BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #3 (OF 3)

Written by Tony Daniel

Art by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea

Covers by Tony Daniel

And the new Batman is….. Spoilers below.

BFTC is “almost” done, next week’s “Gotham Gazette: Batman Alive” bookends the series (with the first issue Gotham Gazette: Batman Dead? Being the precursor) and finishes off the story. Then June sees the launch of the “New Batman and Robin”, in addition to the newly shaken up status quo in Gotham, old series with new spins returning, and several new series launching.

Nightwing (AKA Richard “Dick” Grayson), is finally putting everything together and acting more pro-active than playing clean-up as disasters strike Gotham. He realizes that Two Face and Penguin going to war not only makes no sense, the destruction of Gotham and its financial institutions also cuts off their “criminal” funding and activities. Nightwing then meets up with the “Network” (featured below) and task’s them with finding the answers to the questions previously mentioned.

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Owlman (Roy Raymond JR), Katana, Geo-Force, Halo, Creeper (Jack Ryder), Knight, Wildcat, Manhunter (Kate) Nightwing, Lady Blackhawk, Ragman, Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)

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Black Canary (Dinah Lance), Metamorpho, Black Lightning, Huntress, Lynx, Misfit

Dick goes after Tim (who was last seen stabbed in the chest by Jason with a Batarang) as Oracle (Barbra Gordon) tracks him via the transponder in the old Bat-Suit he’s wearing. In his internal monologue while racing to Tim’s rescue, he also reveals Bruce’s last message to him was to “Stay away from the cape and cowl”. Bruce believed Nightwing and Robin would be enough to reign in Gotham’s criminal element (though to me it seems a bit odd and short sided, knowing how Bruce built Batman to be a symbol against the criminal element).

Meanwhile, Commissioner James Gordon and detective Harvey Bullock stand and watch the military pour into Gotham city as a result of Two Face’s “attack” (though Dent wasn’t behind the attacks, as it was Firefly and Jane Doe under Black Mask’s orders). As Jim laments how he’s lost Gotham, the military forces put Gotham on lockdown and occupation, until they can find Dent and stem the chaos.

Back at the Batcave, Damian (recovering from injuries) attempts to beat Alfred unconscious (again! Beat Alfred once, shame on him, beat Alfred twice, well…) and “key” a freshly locked down Batmobile. Realizing Damian is going to go out regardless of his condition, Alfred hands him the Robin costume (he’s worn previously) and sends him out with Squire (of Knight and Squire, the Batman/ Robin respectively of the UK) as putting him on a bit of a leash.

As we get a bit of a news montage via on the scene reporter Vicki Vale (now a TV news reporter) regarding Gotham’s current “disaster”, we’re re-introduced to forgotten character “Batman Jones” (more on him in the near future). Then the scene segues into Black Mask watching the report, his mask removed but shadows cover his identity. He speaks to himself (we assume, as no one else is seen) in “dual person” referring to sacrifices made, and the beginning of a master plan.

Dick tracks down Jason’s “Batcave” in order to find Tim and stop Jason. While the fight ensues, it breaks briefly as Dick delivers a message from Bruce to Jason stating that he was Bruce’s “Biggest failure” and now wants to help him heal from a “secret” the two of them shared, and should have not “kept”. I’ve heard a lot of speculation regarding said “secret”, but I almost wonder if it’s referring to the rapist he killed (you’re welcome to debate this, but I’m 100% sure he killed him) back in Batman #424, right before the “fans” killed him off.

Skipping way ahead, Dick defeats Jason after a fight atop a moving train. As Jason clings to dear life on the edge of the train tracks, Dick once again extends his hand to help him. Out of spite, Jason hurls himself from the ledge metaphorically spitting in his face while cryptically remarking “I’ll be seeing you sooner than you think.”. We assume he fell to his death in the water below, but we’ve seen many before go this way and return (matter of fact, I believe this was the Joker’s signature move in several of his “deaths”).

Dick finally comes through and dons the cowl in the final pages. Honestly, I feel it was a missed opportunity not having Dick fight Jason as the new Batman. It would have been more dramatic and added a dichotomy in the yin/yang between the two, and their own respective philosophies as individual Batmen. Back to Dick, we see the ending of the series really as the beginning of the New Batman and Robin era (more on that below).

In retrospect, I find myself with more questions than answers with the final issue. And questions I’m not sure will get answered? Ultimately, it will be up to the creative teams on the books as to whether or not the threads get picked up and woven back in.

Three things specifically I’m curious to know- Speculations on!

1. Who is the Black Mask? As far as I can tell, it’s not Jason or Harvey Dent/ Two Face (as I originally suspected). And why did black Mask destroy Gotham? And what’s his “larger” plan? Could he be Hush/ Tommy Elliot/ Faux Bruce Wayne, using Bruce’s plans to set the Gangs of Gotham at each other (like “War Games”)? Plus, he implanted radio controlled chemical triggers to kill anyone who went against his orders (Tommy is a surgeon after all). Also, with a military presence in Gotham, it may in fact make it easer for Tommy to operate as Bruce as he could “acquire” military protection against any “superheroes” that come his way by using Wayne Industries. Even if the Bat-Family tries to wrest control away, it’s going to be hard to do without producing a “body” proving Wayne’s dead.

As for why he’s speaking in “dual” person though I’ve no idea and may throw this idea out the window. As it stands though, he’s still my most likely suspect.

2. Jason Todd is messed up, really messed up! Something from his past that Bruce and Jason both knew, I mentioned previously it could have been the murder, but what if it isn’t? If it is something dating back to before Bruce was around, it’s either abusive in nature, or perhaps psychosis passed on from parents to son.

And what if it is in fact the parents? From what we know, Jason discovered his “birth” mother wasn’t in fact Catherine Todd, rather he discovered his mother was really Sheila Heywood, a doctor who was in cahoots with the Joker. From everything she told Jason about his “birth” sounded shady at best, she also turned him over to the Joker, “we only assume for him to “take care of” in a mafia kinda’ way.

With all the lies and deception, what if Jason’s father wasn’t in fact Willis Todd (a small time hood killed by Two Face)? And if so, who was his father?

I’m going out on a limb here, but could it be that Jason the Joker’s “son”? That would explain quite a bit, from Death in the Family, all the way to BftC (especially the laughing psycho part). Even his anger during “The Red Hood” arc where he returned, beat the Joker nearly to death, and was “furious” to find him still alive. Could there be more to it than simply wanting Joker dead due to his own death at his hands?

3. Where was the Joker while Gotham was burning?? He apparently had something to do with the Arkham Inmates being removed from the Asylum (perhaps the events in RIP?). I find it hard to believe with the carnage going on and the “rumors” of the “Death of the Dark Knight” he’d sit this one out. I know there are plans to have Joker show up late in the Batman and Robin series, but I can’t see him disappearing for that long.

Agree? Disagree? Have your own speculations? Make your voice heard and post your thoughts!

Before we go into this weeks books, lets look at June’s Bat books post Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman era “Begins”.

All info provided by dccomics.com

On 6/3/2009, first title released is-

BATMAN AND ROBIN #1

Written by Grant Morrison

Art and Cover by Frank Quitely:

Variant Cover by JG Jones

Sketch variant cover by Frank Quitely

“Batman Reborn” begins here! With the reunited team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, WE3,New X-Men), this first issue kicks off a 3-part story arc that can’t be missed! The new Dynamic Duo hit the streets with a bang in their new flying Batmobile as they face off against an assemblage of villains called the Circus of Strange. They also tackle their first mission investigating a child who’s been abducted by the mysterious Domino Killer. But will everything go smoothly? And who exactly are the new Batman and Robin? The newest era of The Dark Knight begins here!

Then on 6/10/2009-

BATMAN #687

Written by Judd Winick

Art by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter

Cover by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea

Variant Cover by JG Jones

In this special epilogue to BATTLE FOR THE COWL, new BATMAN writer Judd Winick rejoins the Bat Family! This 40-page issue explores the final moments of the Battle for the Cowl as the new Batman learns that winning the Cowl comes at a high price! Witness the new Batman taking to the streets of Gotham City for the first time! Putting a new man inside the Bat-suit was the easy part – now the fun begins! Guest-starring Superman and Wonder Woman, this issue is a must-read for any Batman fan.

RED ROBIN #1

Written by Christopher Yost

Art by Ramon Bachs

Cover by Francis Manapul

Variant Cover by JG Jones

Writer Chris Yost (New X-Men, X-Force) and artist by Ramon Bachs (Civil War: Front Line) kick off a brand-new ongoing series right here with “The Grail” part 1 of 4! Following the aftermath of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, a new Batman watches over Gotham City. But not everyone is ready to give up on the old one. Someone believes that Bruce Wayne may still be alive…and that someone is Red Robin. But who is wearing the Red Robin costume, and why is he traveling the globe looking for a dead man? Whoever he is, he’s not alone in his search!

6/17/2009 sees the release of-

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #1

Written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko

Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs and Georges Jeanty and Karl Story

Cover by Dustin Nguyen

Variant Cover by JG Jones

An all-new Batman series by the DETECTIVE COMICS creative team of Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen! As a new Batman rises on the streets of Gotham City, the heroes, villains and citizens take notice. How will the police feel about this new Batman, and can he control the crime in Gotham the way the old Batman did?

