Category: DC’s Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

Written by Neal Adams

Art by Neal Adams & Clem Robins

Cover by Neal Adams

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics, Deadman’s 2017-18 mini-series is reprinted in this 168-page collection.  Boston “Deadman” Brand might finally gain justice vs. the shadowy group that orchestrated his murder years before.  Evidently, the series sub-title is: “Still Dead … After All These Years!” 

In Japan, Deadman & Batman thwart an assassination attempt on Commissioner Gordon, who is a temporary U.S. ambassador inspecting Japanese nuclear sites.   Deadman encounters the assassin Hook and a ghostly Sensei, both of whom contributed to Brand’s assassination. 

The Spectre, Phantom Stranger, and Etrigan the Demon become involved, as the trail leads Deadman to a family reunion at the circus he once starred in.  Borrowing his twin brother Cleveland’s body, Deadman learns some shockers from their parents, including that his brother Aaron and sister Zeea disappeared long ago.

With the Spectre’s aid, Deadman uncovers his own family’s involvement with Ra’s Al Ghul and his League of Assassins.  Etrigan is violently rebuffed trying to rescue Aaron Brand from Al Ghul’s minions.  Seeking answers, Deadman’s gambit returns him to mystical Nanda Parbat.  In an extended Himalayan battle, Deadman relies on Zatanna Zatara; Doctor Fate; the Spectre; Taj Ze the samurai; and Etrigan at his side vs. mutants, monsters, zombies, and robots.  Deadman explores some weird possibilities, including whether or not he’s really a ghost.  

REVIEW:

As a writer-artist, Neal Adams is known for decades of phenomenal work in the comics industry, i.e. for Batman.  In this instance, however, Adams’ visual talents far exceed his inexplicably muddled storyline.  First up is Deadman’s trademark body-hopping, which contributes to a chaotic read. 

Other oddities include: since when is James Gordon a designated expert in inspecting foreign nuclear facilities?  Or why is the Spectre seemingly so out-of-character?  Or why is Etrigan’s assault by the League of Assassins strangely dropped, so Etrigan is at Deadman’s side for the Himalayan battle?  Or why is Batman deceptively advertised for the last segment when he isn’t involved?  The list goes go on and on. 

As fair warning, this last chapter is the book’s worst segment since Adams doesn’t resolve any pertinent loose ends.  Exceedingly patient readers will be disappointed by an unsatisfactory finish.  Despite Deadman’s sub-par scripting, Adams appears at top of his game in terms of its artwork. 

If Adams had added an insightful introduction or afterword, it might have offset his bewildering one-man show.  Short of an infuriated Deadman unambiguously telling off Batman, the Spectre, and a few others at regular intervals that they “suck,” Adams exerts too little effort to fix his storyline’s incoherent twists.  It’s a shame that long-time Deadman fans will likely find this storyline a squandered read. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

All seven full-page covers (including a Deadman # 1 variant) by Adams are included.  Also, eight full pages of his pencil sketches (specifically: pages 1, 5-6, 8, 12, 14 20, and 22) from the first issue are part of this package.  Character images help decorate the separation of chapters.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 4 Stars

Written by Scott Snyder; James Tynion IV; & Joshua Williamson.

Art by Francis Manapul; Marcus To; Riley Rossmo; & Jorge Jimenez; Hi-Fi; Alejandro Sanchez; and Andworld Design.

Cover Art by Francis Manapul.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2018 by DC Comics, this 144-page collection presents Justice League: No Justice # 1-4 and its prelude from DC Nation # 0 from earlier that year.  As both Earth and Brainiac’s home world, Colu, are threatened by four cosmic entities, a contingent of DC’s heroes & villains form a resistance under Brainiac’s command. 

Once Brainiac is seemingly destroyed, separate squads emerge: Mystery (Superman; Starro; Sinestro; Martian Manhunter; and Starfire); Entropy (Batman; Lex Luthor; Beast Boy; Deathstroke; and Lobo); Wisdom (Harley Quinn; Flash; Cyborg; Damian Wayne’s Robin; and the Atom); and Wonder (Wonder Woman; Zatanna Zatara; Etrigan the Demon; Raven; and Doctor Fate).  Each team investigates a cosmic tree linked to one of these entities.  Yet, they must coordinate their efforts to save Earth and Colu.      

With Earth mostly undefended, Amanda Waller takes drastic action that Green Arrow & Supergirl may regret.  Green Lantern Hal Jordan and four other Lanterns must answer Green Arrow’s mayday call for Earth’s last stand.  Ultimately, a new status quo is established re: the immediate future for DC’s major super-teams. 

