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.  

Batman Vol. 6 Graveyard Shift Review

Batman Volume 6 Graveyard Shift is the next collection from the foremost and greatest series of New 52 Batman by Writer Scott Snyder and Artist Greg Capullo. Following the last big event Zero Year, the next volume was due to be the subsequent big saga titled End Game, but instead this collection consists of stories that came in between Snyder and Capullo’s big sagas. The duo have been producing big epic long saga since the New 52 began, starting with The Court of Owls, Death of the Family and the epic Zero Year. The single issues collected are the short self-contained stories and are from different eras in Batman’s career; past present and near future. Written or plotted by Snyder with art by Capullo with a few guest artists, Alex Maleev, Andy Kubert, Dustin Nguyen and more. Collects Batman #0, #18-20, #28, #34, and Batman Annual #2.

The collection begins with Bright New Yesterday from Batman #0, it acts like a primer to the first part of the Zero Year that see’s possibly Bruce Wayne’s first interaction with the Red Hood Gang and his earliest attempts at fighting crime. When we first read the opening pages of Batman Zero Year Secret City Vol 4 Bruce is taking on the gang and their leader Red Hood One has previously met the vigilante, this could be that first meeting. Plus it further confirms in The New 52 universe that Red Hood One is the man that becomes the Joker. It has snippets of some great character moments for Bruce, Alfred and Jim Gordon. The backup story was an interesting feature showing how Batman indirectly inspired members of the Bat-family; the first three Robins and Batgirl in a superb framing device. The main story takes place just after Bruce has returned from Gotham for the first time in his crime fighting quest, it’s a first look at his pre Batman days continued from Batman #24 as collected in the fourth and fifth volumes of this graphic novel series of graphic novels.

The death of Robin/Damien Wayne occurred in the series Batman Incorporated #8 by Grant Morrison. The effects are felt in the Requiem crossover event that follows his demise, his father Batman and team mourn him, despite their continued commitment to fighting crime. Issue #18 is part of that event, Resolve is told from the perspective of Harper Row, a character created earlier in the series and makes her appearance in first of two of the stories in this book. In her first she is seeking to help Batman with whatever emotional problem he’s dealing with as he is becoming increasingly violent and careless. She’s the main character for the story and fulfils a familiar role as that of the third Robin Tim Drake after the death of the second Robin/Jason Todd in 1989’s A Death in the Family.

The best and biggest part of these stories is Nowhere Man from issues #19 and 20, an entertaining mystery action story with a classic Batman foe. When I first got Vol.4 of the series I was kind of disappointed it left out issue #19 from being collected. Its cover featured Bruce Wayne holding a gun to Jim Gordon was intriguing and is finally collected here. It’s a pretty straight-forward story, as it appears Bruce is taking hostages at gunpoint at Gotham National Bank. It’s a story more concerned with building a fun mystery for the readers to enjoy without having to play to a larger narrative. It also juggles to notion aspect of Batman’s secret identity being exposed, something not seen in Batman comics of recent and gives it an almost silver age feel to it. The story is the stand out of the collection and the two part back up story; Ghost Lights is a supernatural demon story with Superman checking up on how Batman is coping. It plays to Superman’s weaknesses to the supernatural and is a good read. Ages is an Arkham Asylum centric story as Batman gets himself incarnated in to test its security first hand. The story is told from the perspective of a new orderly who meets the first patient of the facility who’s angered by how Batman has changed the Asylum for the worst. It’s a good story and the opening splash page of Batman in handcuffs is great opening to an intriguing story. The Meek old fashioned dark detective story of Batman tracking a serial killer that’s targeting the patients of Dr. Leslie Tompkins. The timeline of this standalone tale takes place concurrently with Snyder’s other series Batman Eternal. Set six months after current continuity Batman Eternal breaks away from usual timeline as Snyder offers a sneak peek into a future Gotham and its criminal underworld. Issue #28 acts a preview of things to come in Batman Eternal.

