REVIEW: Legends of the Dark Knight #1 (Print Edition)

No annoying Owls, no New 52 retcons, and an appearance by Tim Drake as ROBIN? Quite possibly one of the best Batman comics of 2012. No, seriously.

Raining...again

Appearing for the first time in print, Legends of the Dark Knight is a compiled release of the first three short stories of the 2012 digital-first series of the same name. All three stories are stand-alone tales and take place outside of regular current DC continuity. It's a nice breath of fresh air after a year of New 52 frustration and confusion. Just classic stuff really, and any fan of Batman old and new will enjoy this series. 

If you aren't down to the pay the $4 cover price, each story is available digitally for $.99 cents. Since the series is digital-first, it was meant to be read digitally and supposedly a much better experience. I prefer print so I'll leave you all to be the judge! :)

Batman drinks coffee?

Ever wonder that Batman's weakness really is? In "The Butler Did It", writer Damon Lindelof and artist Jeff Lemire take a look back at a young, arrogant Batman/Bruce Wayne as he learns a valuable lesson or two from the ever-wise and faithful Alfred.

"All of the Above", my favorite story in the issue,  pits Batman against Justice League villain Amazo. Stranded alone on the JLA Watchtower, Batman's "powers" are put to the test. (Keep an eye out for the Adam West reference.) Kudos to Jonathan Larsen and JG Jones for reminding us why Batman is so awesome.

Guess who?

Finally, "The Crime Never Committed" penned by Tom Taylor and drawn by Nicola Scott features Batman intervening to prevent a crime that he knows will be committed. Tim Drake makes an appearance here in his classic Robin costume, and I can't say I didn't squee just a little when I turned to that page.

THE GOOD: Just a great book with three superb stories that highlight Batman's strengths and weaknesses. Nothing too over the top or shocking, and a nice break from all the frustrations of the New 52. I dare say, it ranks as one of the best Batman issues of 2012.

THE BAD: Absolutely nothing wrong with this issue. 

FINAL VERDICT - A+

You might also like:

• Batman Annual Issue 1 - The Torment of Mr. Freeze
• Nightwing Issue 1 - Full Circle
• Secret Avengers Issue 21.1 - Hawkeye Leads the Team

REVIEW: Nightwing #0

DC's 'Zero Month' continues with Nightwing #0 and the New 52 retelling/reboot of Dick Grayson's origins as the original Boy Wonder.

Although the issue is actually very well written with amazingly drawn and colored visuals, the changes DC has made in Nightwing #0 are simply unforgivable. It proves the age old saying that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Possible spoilers ahead.

Why the Revelation in Batman #10 Doesn't Work

If you haven't already read Batman #10, I highly suggest you run, don't walk, to your nearest local comic book shop and do so. The latest chapter in Scott Snyder's Night of the Owls arc is definitely a game changer, and a huge turning point for the entire Batman mythos. The issue's revelation has also already spurred some intense controversy amongst Batman purists and casual comic book readers. Yep, it's one of those issues, boys and girls.

Spoilers ahead. You have been warned. SPOILERS. AHEAD.

REVIEW: Batman Annual #1: The Torment of Mr. Freeze

For years the quintessential origin of Mr. Freeze came from the 1992 Batman - The Animated Series episode "Heart of Ice". Incidentally it's also one of the best episodes the best episode to come from the iconic TV series, which is saying quite a lot. Following the positive critical response of the episode and a resurgence in the villain's popularity, DC even retconned the comic book version of Mr. Freeze to more closely resemble and portray the animated version. The episode also influenced the plot of 1997's infamous and horrible Batman and Robin, where Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Mr. Freeze. 

It's hard to believe that "Heart of Ice" first aired 20 years ago. Now that we've somewhat adjusted into DC's New 52 Universe, I guess the heads at DC thought that Victor Fries needed a new origin as well, and the first New 52 annual issue of Batman retells the now classic tragedy. Victor's origin isn't safe from the New 52 relaunch however, as there are some major changes and additions which tie directly into the current Night of the Owls event. (Reanimated undead Talon assassins? Ring any bells?) Fans can rest easy however - though the change is not necessarily better, it's definitely a different take on one of the Batman's better villains and worth the read.

