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Aquaman #4
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Rod Reis
Cover Artists: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, and Rod Reis
Publisher: DC

Is it just me or did that seem too easy? Not that I’m implying that the decimation of an entire race is easy, emotionally at least, but rather I have my doubts that we’ve seen the last of those deep-sea dwellers. This issue was fantastic; there’s really not much else to say other than that the story was great and the art was beautiful. Geoff Johns is truly at his best when he’s focused his mind on a character driven series. Aquaman has a great presence about him in this series, it’s a mixture of humbleness with confidence. Basically, he’s a very likable character. The same goes for Mera, who I think is an awesome character. The two are able to rescue the townsfolk held captive by the starving dwellers of the deep sea. Who, by the way, have a queen the size of a building and a king that blends right in with the foot soldiers. There are a couple things that stand out for me in this issue. The first, is that Aquaman, as far as he knows, has killed off an entire race of creatures. Now, let’s start off by establishing that quite literally there was nothing else he could do. That being said, I can’t imagine Superman ever making this decision (granted, I haven’t been reading the new Superman, so in the new DC I could be wrong), and that for me is the reason why Aquaman is interesting and Superman, well, he’s not. Also, anyone else notice the recurring theme of heroes getting dogs? 4.5/5

Batman: The Dark Knight #4
Story: David Finch and Paul Jenkins
Artists: David Finch, Richard Friend, and Jeromy Cox
Cover Artists: David Finch, Richard Friend, and Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC

Out of all the Bat-books, this one gives off the most peculiar vibes, in that it doesn’t often feel connected to the other books, though with this issue there was a distinct feeling that it was making an effort. For the most part, the book treads the fine line of being so over the top it’s absurd, and being fast paced with an action movie quality. So far at least, there have been key moments in each issue that have kept the balance. The biggest issue throughout the series has been the seemingly never ending, completely random onslaught of villains and other guest appearances. Considering there have only been 4 issues, we have seen enough villains to last us at least three arcs. What I also found strange was Batman’s call for help with the Justice League, first the Flash, then Wonder Woman. Batman doesn’t really call for help, and if he does he has his Bat-family, so that just stood out as being particularly weird. The redeeming point in the issue was a scene that involved Batman, Alfred, and a couple cones of ice cream. This series has the potential of being a strong series, better even than the previous Batman: The Dark Knight series, it just needs to build more on Batman the character and less on sticking in as many villains as possible. Gotta say, though, the art looks fantastic. 3.5/5

The Flash #4
Writers: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Cover Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Publisher: DC

Much like as if I was channeling Barry Allen himself, this issue was over before I knew it. Not that there is anything particularly bad about a fast read, quite the contrary, I found myself reaching the end thinking, I want more. The bulk of the issue, interestingly enough, doesn’t feature the Flash, rather focusing on his growing list of supporting cast. Manuel, Barry’s old friend, is doing what he does best, which is run. Patty, Barry’s partner, makes her best effort to smack some sense into Manuel, while helping out with the chaos in the city. The rest of the issue is made up of flashbacks that chronicles Manuel’s history, both with Barry and with the Mob Rule. What could have easily come off as a boring history lesson, instead turns into an interesting story. With Manapul and Buccellato handling both writing and art duties, they’re able to script a story that is gorgeous to look at. What I especially enjoyed about this issue is that they kept the Flash from turning into what can only be described as a god. Previously, the Flash had used his powers to tap into the Speed Force and play out probabilities and scenarios in his mind, making him theoretically unstoppable. What this issues shows us, however, is that for now at least, he’s not unstoppable, he’s human like the rest of them. 4/5

Teen Titans #4
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC

This book is arguably the most fun filled book in the new DC. The series has a great voice; an overall lighthearted feel that really works well considering it’s a team of young adults. Bunker, one of the new teammates, is a fantastic character that brings a lot of levity and youthful humor to the series. Bart is acting more and more like the Bart we knew, back from his Impulse days and his time as Kid Flash, before he was killed. He brings a different kind of fun to the team, it’s almost like being around an old friend, as opposed to a new one, where everything just automatically clicks. His interaction with Tim in this issue was absolutely hilarious. Now that I’ve mentioned him, the biggest problem this book has is the handling of Tim Drake, aka Red Robin, aka the former Robin. He seems almost completely cut off from the rest of the Bat family in this book, and that makes absolutely no sense. His apartment has blown up, a whole organization is out to kill him and his new friends, and neither Batman or Nightwing has dropped by to make sure he’s OK? Or what about the fact that he’s roaming around the apartment without a mask on? In name and appearance he’s Tim Drake (Wayne?), but other than that he’s almost like an impostor. By the end of the book the whole team is finally all in one location, and even though Superboy is there to kill them, I couldn’t be more excited. 4.5/5

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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net