Batman: The Dark Knight #28
Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Artists: Ethan Van Sciver and Hi-Fi
Cover Artists: Ethan Van Sciver and Hi-Fi
Publisher: DC
Much like Alfred mentions in this issue, Man-Bat has always been the character who represents the monster that Bruce could have become. Driven by rage and a desire to harm others, Man-Bat is everything that Batman chooses not to be. In this issue Greg Hurwitz takes this monster and transforms him into a stronger, more evil version. Abraham Langstrom, father to Kirk Langstrom the original Man-Bat, is a more vicious, more rabid, and more powerful foe than his son ever was. Hurwitz has done a fantastic job here with this penultimate issue, presenting a clear, concise, exciting story. Ethan Van Sciver, along with Hi-Fi, illustrates a beautiful book. Van Sciver pours a tremendous amount of detail into his rendering of the new and improved Man-Bat, making him look terrifying and amazing at the same time. This story is the perfect way for the series to say its farewell. 4/5
Batman/Superman #8
Writer: Greg Pak
Artists: Jae Lee and June Chung
Cover Artists: Jae Lee and June Chung
Publisher: DC
Batman and Superman come face to face with their daughter and cousin, respectively, from another universe. Unfortunately, their first meeting does not go smoothly, as Powergirl’s powers are out of control, putting the lives of everyone on Earth in danger. Greg Pak is doing an absolutely fantastic job with this series, integrating emotional scenes with action scenes, while maintaining a steady progression through the story. The only minor issue to note, is the relationship between Batman and Superman seems too strained. Theoretically, the two of them have been working alongside one another for over five years now, and yet they interact as if they’ve just met. Jae Lee is back on art duties, with June Chung, and together they knock this book right out of the park. Lee’s graphic style is absolutely gorgeous and is perfectly suited to the story. 4.5/5
Teen Titans #28
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Tyler Kirkham, Art Thibert, and Arif Prianto
Cover Artists: Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, and Andrew Dalhouse
Publisher: DC
It is a blessing that this series is ending because it has been terribly unfocused for the last dozen or so issues. There are multiple plot lines still left unfinished, the current arc is ridiculously chaotic, and most importantly the characters are written horribly out of character. Whether that is a decision from the higher ups in DC or a choice made by Scott Lobdell is still unclear, however, what is clear is that in the 28th issue, none of these characters resemble themselves from the very first issue, let alone pre-New 52. Tim Drake is a shell of his former self, Superboy is a completely different character, Bart is a villain, they’re all in such an unfortunate place right now. This book had such great potential in the beginning and unfortunately all that potential was just squandered away. 2.5/5
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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net
I really need to get back to reading Batman/Superman again because Geg Pak has been on a roll as of late. I’m a little sad to see that TT has taken a nosedive to craptastic land. It was one of the titles that I REALLY liked up until issue 18 or 19
I’d given up on Batman/Superman because I really disliked the second story-arc, but this one has brought me back. It’s a combination of a better story and Jae Lee & June Chung on art.
You mentioned being disappointed in the representation of the Batman/Superman relationship last time, too. A shame that it doesn’t seem to be improving.
It really is a shame. I’m not currently reading the Justice League book, so I have no idea what their relationship is like there. But in this title, after presumably 5 years of working together, they still don’t have a very strong trusting partnership still.