REVIEW:

Justice League: Too Far Out of Its League, unfortunately, is a more apt title for one of DC’s worst-ever mega-events.

All too ironically, the actual title foretells what readers get in return for buying this kid-friendly dreck.  Is this muddled, would-be epic remotely comprehensible?  The answer is emphatically ‘no,’ as there’s virtually zero depth and logic in motion.  A few bits and pieces are conveyed (i.e. Batman’s repeated paternal scoldings of Damian Wayne’s Robin; Lex Luthor’s untrustworthiness; the gradual building of team chemistry among these four squads), but far too little else happens. 

Worsening this book’s ultra-contrived storytelling is lukewarm sludge posing as artwork.  Clearly, half-hearted visuals won’t disguise the New Age-inspired cosmic nonsense that the writing team is incoherently peddling.  In retrospect, an awe-inspiring, galactic team-up of heroes & villains under Brainiac’s command might have had some intriguing potential as a premise. The caveat being that an inspired lead writer needs to take command and make the storyline work.  

The weakly-executed Justice League: No Justice, however, isn’t the answer, as its creative team is asleep at the wheel throughout this Crisis wanna-be.  For all the plot’s exploration of ‘cosmic trees,’ all hapless readers come away with is eye-rolling sap.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page color covers are included.  There’s a five-page color sketchbook from artist Francis Manapul that includes some of this project’s imagery and team portraits.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  2½ Stars

Written by Grant Morrison.

Art by (See Credits Below).

Collection Cover Art by Ryan Sook.

Notes: To clarify possible confusion, the complete Seven Soldiers saga was initially compiled into four paperback volumes in 2006-2007.  This same 400-page compendium (it’s the equivalent of 2006-2007’s Volumes 1-2) first appeared in hardcover form in 2010. This title is also available digitally. Lastly, there is a nearly 800-page Omnibus hardcover version, which compiles the complete epic.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2012 by DC Comics, this mammoth 400-page paperback reprints the first half of the Seven Soldiers saga consisting of: Seven Soldiers of Victory # 0; Seven Soldiers: Shining Knight # 1-4; Seven Soldiers: Guardian # 1-4; Seven Soldiers: Klarion the Witch Boy # 1-3; and Seven Soldiers: Zatanna # 1-3.  The concluding fourth issues for Klarion and Zatanna appear in Volume 2. 

• Seven Soldiers of Victory # 0.  Art is provided by J.H. Williams; Dave Stewart; and Todd Klein; with Williams & Stewart as the cover art team.  Greg Saunders – the elderly Golden Age Vigilante (a member of the original Seven Soldiers) recruits five D-List super-heroes/mercenaries to help him hunt the monstrous Buffalo Spider in the Arizona desert.  Once their mission ends horrifically, the enigmatic Seven Unknown Men of Slaughter Swamp initiate a contingency plan to thwart the extra-dimensional threat known as The Sheeda.

Note: Continuity-wise, Seven Soldiers of Victory Issue # 0 occurs shortly after Zatanna # 1 and before Shining Knight # 3-4.

• Seven Soldiers: Shining Knight # 1-4. Art is provided by Simone Bianchi; Dave Stewart; Nathan Eyring; and Rob Leigh, with Bianchi & Stewart as the cover art team.  Escaping Camelot’s destruction by demonic forces, young knight Ystin (Justin) and a flying white horse, Vanguard, are mystically propelled into modern-day Los Angeles.  Once an immortal mobster takes custody of Vanguard, his posh, heavily-armed estate is brutally attacked by The Sheeda.  A fugitive Ystin later seeks the local police’s help.  Taken captive by the demonic Sheeda Queen known as Gloriana Tenebrae, a defiant Ystin’s secret is revealed.    

• Seven Soldiers: Guardian # 1-4.  Art is provided by Cameron Stewart; Moose Baumann; and Pat Brosseau; with Stewart as the cover artist.  Recruited as a crusading New York newspaper’s in-house super-hero, ex-cop Jake Jordan (aka the Manhattan Guardian) battles gruesome subway pirates beneath New York City to rescue his girlfriend.  Jordan then saves surviving hostages from a state-of-the-art robotic theme park where one of its creators has gone amok. Seeking to quit, a disillusioned Jordan learns from his benefactor the shocking truth re: the original Newsboy Army’s mission to Slaughter Swamp.  Another revelation pertains to background characters also appearing in Shining Knight and Zatanna. 

