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Batman Incorporated #4
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artists: Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn
Cover Artists: Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn
Publisher: DC

Grant Morrison’s run through Batman, and related titles, has been controversial, you either love it or you hate it. However, regardless of which side you’re on, there is no doubt that his run has played a significant role in terms of where Batman is today. With Batman Incorporated, both volumes, Morrison has developed a story that is a perfect contrast to Snyder’s take on Batman. This issue, which is the best issue of this series so far, showcases the epic scale of this entire run. Morrison has given Batman an army, and with this issue we see that he’s willing to use it. The bulk of this issue is action, from a Matches Malone escape to a Redbird stealth mission. Amidst all that action are some great plot advancements and a nice touch of emotion. Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn make a brilliant team when it comes to illustrating this issue. Burnham’s art with Fairbairn’s colors are the perfect combination for the story. 4.5/5

Batman: The Dark Knight #13
Writer: Greg Hurwitz
Artists: David Finch and Sonia Oback
Cover Artists: David Finch and Sonia Oback
Publisher: DC

Scarecrow is at his best when he’s terrorizing Gotham City as a whole. His M.O., which is to instill fear, is always impressive when he is able to apply his toxin to a vast number of people, thus making the threat seem greater. With this arc, Hurwitz has taken a strikingly different route and has centered the story around Scarecrow, Batman, and an innocent little girl. While the arc is a tad slow, and maybe even an issue too long, it is otherwise a solid story. Scarecrow’s intellect is often overlooked by most writers, but that is exactly what’s showcased here. He’s meticulous, he’s scientific, he’s every parent’s dream child, except that he’s also a murderer and child torturer. David Finch’s art is, as usual, an excellent pairing for this gritty story. 3.5/5

“The Flash” #13
Writers: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Cover Artists: Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Publisher: DC

When you’re the fastest man in the world, free time seems like a given. Unfortunately for Barry Allen, that’s not the case. After being knocked out by the Rogues, Barry unexpectedly finds himself fighting alongside the Rogues as King Grodd and his Gorillas descend upon the Gem cities. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato continue to do a fantastic job with this series. The roller coaster, non stop action ride that they have Barry on is fascinating and interesting to read. Coupled with the gorgeous art, these two have an amazing book here. They’ve managed to integrate a huge number of characters into a cohesive, exciting story. Grodd and his minions make for an interesting twist, and the Rogues have always been an integral part of “the Flash.” 4.5/5

Teen Titans #13
Writers: Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nicieza
Artists: Ale Garza and Andrew Dalhouse
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC

Wonder Girl’s origin is revealed as Cassie, Tim, and Kon go after Diesel, Cassie’s ex-boyfriend and current owner of her sentient armor. The two met a while back while Cassie was touring the world with her mom, the archaeologist. The issue is split between present day scenes setting up the inevitable battle between Diesel and the “Teen” Titans, and flashbacks which do a great job of giving readers a deeper look into Cassie’s personality. Despite the fact that Cassie has taken Solstice’s origin story, this issue is still entertaining. It was nice that the three of them – Tim, Kon, and Cassie – bicker and joke around just as they used to. 3.5/5

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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net