This new series also features a regular ongoing co-feature starring Manhunter written by Marc Andreyko and illustrated by Georges Jeanty (Buffy Season 8)! Kate Spencer lost a friend during the chaos of BATTLE FOR THE COWL, and now she wants payback. As usual, she’ll use any means necessary to get it

Finally, on 6/24/2009-

DETECTIVE COMICS #854

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by JH Williams and Cully Hamner

Cover by JH Williams

Variant Cover by JG Jones

“Elegy” part 1 of 4! A new era in the history of DETECTIVE COMICS begins as Batwoman is unleashed on Gotham City! Marked by the blood-red bat, Kate Kane is a soldier fighting her own private war – one that began years ago and haunts her every waking moment. With a script by Greg Rucka and breath-taking art by JH Williams III, you’ve never seen anything like this!

Featuring the debut of a new co-feature starring The Question written by Rucka! Odds against you? Alone and nowhere to turn? Willing to fight, but you don’t know how? When you’re searching everywhere for an answer, sometimes all you need to do is ask the right Question. Renee Montoya again dons the faceless mask to help those in need, all the while searching for her own answers in this new adventure with art by Cully Hamner (BLUE BEETLE).

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1

Written by Paul Dini

Art and Cover by Guillem March

Variant Cover by JG Jones

This all-new series features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people’s rules regardless of which side of the law they’re on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that’s all their own, and they’ll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way? DETECTIVE COMICS and STREETS OF GOTHAM writer Paul Dini kicks off this brand-new ongoing series with amazing artwork by Guillem March (JOKER’S ASYLUM: POISON IVY, GOTHAM GAZETTE).

NEW DC COMICS AVAILABLE ON 5/27/2009 (note, due to the Memorial Day holiday, Diamond shipments will not his stores until Thursday the 28^th)

DC/ JOHNNY DC

* BATMAN IN BARCELONA: DRAGON’S KNIGHT

* BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #5

* BAYOU VOL. 1

* CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #57

* DC COMICS CLASSICS LIBRARY: ROOTS OF THE SWAMP THING

* FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: INK #1 (OF 6)

* GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN ALIVE

* GREEN LANTERN #41

* JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #33

* JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #27

* THE LAST DAYS OF ANIMAL MAN #1 (OF 6)

* ROBIN: THE TEEN WONDER

* THE SPIRIT #28

* STATIC SHOCK: REBIRTH OF THE COOL

* SUPERMAN #688

* TEEN TITANS #71

* TRINITY #52

* TRINITY VOL. 1

* WONDER WOMAN #32

* WONDER WOMAN: LOVE AND MURDER

VERTIGO

* INCOGNEGRO

* THE LITERALS #2 (OF 3)

* MADAME XANADU #11

* NORTHLANDERS #17

WILDSTORM

* FRINGE #5 (OF 6)

* RESISTANCE #6 (OF 6)

* STARCRAFT #1

* WILDCATS #11

* WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER

Check out DC Comics at- dccomics.com for more news and info, and be sure to check out DC’s blog, The Source for previews and teases.

As always, thanks for reading!

AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK KNIGHT #3 (OF 3)

Fabian Nicieza (Writer)

Frazer Irving (Artist)

Guillem March (Cover Artist)

If murder and suicide are sins before God, then what if you were asked to kill in the name of God and by doing so, it would ultimately kill you? To reclaim his damaged soul, to redeem the mistakes of his past and to make a difference in a Gotham City that has been torn apart by the death of The Dark Knight, Azrael must make a fateful decision – become a hero and die, serving in Heaven or reject the opportunity and live, damned to suffer in Hell.

And while large issues of life and death, morality and eternal salvation are weighed, Azrael must also confront the two parties interested in regaining the Suit of Sorrows: Talia al Ghul and Nightwing!

Issue three ends the mini series introducing the new Azrael (former Dr. Hurt created Batman) to the DCU, and it ends on a bit of a limp note for me.

After last issues “Cliffhanger” with Nightwing, Dick and Azrael exchange dialogue with Michael explaining he didn’t kill the cop as he’s a former officer himself. Dick believes him, Drug Ex Machina’s his memory to forget the Batcave (and all the “Bat-Stuff, also explaining what happened to all the ninjas and new criminals from the tail end of Morrison’s last Bruce Wayne/ Batman arc). Dick lets him keep the newly acquired gear, despite the warning that it’s cursed, and the character is set up for future stories.

Over all, I wish this could have been done in an oversized one-shot in 40 so pages. As a “Secret Origin” of sorts, I don’t think it really needed to be a full three issues, and it may have served the character better in a shorter and tighter story. True, there’s a lot of exposition going on with the “Orders” and the League of Assassins and beautiful artwork to boot, but with all the characters surrounding the title character, I don’t really feel Michael Lane had much time to shine.

With the introduction now done and the promise of a new series, hopefully we’ll see more of the character rather than the circumstances surrounding him. Regardless, I still like this Azrael far more than the previous Jean Paul Valley.

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: ESCAPE #1 (OF 6)

Ivan Brandon (W)

Marco Rudi (A)

Scott Hampton (C)

In this all-new 6-issue miniseries, Nemesis awakens to find himself held captive by the Global Peace Agency inside the walls of the mysterious Electric City. His fellow prisoners are all members of the superhuman intelligence community, and they’re subjected to systematic torture in an attempt to siphon the secrets of the DC Universe heroes in an effort to destroy them. As Nemesis works to escape, he finds few people he can truly trust. But nothing could prepare him for the hideous truth behind his situation!

Head trip to say the least. In both writing and art.

Remixing Kirby’s DCU contributions for the 21^st century has resulted in the mining of some of “The King’s” greatest concepts and creations. True, if internet message boards are any indication of success, it’s been a mixed bag of results (of which I may not necessarily agree with).

“Escape” is touted as a DCU version of “The Prisoner”, big shoes to fill considering the show was one of the greatest Sci-Fi concepts to ever be on broadcast television. On another interesting “Prisoner” note, Kirby had in fact completed pages for a Prisoner comic issue (assumed to be a licensed series) for the “other publisher” across town. Unfortunately, the issue never saw completion (though 17 pages exist) and Kirby moved on to DC, where he explored similar themes within OMAC, Kamandi, and his “4^th World Saga” (New Gods).

Much like “Number Six”, Thomas “Tom” Tresser AKA Nemesis is drugged while feeding his cat, awaking in unfamiliar surroundings but wearing his familiar “Union Suit”. He finds himself being surrounded by three “Lila” model “Build-A-Friend” Psudo-People (android automatons) who offer to be his “Friend” while serving him his favorite breakfast. Then things get really bizarre!

(for more info on Psudo-People, pick up JACK KIRBY’S O.M.A.C.: ONE MAN ARMY CORPS HC at your local comic shop)

As things get really trippy, Tom encounters a faceless Global Peace Agent (GPA) who states that they’re all “Big Fans” of Nemesis. It also appears that Tom’s not the only guest of the GPA, as he encounters Amanda Waller, Count Vertigo, Rick Flag (all of whom are fellow Suicide Squad alumni), Cameron Chase (of the highly underrated “Chase” series) and others, including a new type of OMAC. After the OMAC informs Tom, Chase, and a unnamed man that they are not in fact prisoners, one of those three finds themselves involved in a gruesome fate involving trying to leave (two hints, one, the person who gets it isn’t “named”, and second, no one “kills” said person).

Mysteries aside, I wonder how this will all tie into Final Crisis, the Question (last seen as a GPA) and the new “Kirby Earth”

SECRET SIX #9

Gail Simone (W)

Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood (A)

Not one, but two members of the Secret Six feel they deserve to wear Batman’s cowl, and they return to Gotham City with a semi-delusional Ragdoll determined to be the new Boy Wonder! Unfortunately, everybody in Gotham has other plans!

A fine little self contained jaunt of violence and mayhem, despite the “pure” and “heroic intentions of Catman, Bane and “Boy/Girl Wonder” Ragdoll. Often writers are thrust into crossover events beyond their control, and not unlike Garth Ennis’ run on Hitman, Gail manages to take the “Battle for the Cowl” backdrop and use it as a vehicle for the “two of Six” with connections to Batman in a great stand alone issue.

The boys night in Gotham sees them “protecting” the families of “Capitalists” targeted for kidnapping and extortion with their children (something the Six members got wind of when the job was offered to them). Out of Bane’s sensibilities regarding “saving the innocent children” and a motive to “make good” in respects to Batman and what he stood for, the two debate back and forth whether or not either of them would make a good replacement Batman (whereas Ragdoll has already christened himself as a new Robin).

Even amongst the “black-humored” carnage, there’s still great site gags and dialog in references to the Batman Legacy. As they leave the scene of the first attempted kidnapping, the three are seen walking up the wall via rope in a nod to the Adam West/ Burt Ward Batman show of the 60’s. As always, the issue is brutal mayhem, violence and black humor at it’s finest.