Warning! Spoilers ahead. SPOILERS. AHEAD.

RUSTED SPOTLIGHT: Batman

The Batman.

The Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight, the World's Greatest Detective! My first memory of Batman was at my 2nd birthday party. My parents always tell me it was a grand event - a long guest list, giant cake, balloons, and food galore. But I don't remember a single detail from the day...except for the BATMAN COSTUME I got. Come to think of it, I don't even know who it was that gave it to me...

This month marks the 73rd anniversary of Batman's first appearance in Detective Comics #27. Unless you've been living under a rock (and just somehow stumbled upon this blog), you know the legend of his origin, so I'll spare the repetitive back story.

The Caped Crusader has grown into a worldwide cultural icon, and is no doubt one of the most popular and recognizable figures today. It's arguable that Batman isn't just one of the best superheroes ever, but one of the greatest fictional characters ever. But what is it that makes Batman still so popular?

REVIEW: Batman #8

Last month, Batman barely escaped the clutches of the Court of the Owls. Just when we all thought everything had finally calmed down in Gotham City, a gang of Talon assassins invades Wayne Manor...and the Bat Cave. The Night of the Owls begins!

REVIEW: Justice League #6

The first arc of the New 52's flagship title concludes as the "Super Seven" battles the mighty Darkseid. Memo to Darkseid: don't piss off Superman.

Superman: Earth One

Published in 2010, Superman: Earth One is the first of DC's Earth One original graphic novels. Much like Marvel's extremely successful Ultimate Marvel line of books, Earth One will feature new takes on DC's existing characters, and gives writers the freedom to introduce classic heroes to new audiences without being limited to ongoing continuity.

Unfortunately, the comic book world has far been spoiled with almost too many different Superman origin stories. Unlike Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, or even Batman, Superman's origin has been retold and rebooted more than enough. His origin just can't seem to be left alone! Several stories have been published in just the last 10 years, including Mark Waid's Birthright, Geoff Johns' Secret Origin, and J. Michael Straczynski's Earth One. It's currently being retold again in the New 52 in Grant Morrison's run on Action Comics. Superman's origin isn't safe from Hollywood reboots either - don't forget Zack Snyder's upcoming Man of Steel film set for 2013.

So how does Superman: Earth One fare? In a nutshell, it's a smooth read but isn't quite the quintessential origin. Too many distinct changes to the Superman mythology make it difficult to accept. With as many Superman origins out there, they are all hard to read with an open mind because his traits and ideals are so important to what makes him who he is. And in this particular case, the new twists that Straczynski decides to explore hurt Superman's origin more than add to it. Shane Davis' art, though not horrible, is also flawed. (Spoilers ahead.)

REVIEW: Batman #6

After last month's phenomenal issue, what's in-store for Batman?? "I know that I am sick to death of owls!" says the Caped Crusader. Spoilers ahead!

REVIEW: Justice League #5

After an epic setup last month, Geoff Johns and Jim Lee's Justice League #5 doesn't quite meet expectations.

Justice League New 52 Action Figures Officially Announced

Concepts were shown at conventions all last year, but it looks like DC has finally unveiled an official image of DC Direct's upcoming New 52 Justice League line. Click the image to see release dates for each figure.

Sadly, we have to wait a WHOLE YEAR for Superman. :(

Image courtesy of TNI

REVIEW: Batman #5

Holy crap. Did my Batman comic book just turn upside down?! The best book of DC's New 52 continues!

REVIEW: Superman/Batman: Supergirl

Veteran comic book readers know that the original Supergirl was killed in DC Comics's now legendary Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985.

Fast forward to 2004. Nearly 20 years later in DC's Superman/Batman series, the character of Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, is reintroduced back into the present day DC Universe. Written by Jeph Loeb with art by the late Michael Turner, the collected issues are available in one trade paperback titled Superman/Batman: Supergirl. The book is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the iconic character, and for veteran readers a nice welcome back for the Girl of Steel. Although DC's New 52 initiative "undoes" this origin, it's very much still a worthy read.

DC Comics: The New 52 December 2011 Run Down

AQUAMAN #4 - "The Trench" arc concludes here in issue #4. Another superb issue by Geoff Johns. I know it's crazy but he just knows exactly what we fan boys want to see, and continues to show just how awesome the Aquaman character really is. Aquaman is a perfect example of the purpose of the entire New 52 reboot. Unfortunately it did feel a tad rushed towards the end, and I almost felt like it could have been another issue long, but its a minor set back. Great art by Ivan Reis.

