Reviews

Detective Comics Issue #869

Written by: David Hine

Art by: Scott McDaniel

 

This is the penultimate issue of David Hine and Scott McDaniel’s Batman: Imposters story, and I am coming around to both the story and the art. The first issue was a shock to me. After a series of stories like Greg Rucka’s Batwoman and David Hine’s Beneath the Mask (which wrapped up the excellent Arkham Reborn miniseries), this arc felt almost old-fashioned…and not in a good way. I think the most distracting element was Scott McDaniel’s art, which is ultra-cartoony and exaggerated, which, to be honest, reminds me of when he used to pencil in the “Chuck Dixon” era of the 90’s. Having started reading comics after having passed adolescence, reading Chuck Dixon’s books now doesn’t have the same effect as if I would have read them when I was younger. It’s not that I dislike them; they just don’t seem as honest or heartfelt to me as the more modern (in Batman terms, after Rucka and Ed Brubaker joined in) take on comic book writing.

Now that I have finished with that extremely tangential aside: Batman Detective Comics #869. The first issue of the arc may have reminded me of another time, but by issue three I am really getting into the story and at least my interest is being held. I find myself staring at the art less and thinking more about the characters. Who, for example, are the imposter versions of Batman and the Joker? How is this war going to play out? Interesting stuff.

-Paul

 

First Wave Issue #4

Written by: Brian Azzarello

Art by: Rags Morales

 

Oh my goodness, a First Wave that I actually understood what was going on (for the most part). I think I am showing my ignorance in Golden Age characters, because on the whole, I don’t know who most of these characters are, and I think Brian Azzarello believes I should. Of course I know about Batman and Black Canary (who has yet to appear), and I have a rudimentary knowledge of the Blackhawks, Doc Savage and the Spirit, but beyond that, I’m clueless.

With this issue though, some of the puzzle pieces started to come together, like the involvement and scope of the Golden Tree, which has become a fascinating mystery. I’m really looking forward to the next issue (hopefully with some Black Canary action).

-Paul

 

Green Arrow Issue #4

Written by: J.T. Krul

Art by: Diogenes Neves

 

After my recent entry on the current state of Green Arrow, I was pleased with this issue. The beginning was a rehash of the Brightest Day events involving Martian Manhunter’s mission, but after that J.T. got right back to the matter at hand. I am interested in what’s going on with the forest, but the uproar within Star City is much juicier with its riots and creepy police force. The scorned villain, Isabel Rochev was back to meddling in Ollie’s affairs. Evan, the new journalist sidekick, made a quick appearance. He was only in two frames, but he has great chemistry with Ollie and he makes me smile. The real question though is…who is sitting in Isabel’s office? Does Ollie have a half sister? Has Mia gone to dark side? My first inclination was no, but now I have to say I’m teetering. However, if it is her, she has an ulterior motive. Speedy will save the day, I have to believe that.

-Jac