Note: The bleak finale has only one panel implying who a homicide victim must be.  Scenes in Zatanna # 2-3 also briefly allude to this same mystery.

• Seven Soldiers: Klarion the Witch Boy # 1-3.  Art is provided by Frazer Irving & Pat Brosseau, with Irving as the cover artist.  Klarion and his feline accomplice, Teekl, flee their underground home known as Limbo Town (the home of the lost Roanoke colony) to explore the surface world.  Yet, Gloriana Tenebrae’s treacherous husband, Malmoth, manipulates a naïve Klarion in a covert bid to invade Limbo Town.

• Seven Soldiers: Zatanna # 1-3.  Art is provided by Ryan Sook; Mick Gray; Nathan Eyring; Jared K. Fletcher; Nick J. Napolitano, with Ryan Sook & Dave Stewart on the cover image.  At a New York therapy group session for super-heroes, a seemingly powerless Zatanna Zatara confides her self-blame for the recent incineration of some trusted friends helping her in a personal matter.  Despite her depleted confidence, she embarks on a cross-country road trip with a mysterious young female, Misty, whose own magical powers replicate Zatanna’s by using a mystical die. 

Note: For continuity purposes, the Zatanna # 3 segment occurs shortly after Shining Knight # 4.

REVIEW:

Seven Soldiers’ first half is a definite game-changer re: mature and sophisticated super-hero story-telling. Hence, writer Grant Morrison’s nightmarish vision oozes considerable potential, but it’s far from perfect.  As seen in Shining Knight # 1-2, Klarion # 1-2, and some scenes in Zatanna # 1, Morrison’s muddled epic becomes near-incomprehensible once all the Vertigo Comics-style weirdness just stops making sense. 

Even deliberately grisly visuals justify only so much of the murkiness permeating Seven Soldiers.  Think of it this way: deciphering large sections of Seven Soldiers is like trying to fathom mind-blowing science fiction like Robert A. Heinlein’s novel, The Number of The Beast, or Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s Slaughterhouse Five – as far as casual reading is concerned.  At least, Morrison (or maybe it’s really DC) bleeps out sporadic profanities to keep his dialogue somewhat clean.   

Still, Morrison and his art squads overdose on the macabre, which results in some vile excuses for shock value.  Unsurprisingly, these plot elements don’t help explain what exactly either The Sheeda or The Seven Unknown Men of Slaughter Swamp are, let alone what they intend to do.  That’s where perhaps Morrison makes his biggest misjudgment. 

For all the ingenious crossovers bridging these four mini-series, Morrison doesn’t try hard enough conveying better hints of what’s really going on to his audience.  Yet, the premise that these Seven Soldiers will supposedly never meet, or even know of each other’s existence, still seems brilliant – at least, in theory.   

As ghoulish as many of this saga’s scenes are, the worst offense is a late plot twist depicting a child molester/murderer.  The fact that Morrison exploits this putrid sub-plot with an issue title of “Sex Secrets of the Newsboy Army!” inexcusably speaks for itself.  Perhaps it’s best that Morrison doesn’t divulge specifics beyond implying the culprit’s fate.  In other words, the repugnant ‘Newsboy Army’ murder-mystery really has no business in Morrison’s grand scheme, as it’s more like a diversion vs. finally getting some helpful insight re: The Sheeda.    

Despite Morrison’s unforced creative errors, his wicked storytelling improves at some necessary junctures (i.e. both Klarion # 3 and Shining Knight # 3-4 make far more sense than their first two issues).  His impressive Zatanna series (which is faithful to her character’s history, including interaction with the Phantom Stranger) is easily this book’s winner, though Guardian early on scores some fine moments, too. 

As for this collection’s best asset, it’s the potentially high-caliber visuals (including this volume’s terrific Ryan Sook cover).  The flip side, unfortunately, is a nasty fixation on can-you-top-this? carnage.  Melding DC continuity with Vertigo Comics-esque storytelling, Morrison’s Seven Soldiers of Victory, Volume 1 is a formidable read. Yet, its deep flaws should have a necessitated a definitive edit, if only for good taste’s sake.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Morrison’s two-page introduction elaborates his somewhat pompous rationale for this project.  Each of the individual stories appears with its full-page cover image.  A full-page advertisement reveals a black-and-white sketch image of the second volume’s cover.  A ten-page section insightfully explores the artistic evolution of the Seven Soldiers saga, including some detailed character costume design sketches for Morrison’s new Seven Soldiers.  A two-page color spread vividly reflects the original Books 1-2 paperback covers from 2006.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            6½ Stars

Written by Joel Rose & Amos Poe

Art by Tayyar Ozkan

SUMMARY:

Published as the 94-page black-and-white conclusion of the La Pacifica trilogy, it was released by Paradox Press (a DC Comics imprint) in 1995.

