Batman: Detective Comics #27
Writer: John Layman, Scott Snyder, Peter Tomasi, Brad Meltzer, Gregg Hurwitz
Artists: Jason Fabok, Neal Adams, Guillem March, Frank Miller
Cover Artists: Greg Capullo
Publisher: DC
This issue marks the 75th anniversary of Batman’s creation. Whether by sheer luck or actual planning, DC managed to have the arbitrarily renumbered Detective Comics #27 (Batman’s first appearance) actually coincide with the 75th year anniversary of its publication. Regardless, this issue does an excellent job of giving recognition to one of the most popular characters of all time. Two of the mini-stories that stood out were “Gothtopia,” penned by current Detective Comics writer John Layman, and the story by Scott Snyder. “Gothtopia,” Layman’s final arc, launches a crossover event chronicling an alternate universe where Gotham City is a brighter place patrolled by Batman and Catbird. Snyder’s story, illustrated by Sean Murphy, gave us a look into the distant future wherein a new Bruce Wayne is artificially created every 20 years. As far as anniversary issues go, this is one of the better ones I’ve read that have been published in the last 5-10 years. 4.5/5
Batman/Superman #7
Writer: Greg Pak
Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC
The second arc of Greg Pak’s run comes to an end, and unfortunately it doesn’t live up to the standard set by the first arc. This Toymaster and Mongul arc was decently entertaining and looked good, and by the third issue of the arc the horizontal paneling wasn’t even distracting. However, the plot was a bit wonky at times, and the conclusion felt too rushed. This arc saw both Batman and Superman “dying,” and even after reading the issue, it’s a little unclear how they both ended up back alive. The fight with Mongul, who is in theory the mastermind villain, lasts just a handful of pages. The Batman vs. Superman aspect was obviously supposed to be the big draw here, however it would have been nicer for the villain who got both Batman and Superman killed to have been a bit more formidable. 4/5
Swamp Thing #27
Writer: Charles Soule
Artists: Jesus Saiz and Matthew Wilson
Cover Artists: Jesus Saiz and Matthew Wilson
Publisher: DC
The Seeder is wreaking havoc on Earth, the Parliament of Trees is completely apathetic to the humans, and unfortunately Swamp Thing is stuck in the Green. Luckily, for the humans on Earth at least, Alec Holland isn’t about to sit back and do nothing. Charles Soule is absolutely killing it on this series. He has turned Alec into a pro-active warrior of the Green, who understands and respects the need for balance in the world. In many regards, he’s become an even greater champion of the Green than during Snyder’s run, because right now he’s not just a defensive character, rather, he’s a logistical, intelligent offensive hero. Jesus Saiz does a fantastic job on art duties with brilliant colors by Matthew Wilson. The two of them are putting out a gorgeous book to go along with Soule’s exciting story. 4.5/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
