Batman: Eternal "Thanksgiving" image released; Teases familiar faces... And Stephanie Brown?!

Fans of Batman are in for an early Thanksgiving treat, as a new teaser image for next spring's new Bat-book "Batman: Eternal"shows the entire gang and then some enjoying a Happy Thanksgiving lunch, with the heroes, allies, villains, usual suspects... And even some surprises in store.

The tease from DC Comics drops courtesy of Newsarama, and there be some lively faces on the artwork courtesy of Batman/ Detective Comics artist Jason Fabok. If you look closely besides Batman, Batwoman, Batwing, Batgirl, Commissioner Gordon, Catwoman, Professor Pyg, and other familiar characters from the Batman universe, there are some new faces who haven't appeared in The New 52 that have been intentionally teased and obscured, particularly one character beside Batman and Red Robin that's wearing a pink jacket. Could it probably be... Stephanie Brown?! That's certainly what's being teased here, and longtime fans of the character have waited for that chance to occur, and it may just happen soon when Batman: Eternal comes out. Missing ominously is Nightwing, who's fate in the current main DC crossover series "Forever Evil" looks grim with each passing issue. We'll find out soon enough what the status of the DC New 52 Universe will be come March when the series concludes... And then an eventual time skip of "5 years later" will occur as well.

For more information on the story, visit the source post at Newsarama.

Batman Arkham City Update: Meet Tim Drake... aka Robin!

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Rocksteady Studios have revealed a third playable character for their upcoming Batman videogame sequel "Batman: Arkham City", and it's none other than the Dark Knight's partner - Robin! Specifically, it's Tim Drake - the third person to take on the mantle and identity of the Boy Wonder, and he comes equipped with his trademark bo staff which he made his signature weapon when the character debuted in comics in the late 80's. Via Newsarama, here's a look at Robin as he appears in Arkham City:

Honestly, he looks more like Chris O'Donnell's Dick Grayson/ Robin from "Batman Forever", or heck even rapper/ singer Eminem than Tim Drake here. Anyway, he'll be appearing like this in Arkham City, as a third playable character in the game's challenge mode. The character will specifically be made available via Best Buy's "Tim Drake Robin" challenge pack when you pre-order the game from them. Also included are two challenge map levels - "Black Mask Hideout" and "Freight Train Escape". Additionally, players will also have the option to switch Tim's look to his current identity of "Red Robin" via an additional skin. For more info, check out the source post at Newsarama!

Batman: Arkham City swings into Xbox 360, PS3, and PC come October and Wii U on 2012!

DC Reboot Misgivings...

While the DC Reboot news continues to make waves and shock viewers with its announcements, I can't help but feel more disappointed with most of my favorite characters undergoing unnecessary changes, case in point being members of the Bat-Family. While Bruce Wayne is going back to patrolling Gotham as its one and only Dark Knight, his proteges are a different story. Some have regressed back to roles that were once highlights of their career, while others have simply established new trends in their status quo. I don't know if that will work for the most part, but you'd best take a look for yourselves what I mean...

First up, Dick Grayson returns to the role that he established for himself and made iconic: Nightwing. While I have no problems about seeing Dick back in this guise, I can't say I won't be missing his tenure as Batman II. He did pretty well there, and even if Damien Wayne remains as Robin alongside Bruce, the dynamic won't be the same... EVER. Heck, I'm surprised they coughed up this "new" getup for him... It just doesn't look or feel right. If there's one thing about the DC Reboot I can say, it's "never change what already works", and they get minus points for this look for Grayson.

WHAT? BARBARA GORDON WALKS AGAIN?! I mean I loved her as Batgirl and all... BUT SHE BECAME BETTER AND A MORE EMPOWERED WOMAN BECAUSE OF HER TENURE AS ORACLE! This is so wrong on so many levels, and even one writer via Newsarama voiced out her disappointment over this big change in continuity. Barbara should have remained as Oracle through and through, and heck, there's Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown who can take up the mantle of Batgirl! What happens to them now? I'm afraid to find out the answer to my own question.

That... is... RED ROBIN!? Tim Drake turned over the Kingdom Come costume for THIS?! Again, I cannot express my disappointment, and even the other Teen Titans seem to be experiencing a "90's renaissance makeover" with the changes effected by DC. No words can be said here.