Batman Vol. 6 is a really enjoyable book that enriches both the series and the character. Bright New Yesterday and Nowhere Man is the kind of story we’ve come to expect from the creative duo while other stories venture into new and different territory with guest artists. While the stories at the start and end are set six years in the past and a Gotham future yet to come, the core of the book’s stories take place in the present with the overarching theme of Batman dealing with the death of his son and crime fighting partner.

Since their debut on Batman, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have been almost consistently focused on telling sweeping epics; Court of Owls was almost a year long, Death of the Family was a multi-faceted Bat-family event and Zero Year is another year-long tale. Graveyard Shift takes a step back from the big stories to present smaller scale ones, these are the stories in between those big sagas that were previously missed during the earlier graphic novel releases. It’s a welcome change of pace and offers a breather before Snyder and Capullo’s next big epic; Endgame that see’s the return of the Joker for a story that’s expected to be another amazing story with some big ramifications in the upcoming next release Batman Vol. 7 Endgame.

Superman Unchained Deluxe Edition Review

Since his arrival Superman marked the dawn of the superhero age, the Man of Steel waged a never-ending battle for truth and justice, no matter when or where. But decades before the Last Son of Krypton became Earth's champion another being of incredible power fell from the sky. This “super soldier” has been living in secret and working for the US Government since his arrival 75 years ago.

Superman Unchained is a nine issue mini series celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Man of Steel. The action packed series, created by two of comic’s greats; writer Scott Snyder and artist Jim Lee, collectively crafting a story of comic’s greatest hero. The launch of the New 52 series also coincided with the release of the character’s return to the big screen in 2013’s blockbuster; Man of Steel.

The most recognized superhero in pop culture, Superman has been elevated to mythic folk hero status. Rocketed to Earth from the dying planet Krypton, baby Kal-El was found by a farming couple who named the boy Clark Kent and raised him as their own. Discovering his enormous powers, they instilled in him strong moral values—and inspired him to become a hero.

Since The New 52 began, the only two series I collected in graphic novels was Batman and Justice League. Superman Unchained is written by Batman writer Scott Snyder with Justice League artist Jim Lee. One of comic’s greatest writers and one it’s greatest artist coming together giving fans a new take of the world’s greatest superhero in one of the greatest Superman adventures told in this limited and stand alone series. 

Superman is not the only super powered alien being that fell from the sky, one existed before him but had remained in secret for the United States Military. Superman begins to uncover the decades old secret when satellites start to fall from the sky, leaving the big question of whom or what altered the trajectory of the last one. This alien being of immense power and strength arrived on earth in 1938 (a nod to the original creation of Superman) working with the US Government and Military since his arrival. An example of the extent of both his role and power is revealed within the opening of issue #1, a flashback to the bombing of Nagasaki during the Second World War in 1945.

Superman Unchained features a fully realized but younger Man of Steel. The opening of the story features Superman is taking on a colossal disaster of satellites all simultaneously crashing towards earth and the presumable perpetrators of the catastrophe is Ascension, a cyber terrorist group. The conflict of crashing satellites is well fit for Superman’s talents as well a providing action scenes on a massive scale. One noteworthy addition Snyder brings to the series is Clark’s internal monologue depicting his thought process before an incredible feat. This aspect is absent as the story progresses but makes a return in the penultimate issue. The story features Superman’s best supporting characters featuring Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Batman, Wonder Woman and the mysterious alien known as Wraith all figure into in this epic story.