Solicitation info via- dccomics.com

DC COMICS AVAILABLE ON 5/20/2009

DC/ JOHNNY DC

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #3 (OF 3)

* BATMAN: MAD LOVE AND OTHER STORIES

* BOOSTER GOLD VOL. 1: 52 PICK-UP

* THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #23

* FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: DANCE #1 (OF 6)

* GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #20

* THE OUTSIDERS #18

* RANN/THANAGAR HOLY WAR VOL. 1

* SCOOBY-DOO #144

* SUPERGIRL #41

* SUPERMAN/BATMAN #60

* SUPERMAN: ENDING BATTLE

* TINY TITANS #16

* TINY TITANS VOL. 2: ADVENTURES IN AWESOMENESS

* TRINITY #51

* VIGILANTE #6

VERTIGO

* AIR #9 (MAY-20)

* HELLBLAZER #255

* JACK OF FABLES #34

* TRANSMETROPOLITAN VOL. 2: LUST FOR LIFE

WILDSTORM

* EX MACHINA #42

* GEARS OF WAR #7

* HEROES VOL. 2

* KILLAPALOOZA #1 (OF 6) Preview Available

* MYSTERIUS: THE UNFATHOMABLE #5 (OF 6)

* RESIDENT EVIL #2 (OF 6)

* WORLD OF WARCRAFT #19

Check out dccomics.com for more DC news and info, including their blog, The Source!

And as always, thanks for reading!

SEAGUY: THE SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #2 (OF 3)

Seaguy: the Slaves of Mickey Eye I’d like to say is better than the first series, but really that’s not fair regarding the fact that it’s the second act of a three act story. For some reason though, this “arc” resonates with me more than the original (perhaps due to the initial set up in the first series). As mad as the world is that Seaguy inhabits, it’s pretty identifiable in a realistic way, if slightly over the top.

Following on the heels of escape with Treeguy, Peaguy, and Threeguy (new hero(es) inspired by Seaguy), you can’t escape the sense of dread as no matter what, SG has no control over his world or situation. “Brother Eye” sees all and knows all, even when SG is turned into the new hero Viva! El Macho, Dresser of Bulls.

Ignoring the surrealism, conspiracy plot, and ghost fish, the issue really delves into personal identity, not unlike “the Prisoner” (on crack if you can believe it in this case). SG struggles with who he is, what he should be doing, and where he belongs in the scheme of things, and feeling too small in the bigger picture. The series maintains a sad beauty, despite the ineffectual nature of the protagonist, yet he’s not a character to completely pity. Despite being a subject of Eye’s crazy ex-superhero society and mostly being trapped throughout his adventures, you still want him to come out of it all OK. Go Seaguy, GO!

DC COMICS FOR 5/13/2009

DC/ Johnny DC

* ACTION COMICS #877

* AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK KNIGHT #3 (OF 3)

* BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #29

* BATMAN: SCARECROW AND TWO-FACE YEAR ONE

* BOOSTER GOLD #20

* CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #37

* FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: ESCAPE #1 (OF 6)

* GREEN LANTERN CORPS #36

* THE HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE-NEW PRINTING

* LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES: ENEMY MANIFEST

* ORACLE: THE CURE #3 (OF 3)

* R.E.B.E.L.S. #4

* SECRET SIX #9

* SHOWCASE PRESENTS: MARTIAN MANHUNTER VOL. 2

* SUPER FRIENDS #15

* SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON VOL. 1

* TITANS #13

* TRINITY #50

Vertigo

* FABLES #84

* HELLBLAZER: ROOTS OF COINCIDENCE

* HOUSE OF MYSTERY #13

* THE UNWRITTEN #1 Preview Available

* YOUNG LIARS #15

Wildstorm

* STORMING PARADISE #5 (OF 6)

* STORMWATCH PHD #21

As always, thanks for reading!

My brain is on official geek overload, with Free Comic Book Day (and reviews), Wolverine premiering this weekend, anticipation over seeing the new Star Trek movie (this Wednesday, I unfortunately missed the Saturday screening), and working on my own comics and things (found over at operationcomics.com), it’s been a looooooooong weekend.

Be that as it may, I still managed to find some time to hunker down and read this week’s haul of DC comics.

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE UNDERGROUND

Better than I’d expected, as much resistance as I had to the idea of Penguin attempting to take control as crime lord of Gotham, it’s actually working. Plus, my biggest concern being that Eddie Nigma, AKA the Riddler was going to go back to being another Batman stock-villain, as he’s a far greater character as a “celebrity” detective than he ever was bouncing back and forth in his villain style often presented as a Joker knock-off. He’s far more believable as he is now in addition to being somewhat sympathetic as a not necessarily heroic for the right reasons crime-solver.

Also following that theme, it’s great to see Harley, Holly (former Catwoman stand-in), Ivy, and Selena team up as a Scooby gang to solve the myriad of mysteries floating about in a post-Bruce Gotham.

And in brief

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #4 (OF 5)

If you don’t know by now, I can hardly be blamed for spoilers. The “plan” going back some time in DCU comes to fruition with the return of an “S” clad hero previously taking a dirt-nap. But that’s not the only twist…

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #26

As sad as it is to see this title go, it was the greatest ending to the run in the best way possible. Touching and really focusing on what the JSA is all about, it’s going to be hard to even come close to the greatness of the series when the new teams take over.

BATGIRL NEWS!

Over on The Source (http://dcublog.dccomics.com), speculations are already running amuck on “Who’s that Batgirl”?

Frankly, your guess is as good as mine. With all the rampant speculation, who are the usual suspects? Here are the suggestions I’ve been hearing.

Betty Kane (Formerly Flamebird, currently???)

Barbra Gordon (Former Batgirl, current Oracle appearing in Oracle: The Cure)

Casandra Cain (Current Batgirl? Curently appering in Battle for the Cowl?)

Stephanie Brown (Former Spoiler, former Robin. Curently Spoiler???)

Helena Bertinelli (Currently Huntress, former Batgirl)

Vicki Vale (Former girlfriend of former beau Bruce Wayne, currently reporting news)

Charlotte “Charlie” Gage-Radcliffe (Yes, another albeit “briefly” Batgirl, currently Misfit)

Regardless who’s picked, someones gonna be disappointed (I’m hoping for Betty teaming up w’ Batwoman, or Barbra for different reasons). We’ll just have to wait and see.

Now, on to this week’s comics!

DC Comics available on 5/6/2007

DC/ JOHNNY DC

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE NETWORK

* BATMAN: THE RESURRECTION OF RA’S AL GHUL

* DEAD ROMEO #2 (OF 6)

* FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN! #1 (OF 6)

* THE FLASH PRESENTS: MERCURY FALLING

* THE FLASH: REBIRTH #2 (OF 5)

* GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

* JONAH HEX #43

* JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE SECOND COMING

* LOONEY TUNES #174

* THE MIGHTY #4

* POWER GIRL #1

* SOLOMON GRUNDY #3 (OF 7)

* STRANGE ADVENTURES #3 (OF 8)

* SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #6

* SUPERMAN: ESCAPE FROM BIZARRO WORLD

* SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #3 (OF 12)

* TRINITY #49

* THE WARLORD #2

VERTIGO

* BANG! TANGO #4 (OF 6)

* SEAGUY: THE SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #2 (OF 3)

* Y: THE LAST MAN: THE DELUXE EDITION VOL. 2

* YOUNG LIARS #15

WILDSTORM

* ASTRO CITY: DARK AGE BOOK 3 #1 (OF 4)

* THE AUTHORITY #10

* POINT BLANK-NEW EDITION

* PROTOTYPE #2 (OF 6)

As always, thanks for reading!

Goodnight Batman, JLA gets it back together, and speculations on “Who wants to be the next Batman” in this weeks Monitor Tapes.

DETECTIVE COMICS #853

(W) Neil Gaiman

(A) Andy Kubert and Scott Williams

Mixed reactions from fans of Batman regarding this final issue of the two part finally of “Whatever happened to the Caped Crusader?” On the one hand, you’ve got the Dark Knight/ Frank Miller Batman fans who expect a hard and gritty real-esque ending for Bruce Wayne (which they’ve gotten a few times, even in this story). Then there’s the Batman fans that like every other specific version of Batman (too numerous to list individually, really how many Batmen have we seen over the years?) and understand that he had a history prior to “Year One”. Realistically though, either way this book is a great read and you should in fact just sit down, relax and enjoy it.

Whatever the reason you read Batman comics, Gaiman manages to acknowledge every version, every “imaginary” story, and every “death” of Batman/ Bruce Wayne in his 70 years worth of stories, including comics, TV, film and more. Andy Kubert manages to beautifully render multiple versions of batman from many stiles and eras in addition to Bruce’s family, friends, and foes. The two part story is as much a send off to Batman as it is a celebration of the man motivated by a horrible tragedy.

I also found it interesting to note that the tale Ra’s al Ghul spins regarding the death of “the Detective” is factual (in the context of Batman’s comic series) in which he explains that Batman was finally taken down by the sting of a desert scorpion (originating in Batman #244). This of course makes me wonder if in fact every death in the story actually has a story counterpart, and how long it will take me to track down every single story to synch it too.

(If I can let my geek show for a minute, I’m more convinced that Talia slipped Bruce a “Lazarus Pit Juice Mickey” as opposed to a anti-toxin, of course that opens an entirely new can of worms if true…perhaps his “body” is only partially dead, despite the coming “Blackest Night, or is that Blackest Knight?)

In a way, it’s very Baron Münchhausen–esque in how his surreal funeral is handled. As Bruce remains his own personal “Doubting Thomas” to witness those close to him in life tell “tall tales” regarding his demise, despite the fact it’s all coming from his own mind. As a skeptic, atheist, and rationalist, Bruce “deduces” that he’s in fact unconscious and severally hurt, if not moments away from death (though just like when Superman died, if Death doesn’t show up, then I don’t buy it as “Death”). Also, within the confines of Darksied’s Omega Beam effects, Bruce is in fact destined to relive his life over and over again, I don’t know if this was an intentional influence on the story, but it works perfectly regarding the events of his death in Final Crisis.