I guess the only one to come out decent and fair is Jason Todd. At least he gets to stick on as Red Hood and team up together with Arsenal and Starfire! Wonder how that happened, but I guess DC wants to redeem these guys and give them roles in their rebooted universe.

With the negatives outweighing the positives, I can't say I'm too happy with what I'm seeing here for the DC Reboot. There's a lot here to make me pack my bags and finally retire from my DC Comic collection, but I'll just have to give it the benefit of the doubt for now and see why these changes were enacted. I'm holding my breath here. This is worse than Spider-Man's One More Day storyline altogether, and speaking of that storyline's repercussions, a certain Man of Steel could become single again.

For more on these stories, visit DC The Source. I'm still having a hard time accepting this reboot as reality...

UPDATE: This spoof video comes to mind regarding my feelings.

Comic Review: Red Robin #6

It's time for another Bat comic review, and big changes have come to this one... in the art department at least. As far as the series has gone since Batman Reborn began, Red Robin has made for excellent reading, especially for those who are fans of Tim Drake/ Tim Wayne. With Chris Yost still handling the story, the character's search continues with a new artist joining the foray, delivering solid pencils that make a strong statement to a listening audience. With a cover that symbolizes new opportunities to attract new readership and collectors, is the new ongoing adventures of Tim Wayne still a worthy pick up? Check on and find out.

Red Robin #6
Written By: Chris Yost
Illustrated By: Marcus To
Cover by: Marcus To and Ray McCarthy

To Tim Wayne, his new life as Red Robin has taken him further from the black and white crimefighting life he's always known in Gotham City. Determined to search for clues to his adoptive father's whereabouts, his journey has brought him to the doorstep of Ra's Al Ghul, and after making the proverbial "Deal With The Devil", Tim found the first clue that proves his search wasn't all for naught. Unfortunately, the League Of Assassins has been targeted by a new mysterious organization known as the Council Of Spiders, whose ultimate goal is to eliminate Ra's personal army completely. Caught in the middle and involved in a situation that's way over his head, Red Robin leads the League into battle, holding on to his mentor's one rule of not taking a life and hoping against hope that after all is said and done, his search doesn't end in vain.

First and foremost, I'm not going to lie - Writer Chris Yost still continues the impressive work of defining Tim Drake/ Tim Wayne for the new Batman: Reborn century. It's the character departure from Gotham City that has breathed new life into him and shaped the young adult into a solo hero of his own. Arguably, Tim's always been like that since he became the third Robin, but his new life as Red Robin distances the lad from his native element and teen life, turning him into a new "Nightwing" of sorts that doesn't live under the shadow of the Bat anymore. I consider this as a journey that not only sees the character come of age, but one that tests his resolve and moral convictions. This particular issue deals with the latter issue in particular, especially now that Red Robin has involved himself with the League Of Assassins, a group not hesitant to kill if necessary.

While the book has done a good job has distanced itself away from Batman and Robin, Yost does give a nod to Tim's involvement in Blackest Night: Batman in this issue, showing that the young crimefighter has been keeping ties with his extended family despite his search around the world. The book also continues to keep tabs on the other members of Gotham City, particularly the Fox Family and most recently in this issue, "Bruce Wayne" and Vicky Vale. The latter two will be an interesting pair to keep an eye on, as nobody except those within and close to the Bat Family know that "Bruce" is actually Hush in disguise. His dealings as Wayne are further explored in the sister Bat Title Streets Of Gotham, but it's not too much of a surprise that he showed up in Red Robin, especially when the title character is searching for the genuine article. As for the Fox Family, the youngest daughter Tam is obviously the new "damsel in distress" for this book, and her character hasn't been prepped up for any role beyond scared and confused since her introduction to this book. That's all well and fine, but I'm more interested in seeing how this Council Of Spiders fleshes out. They've proven to be a worthy threat for the League, and their past as a group still remains a mystery. The only clues the reader will get to their origins is a little side tale narrated by Tim concerning a beautiful and mysterious assassin known only as "The Wanderer". How that will connect to the present only writer Yost knows, and we can only find slowly as as each issue passes.