Wraith had arrived before Superman and has been cooperating with the US Government in a way Superman never would, sharing its advanced technology with the military and being their own super solider, their very own Superman. The two super beings meet earlier than expected in the story and in a surprising way. Rather than get into a battle the pair work together, which makes sense as Wraith has been on earth for decades and why now suddenly want to fight the Man of Steel. Everything concerning the being is mysterious his arrival, the extent of his powers and why he really works with General Lane and the military, there is more to this new character than meets the eye. The benevolent figure does fulfill a mentoring role to Superman, examining his time on earth, he questions our hero to re-evaluate his cause, his duty and his choices on his adopted home world. He gives Superman the realization of the futility of some of his actions. For a series that celebrates the 75th anniversary of Superman, it puts significant focus on his legacy, examining his place in the world and his relationship with humanity. Never before has a story showed the human side to be a weakness of Superman, the ineffectual of his existence as an outsider is very interesting and valid point. If the function of Wraith is to make our hero better he fulfills it here putting Superman’s role and duty to his adopted planet in the spotlight. Just as New 52 Superman is young, capable and intelligent, Lois Lane equally shares those qualities, she captures some of the spotlight in own intriguing side story as she is faced with the cyber terrorist group Ascension. One of the biggest changes to Superman in the New 52 was that he was no longer married to or in a relationship with Lois Lane, it was wiped from continuity. For fans of that classic romance, Lois and Superman share a touching moment together, the likes of which haven’t been seen since before the New 52. It’s fresh approach for the two pair to share a connection without Lois having to overly admire/ moon over Superman. One relationship that hasn't changed is that of Superman and Batman, they still share the unique friendship with the Dark Knight being one of his greatest allies and confidants. Snyder has plenty of experience of writing Batman and takes a different take here playing a significant role in the story and has some great lines getting to have his own brand of “fun” in this story. In my opinion, some of the best Superman stories feature General Lane and the military, giving a grounded element to a story. The revelation that Wraith arrived on earth prior to Superman gives the military further reason to distrust him, he hasn't fallen in line and co-operated with the military the same way Wraith his predecessor has. Throughout it continues to be an action packed and exciting story of the greatest hero on earth, making Superman appear more human without downplaying his godlike qualities.

It’s great to see Superman penciled by Jim Lee once again since the brilliant Superman For Tomorrow and as part of the Justice League. Lee’s New 52 redesign of the character was my favorite of the re-launch. His art gives you some of the some of the best comic book art you will ever see. The action packed fights, action and almost dialogue free finale lets the artist tell so much of the epic story. Artist Dustin Nguyen does equally well in a handful of backup and flashback sequences, similar to the artist’s role in Snyder’s Batman series.

The story is action packed and the story is both intriguing and exciting from issue #1. The action doesn't let up, there is rarely a quiet moment within the nine issue story, sometimes lengthy story arcs that run as long as this can lose momentum or dip in story quality, this story gets better and builds with every issue. Just when you think the final you know the final conflict, it’s merely a prelude to a much bigger threat, a testament to the quality of the creators story telling abilities. It does feel akin to the blockbuster 2013 Superman movie, both redefine the character for a new generation, their action packed and Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent doesn't feature too heavily, he makes minor appearances in this book. It’s a vastly entertaining and large scale Superman action story tackling the ever changing meaning of his existence.

The Deluxe Edition is a large volume and a great bonus it collects the over 50 variant covers of the series depicting notable eras in the characters 75 year history. The self contained story and the inclusion of all Superman’s best known supporting characters make this accessible to new readers whilst having more than enough subject matter of Superman’s legacy to satisfy long time fans. Also contains #1 Director’s Cut.

Superman Unchained is a modern re-introduction of the character to ever growing complicated world, no longer the all knowing ultimate do-gooder, instead is man trying to do the best he can in the ever increasingly complicated world. Stepping away from the ol’ fashioned and dated portrayal Snyder uses his story line as a means of not just redefining the Superman but better defining the character becoming more contemporary. The inclusion of Superman’s best known supporting characters ensured that the story had the intent of being a great Superman story whilst the revelation of another “Superman” assured fans that this would be a distinctive adventure, it feels like a sure future classic. It all makes for a really enjoyable, really smart, and visually sharp Superman story. 

Superman Unchained succeeds in both being an exciting and thrilling contemporary story, in addition to acknowledging the longevity and legacy of the world’s first and greatest superhero.