I’ll admit, I read this a couple of times, as the first read I devoured the story without taking more time to really absorb both the words and art. It’s rare I find myself giving a new book multiple reads in one setting, even more so re-reading over and over during the course of several days. In the end, whether you agree with the demise of Bruce Wayne who was the Batman, you’ve got to admit this was a pretty fantastic read when all’s said and done. My only disappointment, viewing the sketch pages in the back of the book we see a drawing of Bat-Mite who didn’t make it into the story. As much as I like a more serious Batman, I wish Bat-Mite would have made it into the story, as I still love those old crazy Silver Age stories.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #32

(W) Dwayne McDuffie

(A) Rags Morales

While gearing up to write this review, I found come information regarding Dwayne McDuffie and the difficulties he’s had handling the series. Without going into specifics, as I’ve long suspected his JLA run has been worked around by events and new titles (like Final Crisis, Justice League), and storylines in other books as well.

Not that this news is all that shocking, anyone working in the comics industry as a writer at one of the major “shared universe” titles is bound to run into this type of situation. Titles are often at the whims of editors and other people working on other titles, most companies essentially have their universes written by committee. With that said, this is not a bad thing nor is “committee” a dirty word. It’s essential to the companies and their characters that they have diversity in talent and juggling stories, characters, and general continuity is a Herculean task in it’s self.

Despite these difficulties, McDuffie has handled the series well even with the restrictions placed upon him with other stories and events currently happening. Between Superman’s unavailability due to New Krypton, Wonder Woman’s crisis with Genocide and new champion of the Gods Olympian, Batman’s death, and Green Lantern Hal Jordan starting his own Justice League, it’s plain to see that some of the bigger guns being off the table cause difficulties when writing DC’s team “Flagship” title.

With the remaining rag-tag group of second and third-string characters in the JLA, the story has brought about an interesting story and character interaction/ dialogue. As a matter of fact, as we see in the page below, we get a current line-up-

Interesting to note even the members not active due to whatever situation,

which is great in it’s simplicity in presentation. Between a short snapshot and story dialogue, we get a quick recap on events more often left out in multi-issue arcs. In the hands of a lesser skilled writer, one can only imagine what would happen with the remaining roster. As I’ve said before, McDuffie is a great writer and even through it all, he’s still one of my favorite JLA writers, from the current title back to Justice League/ Justice League Unlimited (the animated series’).

Now, going back to the issue, the fallout of Black Canary “disbanding” the League, Superman drops in taking a break from “New Krypton” to question Dinah’s decision (as has been a theme with the “Trinity” in regards to her leadership role as JLA Chairman).

Meanwhile remaining JLAers, John Stewart (Green Lantern), Zatanna, Vixen, Dr. Light (Kimiyo Hoshi), and Firestorm (Jason Thomas Rusch) meet up in the “Secret Room” (one of the greatest new JLA additions) to discuss the future of the team.

Firestorm and Dr. Light follow up on the previous plot thread involving the Shadow Thief visiting him in Van Kull Maximum Security Prison. While pumping him for information while playing Good Cop/Bad Cop, things don’t go according to plan and set up the payoff we’ve been waiting for since the beginning of the storyline. How the current Team Roster will deal with this menace will be greatly anticipated on my end!

PURE UNADULTERATED SPECULATION- BATMAN BEYOND!

Now, be forewarned that I’m in fact not currently privy to any inside information regarding upcoming Batman series following Batman: Battle for the Cowl (though I’d like to be). Everything here is conclusions drawn on my own, from speculation, guessing,  and “Detective” work (a little Batman humor).

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I’d like to talk about my thoughts and speculation regarding Battle for the Cowl, upcoming Bat-Books (like Batman and Robin, Batman, ect), and DC solicitations for July 2009. I’m jumping in here despite June being the month for all the new titles and beginnings due to the second month revealing a bit more info.

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT BATMAN?

BATMAN AND ROBIN #2
(W) Grant Morrison
(A) Frank Quitely

“Batman Reborn” continues with the reteaming of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN, WE3, New X-Men)! In a blazing Gotham City police department, the new Batman and Robin face the bizarre, fighting freakshow that is the Circus of Strange and find that they don’t make as good a team as Batman had hoped! Meanwhile, the mysterious Sasha escapes from Professor Pyg and vows vengeance on the people who killed her father.

Speculation? Well, I think it’s a given we’re looking at Dick Grayson, former Robin/ Nightwing (also considering the Kryptonian Nightwing running around the DCU) as the inheritor of the “Cowl”. This series will feature Dick and Damien as Batman and Robin respectively, Dick maintaining the Batman legacy both fighting crime and training Bruce’s son as a surrogate father. With Damien’s penchant for being a spoiled brat and Dick’s steadfast morality and niceties, expect the new “Dynamic Duo” to but heads as the DC “Odd Couple they’re destined to be. Also, with the new set-up expect to see a flying Batmobile (about time too!), new and strange villains, and a wholly different Batman and Robin. Sounds like fun! Plus, it ties into Batman #666 for those of you paying attention!

BATMAN #688
(W) Judd Winick
(A) Mark Bagley & Art Thibert

There may be a new Batman in Gotham City, but that doesn’t mean the city wants him. As Two-Face and Penguin take measures to keep the new Dark Knight at bay, one of the archvillains makes a startling discovery about the new Caped Crusader. Plus, Batman trains the new Robin, and Mark Bagley starts a 4-issue stint as guest artist!

As the first covers for both Batman and Robin and Batman 687 show, we’ve got two different looking Batman, and I don’t think it’s due to artistic license. More likely than not, we’ll see two “Batmen” post BftC. My guess? As Dick will most likely be the Batman in “B & R”, my guess is this Batman will be Jason Todd, crazy, resurrected, murdering whack-job possibly cleaning up his act, or not.

I’d also say it’s not beyond reason that possibly Tim Drake could be under the cowl either, though I think two Robins operating as Batman is unlikely.

Back to the likely suspect, though the listing may state he’ll be training the new Robin, I’m not 100% sure he means “The New Batman” of the title. I may be reading too much into it, but the solicitation refers to a “New” Batman and “Batman, draw your own conclusions. Going back to Batman #666 (again!), Damien is seen in his “Who’s Who” style origin page shows a “Batman” dead at his feet (or “knees” if you want to get technical). So, whoever the Batman is, at some future point he’ll die and Wayne JR will have to take up the big job of caring on the family business.

He also mentions “I knew I’d never be as good as my dad or Dick Grayson.”, possibly negating my speculations if I’m too take the story as absolute cannon. One way or another, there’s a new Batman in town, we’ll have to wait and see who.

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #2
(W) Paul Dini (co-feature W) Marc Andreyko
(A) Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs (co-feature A) Georges Jeanty & Karl Story

In this second issue by the dynamic duo of Paul Dini (DETECTIVE COMICS) and Dustin Nguyen (BATMAN), Commissioner Gordon teams with the new Batman to combat the fiery threat that Firefly has spread across Gotham City. And to make matters worse, the mysterious adversary known only as Abuse makes his presence felt!

Meanwhile, in the Manhunter co-feature, now that Kate Spencer is the new District Attorney of Gotham City, will she use her legal power or her Super Hero identity to find the killer of the previous D.A.?

More new Batman! From what I know, the series will be more about the people surrounding Batman’s life as well as a “man on the street” view of him. How Dini will tackle the current Dark Knight is of great interest, despite not being a book specific to the title character. Speculation is the same for B & R above.

DETECTIVE COMICS #855
(W) Greg Rucka
(A) JH Williams III (co-feature A) Cully Hamner

“Elegy” part 2 of 4 by Greg Rucka and JH Williams III! Batwoman captures her enemy, a madwoman known only as Alice who sees her life as a fairy tale and everyone around her as expendable extras – including Kate! But when the tables are turned, Batwoman finds herself in a hallucination slamming the present into a collision with the past, and the hints of a threat that will claim the lives of every man, woman and child in Gotham City.

And in the all-new co-feature starring the Question, Montoya’s quest to find a missing young girl turns deadly.

I’ve got no speculation for this title, though I do hope that we do see more back-history on the connection to the Kane’s and Wayne’s. Plus, I do wonder if Barbra Gordon will return as a Bat/Girl/ Woman?

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #2
(W) Paul Dini
(A) Guillem March

Tommy Elliott, a.k.a. the villainous mastermind known as Hush, has escaped the confines of Batman’s headquarters and is wreaking havoc throughout Gotham City all under the guise of Bruce Wayne. Will the loose assemblage of Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn be enough to stop the madman’s rampage? Or are Gotham’s femmes fatales doomed to fail before they even begin?

Not really Batman specific per say, but part of the family of titles none the less. And if you really want to be a stickler, it does feature Tommy Elliot, AKA Hush, AKA (replacement) Bruce Wayne. I love what Dini does with Hush, specifically beating, torturing, abusing, yet still giving sympathy to the horribly damaged former Doctor.

Speculation, Tommy wont be putting on a cape and cowl, but will try and take Bruce’s life and money again, only this time with no Wayne he may have a chance.