The highlight of this issue is definitely the art, and I can say that it's a good change having Marcus To assuming the penciling duties of this book. It's the kind of art style that one can appreciate at face value, and gives the serious tone the book deserves, especially character like Tim who's earned the respect and admiration of his fans. The cover To did along with McCarthy was surprising well done as well. It's a visual statement that shows that anyone curious to read and jump into Red Robin can do so with this issue, and it's perfect timing with a new artist on board.

With new art and all the action picking up at this point, Red Robin is turning into the Bat comic it deserves to be - solo, different, and pure Tim Wayne action. His search for Bruce Wayne is the drive behind his journey, but its also about the character's growth as an individual that keeps readers like me coming back to check on the inquisitive young detective. Like the past issues before it, settling on the international espionage agent like status quo may take some time getting used to, but it's all established perfectly well so far, and the consistency by the writer is admirable. Yost and To make a perfect team, and I hope the pace keeps up in future issues. Everything is looking bright so far, and I'm already looking forward to next month's adventure.

Score - 9/10

Comic Review: Red Robin #5

Continuing my review streak of Batman related books from last week, it's time to hit the book that stars the new "Black Sheep" of the Bat-Family, Tim Drake Wayne, aka the new Red Robin. When we last left the young lad, he finally found vindication in his cause by locating proof that his adoptive father, Bruce Wayne, may still be alive. It took trips around the world and run-ins/ assistance with Ra's Al-Ghul's League Of Assassins to reach this point, but his crusade finally has a direction to pursue... until a new threat exposes itself and brings the pain to Tim and his unlikely allies, literally.


Red Robin #5
Written By: Chris Yost
Illustrated By: Ramon Bachs

Heavily injured and barely making it back to civilization alongside the only surviving member of his League Of Assassins' escort team, Red Robin and Prudence lie unconscious and near death in front of a shocked Tam Fox, who was sent to Baghdad by her father Lucius to locate Tim Wayne. Shocked by the sight of two injured people inside suite, Tammy barely has time to react, as ninja from the League arrive and enter the scene. A few hours later, Tim wakes up inside a mysterious area, completely healed from his wounds thanks to Ra's Al Ghul's resources. After clearing up some confusion and debriefing what he knows about his attacker, Red Robin soon finds himself caught in the middle of a war between two factions. The line between good and evil just got blurry... and his crusade to find Bruce Wayne will have to wait.

It's been an up and down journey for Tim Wayne, and his life as Red Robin just took a turn from bad to worse. Writer Chris Yost has literally sent the lad on his own international solo adventure, and being away from familiar territory has Bruce's adopted son resorting to means and resources he wouldn't have considered using years ago, but has little choice with present circumstances now. Of course, I'm referring to the partnership Red Robin has crafted alongside Ra's Al Ghul, arguably one of Batman's most deadliest and respectable enemies. For those who don't know the score as of late, Ra's provided Tim with information and escorts to help him in his journey to find Bruce, which he partially accomplished last issue by finding the cave in the middle of the Iraq desert with a "Bat symbol"carved in the mall. Anyone who's read Final Crisis knows where this is going, and putting two and two together means that the obvious return is coming soon.

I noticed that the Batman: Reborn banner is gone, and it's probably for the best considering how much the title deviates from the actual events happening in Gotham. For this particular story, Mr. Yost begins his second arc by showing the life Tim has chosen to draw himself into - a world of hurt and pain. His luck happens to be good and he gets healed in no time, but a little confusion and arrogance on his part makes him draw conclusions too soon, which places him in a slightly funny and embarrassing moment in this book. Also, the backstories return, with a new origin tale that chronicles the birth of one of the members of the mysterious Council Of Spiders, the rival faction that's slowly eliminating members of Ra's League Of Assassins. Tim once again provides the narration for this side tale just like in past issues, but I really wonder when all of these plot points will converge? Now that the matter of explaining and validating Tim's search is done, we should be getting around to seeing the assassin smackdown happening soon, with Red Robin caught in the middle and forced to choose a side, which is alongside Ra's obviously. We all know he's going to do the right thing eventually, but I do enjoy the twists and turns Yost is providing to his messed up life. Adding Tam Fox to the equation isn't much of a development, but I'm hoping it will get there soon enough.