Arriving in New York City, motel owner Don Cooper’s persistence pays off, as he finally locates the elusive Holly Stone as a Bloomingdale’s salesgirl.  He wants answers from this ex-girlfriend of the deranged culprit who recently slaughtered seventeen guests at Cooper’s idyllic La Pacifica motel in California.  Despite suspecting her true nature, Cooper’s libido succumbs to a steamy affair with Holly. 

Confronting Holly with her shadowy past, Cooper’s worst fears are realized once she tries to manipulate him into killing her alleged stalker.  He barely evades her demented knack for corrupting ordinary guys into potential killers trying to ‘protect’ her.  When he and girlfriend Libby learn that Holly/Molly is ominously coming to see him, it appears their bloodthirsty game isn’t over just yet.   

REVIEW:

It’s contemporary noir, complete with hardcore profanity-laced dialogue.  Though this suspense thriller resembles a movie, Sucker’s End is still a R-Rated cliché-fest.  Between the seemingly well-intentioned protagonist whose obsession is betrayed by his own impulses and a sultry, identity-shifting mystery girl, one will readily smell the inevitable swerve coming. 

The rugged Don Cooper represents the kind of roles that Al Pacino, Tom Berenger, and Michael Douglas have personified on-screen for years.  As for the manipulative Holly/Molly, she relies on the same sleazy playbook previously utilized by femme fatales personified by actresses like Kathleen Turner, Linda Fiorentino, Sharon Stone, and Ellen Barkin.  Still, if contemporary casting means anything, Thomas Jane would make an ideal Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence could readily pass for Holly/Molly. 

Yet, the real non-surprise is how the only likable character (Cooper’s girlfriend, Libby), has far too little to do, even in the finale.  It’s the book’s biggest detriment — neither of the two leads endear themselves to readers, thus making their ultimate fates all the more meaningless.  It’s unfortunate, as the narrative of Sucker’s End is occasionally intriguing. 

The choice of gritty black-and-white visuals makes perfect sense, but this book’s mediocre artwork leaves readers with close to a zero impression.  Despite its basic potboiler elements, the Cooper vs. Holly/Molly feud falls far short of contributing anything new to this genre.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The front inside cover summarizes the first two volumes of the La Pacifica storyline.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    3 Stars

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Yanick Paquette; Chris Burnham; Michael Lacombe; Scott Clark; Cameron Stewart; Dave Beaty; Pere Perez; Nathan Fairbairn; John J. Hill; Patrick Brosseau; Dave Sharpe; Sal Cipriano; Frazer Irving; David Finch; Scott Williams; Michel Lacombe; & J.H. Williams III

SUMMARY:

Published in 2012, this 264-page compilation reprints the original Batman, Incorporated # 1-8 and Batman, Inc.: Leviathan Strikes! from 2010-2011.  Upon Bruce Wayne’s return, he recruits a worldwide network of Batmen at his command.  Shockingly, Wayne sets himself up as Batman, Inc.’s public sponsor. 

A globe-trekking Batman and numerous guest stars confront the forces of evil in Japan; France; Argentina; the American Southwest; Australia; and Africa to enforce that the real Dark Knight is back.  As Bruce’s nightmarish premonition has forewarned him, his Bat-franchise seeks to save the world from the Leviathan terrorist group.     

• Episodes 1 & 2: “Mr. Unknown is Dead” and “Resurrector.”

In Tokyo, Batman & Catwoman’s recruitment of Mr. Unknown sets up a showdown vs. the diabolical Lord Death Man and his skeleton-clad goons.  Aquazon of DC’s Japanese super-team (the Super Young Team) makes an appearance.   

• Episodes 3, 4, & 5: “Scorpion Tango,” “The Kane Affair,” & “Master Spy.”

Bruce goes solo in Buenos Aires to recruit El Gaucho.  Teaming with Cimarron of Super-Malon (Argentina’s Justice League), the heroes confront two ruthless desperadoes (El Sombrero & Scorpiana), who are holding three blind children as hostages.  El Gaucho’s secret linking him to the long-dead Silver Age Batwoman makes it a personal grudge for Bruce.  Kate Kane’s Batwoman & the U.K.’s Hood join in against an enigmatic villain known as Doctor Dedalus. 

