Blog

Welcome everyone, to a brand new week of comics and reviews. This is a great batch of comics that I think most, if not all, of you would enjoy reading.

Minor spoilers ahead!

Batman #706
Writer: Tony Daniel
Artists: Tony Daniel, Sandu Flore, and Ryan Winn
Cover Artist: Tony Daniel
Publisher: DC

With appearances by an array of characters, Batman continues to build a fantastic story. The issue starts with Lucius Fox being tortured for information by Sensei. We quickly switch over to Batman, who was ambushed by the Riddler and his daughter, Enigma. Before things got too out of control, Robin arrived just in time to save his partner. Dick, after gathering himself, visits the Reaper in Arkham, visits Catgirl in Catwoman’s lair, then comes face to face with Sensei.
Issue after issue, Tony Daniel is showing he can handle both writing and art duties with ease and excellence. The story itself is fantastic as Daniel incorporates a multitude of Gotham’s characters. From the commonly used Alfred or Damian, to the long forgotten Enigma or I-Ching, he is able to take advantage of fantastic characters and manipulate them to enhance the story. Plus, he’s got a great handle on each of these characters, as he demonstrates with Dick and Damian’s interactions, Catgirl’s appearance, and even I-Ching’s appearance. With every issue, Daniel also continues to impress with the art. The attention to detail, the facial expressions, the energy in the strokes, it’s all great work that does well to strengthen the story. 4/5

Batman Streets of Gotham #19
Writer: Paul Dini
Artists: Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs, and Szymon Kudranski
Cover Artist: Dustin Nguyen
Publisher: DC

As the series draws to an end, “House of Hush” continues to build a great story. The issue starts off with Hush, who had previously aligned himself with Judson Pierce, recruiting Dr. Death in his war against Batman. In another part of town, Batman shares a bit of family history with Catwoman. Meanwhile, in the shadows of Gotham, Bedbug comes across one of Batman’s weaknesses.
This issue was just great, though readers who need action may disagree. Basically, this issue further enhanced and built upon Hush’s story. Hush’s greatest strength is one that is usually attributed to Batman – his ability to plan ahead. His meticulous planning has made him one of Batman’s most formidable enemies. The way he uses his knowledge to his advantage is also important, as is perfectly demonstrated in this issue. He has employed Judson Pierce, who wants Bruce Wayne dead, and Dr. Death, who wants Batman dead. Another thing that is touched upon in this story, is every Batman villain’s desire to be the one who takes down the Bat. As a fan of the Selina and Bruce pairing, it’s nice when they get their moments of mutual love.  Dini is creating such a great story here, that it’s a shame to see it go after two issues. That being said, it is great to see it go out with a bang. 4/5

Brightest Day #18
Writers: Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi
Artists: Ivan Reis, Ardian Syaf, Scott Clark, and Joe Prado
Cover Artist: David Finch
Publisher: DC

With the end of the series mere months away, the various stories are slowly coming to an end, that is, except for Boomerang. The issue starts off with a brief appearance by Boomerang contemplating his purpose, as designated by the Life Entity. Beyond this, the majority of the issue focuses on Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and Deadman. On Zamaron, the Predator is taken down by the Hawks, who are now free from their curse. Meanwhile, Deadman alerts Dove that the ring is charging. When the ring reaches 100%, it takes over and the White Lantern Deadman flies off. The Hawks, overcome with their love for one another, are rudely interrupted by the White Ring, who takes back the gift he gave them.
As the end of the story nears, I’m sure a lot of people, like myself, are beginning to wonder what the point of it all is. Deadman, who has been Boston Brand for most of the story, listened to the Life Entity’s command to “Live,” which ironically ended up taking away the most important part of living, free will. I will readily admit that I’m not an expert on these entities, so I ask, if an entity dies, does everything it personifies die as well? (If the Life Entity dies, does all life die? If the Will entity dies, does all will die? etc.) The Hawks, finally breaking free of their curse, are able to embrace their love for one another for moments, before everything they fought for is ripped away. At the end of the day, the Life Entity comes off as self-serving, which isn’t really something you want from the entity of life. 4/5

Green Lantern Corps #56
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artists: Tyler Kirkham, Batt, and Rob Hunter
Cover Artists: Tyler Kirkham, Batt, and Ruffino
Publisher: DC

At the beginning of this arc the Weaponer issued a challenge to Sinestro, and two issues later, he got his response. The issue starts off with the Sinestro Corps rallying behind their master’s call, arriving at Qward to rip the planet apart. Kyle and friends are left having to save the planet’s inhabitants, without breaking the treaty with the Yellow Lanterns. As the Green Lanterns and the Weaponer’s impenetrable castle holds the Sinestro Corps to a stalemate, Sinestro himself arrives. As impressive as the Weaponer has been, Sinestro proves to be a more than formidable opponent.
I thought that this issue was great. Watching the Green Lantern Corps deal with and use Sinestro’s logic against the Yellow Lanterns was entertaining. Above all though, the Weaponer’s character is becoming more and more fascinating. He doesn’t seem like much of a villain, so I wonder what role he will play after this arc, if any. I also wonder whether or not the fact that he is wielding some of the White Lantern’s power will play a role in Brightest Day. 3.5/5

Be sure to check out previous editions of Crisis of Infinite Reviews by clicking here!

Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net