I was expecting a new artist to enter this issue, but Ramon Bachs is still present and in charge of the pencils, which leaves me to deal with more sketchy artwork. It's not too much of a problem, but I wouldn't mind some change in direction soon. Consistency at least is present, and that's already commendable for someone who's provided pretty decent work for the past four issues.

Now that he's found proof that Bruce may be still alive, Tim's got a lot more problems to deal with just as his career as the new Red Robin is beginning. Out of his Gotham element and turning more and more like an espionage agent, the former partner and crimefighting ally of Batman must face new challenges that will test his character and make him choose where he should draw the line between a good and evil act. Chris Yost has certainly got the former Boy Wonder's number, and slowly longtime fans are responding to this book. If you've read and aren't too convinced with the first Red Robin arc, I wouldn't really recommend continuing this book any longer. Otherwise, things are picking up, and hopefully we'll be seeing more answers to Tim's search in the near future.

Score - 7/10

Comic Review: Red Robin #4

It's been a rough road for Tim Drake/ Tim Wayne, but his first steps as Red Robin have been pleasant reads so far. Now on its fourth issue, "The Grail" arc finally sees resolution, and a significant discovery made by the former Boy Wonder leaves him with renewed hope... but with more questions at the same time. If none of you can follow what's going on at the point, I suggest you go back and read up the first three issues, which I reviewed here and here. Otherwise, if you're looking forward to finding out how Tim's adventure is currently, stick around and find out.


Red Robin #4
Written By: Chris Yost
Illustrated By: Ramon Bachs

After overcoming the odds and journeying to different parts of the world, Red Robin's search for evidence regarding Bruce Wayne's survival comes to a surprising conclusion. After successfully tracing the point of origin of an artifact he procured from a German Museum, he travels to the middle east to see things for himself, albeit with a few complications on the way. Fortunately, Ra's Al Ghul is also interested in learning about the fate of "the detective", so he instructs three of his assassins (the same ones who have been bothering Tim for weeks) as his "personal escorts". A disgruntled Tim begrudgingly accepts help from his mentor's nemesis to seek out the truth, but when he finally finds what he's looking for, will his journey bare success, or end in shameless disaster?

So arrives the end to the first arc of Red Robin. I'll admit, It wasn't the most exciting round up to things, but after seeing how things concluded in this issue, you can bet your bones that I'll still be sticking around "Tim Wayne's" corner for a little while longer to see where else his journey takes him. Still, what he was eventually going to find was already expected by most since the beginning. Using a plot device taken right out of Final Crisis and similar to a concept used in the "Back To The Future" film series, Tim finally finds the clue that proves Bruce is alive, confirming the lad's suspicions that his adopted father isn't dead. However, there was a little too much melodrama and angst he had to go through to justify his search for ol' Bats. Like I said in the reviews of the past issues, his new found attitude is a little out of character from the Tim Drake many knew back in the Robin series, but now that he's "Tim Wayne", he's on the path to become a dark and brooding figure... much like you know who. Christ Yost has turned Tim into an adult, and whether people accept it or not, that's going to be the status quo for a long time.

For the revelation in this issue, I wasn't expecting much of a pay off considering how soon it would be to bring Bruce back, but looking at how Batman: Reborn started, along with the promise of a new direction for Tim, everything turned out to pretty decent in the long run. It's established that the guy's got a new direction and a new foe to pursue, and along the way, a little quest to keep his hands full while Gotham City is taken cared of by the new Dynamic Duo. Speaking of which, the cover to this issue speaks volumes of a big fight between Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. I wouldn't really call it a fight, but it's a confrontation that was foreshadowed since the first issue and finally reaches a conclusion here. So, if anyone expected a smackdown between the new Batman and Red Robin, you'll be sorely disappointed. As for the villains, Ras Al Ghul still does his best to guide Tim on his journey, and I loved that quip he makes of the demon head being an evil version of "Alfred", heh. The League Of Assassins trio also return as escorts to Red Robin, with some of them getting more page time and fleshing out their characters more. Of course, that subplot where members of the League are slowly being killed off is finally brought out in the open at the conclusion of this issue, and it's where the series picks up its next major story arc. Just when Red Robin finds what he's looking for, he's thrown into another mess. How typical.

