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.

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Vol.3 Review

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Vol.3 is the conclusion of one of the most influential and acclaimed comic book runs of the Man Without Fear – Daredevil. Frank Miller concludes his highly successful run of the series with Inker-Penciller Klaus Janson. Collecting the final six issues of his initial run; #185 – 191 from August 1982 to February 1983, also included are other works by Miller, an alternate version detailing what if Matt Murdock became an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. in What If? #28, the gritty urban crime western story #219 and Daredevil: Love & War, a 1986 graphic novel. Their character defining run ends here on the last of three collected trade paperbacks that covers the end of their four year run.

It’s more from the master of crime of noir featuring stunning visuals and gut-wrenching storytelling as Frank Miller ends his run. The drama, tension and action doesn’t falter or slow down towards the concluding part of Miller’s series. It’s as good as everything that preceded it. By issue #185 Miller had nearly relinquished his role as artist only providing rough layouts for Janson to both pencil and ink. Although Miller returned to the role for his exciting conclusion issue on the series. The final six issue of the initial run by Miller are great. Issue #185 -Guts is a pleasant start to the book, it’s a lighter tone and fun story depicting an investigation by Matt Murdock’s partner and best friend Foggy Nelson’s and his foray into the world of organized crime, he even comes face to face with The Kingpin. It is a change of pace for a light hearted single issue tale before the story gets back to its more familiar tone. The main story arc cumulates from the best of the previous aspects of Miller’s run. The Hand and their return to New York, Stick, Black Widow and Elektra are all a big part of this final story arc that’s a thrilling and a satisfying end to arc ending issue #190 another excellent and brilliant double length.

Issue #191 Roulette is frequently cited as one of the greatest single issues of all time and rightfully so, for this finale of Miller’s initial run has Daredevil pay a visit to a hospitalised Bullseye, bringing back the villain that had long plagued Daredevil since Miller’s run began. He lies motionless, paralyzed due to their last encounter. The over the edge hero plays the deadly game with his deadliest enemy as he reveals the reason that brought him here as well as his own back story. Daredevil reevaluates what it means to be a hero. The art is dramatic with depth as Miller pencils his final issue with guest Inker Terry Austin providing excellent work with dark tones to match the story. An element that’s very effective was the use of the same panel several times and in the climax, becomes larger, zooming in closer on a helpless and still Bullseye. It was great bringing back the villain for his final issue even if it a reduced state. A fantastic issue that you instantly want to re-read again that marks the end of Millier’s initial run on the series, serving as the conclusion on a highly successful run. It summarizes many of the moral themes and character statements the writer focused on, reflecting on the nature of morality, law and ongoing conflict between good and evil in society that became one of Marvel’s single greatest comics ever published. It could also be considered as one of the earliest high points of Miller’s career, predating The Dark Knight Returns and Batman Year One by less than three years. The story is the single greatest highlight of this collection, its brilliant. Unfortunately it can only undermine the impact of the two single issue stories that follow.

What If… was a series that explored alternate paths of various Marvel heroes and issue #28 featured what if Matt Murdock became an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Miller penciled and co-wrote the story shortly after he became a Writer on the Daredevil series. It’s a nice bonus tale that’s something you’d expect to find in a collection such as this. Being a Daredevil fan you know the origin story so well and this is an alteration of the familiar event. Issue #219 marks a single issue return by Miller on the series, Badlands is an urban crime story that’s like a modern western. Matt leaves his Daredevil persona at home as he’s traveled to a little crime ridden town and doesn’t utter a single word in this gritty crime tale. It’s very good, giving you something that’s different from what we’ve come to expect from both Miller and Daredevil, it’s an interesting story.

Love and War is the final piece of the collection. Originally printed as a graphic novel in 1986 features Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin trying to help his wife Vanessa recover from her catatonic state from events of the Gang War story line that was featured in Vol.1 of this series. A story very much told in the presence of the crime lord, he arranges the kidnapping of the wife of Psychiatrist Dr. Mondat as a method of persuasion to help Vanessa’s recovery. The kidnapping of the doctor’s wife is carried out by Victor, a psychologically disturbed man who carries the real horror of the story. Daredevil plays a supporting role as he attempts to rescue both the Doctor and his wife from the actions of Fisk, it shows his savage nature to help his wife, the one he thing he truly holds dear. It’s an excellent story that builds upon Miller’s initial Daredevil run further expanding upon the antagonistic relationship between the two, explaining the reason behind the change in Kingpin’s attitude toward Daredevil that indirectly bridges Miller's first run with his jseminal Daredevil story Born Again. A great story focusing on the motivations of both The Kingpin and Dr. Mondat showing the depths what both men go to for their wife’s. It’s very much a violent story down to the actions of the psychopath Victor. Originally printed in a single Graphic Novel that’s no longer in print is a nice bonus and great way to end the collection of Daredevil by Frank Miller books, a somewhat unheard of book and story. The art of the story is distinctively painted by Bill Sienkiewicz, his skillful art doesn’t make it appear as dated as others in the collection. Everything that followed in Millers primary run in this collection features Millers doing something different and not trying to re-create the same kind of style of stories he had previously done, An alternate history, a modern western tale and a story more focused on sympathizing with the villain, positioning Daredevil in the background of the story offering a change of pace of the 35 issues over the three trade paperbacks.