Batman Volume 5: Zero Year - Dark City Review

Batman Volume 5: Zero Year Dark City is the next part of the Zero Year story line that ended on a cliff-hanger in the last collection; Batman Volume 4 Zero Year Secret City, in which Bruce Wayne became Batman and successfully stopped the Red Hood gang. After that confrontation Edward Nygma made his presence known as The Riddler and in his first appearance announcing his control over Gotham, shutting off its power and challenging its residents of to rise up to the challenge to turn it back on. Also, the Gotham City Police Department's gruesome discovery sets up the main conflicts for the concluding chapters in this large scale story arc.

Having witnessed Bruce Wayne become the Batman in the last collection, Dark City is the first big challenge in the Batman’s career. He has to save the whole city while being public enemy number one in the eyes of the GCPD. The Riddler’s blackout is not Batman’s primary concern, a series of suspicious and gruesome murders are, wherein the victim’s bones grew out of their own bodies. Doctor Death was one of Batman’s original enemies; being the very first super villain Batman faced, first appearing in Detective Comics #29 in 1939, two issues after Batman’s original appearance. Zero Year Secret City featured the Red Hood, an early Batman villain, the same trend continues here in this re imagining of The Dark Knight's early crime fighting career. Both Doctor Death and the Red Hood are important players in the whole Zero Year saga, they both go way back to the earliest Batman adventures in the Golden Age of comics. Writer Scott Snyder takes one of the first villains he ever faced and puts him into the New 52 continuity as one of Batman’s first super villains. Dr. Karl Helfern, a scientist working on a bone growing serum whose experiments have turned him into a grotesque monster. The results of which have been teased in the final pages of the preceding volume. It’s a throwback to the mad scientist style of villain, Dr. Death provides the physical challenge to Batman in the first part of the story in which The Riddler can’t give. He’s also strikingly designed by Artist Greg Capullo, this modern revamp of the character is the most monstrous, disgusting and grotesque villain created and is extremely well suited to Capullo’s artistry, a most vile creation.

Edward Nygma’s New 52 origin was revealed in the first installment of Zero Year , it reveals that Nygma was once a high level employee of Wayne Enterprises and later becomes The Riddler, causing the blackout. The groundwork had been set and initially The Riddler hovers in the background as an unpredictable threat causing chaos in Gotham. He is not a physical challenge to Batman instead possess a sharp intelligence and cunning mind used to devastating effect. It’s more that just a battle of wits in the biggest scheme in the history of The Riddler. An entirely new version of the character, it’s startling and exciting to reveal as to what this new Riddler is capable of. Snyder has taken the classic Batman villain and has made him work so well in a contemporary Batman story. Some elements of Batman’s early days are somewhat predetermined. The Riddler’s schemes are not, which effectively makes the threat of Zero Year all the more terrifying. Giving Batman challenges unlike ones he’s ever faced before: A broken city, self doubt, and challenges to the essential functions of Batman himself.

In my experience of previous Batman origin tales, Bruce Wayne had always trusted Jim Gordon to some degree. He was the one good cop in Gotham. Their trust and mutual respect was always the foundation of that partnership. In this case, Bruce loathed and hated Jim Gordon along with the rest of the GCPD. It is a terrific addition to the story, Bruce saw Gordon as corrupt, distinctive of Gotham’s law enforcement and part of what turned him into a vigilante. Dark City examines Gordon’s tenure within the GCPD and puts a face to corruption that drove Bruce into taking matters into his own hands. It is a terrific addition to the story; He saw Gordon as corrupt, distinctive of Gotham’s law enforcement and part of drove Bruce into taking matters into his own hands. Dark City examines Gordon’s tenure within the GCPD and puts a face to corruption. This offers a change in the approach of how Gordon and Batman get to work together. The other part of that legend remains unchanged; a young beat cop named Jim Gordon was first on the scene to comfort the boy after the murder of his parents. His role remains the same and the event remains fully intact, it’s what comes after their faithful meeting that is altered so much that young Bruce Wayne grows up hating him. This turn of events adds a new mystery to their story giving readers and fans a twist on their iconic relationship. In the past, Jim had to prove that he would be worthy ally of Batman, Zero Year takes things one step further, personalizing the story to Bruce. Gordon had to earn back Bruce’s trust in order to earn Batman’s. After ripping down the foundation of trust between them, readers and long time fans now get to see this iconic partnership grow once more.