Once again, Ramon Bach's art still doesn't do much for me. Granted, it's bit more polished and cleaner now than the earlier issues, but it still feels off. The same can be said for coloring, which I really can't compliment on either. Now that the first arc has concluded, I do hope that things speed up, and probably it's about time we get a new art team on board for the next issue, just for a "change in scenery". It's about time for a change anyway, and judging from the previews of the coming Red Robin comics, things look to be in better hands.

Looking back, I compared the Red Robin series to "The Bourne Identity", and in many ways, that's exactly how it plays out. It has the action and dynamics from the film, only with a superhero theme etched to it. There's also a bit of an exploration that's akin to Indiana Jones for this particular story arc, especially since Tim's making trips around the world and discovering stuff people would normally give up searching for. Granted, he's determined to find Bruce, but along the way, he's facing lots of baddies that are out of his native Gotham, which can be a little out of character, again. Then again, he still retains the attitude and detective skills that make him a formidable hero and fighter in the first place, so it won't alienate too many fans. Overall, what I'm saying is this: you can give Red Robin a try if you're a fan of Tim Wayne and want to see how he's doing currently. Otherwise, if you're not used to the changes made by Batman: Reborn, drop the title and just remember the guy for who he was during his Robin days. This issue also ended with another cliffhanger, so things are just bound to get stranger and messier from this point forward.

Score - 7/10

Comic Review: Red Robin #3

Batman: Reborn continues. My previous review of Batman #689 got me a little jazzed up for the future of the new Batman, and we know that Gotham City will be safe under his watch. But what of Bruce's other protege, Tim Drake? Since leaving his comfort zone to travel the world on what many see as a fruitless endeavor, Tim's life has become more grim and darker than ever. However, he persists on with the belief that his mentor may be alive, making it his personal mission to find Batman... no matter the cost. Red Robin #3 illustrates this fact all too well, and clearly, Tim Drake feels he has nothing more to lose... or so he thinks.

Red Robin #3
Written By: Chris Yost
Illustrated By: Ramon Bachs

Breaking in and stalking a museum in Germany for clues can be considered as "crossing the line" for some. For Tim Drake, that line was already crossed when he decided to begin the search for Bruce Wayne, alone and under the new alias of Red Robin. With his life turned upside down by circumstances beyond his control, he expected his journey to be all by his lonesome. What he didn't count on was "direct assistance" from one of his mentor's greatest enemies, Ra's Al Ghul. Sending his assassins to keep a watchful eye on him, Red Robin contends with the problems he has today, all the while reflecting on the past that seems to haunt him constantly and the decision he has come to make. Meanwhile, the League Of Assassins is slowly losing its best soldiers to a string of hits perpetrated by an unknown party. How this will affect Red Robin and his search remains to be seen...

Writer Christ Yost continues his angsty run on the new Red Robin's life. As the one Robin I have come to know since childhood, Tim Drake is a character I've come to admire over the years, and it's not because he bears the same first name as I do. Since his introduction in the late 80's, fans have seen the kid grow up and become more than just another Boy Wonder in the Batman Legacy. No, he was a dedicated student in the art of detection, and his talents showed so much promise that his first achievement was deducing Batman and Nightwing's secret identity all by himself. As time went on, he became a formidable fighter under the Dark Knight's tutelage, and his evolution from promising sidekick to a hero of his own gave Bruce the belief that Tim could eventually succeed him not necessarily as Batman, but as the World's Greatest Detective. Now, looking at those qualities and comparing the Tim before to the Tim now... they are two drastically different characters. From a quick thinking, light headed Robin, we have a brooding, Batman like "Red Robin", obssessed with his mission and becoming more introverted by the second... it's too sudden. Probably Yost knows what he's doing to Tim, but the transformation to someone isolating himself from his community sounds too harsh, and too much of a 180 degree turn.