• Episode 6: “Nyktomorph.”

In Africa, Bruce listens in as Batwing disrupts a Leviathan recruitment of children with guns.  Back in Gotham City, Batman has two game plans: one re: the public’s perception of Batman Inc., and the other for his Bat-allies on thwarting Leviathan.  In Paris and Australia, Batman recruits the Nightrunner and the new Dark Ranger.  Meanwhile, villainous entrepreneur Joe Average schemes a counter-assault against Batman, Inc.

• Episode 7: “Medicine Soldiers.”

In the American Southwest, Native American father-and-son crusaders, Man-of-Bats and teenage Raven, need Batman’s help against covert Leviathan forces. 

• Episode 8: “Nightmares in Numberland.”

Featuring Matrix-like cyberspace graphics, Batman teams with Oracle (appearing as a Batgirl avatar) to halt a terrorist takeover of Wayne Enterprises’ computer system.  Might they also link Bruce’s treacherous ex-girlfriend, Jezebel Jet, to Leviathan?

• Episode 9: “Leviathan Strikes!, Chapter 1: The School of Night.”

An undercover Stephanie Brown (Batgirl) has infiltrated the overseas St. Adrian’s Finishing School for Girls, as it’s another Leviathan shopping center.  With Batman’s help, Stephanie must face Johnny Valentine (aka the bloody Son of Pyg) and the school’s mastermind, Miss Hexley.  A cryptic hint is dropped re: Leviathan’s identity. 

• Episode 10: “Leviathan Strikes!, Chapter 2.”

As Oracle deploys some robotic back-up, Batman; Dick Grayson’s Batman; Red Robin; and Damian Wayne’s Robin are under siege at Doctor Dedalus’ base.  As Batwing deduces the truth behind Leviathan, the Bat-squad realize that their attackers are brainwashed Batman Inc. operatives. 

Aboard Leviathan’s orbiting satellite, the Outsiders face an explosive confrontation against Lord Death Man. The fates of Batwing and the Hood are also ultimately at stake.  Declaring all-out war on a stunned Batman, Leviathan’s mastermind is revealed.  Even Dick and Damian are chilled at the voice they instantly recognize.

REVIEW:

Considering that writer Grant Morrison’s epics often are wildly hit-or-miss, this one isn’t a grand slam, but it’s akin to a triple.  Not only does Morrison coherently pack this saga with guest stars galore, he devises a series of plot twists that mostly make sense.  The art team’s varying styles capably enhance this complex storyline, including sporadic instances of excessive gore (i.e. the Mr. Unknown caper).  Even that segment’s shock value works to Morrison’s advantage.   

However, Morrison’s pacing is muddled at times, as evidenced by the El Gaucho-Batwoman-Hood three-parter.  In the final segment (Chapter 2 of “Leviathan Strikes!”), he crams far too much plot, back story, and ulterior motives into too little space, making it difficult for readers to keep up. 

The other episodes are mostly self-contained, easy to read, and are well-played in terms of ongoing continuity — with one exception.  “Nightmares in Numberland” is Batman’s bewildering answer to The Matrix and Tron films.  At least its utterly dazzling artwork is consolation for a confusing story.  Still, Morrison finds some neat ways to make this cyberspace tale a worthwhile entry in this collection. 

Among the assorted guest stars, only Dick Grayson’s now-redundant Batman is a letdown, as he makes so little impact.  Dick, unfortunately, is instantly demoted back to sidekick due to Bruce’s overwhelming presence.  Not once does Dick or any of the other Bat-characters defy Bruce’s outright dominance, as only Catwoman dares to challenge him as an equal.  Without prior knowledge of Morrison’s previous Batman storylines, this convoluted book would be difficult to jump into.  Still, for long-time DC readers, Morrison’s complex work is worth catching, if only to witness Batman, Inc. in action. 