Miller brought some of the greatest and interesting aspects back for this final arc including The Hand, Stick and Elektra and the welcome re-appearance of Black Widow. The final story arc raises the drama, action and tension for an exciting story that has a grand finale feel to it. The inclusion of Miller’s other work, What If…#28, issue #219 and Love and War is a great bonus from a writer that you are interested of reading more from. When Miller first came on board Marvel's ailing Daredevil series, his role was largely visual, but seeing how well fans were responding to Miller's darker style, he eventually took full control of the series, Daredevil gained a new level of recognition and respectability. Miller’s take redefined the character for a generation and has lived on to be a classic decades later.

But Miller wasn't done with the character he later returned for several issues of what is considered the definitive and greatest Daredevil story; Born Again. Miller’s return to the series was heighted due to how successful and influential everything he had done previously. Miller again later returned to the character for his 1993 limited series The Man Without Fear, redefining the origin story that included many elements that originated from this original run of the series.

Frank Miller ended his brilliant four year run on Daredevil as both a Penciler and Writer with one of the most amazing comics ever published, with issue #191 which saw Daredevil be so open about his doubts and give an interesting point of view with respect to violence. Miller’s final issue that he cited in a 1983 interview as the issue he’s most proud of before passing the torch to another comic’s legend Denny O’ Neil. Miller's stories, tone and artistry herald one of Daredevil's greatest eras and is concluded in the last of three trade paperbacks. If you’re a Frank Miller Daredevil fan who’s previously read the best known books; The Man Without Fear and Born Again, go back a check out this amazing and influential run of his first take on the character that’s arguably one of best takes of Daredevil and some of the greatest comics you’ll ever read, essential reading for any Frank Miller or Daredevil fan.

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Vol.2 Review

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Vol.2 is the continuation of one of the most influential and acclaimed comic book runs of the Man Without Fear – Daredevil. Frank Miller continues his highly successful run of the series with Inker-Penciler Klaus Janson collecting Daredevil #173 – 184 from August 1981 to July 1982. Their character defining run continues here on the second of three collected trade paperbacks that covers the midpoint of their four year run. 

Frank Miller continues his gritty noir take of Daredevil, street level crime and unraveling legal conspiracies while infusing the series with the tone that has become so synonymous with the character. This was the era where Miller first introduced the ninja element to the series, creating the ninja cult The Hand and introducing Stick, Daredevil's former mentor and - perhaps most importantly – Elektra, returning for a lengthy story arc that would become what the series was best known for. It achieved a height of success and acclaim years before Miller later returned to the series to for the amazing story arc Born Again.

This is the book that's the core of Miller and Janson’s run and everything great about Daredevil, I got this book long before I purchased Volume 1 and 3 of the series due to its recognition. The Gladiator makes a sympathetic appearance in an early story line, even fighting alongside Elektra and Daredevil. It’s the return his former flame and the escape of Bullseye that weighs most heavily for our hero, with issue #181 Miller’s began writing in a new spectacular fashion.

Elektra remains to be one of the greatest parts of the Miller’s time on the series. Her first appearance in the previous collection marked in debut Daredevil #168 and this era of stories is what’s been viewed as the highlight of Miller’s original run on series, putting his biggest addition at the forefront of a story that was dubbed The Elektra Saga. She was earlier introduced as a long lost love interest to Matt Murdock who became an assassin. This is the main story arc of the collection, The Elektra Saga, (starting with her debut in Daredevil #168 from Volume 1 and issues #174-182), the conclusion of the story became one of the most shocking and iconic aspects of comics, the imagery is unforgettable. All of the previous plot points cumulated in Daredevil #181, it was a great story with superb action sequences. The double length issue a big deal for its time and still holds up as a significant read more than thirty years later and still considered as one of the major high points of Miller’s Daredevil run. It’s highly likely the one story line fans think of in relation to Miller’s original run in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Miller was at the top of his game, doing his best work as writer and artist, the duel between Bullseye and Elektra is iconic. Its outcome results in Daredevil gradually became a darker kind of hero, this kind of drama and urban crime stories began to attract attention. The revamping of the series might have seemed controversial amongst fans, but it clicked with new readers, increasing sales. Miller had taken a second-tier Marvel character and turned him into on of Marvel’s most popular. It’s really with this era that Frank Miller and Daredevil began to break new ground. It was also in this period that the comic returned to monthly status rather than bi-monthly just three issues after Miller came on as writer. It also highlights Daily Bugle Investigative Journalist Ben Urich as a important player, whom has his own share of the danger as he seeks to uncover truth and conspiracy.