Since the last review I did for Issues #1 and 2, not much has changed with the Red Robin status quo. The penultimate chapter to the storyline known only as "The Grail" doesn't clue in too much as to how Tim's search will end, but it does show more of his interactions with prominent figures in his life. In the present, his dealings with Ra's Al Ghul are likened to the proverbial "Deal With The Devil", while a past conversation with an old friend/ teammate/ love interest goes awkward, causing Mr. Drake to withdraw from his former life all the more. Honestly, I'm not sure where Yost plans to take Mr. Drake when all is said and done, but it's clear that he wants to give the lad a miserable journey staked with all kinds of nuisances. This set up and Tim's attitude still reminds me of Matt Damon's Jason Bourne and The Bourne Identity films, since he's a guy outrunning all kinds of danger to reach a certain goal, no matter what the consequences will be.

On the pencils, I'm starting to feel alienated with Ramon Bach's style. Like I mentioned in my previous Red Robin review, it's sketchy... maybe a tad too sketchy this time around. The coloring doesn't help matters either. It's acceptable art, mind you, but it doesn't fit too well with the dramatic scenes. With a new artist announced come issue #6, I'm kinda looking forward to how the illustrations go there.

With one more issue to go before the first story arc ends, there's not much to say about Red Robin for now. Unlike the past two issues, this one didn't do much for me save for being a filler. Obviously, Robin readers and Tim Drake fans will have to pick this up to know what the former Boy Wonder is up to, and how his search ends will probably impact the rest of the batverse for some time to come. He'll eventually return to Gotham though in the next issue, and he'll be mixing it out with the new Dark Knight himself, Dick Grayson. How that slobber knocker match turns out, I don't know, but I'll be sticking to this book for the foreseable future... if I like what I see as the series goes.

Score - 6/10

Comic Review: The Beginning and The End Of Things...

Last night was a hoot. I got to pick up sweet new titles at my local comic shop, and I also had a new World 3 Podcast, the first one in over a month. For those not familiar with the latter, it's a group that I'm a part of, and we gather occasionally to discuss anything related to anime, comics, games, and every kind of fun stuff you can think of. This of course fits my Popculture bill, so it's a great show, with lots of funny personalities onboard that will give you kicks for the next hour or so (this is subject to the show's length of course, hehe). The episode's due anytime today, so you can tune into that soon, right here or in the official website itself. Check back for updates on that from time to time.

Now... onto the main event.

Like the last Comic Review post, I'll be focusing again on this week's comic goodness (which are also featured on the aforementioned podcast btw), and there are lots of good titles to pick up now. As many of you have noticed, I've been talking about Batman a lot since I started this site (what can I say? He's my favorite character after all), but that's about to change... because BLACKEST NIGHT has finally begun this month! With this week's Green Lantern issue, we start down a road where heroes fall and the dead shall rise... and nothing will ever be the same in the DC Universe afterwards. As such, we begin the comic review process with what is arguably the biggest comic event of 2009. How so, you all say? Well, look before you and prepare to be mesmerized by this visually striking piece of cover art.



Green Lantern #43
Written By: Geoff Johns
Illustrated By: Doug Mahnke

The picture says it all... IT HAS BEGUN. I've been waiting for this moment ever since DC teased audiences that "The Dead Shall Rise" in 2009. Green Lantern # 43 is the prologue to Blackest Night - the final act of the Green Lantern Saga Trilogy that began all the way back with Hal Jordan's successful return in Green Lantern: Rebirth and followed up by a light charging war experience that was the Sinestro Corps War. Final Crisis left a lot of destruction and death on its wake, but it will hardly compare to what will transpire in the months to come. Believe me, everything you've read before this is just an appetizer to satiate your hunger. The main course is ready to be served, and death is on the menu tonight.

William Hand has always been obsessed with the power of death ever since he was a little boy. He hears it, worships it, and begs for its dark embrace to engulf him into an eternal sleep... yet he cannot escape the illuminating light shining down on him - a light that belongs to the Green Lantern Corps. His entire criminal career has been wrought with failures and strange occurrences, but that was only a small part of the bigger picture. No, destiny has bigger plans for the man known as Black Hand, and his relationship with the dead is about to become much deadlier... at the expense of the entire universe.

