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: Batman #7

After a brutal week in the Court of Owl's maze, the Dark Knight is triumphant. Unfortunately there's no rest for Batman as the Court has just begun their attack on Gotham. Meanwhile the Dark Knight discovers details revealing his even deeper ties to the Court, and Nightwing won't be pleased with the news.

Marvel Vs. DC

Does anyone else see the similarities between Jim Lee's Justice League cover and Mark Bagley's Avengers Assemble cover?

Growing up in the 90's, I loved both Mark Bagley's work on the Amazing Spider-Man as well as Jim Lee's X-Men. I have to say this is absolutely cool, and could be a coincidence or a direct nod to Lee's original piece. But I can't help but think it's a actually a little jab at which is the better team. Tongue-in-cheek nonetheless. Oh well.

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.

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!

The New 52: Wonder Woman Issue 6 Review

The battle for Zeus' throne continues in London as Wonder Woman takes on Poseidon. Another deity also takes the stage for a run at the throne as well. What is Hera's role in all of this?

Brian Azzarello's new direction for Wonder Woman, certainly has raised a lot of eyebrows with her origin storyline.  Now more than ever, she has ties to the gods of Olympus, as the illegitimate daughter of Zeus, thanks to Azzarello's radical new portrayal of the superheroine. The first five issues have been fast paced leaving little room for a deeper understanding of the current plotline and details about the characters.  Apparently, London is the new home base for Wonder Woman as we're left clueless as to why this particular location was chosen for the backdrop for the new adventures.

In issue 6, the gods of Olympus particularly Poseidon and Hades, have congregated in London, to make known their intentions to seize Zeus' throne.  Moreover, London becomes a battleground as Wonder Woman offers another option instead: joint control of the world. Of course Hera objects and makes her stance known.  The lingering feud between Hera and Wonder Woman continues to boil.  Guest artist Tony Akins does another wonderful job filling for Cliff Chiang and there are times when the similarities are uncanny between their artistic styles.

Wonder Woman offers a suggestion

Finally, when you make a deal with Hades, be careful who you're bargaining with, as the climatic ending takes a turn for the worse, for one of the key characters.

The Good: Tony Akins is an adequate fill in for Cliff Chiang

The Bad: The plot is getting stale and seems to be dragging on (just for the paperback edition)

Final Verdict: B

You might also like:

• New 52: Justice League issue 2 review
• Superman/Batman: The Search for Kryptonite review 
• New 52: The Flash issue 3 review

DC Reveals Earth 2 Variant Cover

 

DC Comics has revealed a variant cover for James Robinson's upcoming Earth 2.

A few notable observations:

1. Batman is using Nightwing's trademark escrima sticks. Could Dick Grayson be the Batman of Earth 2?
2. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman are battling Darkseid's parademons, which are currently appearing over in Geoff Johns and Jim Lee's Justice League.
3. Where's the Justice Society?? Will DC's Trinity be a part of the New 52's version of the Justice Society of America?

Via The Source

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!

Dial H for Hero

DC Comics has announced that a new take on the classic Dial H for Hero series will premiere in May 2012.  Acclaimed writer China Miéville will explore the "psychological effects on an everyman who accidentally gains powers to become a hero". Handling the art chores will be Mateus Santoluoco. Brian Bolland is the cover artist for issue number one shown above and hopefully for the rest of the series.

Via DC Comics

Review: Preacher: War In The Sun

Perhaps the most defining moments in Garth Ennis' run on Preacher was the War in the Sun saga, that he put Jesse Custer through. This miniseries within a series was the start of many profound changes for the characters ahead in the series. Just as we thought our heroes had survived whatever Starr had pummeled at them, Ennis throws in a twist at the end. The emotional toll on Tulip was simply too much as once again, Jesse is separated from her.

The Preacher: War in the Sun paperback collects issues 34 through 40 of the original Preacher Series. Also included is the Preacher Special: One Man's War. This one-shot special edition focused on Starr and look at his past. The great thing about this collection is that is that readers could start off or pick up from where they left off within the series, without missing much from the previous issues. In fact this collection doesn't feature any minor characters from previous storylines.

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!!

The New 52: Animal Man Issue No. 5 Review

 
Will Animal Man's family survive an attack from The Rot? Can Maxine's new powers help them too?

Review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

Writer Marv Wolfman and George Perez proved why Teen Titans was one of the top-tier titles of the 1980s with well-crafted stories like the Judas Contract miniseries within a series. The groundbreaking saga proved to be icing on the cake on a very popular run on the title for both. The memorable tale of betrayal stood out from most titles published at the time. Even today, no other stories come close or have continuing ties to the masterpiece that Wolfman and Perez delivered decades ago. It's one thing to kill off superheroes and resurrect them, it's another to come with creative tales like this.

Besides the X-Men, the Teen Titans were one of the more popular comics to emerge out of the 1980s. The comic focused on younger superheroes formally associated with more popular mentor such as Batman, Wonder Woman and even Aquaman. The 1980s revival of the Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, also brought intergalactic characters (Starfire) and supernatural ones (Raven) for the young group to partner with against evil and injustice. Eventually, the team would bring on a new team member, Tara Markov aka Terra. Tara would be the centerpiece for this miniseries.

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.