RED ROBIN #2
Written by Christopher Yost
Art by Ramon Bachs & Art Thibert

Red Robin continues scouring the world, searching for clues to Bruce Wayne’s final fate in this new series from writer Chris Yost (New X-Men, X-Force) and artist Ramon Bachs (Civil War: Front Line)! But now he’s been targeted by the League of Assassins. What does Ra’s al Ghul want with Red Robin? Why are members of the League of Assassins being targeted for death? And what happened to the life Red Robin left behind? Spoiler guest-stars as “Batman Reborn” continues here in “The Grail” part 2 of 4.

Most likely suspect for the Red Robin? Tim Drake since the identity has been seen in his title and very likely in my opinion (though Jason did use the costume in Countdown).

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #31
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Andy Clarke

A new five-part arc begins with an international bang! When a powerful Russian mobster sets his sights on Gotham City, Batman thinks he’s ready. But this isn’t any ordinary mobster, and he’s bringing backup in the form of…a bear? These unexpected foes might just be able to take control of the Gotham underworld – and then the whole city. Can Batman stop them?

Batman stories with Bruce taking place in past continuity (like the superiorly titled “Legends of the Dark Knight”). No change here, other than rotating creative teams.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #62
(W) Michael Green & Mike Johnson
(A) Rafael Albuquerque

When the inmates take over Arkham Asylum, it’s a job for the World’s Finest duo – Robin and Supergirl! Rafael Albuquerque (BLUE BEETLE) joins the series as regular artist for a story we could only call “Sidekicked!”

Again, Superman/ Batman has gone the route of the previously mentioned series, rather than telling stories in the here and now, stories fitting into a loose past continuity. Though it looks like we’ll have the Mini-World’s Finest for this story.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #35
(W) Len Wein
(A) Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose

The cards are stacked against the remnants of the Justice League! And those cards are the Royal Flush Gang! Can even Superman and Wonder Woman save a team whose luck has run out? Featuring the deadly return of an old foe.

A “Batman” appears on the cover, I’m guessing Dick?

WEDNESDAY COMICS #1-4

In July, DC Comics gives a fresh twist to a grand comics tradition with WEDNESDAY COMICS, a new, weekly 12-issue series by some of the greatest names in comics today!
WEDNESDAY COMICS is unique in modern comics history: Reinventing the classic weekly newspaper comics section, it is a 16-page weekly that unfolds to a sprawling 28” x 20” tabloid-sized reading experience bursting with mind-blowing color, action and excitement, with each feature on its own 14” x 20” page.
Spearheaded by DCU Editorial Art Director Mark Chiarello, whose past editing credits include BATMAN BLACK & WHITE, DC: THE NEW FRONTIER and SOLO, each page of WEDNESDAY COMICS spotlights the continuing adventures of DC heroes, including:

BATMAN, WEDNESDAY COMICS’ weekly cover feature, by the Eisner Award-winning 100 BULLETS team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso

Yeah, there’s a lot more than just Batman in the new Wednesday Comics series, but since we’re talking Batman, I figured we’d just focus on that (though I do plan to cover WC more in depth in a future column).

As I don’t think any of these series will have any effect on continuity, as these stories are not beholden to adhere to a strict DCU “Continuity”. Think more like All Star Superman/ Batman, with great creators on great characters. Most likely, we’ll get Bruce as Batman here as well.

DC Comics available on 4/29/2009

DC

* ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE UNDERGROUND

* BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #12 (OF 12)

* FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #4 (OF 5)

* GREEN LANTERN #40

* GREEN LANTERN CHRONICLES VOL. 1

* GREEN LANTERN: SINESTRO CORPS WAR VOL. 1

* JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #26

* MANHUNTER VOL. 5: FORGOTTEN

* SUPERMAN #687

* SUPERMAN/BATMAN #59

* TEEN TITANS #70

* TRINITY #48

* WONDER WOMAN #31

Johnny DC

* CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #56

Vertigo

* THE LITERALS #1 (OF 3)

* MADAME XANADU #10

* UNKNOWN SOLDIER #7

Wildstorm

* FRINGE #4 (OF 6)

* GEARS OF WAR #6

* RESISTANCE #5 (OF 6)

* SUPERNATURAL: RISING SON

Of those titles, I’ll be picking up the following-

Batman: Battle for the Cowl – The Underground- I’m on the fence about this one, but as I’ve impulse bought most of the other BFTC books, chance are I’ll get this as well.

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #12– Final issue of the Niles/ Jones Gothic noir story.

Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds #4– Possibly my most eagerly anticipated book this week.

Green Lantern #40- It’s pretty much a given considering no just Blackest Night, but how much I love Green Lantern and this series.

Justice Society of America #26– Final issue of the Geoff Johns/ Dale Eaglesham creative team. It’s sad to see them go as this series has been fantastic.

Question? I’ve been kicking around the idea of reviewing (or Retro-Viewing ™©® if you will…) Trade Paperback Collections and Older Single Issue Comics form my extensive collection of comics and things (amongst my many DC single issue comics, The Joker #1, Doom Patrol #114, Brave and the Bold presents Metamorpho #58, Batman #206, and Detective Comics #307, amongst several others and older runs as well, just to give a sample). Is this something that interests you, the readers of the Monitor Tapes? Please comment or email and let me know, because I love nothing more than sharing my love of DC comics from back to the early days up to current.

Want more DC info? Make sure to check out both http://www.dccomics.com and http://dcublog.com for up to the moment updates and more.

As always, thanks for reading!

DCU Q & A ON BLACKEST NIGHT

“What is Blackest Night?”

Well, in a nutshell, Geoff Johns took this character named Hal Jordan who was once a Green Lantern (some say the “Greatest” GL) and brought him back to life and a better status quo than he’s ever had (though really he’s just shined him up and cut loose with all the things that make him awesome). Hal had a friend and mentor in the GL known as Sinestro (what were his parents thinking when they named him, really?) who turned out to be a bit on the “Hitleresque” side when he took over his home planet and ruled with an iron fist.

Flash forward to 2007 (or flash backwards in this case), Sinestro, who’s been known to wield a Qwardian “Power Ring” that projects “Yellow Energy” (as opposed to the “Green Energy” of the GL’s). Sinestro has the Qwardian’s enslaved and has them construct a whole lot of them and “Power Batteries” to charge them. These new rings seek out individuals who have the “Ability to instill great fear!” and automaticly “Recruit” said individuals into the “Sinestro Corps” (or Yellow Lanterns).

This does not go over well with the Oans, AKA the Guardians. War breaks out between Yellow and Green in what was known as “The Sinestro Corps War”. At the end of the war, the recently returned to life “Anti-Monitor” (from the classic “Crisis on Infinite Earths”/ was “Mysteriously” returned as a member of the Sinestro Corps) only to be destroyed again, only this time his corpse forming into a giant black “Battery” not unlike the Oan’s Green Battery, or the Quardian’s Yellow).

The final page revealed hands crawling from the grave with the tag-line “The Dead Shall Rise!”

Blackest Night is a continuation of the Green Lantern Saga laid out by architect Geoff Johns, mining the history surrounding the GL stories and characters while also adding to the concept as well. With the introduction of the Yellow Lanterns, other off-shoot alien races of the Oans have begun forming their own Corps, utilizing the emotional color spectrum and power related to the emotions. I know it sounds hokey, but once you read this stuff, you realize how a simple concept that could have disaster written all over it really shines brightly in the hands of the skilled writers and artists working on the stories.

With all these new Corps vying for power and control over the cosmos, the “Black Energy” has reached out to it’s herald, the longtime foe of Green Lantern(s) known as the Black Hand. A minor player for the most part, this horribly damaged individual with a penchant for the dead is the forerunner of a terrifying new Corps, the Black Lanterns. Black Lantern rings seek out the dead and control (?) the body/ host as an extension of the Black Energy. At least that’s what we can assume as we’ve seen previews, promos, action figures and hints at some of the Black Lanterns (officially, thus far we know Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, and Superman of Earth- 2 will all be Black Lanterns). Also strongly hinted at in recent solicitations, Bruce Wayne (or at least his “corpse” left over from Final Crisis) will be returning as a Black Lantern. Johns has said in many interviews over the past year or so that “anyone dead is a good candidate” for a Black Lantern. So expect beloved and not so beloved DCU previously dead returning with a deathly pallor, dressing in black and silver, and a penchant for Bauhaus on vinyl (you know, like Goth in the 90’s!) “Earth- 2 Superman’s Dead, Undead, Undead, Undead…”

While all the other Corps are about to go to war with each other, the Black Lanterns may win the day. As bodycounts rise and they work from the darkness and shadows, not even the Lanterns may be able to illuminate the enemy before they strike.

“How much is this summer’s Blackest Night series going to cost me?”

“What books/ issues will Blackest Night run through?”

“When does Blackest Night start?”

The cost? Everything you got!

Well readers, that entirely falls upon your commitment to the series and whether you pick up the individual issues and/ or one-shots/ minis, or wait for the Hardcover(s) or Trade(s) (but then you’ve got to wait until it’s all done and possibly spoiled in the meantime). Ultimately, how ever much you want to/ or can spend in these financially troubled times will more likely be the deciding factor in your purchases. Though I’m sure you’ll want to read everything (especially if Johns is writing it) if you’re picking up the series. I know I’m going too!