I'll be straight with you guys - you HAVE TO PICK UP this issue if you're seriously considering collecting this crossover event. I myself wasn't planning to, but the cover and story sold me right away after reading a couple of pages. This issue, dare I say it, is one of the most disturbing and excellent stories I've read in quite a while. Black Hand - a guy who was a B-Lister Green Lantern rogue back in the day, is now somebody you can both love, fear, and get creeped out over thanks to his new status quo. This issue is definitely all about him, yet it's also about the establishment of the Black Lantern Corp, and how the first member gets inducted is just... Awesome. Never have I witnessed a tale that could really get my skin crawling but make me fascinated at the same time other than this. Again...Awesome.

All of this could not have been possible without the powers of Geoff Johns. The guy knows how to write so damn well it gives me a headache sometimes just trying to keep up with everything that's been going on! I haven't seen too much of his other works, but artist Doug Mahnke really captures the eerie and morbid atmosphere of this issue so well that it's too good not to like at all.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - We really have to hand it to Geoff Johns - he's the man who redefined Green Lantern and established the book as a landmark DC title that anyone can pick up and get hooked on right away. I know people will agree with me that we're going to have our money's worth here with Blackest Night. It's really going to be a big event, and there's no way it will exempt the heroes of the DCU from being affected by it. I'm trying to avoid collecting multiple titles and crossovers books for this event, yet this book, the flagship GL book, speaks out to me and wins my vote. If you thought Blackest Night # 0 was something, this issue will kick things into high gear. It's pretty much self-contained and serves as a stand alone prologue for what's to come. All that has occurred was just the tip of the iceberg... the real seeds of tragedy begin next week. Watch out for it.

Score - 10/10

Next up, we have more Batman!




Batman # 688
Written By: Judd Winick
Illustrated By: Mark Bagley

As previewed in a couple of posts before, the first issue of Batman featuring Dick Grayson as a full-fledged Caped Crusader is finally here! Writer Judd Winick is paired together with former Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley, who joins the bat-veteran for a four issue arc that will test the former Nightwing's stint as the new protector of Gotham. How does one get over his predecessor's shadow? That's what Batman: Reborn is all about, and we're about to find out how messy things can get for the new Dark Knight.

After assuming the mantle of the Bat, Dick Grayson has just begun his career as Gotham's new Caped Crusader. His latest endeavors haven't gone unnoticed by the public eye, as he has returned the general populace to a sense of complacency. Many criminals as a result are bewildered by the Dark Knight's reemergence, including known batfoes Penguin and Two-Face, who don't hide their frustrations and concerns over the matter. However, one of them finds out something interesting about "Batman", and it's a revelation that could spell trouble for the Dick later on.

I don't know what Judd Winick is smoking, but he sure as hell knows his stuff and how to deliver a great story and keep up the pace with this title! I'm pretty surprised by how smooth and natural things felt, especially with the transition Dick made from his Nightwing persona to accepting the new responsibilities he has. As the story unfolds, we see him dive into action almost immediately, making a statement and adjusting to the new role while coping with the numerous difficulties by becoming the Batman (such as tolerating the costume - a running gag that has carried over from Batman and Robin apparently, hehe). Fresh new starts like these only makes the title more accessible to new readers, and while we all miss Bruce Wayne under the cape and cowl, having him gone from the spotlight means we're going to see new dynamics and changes come into play. It's almost like Captain America when Bucky took over the role from Steve Rogers, except Dick already proved himself once by taking up the mantle way back during the Prodigal storyline.

The character dialogue and conversation segments are just priceless moments for this book. It's humorous to see Dick make complaints about his equipment while Alfred tries to pacify the youth with his sarcastic remarks. I never really got into the Damian Wayne attitude, but seeing how the relationship plays out between him and Dick gives us insight at least as to how they're trying to make the partnership work. Despite their differences, both are quite the pair, and it will be interesting to see how they live up to the legacy of "Batman and Robin" with their unique chemistry intact. It's also great to see classic rogues getting back into the game again, and one of them's getting really his A-game up. Expected, since "I Am Batman" and the recent teaser pics already spoiled what he's gonna do. Apparently, he's also the" mystery attacker" shown in the first few pages of the book. Some surprise there, but meh, the book is entitled to its flaws.