NIGHTWING #4 - This was a fun issue and is what Batgirl #3 should have been! I just eat up members of the Bat-family working together, and Barbara Gordon with Dick Grayson are as epic of a duo as you can get. Since issue #1, Kyle Higgins has shown why Dick Grayson was meant to be Nightwing. Trevor McCarthy took over on pencils for this issue, and as much as I loved Eddy Barrows's art it's a welcome change. Unfortunately story-wise this issue was pretty much filler. But welcome filler.

GREEN LANTERN #4 - First off, pick up the variant cover for this issue if you can! Great issue and we see more of Sinestro's abilities and just how great of a Green Lantern he was/still is. I've said it before, but the love-hate dynamic between Hal and Sinestro makes for a fun read. However, the current story is starting to drag just a little, and I want things to move on. As usual excellent artwork by Doug Mahnke. Can't wait for issue #5, but I seriously hopefully the whole "Let's save Korugar" arc ends too.

LEGO Batman 2 officially confirmed

Hurray! Warner Brothers and The Lego Group have officially confirmed LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes for a summer 2012 release! Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern have all been confirmed as playable characters, while the Joker and Lex Luthor will be the game's primary villains. Crossing my fingers for the Flash or Aquaman!!

REVIEW: Batman #4

Batman #4 is another great issue by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. I've said it before but this title is by far the best book of the New 52. It simply keeps getting better and better.

Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes!

DC Comics has released a few preview pages for the upcoming Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes! one-shot.

REVIEW: Batman #2

The best title of DC's New 52 continues! How does issue #2 fare?

REVIEW: Superman/Batman - The Search for Kryptonite

Written by Michael Green and penciled by Shane Davis, The Search for Kryptonite is a great standalone story for any fan of Bats or Supes. It originally appeared in 2008 in issues #44-49 of Superman/Batman and was reprinted in a collected edition a year later. The story is fairly simple - there's an unusually large amount of kryptonite on Earth, and Superman comes to the realization that in order for him to be what the world needs, he has to to rid the planet completely of it. He obviously can't do it alone, so Supes asks Batman for help in his search. But the task isn't as easy as the two men originally think, and there's plenty that stands in their way.
 

The idea is actually one that surprisingly hasn't been done until now. Why not rid the world of kryptonite? And who else would Superman ask but Batman, the one person he trusts the most (and with the resources) to do it? Michael Green's script is a fun read. It's an especially good book for casual comic book readers, as there's no real continuity here, just a good standalone story featuring the classic relationship and characteristics of the Dark Knight and Man of Steel. Green's use of the dual inner monologue balloons of Superman and Batman really shows the readers how much differently the two heroes think and react to the situation. There's a great balance of action and story, and it's paced very well. I usually find myself putting graphic novels down after a few pages but I found myself wanting to continue reading frequently.

Unfortunately, the story is wrapped up almost too easily. I won't spoil the details here, but the book's final conflict is a pretty big one, and it didn't take much for our heroes to solve, with some help from the new Toyman and a random cameo from...Power Girl?? Despite this, the story is still good as a whole and definitely worth the read. The last page of the book is an eye opener and will leave readers thinking....what if?

The art is what I liked most about this book. Shane Davis's work is excellent. Seeing the DC Direct action figures based on his work is what made me want to check this story out. He draws a great Superman, and I particularly enjoyed his renditions of kid-versions of the Justice League (that Superman begins to see after being exposed to magically affected white kryptonite).

THE GOOD: A good story starring Superman and Batman working together. What more do you need?

THE BAD: The final conflict is resolved too easily.

THE ART: Simply excellent. I love Shane Davis's Superman. The kid-versions of the Justice League is an added treat.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Images are Copyright DC Comics

Relaunched! The 10 Best Books of the DCnU

DC Comic's New 52 relaunch has proved to be a success, with some retailers reporting books selling out in minutes and many titles going back to press for 2nd printings. But 52 issues is a lot to read, so just for you we've rounded up the Top 10 Books of the DCnU.