To answer the second and third questions, I’ve written up a rough checklist in addition to issue pricing and release dates as well.

Let’s look at the checklist breakdown.

PRELUDE TO BLACKEST NIGHT- (Running through Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps)

GREEN LANTERN #39- $2.99 (April 8^th, currently available)

GREEN LANTERN #40- $2.99 (April 29^th)

GREEN LANTERN #41- $2.99 (May 27^th)

GREEN LANTERN #42- $2.99 (June 24^th)

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33- $2.99 (February 11^th, currently available)

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34- $2.99 (March 11^th, currently available)

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #35- $2.99 (April 15^th, currently available)

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #36- $2.99 (May 13^th)

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #37- $2.99 (June 10^th)

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #38- $2.99 (July 1^st)

Now, chances are, you’re already buying Green Lantern and/ or Green Lantern Corps as a GL fan so more likely than not, these books are not in fact additional buys. If you’re an “event only” type of reader, you’re either going to buy only the mini-series or everything (or nothing at all, but then why are you reading this column?).

If Sinestro Corps War in its entirety was any hint or preview for what’s in store, all the issues should be tightly written and all thoroughly enjoyable. So really, these books are optional, but do in fact enhance the story.

Total– $29.90 (not including state taxes or store discounts, if you’re lucky enough to live in the state of Massachusetts, you don’t pay tax on comics (‘cause that’s how MA rolls). Plus, most shops throughout the US offer hold discounts, so take that into consideration as well)

BLACKEST NIGHT- (the miniseries proper)

BLACKEST NIGHT #0- $0.00 (May 2^nd)

BLACKEST NIGHT #1- $3.99 (July 15^th)

BLACKEST NIGHT #2- $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown, August?)

BLACKEST NIGHT #3- $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown September?)

BLACKEST NIGHT #4- $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown October?)

BLACKEST NIGHT #5- $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown November?)

BLACKEST NIGHT #6- $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown December?)

BLACKEST NIGHT #7- $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown January?)

BLACKEST NIGHT #8– $3.99 (price unconfirmed/ release date unknown February?)

Total- $31.92 (or possibly less)

And that’s just the mini alone. Though I’d imagine even when collected (if collected as BN #1-8), it’s going to be near the HC price in the long run anyway.

Blackest Night #0 will be absolutely free, provided you go to your local comic book shop on Saturday, May 2^nd for “Free Comic Book Day”! Check out freecomicbookday.com for more info and local shop listings. Do note that even though it’s free to you, your local retailer is still paying out for those books (and shipping) so help your local comic retailer out by spending a little cash. It’s not required, but it’s a good thing to do to make sure you continue having a local store.

With that, make sure to go early, as the books usually go quickly on a “first come” basis. If you don’t manage to get a copy for some reason, I’m about 100% positive that DC will in fact reprint it at a reorder/ second print retail cost. What that cost to consumers will be is not known currently, but I can’t imagine it being more than $1 to $2 at most.

As for issue #1 you’re looking at $3.99 (almost becoming standard event book pricing), Ouch! But it is 48 pages, hopefully all issues have the same page count, or if the other issues are standard 32, hopefully price drops down to $2.99.

As I’m sure you could in fact probably live with just the mini, I’d imagine the Geoff Johns penned Green Lantern being in your hold (or weekly off the rack shopping), as only Green Lantern #44 is currently listed in the solicitations (and a tie-in to Blackest Night), I’m going to hold off listing anything further than what’s already been defiantly listed. Once more info is available I’ll try to follow up and expand the list. Or just do what I do and buy Green Lantern and GLC regularly and not count it as “Blackest Night” tie-ins and rather normal comic reading/ purchasing. So for now, we’ll just stick with that price above.

MISCELLANEOUS MINIS AND ONE-SHOTS-

BLACKEST NIGHT: TALES OF THE CORPS #1- $3.99 (July 15^th)

BLACKEST NIGHT: TALES OF THE CORPS #2- $3.99 (July 22^nd)

BLACKEST NIGHT: TALES OF THE CORPS #3- $3.99 (July 29^th)

The mini here goes weekly to give face time to characters who’ve parts to play in Blackest Night. Rather than ruin the pace of the main series, this series gives the characters of Blue Lantern Saint Walker, Star Sapphire Carol Ferris (!), Green Lantern Kilowog, Red Lantern (Jeff**)Vice, Orange Lantern Blume, and Indigo, leader of the Indigo Tribe.

Total- $11.97

AND MORE CHARACTER DRIVEN/ ORIENTED, ECT-

BLACKEST NIGHT: BATMAN (August?)

BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN (?)

BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS (?)

BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN (November?)

Announced, but nothing confirmed in stone on pricing, page count, or release dates. What is known is it will deal with the title characters reacting to friends, family, and loved ones returning from the dead and the specific effect on the title characters. If I had to guess, $3.99 one shots. With that assumption-

Total- $15.96

Grand total- (including everything listed)- $89.75

And that’s what we know for now (and despite what you might be thinking, not that expensive as this is broken up over several months). I’ll be following and reviewing the series as it’s released, and throwing my knowledge of obscure DCU history around when it’s useful. As I said before, I’ll also try to update additional info regarding the series as it’s released

As a disclaimer- To the best of my knowledge, the prices should be accurate via info from DC Comics solicitations. Changes can and may happen, so check out dccomics.com for updates on release dates and product info.

** Sorry Jeff, I couldn’t help it!

DC COMICS AVAILABLE ON WEDNESDAY 4/22/2009

DC

* AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK KNIGHT #2 (OF 3)

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – ARKHAM ASYLUM

* BLUE BEETLE VOL. 5: BOUNDARIES

* DC COMICS CLASSICS LIBRARY: BATMAN — THE ANNUALS

* DETECTIVE COMICS #853

* JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #32

* THE OUTSIDERS #17

* THE QUESTION: WELCOME TO OZ

* SGT. ROCK: THE LOST BATTALION #5 (OF 6)

* SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES VOL. 3

* SUPERGIRL #40

* TRINITY #47

* THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #12 (OF 12)

JOHNNY DC

* BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #4

VERTIGO

* HELLBLAZER #254 (APR-22)

* JACK OF FABLES #33 (APR-22)

* SCALPED #28 (APR-22)

* SCALPED VOL. 4: THE GRAVEL IN YOUR GUTS (APR-22)

WILDSTORM

* EX MACHINA #41 Preview Available (APR-22)

* WILDCATS #10 Preview Available (APR-22)

As always, thanks for reading!

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #2 (OF 3)

Breezed right through this book to be frank. Action-y with explosions, violence, pretty artwork, and a breakneck speed while name dropin’ and cameos galore. Not enough substance for me though, the comic book equivalent of a Jerry Bruckhimer movie. One more issue till the wrap up, one issue closer to new Batman series.

GREEN LANTERN #39

The Orange Lanterns revealed! And they’re far more horrible than the Sinestro Corps (yes, even Kryb). The controllers get shown to be the putzes I’ve always thought of them as, Hal is still experiencing problems as the Blue Ring and Green Ring war over dominance, and Scar makes her final (?) gambit known by kicking off the Lantern War (bleeding into Blackest Night). Anyone want to take odds on Batman’s “Corpse” returning as a Black Lantern?

SECRET SIX #8

Date night has never been so fun! This book is truly for lovers, as we see Scandal hook up with the stripper from back in issue #1 (who could be the “Reborn” Knockout via “Final Crisis” resurrection of the Fifth World characters). Deadshot goes along on as a double date with the creepy Jeannette, while Ragdoll has halucanatory dreams from his “tagging along” method you’ll have to read to truly appreciate.

Secret Six was defiantly tied for one of my favorite books this week, only topped by…

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE DOOM PATROL VOL. 1

First off, I have a love/ hate relationship with the Showcase collections. What I love? 500+ pages for $16.99, huge collections of older material! What I hate? It’s black and white!

With that said, it’s not much of a gripe, but really a deal breaker for a lot of people. However, in the current economic crisis and Volume #1 of the “Archive Edition” being out of print (it’s in color, 211pgs, and a hefty price tag of $49.95), for $17 bucks, you get twice as much material for a fraction of the price!

Plus, it’s classic Doom Patrol! The less-glamorous cousins of the “X” people across the way at the “House of Ideas”, DP is way more freaky than sexed up mutants, almost more like the AV club of superheroes. The Doom Patrol are for all intents and purposes a sideshow freak jamboree of bizarre superheroes fighting even more bizarre foes (Animal-Vegetable- Mineral-Man, The Brain and Monsieur Mallah). If you’ve read the Morrison run of DP, you’ll really see that he really didn’t go too much more far out than original creators Bob Haney, Arnold Drake, and Bruno Premiani. Plus for added bonus, if you’ve read the previously mentioned run, you get to play “Whatta’ dick!” every time Dr. Niles Caulder does anything!

As an obsessionist/ completist I’ve already got several issues of Doom Patrol/ My Greatest Adventure w’ DP, Strange Adventures/ w’ Animal Man, Brave and the Bold/ Metamorpho (the holy “freak” trifecta of 60’s DC). This book is great to fill in reading between those missing issues and good for re-reading and loaning to friends.