While the partnership of Batman and Gordon is unquestionably vital to the mythos, no other relationship is as commensurate as the one between Bruce and the ever supportive Alfred Pennyworth. While he has often shown to worry about Bruce and his protégés in the past, we now are given a depiction of Alfred constantly against Bruce’s mission. They've always had a conflict and difference of opinions and beliefs. Eventually though, Alfred proves that he basically simply wants the best for Master Bruce, and that he’ll always be there for him. He may not always fully understand or support his Master’s mission but will be ever dependable. Infusing a great deal of meaning and significance to a already meaningful relationship by adding dramatic elements that helped unite the pair in a way never seen before /innovative manner of story telling.

Bruce Wayne of Zero Year Dark City is still a refreshing change of pace from the dark and brooding persona that we've come to know. He’s less honed and regal, taking joy in what he does, a victorious smirk creeps across his face on occasion. He takes joy in what he is doing, his remark about a newly acquired scar he received as “First real kiss of Gotham” is telling of his attitude to his chosen undertaking. Zero Year Batman is a less experienced crime fighter capable of failure, he is still learning, he is vulnerable and the task at hand is too large to do on his own, it’s nice to see emphasis on the heroes without masks that carry Bruce when he falls. This is truly an origin story that enriches Batman’s character significantly, facing his deadliest challenge in his early career. This is a Batman driven by his guilt rather than vengeance. Bruce Wayne is The Batman and not the other way around as has been established over the decades.

Earlier story arcs in this best selling and critically acclaimed Batman series by Snyder and Capullo have been ambitiously large adventures but pale contrast to the Zero Year saga in terms of its sheer scale. A rookie Batman against mad machinations of monstrous Dr. Death and the ingenious of The Riddler, with only newly founded allies of both Jim Gordon and Lucius Fox to aid him in ultimately stopping Nygma’s control over Gotham City. That moment that the story has always been building to, Gotham City in ruins and Batman about to face his foe, teased way back in Batman #21 at the beginning of this story arc.

Snyder and Capullo add plenty of Batman references/easter eggs throughout, paying homage to what has gone before his re-interpretation of the Batman. The final act has a slight reminiscence of The Dark Knight Rises film.

Whereas Batman Year One was slightly more focused on Jim Gordon, Zero Year is a Bruce Wayne story. Presenting Batman’s formative years in the face of Gotham’s biggest threat, while giving insight of both characters pasts. Origin stories can typically be a short mini series or short story arc outlining the highlights of that hero’s journey. Zero Year is a large scale story, told within the pages of this Batman series, It is the origin of one of comics best heroes. Not just how Bruce Wayne came to be The Batman, but how Batman became the protector of his beloved city in the time when it was most in need. The conclusion is a deep and meaningful ending that gives new meaning to a symbolic connection of Batman and his city.

Batman is a character that is infinitely renewable, Zero Year was never intended to override what came before it instead Snyder simply/merely wanted to give his own interpretation of Batman’s origin in a modern contemporary setting of the New 52, Refining and giving us a new Batman going forward for the 75 year old character. Before Robin, the Batmobile and The Joker there was ZERO YEAR, a new take on Batman’s origin unlike any before. A 12 issue story arc offering an expanded and broader scope of an origin story. It doesn't have the appeal of a single short trade paperback graphic novel but instead Zero Year is a large scale and grand adventure, both action-packed and clever to the end. An epic story not to be overlooked and is in my opinion essential Batman story and must read.

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