Catwoman #15
Writer: Ann Nocenti
Artists: Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, and Sonia Oback
Cover Artists: Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, and Sonia Oback
Publisher: DC
Rafa Sandoval is arguably the only reason worth reading this issue. He has a fantastic animated feel in his artwork that is well suited for this fast-paced action series. Tarragona’s inks provide a nice clean finish to Sandoval’s pencils, and Oback’s colors provide a nice balance to the entire issue. Unfortunately, the art is pretty much the only thing good about this issue. Ann Nocenti struggles with this issue in the same way she has struggled through her run on Green Arrow. While her stories have decent ideas, her execution of these ideas is where she struggles. Her dialog often feels forced, strained, and out of character, while her plot often goes off on wild tangents that feel misplaced. This title has been struggling ever since Winick left, and it doesn’t look like that will be changing any time soon. 2/5
Nightwing #15
Writers: Kyle Higgins
Artists: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Rod Reis
Cover Artists: Greg Capullo and FCO
Publisher: DC
Ever since Joker came back to town, he has been wreaking havoc throughout Gotham, specifically targeting members of the Bat family. Kyle Higgins brings the best “Death of the Family” tie-in to the table, with Joker not holding a single thing back while taking on Nightwing. Joker in this issue is just as haunting and horrific as he has been in Batman, and the other titles, however, with Higgins’s issue the repercussions of his actions are much greater. Joker goes after Dick where he knows it will hurt him the most – his friends. This issue combines everything great about the series, as well as everything great about the crossover event. Combined with fantastic art by Eddy Barrows, Ever Ferreira, and Rod Reis, this issue is evidence of why this series has been so great. 5/5
Red Hood and the Outlaws #15
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Timothy Green III and Blond
Cover Artists: Greg Capullo and FCO
Publisher: DC
If there was ever any member of the Bat-Family that might hold a grudge against Joker, it’s Jason Todd. Not only did Joker “kill” Jason a couple decades ago, but if Lobdell’s story sticks, he also orchestrated all the major events in Todd’s life leading up to his becoming Robin. Lobdell does a great job in this issue juggling his cast. Throughout the series, this issue included, Lobdell balances the story ensuring that not one character is the main focus. Even though Todd has the history with Joker, Roy and Kori still have a part to play. The crossover with the Teen Titans is bound to be an exciting issue, with Joker going up against both Jason and Tim at the same time. Timothy Green II brings his best artwork to date on this issue. For the first time since he started, Green’s work has felt more unique and his own style is becoming more apparent. 4/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