Ultimately, this pre-Flashpoint saga delivers a vintage Batman saga, no matter how many Robins, Batgirls, and foreign-nation Batmen comprise the Dark Knight’s army.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to the covers (and variant covers), there is an additional eighteen pages, including: a picture gallery and synopses of the guest heroes and villains; sketch artwork from this storyline; and preliminary sketches of possible covers.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON  RATING:                8 Stars

Written by Brian K. Vaughan

Art by Karl Story; Roberta Tewes; John Costanza; Rick Burchett; John Lowe; Jason Wright; Scott Kolins; Dan Panosian; Drew Geraci; Pam Rambo; Marcos Martin; Mark Pennington; Tom McCraw; & Tim Harkins

SUMMARY:

Re-released by DC Comics in 2017, this 160-page collection reprints earlier work from Brian K. Vaughan: specifically, Batman # 588-590; Detective Comics # 787; Wonder Woman (2^nd Series) # 160-161; and a Skeleton intro from Batman: Gotham City Secret Files # 1. 

First up is the “Close Before Striking.”   Nightwing is stunned that an oddly-behaving Batman years ago siphoned his ‘Matches’ Malone underworld alias off a small-time arsonist-for-hire, who evidently committed suicide.  Yet, a vengeful Scarface and the Ventriloquist put a hit out on Malone, not realizing that the real ‘Matches’ is back in town.  Seeking atonement for rookie mistakes, Batman’s vengeance blurs even his own mind, as to his true identity.

“Mimsy Were the Borogoves” has Batman seeking to rescue an abducted Arkham Asylum psychiatrist whom the Mad Hatter intends to transform into a Lewis Carroll-inspired monster dubbed ‘The Jabberwock.’  Worse yet, this dragon-like creature possesses DNA from Killer Croc; Solomon Grundy; and Man-Bat. 

In “A Piece of You,” Wonder Woman & Donna Troy pursue Clayface to regain a stolen portion of magical clay that created Diana’s essence.  The finale is “Skullduggery.” The mysterious ‘Skeleton’ reveals that he/she will impersonate various Bat-villains in a very personal scheme bent on destroying close friend Bruce Wayne.     

Note: This book was previously released by DC Comics as False Faces, as both a 2008 hardcover and a 2009 trade paperback.

REVIEW:

Beyond the deceptive cover implying a Batman/Wonder Woman cross-over, this compilation is a hodgepodge.  Though the artwork for “Close Before Striking” is underwhelming, the storyline compensates by revealing that Batman’s psyche is more fragmented than previously known.  The idea that one of his rookie mistakes sets up a tragic homicide years later offers some ingenious storytelling.  Even if it’s ultra-contrived that the real ‘Matches’ Malone would resurface, Vaughan’s compelling take on Batman as more indomitable than omniscient is still well-played.

Reasonably good artwork for the Mad Hatter tale was evidently inspired by Batman: The Animated Series.  It isn’t a coincidence that “Mimsy Were the Borogroves” would have made a decent TV episode, with the exception for part of one sequence.  Vaughan’s omission of what four words Batman ominously taunts an unidentified Arkham Asylum female psychiatrist with is evidently a naughty enigma that readers will never know.  Still, one can make a reasonable conjecture, as her boast of once giving the Joker a sponge bath may be a ghoulish hint.

The five-page “Skullduggery” is an unfortunate misfire.  Having a Chameleon-like rogue impersonate the Joker, the Riddler, and Mr. Freeze, in theory, sounds like an inspired idea.  Yet, this villain’s ‘motive’ is far too much of a cliché, as Jason Todd’s Red Hood and Tommy Elliot’s Hush are already close ex-associates of Bruce Wayne seeking vengeance – one might even ponder if the Skeleton is really either Todd or Elliot.  Another detriment is that the Skeleton’s mass destruction antics (especially, as the Joker) are excessive.  Still, the neat artwork makes an impressive contribution to this quick tale.

“A Piece of You” wins this book’s best-story prize for its combo of capable artwork and a fun Wonder Woman/Donna Troy team-up.  Considering its circumstances, Vaughan’s concept of pitting Wonder Woman vs. a monstrous Clayface is a gem.  Bat-cameos from Nightwing & Robin are a nice bonus, too.  Ultimately, Vaughan’s storytelling is entertaining, but these tales aren’t memorable enough to justify getting a copy of this showcase.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is the 2007 two-page introduction from Vaughan himself, fairly analyzing his own work.  Five of the six covers are included: Scott McDaniel & Patrick Martin (for Batman # 588-590); Tim Sale & Mark Chiarello (for Detective Comics # 787); and Adam Hughes (for Wonder Woman # 160-161). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6 Stars

Written by Tom King

Art by Mikel Janin; Joëlle Jones; Travis Moore; Hugo Petrus; June Chung; Jordie Bellaire; Guilia Brusco; & Clayton Cowles

Cover Art by Joëlle Jones & Jordie Bellaire

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2018, this 168-page collection after DC’s Rebirth imprint consists of Batman # 38-44.  Now engaged to Selina “Catwoman” Kyle, it contain some of the Dark Knight’s adventures from earlier that same year.   