The Punisher first meets Daredevil in a dark and controversial story line “Child’s Play” that concludes the collection. The Punisher/Frank Castle and Daredevil, they are both after a drug pusher who is selling drugs to children. The two crime fighters come into conflict with each other, mostly down to their methods of dealing with the perpetrators. It made for a fantastic story just after the previous story. This one is very different kind of tale, but its dark and gritty, things you’ve come to expect from this interpretation of Daredevil. It was a great story to end the collection.

Daredevil by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Volume 2 wherein Miller continues his highly acclaimed run, introducing more aspects to Daredevil continuing the most influential period for the character almost redefining a darker interpretation of the hero and stories. The showdown between Elektra and Bullseye remains one of the most iconic moments in comics. Miller's take on Daredevil was characterized by darker themes and stories that hit its peak with issue #181 in this volume. The clash between two Daredevil enemies is one of the most visually iconic and shocking scenes in Marvel history. It stunned readers and the drama was wracked up a few more notches. This is the high point of Miller’s initial tenure on Daredevil. It has so many elements that made the series so great and became a classic. It showcases both Frank Miller and Daredevil breaking new ground, entering a new level of stories and success. If you only pick up one of these trade paperbacks collecting Miller’s original run on the same, let this be the one.The creative team of Miller and Janson’s continue their daring reinvention of the character, raising the series to new heights.

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Vol.1 Review

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Vol.1 is the beginning of one of the most influential and acclaimed comic book runs of the man without fear – Daredevil. Frank Miller began his highly successful tenure starting as penciler then co-plotter and finally series Writer taking over from Roger McKenzie who was an early influence on Miller’s own writing. It collects Daredevil #158 – 161 and #163 – 172 with inker-penciler Klaus Janson. Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #27-28 is also collected. Miller and Janson’s daring reinvention of the character quickly made Frank Miller on of the biggest and most influential stars of comic book industry. This character defining run begins here on the first of three collected trade paperbacks and the beginning of his four year run.

First appearing in 1964, Daredevil got a new lease of life during 1979-1983 by Writer-Penciler Frank Miller. This trade collects the beginning of Miller’s legendary run starting with issue #158 when Miller first began penciling Roger Mc Kenzie’s scripts. He first drew Daredevil in Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #27–28 which guest stared Daredevil assisting a temporarily blinded Spider-Man. Miller then began Daredevil art duties beginning with issue Daredevil #158 and later took over from issue #168 where he introduced Elektra, who would go on to become a long time fan favorite character and staple of Daredevil universe. The majority of the book features mostly standalone stories with appearances from Natasha Romanoff/The Black Widow, The Hulk, Doc Ock and classic Daredevil villain The Gladiator, while lengthier three part stories arcs feature The Kingpin and Daredevil’s best and greatest adversary Bullseye. Investigative Reporter Ben Urich sets up a new relationship for Daredevil for many stories to come. The issues collected from February 1979 to July 1981 and contain a few noteworthy issues including; #158 first Frank Miller art of the Daredevil series, #168 Miller took over on the series and first appearance of Elektra and #170 the first appearance of The Kingpin to Daredevil comics and remains a big part of the Daredevil universe.

Miller brought many new aspects to the Daredevil series during his four year run. As an artist on issue #164 Miller which was a re-envisioning of Daredevil's origin story, the creation of ninja assassin Elektra and bringing Spider-Man villain Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin to the series, all these elements would be something Miller revisited during the retelling of origin story in his 1993 miniseries The Man Without Fear, which now incorporated included all these elements for the redefined Daredevil origin story with John Romita Jr. Elektra remains to be one of the greatest parts of the Miller’s time on the series. Her first appearance in Daredevil #168 marked in debut and first meeting with Matt Murdock during their college years. Although a single appearance Miller would later bring her back as presented in the second volume of this trade paperback series in a larger story arc that became one of the one of the highlights of Millers tenure as well as becoming on of the most iconic moments in comics. Miller’s inclusion of The Kingpin is a recurring foe connects to his later work on the series and character including Love and War, The Man Without Fear and the permanent classic Born Again.