The art is absolutely fantastic, thanks to the youthful and vibrant looking art by Mark Bagley. To me at least, the artist has a niche in penciling young heroes, and somehow he fits just fine in drawing Dick Grayson as The Batman. I can see how lively the action gets as a result, and it always feels good to see a superhero book that feels dynamic and energetic at the same time. So with the team set for the next four issues, it's definitely a good time to jump in and read Batman again. The book can be read as a stand alone or companion to Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin, because the events work in tandem with one another. There's no missteps thus far, and it's doing a good job of keeping up with fans' expectations. Even if the original Bats is gone, things are going great in his absence.

Score - 10/10



Red Robin #1 & 2
Written By: Chris Yost
Illustrated By: Ramon Bachs

For this review, I decided to try something new and do a double feature. I haven't reviewed the first issue of this series yet, so now seems like an appropriate time to discuss both books and give my two cents worth on them so far. For one thing, it's a comic that serves as a true companion to the main Bat books, and it serves to fill the void left behind with the cancellation of Nightwing and Robin. Those titles stood their own ground over the years, and one has to wonder if Red Robin will follow in their footsteps as it is an ongoing and not a miniseries.

Tim Drake's life is in shambles. The apparent death of his friend and recent adoptive father Bruce Wayne has left him in a frantic state of mind. Adding to his troubles is the fact that he is no longer Robin, having been replaced by Damian Wayne, who is under the supervision of Dick Grayson - the new Batman. With everything taken away from him, Tim frustrations come to light, until he has an epiphany and resolves to do the one thing everyone in his mind seems to neglect - Find Bruce Wayne. Finally finding a new purpose, he quickly leaves the life he had behind him to search the world for his missing mentor, taking up a new identity in the process. Unfortunately, "Tim Wayne" is not alone is his search, as other figures working in the shadows are also interested in his mission.

The book clearly likes to hint on the fact that it's not a good time to be Tim Drake. The guy has been through several losses over the years, and nobody writing his story is giving him a break. Chris Yost, fresh off his stint on New X-Men, (no, not the Morrison one... it's the young X-men book) takes on who could probably be the world's most gifted yet troubled young superhero ever. Yost clearly understands this set up, and takes full advantage of dissecting the world of Drake and turning it into Wayne prematurely. It's a little unnatural to see Tim so dark and full of rage, but apparently, that's what you get when your whole world based on Batman falls apart. In many ways, Tim has fallen on bad times, and he's practically being groomed to succeed Bruce Wayne as the world's greatest detective and as a brooding figure no one can approach. Red Robin is a test on this theory, and so far it's working out well on the long run. I honestly don't see this identity sticking to the former Robin for a long time. However, if things keep up the way they are now, he could very well make a name for himself in this book. It's just a matter of the right execution, and Yost has aced it so far.



The book's prevailing theme is with Tim trying to justify his actions. His growing paranoia and isolation from the world he knew are traits that seem to be a constant in this book. The kid gloves are off, and he's taking his new mission seriously. Along the way, we see how this affects his loved ones and allies, and eventually it will be interesting to see how the new Batman takes on who he considers to be his equal. That's the other thing I find odd about this book... how could he just drop everything and leave his life behind all for the sake of Bruce? First, he has no clue where to begin his search, and he leaves without showing a care in the world? Not really Tim Drake's style, but then again, he's shown his odd moments over the years. As for the illustrations, Ramon Bachs' art does seem a little too sketchy at first, but you begin to warm up to it as the series moves forward. Not too impressive, but not too shabby either.

Overall, with two issues and counting, it's a bit early to call Red Robin a must read series. It's basically THE new Robin/ Nightwing series combined into one, so there's your sidekick/ protege book for you. If you're a fan of movies like The Bourne Identity, then this series should fit your interests as there's lots of continent hopping action going around here. I certainly want to see where the road takes Tim and what he finds at the end of his journey, but hopefully things don't implode by the time the last part of this story arc comes to pass.

Score - 8/10 (Issue #1)

Score - 7/10 (Issue #2)

Ok, so there are the book. Worthy reads, but as always, this is just a mere taste of good things to come. Damn... I can't wait for next week... BLACKEST NIGHT is here!