• # 38: The Origin of Bruce Wayne.  Art by Travis Moore; Giulia Brusco; with Clayton Cowles, and the cover art by Tim Sale & Dave Stewart.  The grisly double-homicide of young Matthew Warner’s wealthy parents, who were linked to Bruce’s company, leads Batman to suspect an imprisoned Mr. Zsasz.  Yet, as the murders continue, could a different psychotic killer be responsible?   

• # 39-40: SuperFriends (Wonder Woman), Parts 1 & 2.  Art by Joëlle Jones; Jordie Bellaire; & Clayton Cowles, with cover art by Mikel Janín (# 39) and Joëlle Jones & Jordie Bellaire (# 40).  Fulfilling an old promise to the warrior known as “The Gentle Man” from a JLA mission years before, Batman & Wonder Woman temporarily assume his place in an extra-dimensional realm of Gehenna (where mortals don’t age).  They must battle a never-ending onslaught of bloodthirsty monsters.  Unless Selina can intervene, Batman & Wonder Woman might never return.  

• # 41-43: Everyone Loves Ivy, Parts 1-3.  Art by Mikel Janín; June Chung; Hugo Petrus; & Clayton Cowles, with cover art by Mikel Janín.  In the aftermath of The War of Jokes and Riddles, Bruce & Selina awaken to find that Poison Ivy’s mind control has enslaved Earth.  With Ivy in command (and Superman, Supergirl, and Alfred among her pawns), it’s up to the Bat and the Cat to save Earth.  Could a mesmerized Harley Quinn prove Selina & Bruce’s last hope?      

• # 44: Bride or Burglar?  Art by Mikel Janín; Joëlle Jones; June Chung; Jordie Bellaire; & Clayton Cowles, with cover art by Mikel Janín.  Slipping away from Wayne Manor late at night, Selina goes dress shopping, Catwoman-style, by breaking into a high-end bridal boutique.  In search of the purr-fect bridal gown, Selina ruminates over her long history with Batman. 

REVIEW:

Including all the cover images and their variants, this paperback’s visuals are top-caliber.  In that sense, the art team’s commendable effort should make this book worth the price of admission alone.  However, there are ghastly images in the first story, which absolutely merits a parental advisory (DC Comics chose not to provide one).  There’s also a gratuitous and full-page close-up of Bruce’s horribly busted face amidst the Poison Ivy storyline. 

Speaking of which, writer Tom King never explains how a barefoot Bruce instantly recovers from a massive head injury to leap out a hospital window four stories up, bounce off a ground-floor awning, and perfectly land on a waiting Batmobile’s roof (all with an unconscious Harley Quinn cradled in his arms).  In this three-parter’s last scene, Bruce’s face is inexplicably restored, which (unless there was some off-screen magical plastic surgery from Zatanna Zatara) would be impossible. 

Justifying these ludicrous twists as more or less ‘well, he’s Batman,’ is pure cop-out.  The best one might surmise is that somehow, off-screen, Batman has ingeniously devised a ruse to fool Ivy into believing that Superman really messes his face up with a point-blank punch.  Still, this unforced error isn’t King’s worst misjudgment re: this book.

Starting with The Origin of Bruce Wayne, King eerily lifts a similar murder-mystery writer Brian Azzarello devised for Batman back in 2003-2004’s Broken City run.  Beyond mirroring Bruce Wayne’s childhood tragedy, King’s Law & Order-style series of false leads push several reprehensible plot twists past absurdity.  These twists ultimately become so contrived that this book’s first tale is a vile excuse for Bat-entertainment.   

An inevitable ‘will-they-or-won’t-they?’ vibe re: Bruce & Diana permeates SuperFriends, Parts 1 &2.  Yet, their extra-dimensional predicament is beyond ludicrous (yes, they somehow endure 37 years of constant battle against bloodthirsty monsters).  The inspired artwork for Batman & Wonder Woman at least makes this portion of the story readable. Also, some bits King devises for Bruce & Diana’s private dialogue are gems.  Selina’s portion of this tale is poignant and compelling, as she demonstrates why she should be the future Mrs. Batman.