These classic stories mark the start of Millers run on the character that reinvented the series. The series quickly evolved into a sprawling epic with riveting dramas and Miller infused the series with its noir tone that is now synonymous with the character. These are elements were still remaining for a long time after the torch was passed to new creative teams. He laid the groundwork for many years of stories to come and setting a darker tone for character which pretty much remained up until a 2011 relaunch from writer Mark Waid. This collection is a fantastic start to a new era for the character that influences had been felt all the way up to the current Daredevil series on Netflix. Daredevil Vol. 1 collects the beginning of Miller’s critically acclaimed series that brought the character to new level of heights fame and success. If you’re like me and a big Frank Miller fan, having already checked out the best of his other Daredevil work, its great going back to beginning of Miller’s initial run on the character. 

Since his creation by Stan Lee and Bill Everett in 1964, the work by Writer Artist Frank Miller became one the first major highlights of the characters lifespan. Miller’s influential tenure during the early 1980’s evaluated the character popularity as well as Miller’s own reputation. This collection is the begging of a new era for both; Comics legend Frank Miller and one best character’s in comics Daredevil. Daredevil by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Volume 1 is where Miller slowly sows the seeds for many of the iconic elements of the Daredevil mythos to come, starting off the most influential period for the character.

Avengers Age of Ultron - Movie Review

When Tony Stark jump starts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as they battle to save the planet from destruction at the hands of the villainous Ultron.

Avengers Age of Ultron is the much highly anticipated sequel of earth’s mightiest heroes. The movie follows the elements of its predecessor in terms of action, scale and humor. It’s exactly what you expect. It defines your expectation rather than soaring above them like the most recent Marvel movies.

The Avengers are now a fully functioning independent unit, the opening battle shows how they now fight together as a team. Captain America and co. launch an assault on Baron Von Strucker’s castle, the last of the HYDRA strongholds. It’s during this assault we meet two important characters; Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, the twins glimpsed during the credits of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They are the catalyst for much of the conflict to come. Wanda along with her super-fast twin brother Pietro attack the Avengers, causing them to see their worst fears brought to life. Wanda’s ability to get inside their heads and exposing their fears and weaknesses leaves a lasting impact. So much so that when Iron Man/Tony Stark retrieves Loki's scepter from the castle he see’s this as the key to implementing he and Bruce Banner’s goal of Artificial Intelligence, an initiative for Stark’s global peace keeping force serving as a means to help save the world from potential alien invasions. With its creation, Ultron is born, the sentient A.I. see’s the only way of truly protecting the earth is to eradicate humanity. What follows continues to an action packed, dramatic and highly enjoyable Avengers sequel, faced with a menacing threat giving the movie a darker and more ominous tone. Hawkeye’s role is much more expanded than last time, he’s a prominent hero in this movie. Natasha Romanov and Bruce Banner develop a romance. Thor takes a mild detour to fully understand his vision of events to come and Tony Stark continues to fulfill his ideals of the modern world while Steve Rodgers furthers his feelings as a man out of time trying to do the right thing in an increasingly complicated world. Our hero’s fearful visions give them each something to deal with. Hulk goes on the rampage that prompts the arrival of the Hulkbuster amour that is earlier than expected, which adds to the enjoyment.

Ultron is one of the most well known and recognizable of Avengers villains, here he can feel like the evil doppelganger of Iron Man/Tony Stark, his motivations, his technology and its humor is unexpectedly sarcastic. Vision is late addition to the team, he has great presence and it’s a character that an audience can quickly like. The characters appearance is largely practical consisting of old school effects with minor CGI elements, which is a nice touch to movie such as this. You instantly like the character that also provides one of the greatest moments of the movie.

Avengers Age of Ultron is immensely enjoyable but it does not reach the heights that comic book films can achieve. It satisfies as the sequel to its predecessor, one of the biggest superhero films ever nor does it have the impact as previous Marvel phase two movies particularly Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It does sustain the high quality for the 11th movie in the franchise whilst setting up future movies primarily Thor’s next solo movie Thor: Ragnarok and the third Avengers movie Infinity War. It’s a victim of its own success, the first Avengers film achieved so much, it was the culmination of four years of meticulous planning that proved to be a massive hit and one of the best superhero movies ever.