DC COMICS FOR 4/15/2009

DC

* ACTION COMICS #876

* BATMAN: LOVERS AND MADMEN

* GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #19

* GREEN LANTERN CORPS #35

* JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA VOL. 4: THY KINGDOM COME PART 3

* ORACLE: THE CURE #2 (OF 3)

* R.E.B.E.L.S. #3

* SUPERGIRL: WAY OF THE WORLD

* SUPERMAN/BATMAN #58

* SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF ATLAS

* TRINITY #46

* VIGILANTE #5

JOHNNY DC

* SUPER FRIENDS #14

* TINY TITANS #15

VERTIGO

* 100 BULLETS #100

* 100%

* AIR #8

* DMZ #41

* FABLES #83

WILDSTORM

* CASEY BLUE: BEYOND TOMORROW

* MYSTERIUS: THE UNFATHOMABLE #4 (OF 6)

* WORLD OF WARCRAFT #18

* THE X-FILES #6 (OF 7)

For more info on DC Comics, check out dccomics.com and the Source at dcublog.dccomics.com

Thanks for reading!

No new Monitor This week due to ilness, for DC Books avalible this week, check out dccomics.com for more info. Things should return to normal next week.

The Monitor Tapes for Monday, March 30^th, 2009

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #31

Dwayne McDuffie (W)

Shane Davis and Sandra Hope (A)

Ed Benes (C)

Writing the Justice League in any incarnation is a massive juggling act where you’re constantly trying to keep the plates spinning and keep the audience excited. Not only that, it’s at a constant disadvantage maintaining a large cast of characters (mostly with their own titles) amongst several stories going on in the DCU, even when there’s not a major crossover in play. I’m going to warn you though, I’m going to rambling ramble on a bit with the JLA history, but it’s the only context I could put the issue into while reading and reviewing it.

McDuffie’s JLA started with a bang and has slowly moved from big action into expanding the smaller character moments into larger close ups. He started his run with a full strength League (including two Green Lanterns, Hal and John) quite capable at taking on any threat. Now through event’s like “Final Crisis”, “Batman: RIP”, and Superman: New Krypton” (and others too numerous to list), McDuffie is finding his JLA to be at less than half-strength and at a disadvantage loosing “The Big Three” to their respective stories.

Up until Grant Morison’s “Big Seven” JLA relaunch, JLA went from major players sans Batman and Superman, to a collective of second and third-tier characters largely without baggage from their own titles, some characters even created for the JLA specifically. Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire made the most successful JLA up to that point having a mix of such characters allowing them to tell stories freely and even poke fun at some of the conventions of superheroes by making the “Supermen” all to human. Many subsequent relaunches and remixes attempted to replicate but never come near the magic of the collaboration of characters and creators. Eventually, going in a completely opposite direction “Extreme Justice” was launched as a grim-and-gritty JLA spin-off with mixed reactions despite being in line with the “hardcore” and “extreme” 1990’s.

The JLA was the first time someone managed to pull off what every JLA writer/ artist/ creator/ fan had wanted for years, the “Magnificent Seven” League. The “7” of course consisted of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash (Wally West), Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Aquaman (in his handless/ hook-handed savage beard look), and finally the Martian Manhunter, one of DCU’s most powerful and diverse characters who had been part of JLA since the beginning and many variations in-between.

Even when Morrison and Howard Porter (artist for most of the Morrison JLA run) left the book in the capable hands of Mark Waid, the series still became a hard act to follow. JLA had become big-summer-widescreen action with brief character moments. This became a bit of a struggle with the line-up it’s self. Where the “Seven” had a mix of character personalities that gave way to brief moments of great dialogue and occasional quips amongst teammates, at the end of the day the JLA had to be more the sum of their parts by putting aside disagreements and saving the day like they were a well oiled machine.

This ended up creating not only an issue for writers, but fans as well when it came to later stories. Waid ended up brilliantly breaking that line and managing to utilize it for a time without cheating people with his first story arc, “Tower of Babel”.

ToB, showed the JLA being systematically taken out and disabled by unknown forces, whereas Batman was unavailable as he was tracking down the grave robbers who had stolen his parents bodies. As it turns out, Master Criminal/ Eco Terrorist Ra’s Al Ghul is not only behind the theft of the Dark Knight Detective’s deceased parents. He’s also responsible for destroying the JLA using stolen plans created by Batman himself to take out every known super being, should he need to.

Of course the JLA stops Ra’s supervillain plans in the end and saves the day, but the League ends up being divided on their feelings of trust regarding Batman and whether or not he should be allowed to continue as part of the JLA. This of course leads to many stories where the JLA is broken due to the trust issues and lack of Batman’s expertise and assistance (he leaves before the votes are all cast stating he knew Superman’s “swing vote” would lead to his expulsion anyway).

Back to the recent relaunch of “The Justice League of America”, Brad Meltzer headlined the relaunch with his own hand picked League. Where he kept the big three of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, and also added characters he had an affinity for (like Red Tornado), he chose to leave out Aquaman and Martian Manhunter due to not having an affinity or voice for the characters. I can understand making that choice as to not force the characters into the story and possibly voice the characters incorrectly, but on the other side as a comic writer on a major publisher’s book with established characters, I’d think it’s important to write even characters you may not be fond of and find their voice in the work.

Back to McDuffie and this issue specifically, he’s tasked with working with a concept that’s become broken. Despite his years of history working in the DCU and the Animated DCU (Justice League/ Unlimited), he’s at a disadvantage with characters moving in and out to different stories. With that, he’s moved into those small character moments and used them as a source of conflict, rather than the ol’ supervillain slugfest you’ve come to expect (and has been seen mostly in recent issues). The conflicts coming from the characters feel natural and fluid with the current state, I also feel despite the issue coming mostly from Black Canary’s perspective, there’s still a balance maintained disagreements aside. It’s wholly understandable with current events and Ollie and Hal’s history for them to form a “proactive” Justice League in a Texas Rangers sort of style. It’s also understandable that Dinah being JLA leader and wife to Green Arrow would be a “bit pissed off” at the Greens for going and doing what they think they should, form their own Justice League.

The issue is really downbeat with all the drama and endings presented as Dinah tries to keep the league together. It’s great to marvel at their suffering though and makes the issue wholly entertaining (the art by Shane Davis is pretty good too, just check out the great page four layout where Dinah “Lays out” Ollie). Despite trying to keep the JLA together, you still know what’s going to happen by then end and it comes as no surprise, especially since it’s become a bit of classic convention regarding the history of JLA. Clearly from solicits though, the series will continue in addition to spinning off into James Robinsons “Justice League” mini this summer. With this down time without the big guns and resulting divisions stemming from Final Crisis and other storylines in play, it will be interesting to see what happens in the meantime before the JLA returns to full strength, bigger, stronger, and more powerful than ever.

Open to debate? Should Barbra Gordon be Batgirl again?

One thing that’s bothered me for years is the fact that Barbra “Batgirl” Gordon has remained in a wheelchair for 21 years now. I appreciate what’s been done with the character in addition to the arguments presented as to why she’s kept in the chair, but really I think it’s time to let go of the character element and move on. It’s not really a question of returning to “The Silver Age” of DC, rather to not heal the character of her condition I personally think is kinda’ cruel in my opinion.

When “Babs” was crippled by the Joker back in 1988’s Batman: The Killing Joke (by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland), it was a brutal and shocking moment, cementing the horror of the Joker and the lengths he’d go through to not only harm Batman, but people associated with him (though it was more an extension of collateral damage, as he had no idea Babs was Batgirl). If memory serves, the square-bound one-shot (or graphic novella) wasn’t even originally planned as an absolute “in-continuity” book either, so using it as cannon and having Barbra remain crippled was the second of the one-two punch to the guts.

(On an unrelated note, if this happened today I know people would scream bloody murder about “Women in fridges” and send threats and bans on DC comics all over the internet.)

Though Babs could no longer function in her roll as the female “Caped Crusader”, many writers took advantage of her “disadvantage” making her into a wholly modern and capable character with the situation she was left in. Writer John Ostrander being one of the first to utilize her in a role as a information broker under the guise/ alias of Oracle. As Oracle, she began providing computer expertise and information to assist in crime fighting through the Suicide Squad. This of course expanded into the future even so far as headlining her own series, Birds of Prey, where she commanded an all female cast of superheroines like a “Charlie’s Angels” of the DCU.

Now, many have seen her transformation into Oracle as creating a positive role model for disabled persons and thusly have maintained her status to have such a character in the DCU. But honestly, the debate’s never held any water for me, considering the lengths people go through from trying to hold back simple aging, all the way to overcoming disabilities with mechanical eyes or limbs. You can’t realistically tell me someone would in fact chose to maintain their disability if the opportunity to correct such a thing was presented. The argument almost seems to make the claim that the disabled do not want the ability to fix their problem and would prefer to live in that way as a means of waving a middle finger at those without disadvantage. Frankly, I find it kind of bullshit.

However, let’s look at just a couple of the many crippled or disabled characters just localized to the DCU it’s self (not even counting the dead who’ve returned, of which you could consider “Living Disabled”) who’ve in fact “got better”-

John Stewart/ Green Lantern– Lost use of his legs while a member of the Darkstars in battle with Grayven (New God, son of Darksied) resulting in him being confined to a wheelchair. Later “healed” by Hal Jordan (as Parallax) before Hal sacrifices himself during “The Final Night”. Currently serving as a Green Lantern in good health in the Green Lantern Corps and kicking ass as one of my two favorite Green Lanterns (three if you count Golden Age GL Alan Scott).

