Green Arrow's definitive origin story.

Green Lantern: No Fear 

The greatest Green Lantern of them all is back. I really enjoyed Green Lantern: Rebirth, Hal’s resurrection and redemption was complete, now it time for him to get on with his life as Hal Jordan and a Green Lantern. No Fear was the follow up and the re-launch of a new Green Lantern series penned by Geoff Johns. The book collects the first six issues. I wanted to get this because I like origin stories and stories early in a hero’s career. I was interested too because it is an earth bound Green Lantern story. It featured two antagonists that I as a reader haven’t encountered before. The opening segment is beautifully illustrated by Darwyn Cooke. His work is a joy to behold but in my collection of graphic novels it is scarce. The opening of the book is Hal flying with Kyle Rayner, without him Hal would not have gotten a second chance and Hal is very grateful of that. The story could never be as good as its predecessor but is still good. It is a new start and introduction to the series and Hal’s life on his home. I enjoy his new relationship with General Stone, calling on Green Lantern when matters arise. There is some great action scene’s in this story, especially those involving The Shark, a gruesome villain that I've never encountered before. The book is great and I really enjoyed the earth bound element of it all. I liked the “What Has Gone Before” cosmic recap of events. The book was great but for now I’ll skip the next two books and go straight into the next big event;The Sinestro Corps War is coming soon.

Bye for now

K