While it lacks have the shock element of previous installments of the franchise it does continue to be every bit as enjoyable and exciting as you could hope. It’s a smaller step forward than recent movies that doesn't attempt to re-write the superhero movie formula. Avengers in 2012 just achieved so much and was unlike anything we’d seen before. Avengers Age of Ultron is amazing and brilliant, a 5 star movie that doesn't fully achieve what comic book movies have done in recent years.

Daredevil Volume 7 Review

Daredevil tangles with monsters, the Jester and the white supremacists group; Sons of the Serpent in this final chapter of Mark Waid’s three year much acclaimed run on the Man Without Fear; Daredevil. This final trade paperback features art by Chris Samnee, Jason Copland and Javier Rodriguez throughout issues #31 – 36.

The concluding collection of Waid’s 2011 series is consistently entertaining and brilliant throughout, the story continues as Foggy goes through his treatment and Matt continues to lead his double life of running the law firm and being the crimson clad vigilante. At lest he’s got a replacement to help with one on his careers as Kristen Mc Duffie returns, bringing back romance into the forefront to Matt’s life. An early interaction between Matt and Foggy provides one of the funniest moments of the series but it very quickly goes into a very serious territory as Daredevil takes on something that is different from his usual super villain antagonist. A riot instigated by the media manipulations of the Jester working on behalf of the Sons of the Serpent. It’s a more realistic problem than we've been used to and maintains that the story feels fresh and being a great chance of pace.

Members of the white supremacist group are hidden everywhere in plain sight across New York and even hidden within the justice system. They've employed the Jester to help prompt riots and spread their message of hate throughout the city. In an attempt to stop the group Matt seeks to learn more and his investigation leads him down South crossing paths with the Legion of Monsters. Their inclusion of the monsters is a slightly kookier element to the series but Waid makes it work, it injects some variety and who better to reveal the occult origins of the serpents than these monsters whose own origins come from the occult.

It deftly mixes action with moments of serious, cultural insight .The story approaches a thrilling climax as Matt is faced with some hard choices, things get darker and more intense for Matt Murdock. It also continues to inject humor and fun to the character that has been really put through the worst of times of his life, adhering to the initial approach of the series.The drama, the twists, the turns all takes place in this final chapter of this acclaimed run, making Daredevil one of the greatest and best superhero comics, returning the vigilante hero to his former glory Making one of the best Daredevil series since Frank Milller and Brian Michael Bendis’s earlier runs.

The final issue does have that grand series finale feel to it, Matt’s revelation in the story’s conclusion is felt throughout the Marvel universe. This story arc was a great end to a fantastic series, Mark Waid wrapped up his run in a satisfying ending. Few superhero books have kept the consistent high level of quality that Daredevil has these past few years, for 36 issues this series has been one of the best monthly superhero comic around. To call it amazing doesn't really give you the full scope of how good it is, but it must be said: Daredevil is amazing, describing it as monumental probably doesn't do it justice. From the very first issue Mark Waid gave this series a new direction and tone that was a brighter and more adventurous Daredevil that, at times, felt like the heart of the Marvel Universe.

Collected over seven trade paperbacks this era of Daredevil comes to an end,the series focused a lot on Matt Murdock, the legal practice and the nature of his abilities. The creators also sought to bring out the swashbuckling namesake of Daredevil, becoming more daring and adventurous than before. We’re reminded that his abilities are both a blessing and a curse, the stories never feel stale, Waid gives the readers enough innovations to keep his stories feeling fresh and creative. The shift in tone both narratively and visually continued to open the character and his stories to more possibilities than just crime noir which had characterized the horned hero for decades. a character so used to be steeped in darkness, constantly getting knocked down, he reached a turning point, changing his attitude to what he had to deal with, giving a more upbeat and positive spin on the character’s perspective. Mark Waid’s run had a good balance of lighter fun moments and dark tense moments, which always made it an exciting and exhilarating series easily making it one the best superhero comic book around. I've never read a series from issue #1 to its end, It is a stellar series.

What you expected was a bittersweet end to an amazing series, the sad poignant cover art of the final issue, that even has an the inscription “DD vol.3 2011 – 2013” hidden along with the names of previous Daredevil creators makes it all feel like the end, only its not. Thankfully it would continue onto a new series for 2014 with the same creative team returning starting again at #1 as Matt Murdock takes on the next part of his adventure that had been set up in the final pages of this story arc. It will be exciting to see that gives way to what will hopefully be an equally fantastic series. I bide my time though I’ll wait and get back into previous successful runs on Daredevil by Frank Miller and later by Brian Michael Bendis. For three years Mark Waid’s take gave a very different and unique approach on the Daredevil, sustaining his reputation as one of my favorite and most underrated comic book characters. 

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.