And the closest to home….

Bruce Wayne/ Batman- During “Batman: Knightfall” Bruce is systematically broken down and exhausted by a barrage of enemies as part of a plot to “Break Batman” by newcomer with a Luchadore fetish by the name of Bane. After the gauntlet ran by Mr. Wayne in hopes of protecting his city, he and Bane end up having a final confrontation in his home resulting in Bane smashing his spine over his knee.

Skipping over the “Grim and Gritty Replacement Batman” story, Bruce and Alfred go on a world-hopping adventure playing “armchair detective” Holmes and Watson style. They’re searching for Tim’s father, Jack Drake and Dr. Shondra Kinsolving who’ve been both kidnapped by Benedict Asp, Kinsolving’s half brother. Asp as it turns out has psychic powers and Shondra has healing powers, Asp uses his “Psychic” powers to use Shondra to kill a village with her powers (?) somehow.* Bruce and Shondra end up battling Asp resulting in Asp’s defeat, Shondra regressing to the mentality of a child, and Bruce’s back being healed (?). Bruce returns to Gotham and puts the smack down on both Azrael and Bane, reclaiming the “Mantle of the Bat” and even letting Dick play Batman for a brief moment.

* I didn’t read the entirety of Knightfall or any resulting parts of the “Trilogy”, so I’m cobbling the info best I can with reference materials and the internet. Frankly, I’m as confused as you are if not more so.

Now, I’m not saying that it’s a shameful thing to have a disability causing difficulty or disadvantage in life, but we live in a world where we try and not only try and find a way to fix “ailments” (such as paralyzation, blindness, deafness and many others), but to also transcend human limits to make people transhuman and amp up our bodies and abilities to 11 so to speak. Science is hard at work trying to make sure we live longer and are able to have a better quality of life when it comes to disabilities, aliments, and illnesses. I can think of no greater crime to the human condition to say “Suck it up and deal with it” when it comes to any human disadvantage resulting in loss of control over ones person.

So if Babs is given use of her legs back and returned to a “Bat-Family” character in a cowl, I’d frankly applaud the decision as it’s been ridiculous the amount of time spent without correcting her disability. There’s a certain suspension of disbelief in comics, specifically with the superhumans flying about and the magic supertech in abundance. I’ve suspended my belief that Barbra Gordon would be in a wheelchair this long, in a world of Supermen and superscience, time to let it go in my opinion.

I’ve known friends an people over the years with less than glamorous disabilities (like rheumatoid arthritis and MS, to name a couple), including myself (I suffer from severe back and leg problems, preventing me from more strenuous activities like running, jumping, climbing trees…). Everyone I know would jump at the chance to have their problems corrected, so I personally find it unfathomable that someone in a comic book universe wouldn’t jump at the chance for a cure for what ails them.

And now, DC’s comics available at your local comics retailer this week via dccomics.com

DC COMICS FOR 4/1/2009 (for a 5 page preview of Flash: Rebirth, click HERE!)

DC

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – MAN-BAT

* BATMAN: THE HEART OF HUSH

* DEAD ROMEO #1 (OF 6)

* THE FLASH: REBIRTH #1 (OF 5)

* JONAH HEX #42

* JONAH HEX: BULLETS DON’T LIE

* JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #25

* JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: THY KINGDOM COME: PART ONE TPB

* THE MIGHTY #3

* STRANGE ADVENTURES #2 (OF 8)

* SUPERMAN/BATMAN #57

* TEEN TITANS #69

* TEEN TITANS ANNUAL 2009

* TRINITY #44

JOHNNY DC (all ages)

* BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #4

* LOONEY TUNES #173

VERTIGO

* BANG! TANGO #3 (OF 6)

* GREATEST HITS #6 (OF 6)

* HAUNTED TANK #5 (OF 5)

* SCALPED #27

* SEAGUY: THE SLAVES OF MICKEY EYE #1 (OF 3)

* THE WITCHING HOUR NEW PRINTING TPB

WILDSTORM

* THE AUTHORITY #9

* DC/WILDSTORM: DREAMWAR TPB

* MIRROR’S EDGE #6 (OF 6)

* PROTOTYPE #1 (OF 6)

* RESIDENT EVIL: FIRE AND ICE TPB

Selections marked GREEN are books I’ll definitely be picking up and review. I may also pick up more depending on what strikes my fancy when I pick up my weekly books at Black Cat Comics in Salt Lake City, UT (blackcat-comics.com). Do you want to know what I’m picking up week to week? Anything you’d like me to review? Please feel free to give me feedback and I’ll do what I can for you readers, as I live to serve (being a Mandroid and all).

You can check dccomics.com this Wednesday for previews of books available on said day, perfect opportunity to check out stuff before your favorite shop opens and maybe find something cool and new you might not have normally picked up. And again, if you’re not reading Jeff Parker’s Mysterius the Unfathomable, go pick it up now! It’s fantastic and only a mini-series (though I hope it continues as either as ongoing series or series of minis), so there’s not a huge commitment, though once you read it, you’ll want more!

Thanks for reading! Please feel free to post below if you have any DC-centric questions or inquiries, or if there’s anything you want illuminated regarding DC history, whether it be DCU history, Vertigo, or any sub-labels therein. Hell, even real life publishing history, I know more about comics (especially DC) than probably anyone should!

Thanks again!

The Monitor Tapes for Monday, March 23^rd, 2009

THE STARMAN OMNIBUS VOL. 2

James Robinson (W)

Tony Harris, John Watkiss, Guy Davis, J.H. Williams III, Chris Sprouse, Craig Hamilton, and others (A)

Tony Harris (Cover, New)

This actually came out about a month ago, but I only recently picked it up and finished reading (well, I’ve a few pages at the end of Shade’s Journal and Afterward).

Starman is a beautiful series, from art to writing to execution. James Robinson not only makes you fall in love with Jack Knight (the son of original Starman Ted Knight), but also the entire cast of Starmen, O’Dare’s, the Shade and all the wonderful characters inhabiting Opal City. This volume starts the unfortunate exit of Tony Harris, but the artists who pitch in make perfect fits when the stories range to times past, even including Guy Davis (of Sandman Mystery Theater fame) to illustrate flashbacks of the Golden Age Sandman Wesley Dodds in perfect synergy. Though the art changes towards the end of the second volume, it still fits the stories like a glove.

If you’ve not read Starman the first or second time around, the third time is the charm in these beautiful (again with the beautiful!) new volumes. Plus, they’re cheaper than buying the individual issues, even if they were new and not back issues priced at premiums (roughly 15 issues for $49.99 in a slightly oversized format). This is by far my favorite volume as it starts introducing some great characters, DCU history/ mythology, and fantastic character-centric stories. Pick up both volumes of this magical series and fall in love.

AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK KNIGHT #1 (OF 3)

Fabian Nicieza (W)

Frazer Irving (A)

Guillem March (C)

It was a slow week for my DC comic habit this week so I ended up picking this book up as a kind of filler read. Nicieza is a fairly consistent Bat-Writer and usually an OK read though he might not get the same press as some of his other peers. That said I’ve not been overly “wowed” by the “Suit of Sorrows” sub-plot or even the concept of Azrael (I’m still to this day not going to read “Knightquest” or the Az-Bats books, cause I’m pig-headed about it).

Not bad, I’m not blown away and it’s a bit confusing in parts, but as a whole as most series it will probably read better in the long run (or short since it’s a three issue mini). I love Irving’s art so it’s defiantly easy on the eyes and I dig the style he brings to the table. Needless to say, I’m intrigued enough with the plot-threads spinning out of recent Bat-books to continue this series.

And in brief-

MYSTERIUS: THE UNFATHOMABLE #3 (OF 6)

Jeff Parker (W)

Tom Fowler (A)

Dr. Seuss-esque demons, damaged debutants, magic, murder, and satanic cults from the 70’s! Parker is gold on anything and Fowler’s art brings the whole thing alive. Read it, damnit!

DC COMICS AVAILABLE WENDSDAY, MARCH 25^TH, 2009

DC

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – COMMISSIONER GORDON

* BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #11 (OF 12)

* THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD VOL. 3: DEMONS AND DRAGONS

* CHECKMATE: CHIMERA

* THE FLASH ARCHIVES VOL. 5

* JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #31

* ORACLE #1 (OF 3)

* SHOWCASE PRESENTS: AMBUSH BUG VOL. 1

* SUPERMAN #686

* SUPERMAN/BATMAN: ENEMIES AMONG US

* TRINITY #43

* THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #11 (OF 12)

* WONDER WOMAN #30

JOHNNY DC

* BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #3

* CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #55

VERTIGO

* JACK OF FABLES #32

* MADAME XANADU #9

* UNKNOWN SOLDIER #6

WILDSTORM

* GEARS OF WAR #5

* RESISTANCE #4 (OF 6)

* SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY: HAWKSMOOR

* TOP 10 SPECIAL #1

* WILDCATS #9

Check out DC Comics website, dccomics.com for previews on Wednesday for DCU and Johnny DC titles, in addition to Vertigo and Wildstorm.

Plus, don’t forget that tomorrow’s the day to finish the Watchmen film experience by picking up the DVD or Blue-Ray and watching “Tales of the Black Freighter” also featuring “Under the Hood” documentary on the Minutemen!

And as always, thanks for reading!