The prolonged Poison Ivy storyline has some inspired moments (particularly in its last chapter).  However, the visuals are much better than King’s contrived scripting.  Primarily, King overplays his hand by inserting Superman, Supergirl, and even three Flashes into the mix.  This three-parter might have been remotely plausible, had Batman & Catwoman been facing their closest allies – hence, cameos from Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Batgirl would have made better sense.  Curiously, with the exception of Alfred and Commissioner Gordon, none of the traditional supporting Bat-cast shows up in this entire book to interact with Selina & Bruce.

Despite its insipid title, King saves his best story for last, as only Catwoman would casually break into an upscale bridal boutique for after-hours shopping.  Even if the fleeting flashback images of Batman & Catwoman’s convoluted past dating back to the Golden Age make little sense, they are gorgeously rendered.  Aided by a clock noting the passing time, Selina’s low-key dress quest delivers some fine storytelling.  The last page is a wonderful finale.  Ironically, this wrap-up sequence only reiterates what a mixed bag Bride or Burglar? is.          

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

All the full-page color covers (plus black-and-white versions) are here.  There is also a full-page, variant cover gallery featuring the work of Olivier Coipel & Dave Stewart (Issues # 38-43); and Joëlle Jones & Jordie Bellaire (Issue # 44), which doubles as this book’s cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6½ Stars

Written by Paul Dini

Art by Dustin Nguyen; Derek Fridolfs; John Kalisz; Guy Major; John. J. Hill; Jared K. Fletcher; Steve Wands; Alex Ross; Andrew Robinson; & J.G. Jones 

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2011, this 144-page ‘Batman Reborn’ title reprints Detective Comics # 852; Batman # 685; and Batman: Streets of Gotham # 1-4 (all originally from 2009). 

After a single-page introduction, first up is the Faces of Evil one-shot: “Hush: Resurrection.” Inadvertently rescued from attempted suicide, Dr. Tommy “Hush” Elliot realizes how he can now impersonate a missing Bruce Wayne.  Perpetuating a worldwide scam, Elliot loots and kills his way from one mark to the next. 

Eventually, Catwoman catches up to him in Vietnam.  Their face-off continues in Catwoman’s own ‘Faces of Evil’ one-shot entitled “Catspaw.” Settling an old score with Hush, Selina Kyle ignites a nocturnal jungle firefight with a well-armed, Vietnamese poaching operation.  The new Dynamic Duo is also hunting for an elusive Hush.

After pushing Harley Quinn to leave town, the new Batman & Robin must contain a Gotham inferno caused by the newly-enhanced arsonist-for-hire, Firefly.  Aided by Alfred, Dick Grayson’s Batman takes his new flying Batmobile for a test run against a blazing onslaught.  The arsonist’s destructive spree sets into motion Hush’s escape and subsequent public impersonation of Bruce Wayne. 

Brazenly depleting the Wayne Family fortune, Hush’s deceptive antics force Dick Grayson & Damian Wayne to deploy their vast network of super-friends to contain him.  Meanwhile, upon finding an ideal new hideout, serial killer Mr. Zsasz hires a crew to abduct homeless children for some sick game. His defenseless victims are held captive and herded inside portable cages.  An underworld real estate agent may be Batman’s only chance to track down some of Gotham’s most elusive monsters, including Zsasz.

REVIEW:

Though well-illustrated by Dustin Nguyen’s distinctive style, writer Paul Dini’s gritty storyline isn’t a home run.  It falls somewhere between a double and a triple.  Possibly inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley, the chilling opening salvo does a spot-on job narrating Hush’s psychotic rationalizations.  His deceptive scheme seamlessly carries over to a well-played confrontation with Catwoman, Dick’s Batman, and Damian’s Robin.  Seeing an undercover Dick & Damian resort to machine guns adds extra zip for a transition back to Gotham City. 

While Dini’s Firefly-Hush-Zsasz storyline is mostly effective, there are unsettling images and inferences that are definitely inappropriate for kids.  For instance, the script briefly shows victims of Firefly’s explosive carnage.  At least, the final segment leaves Zsasz’s imminently horrific intentions to a reader’s imagination.  More so, the bleak last page makes it clear that Batman’s possible failure means there won’t be happy endings in Gotham anytime soon.  In that sense, Dini & Nguyen’s finely-honed teamwork makes Dick Grayson a far-less-omniscient and more plausible Dark Knight.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The superb covers by Robinson; Ross; Nguyen; and Jones (for the Batman: Streets of Gotham # 1 variant) are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars