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Batman #709
Writer: David Hine
Artist: Guillem March
Cover Artist: Guillem March
Publisher: DC

Since this is the final chapter to a crossover event that includes Gotham City Sirens, it might make sense to read that review first. Now that you’re back, Red Robin and Catwoman have both failed their tests and now the only thing that stands between the total destruction of Gotham is Batman. As memories from his past flood Dick’s mind, he too fails his test. Just as Gotham is about to be destroyed, Batman, Red Robin, and Catwoman, with the help of Azrael’s sister-in-law, are able to open Azrael’s eyes to the deception implemented by Ra’s al Ghul. While they are able to prevent Gotham from exploding, Azrael and the Crusader escape.
Overall I thought that this was decent. There were definitely some portions of the book that were better than others. I thought the bit about Dick’s past was interesting, granted a little bit out of the blue. Ra’s al Ghul’s role in this entire crossover felt forced and very out of place. While I didn’t hate the story, at the end of the day I feel this crossover accomplished very little and wasn’t terribly impressive. I’ll be glad to have Tony Daniel back. 3.5/5

Gotham City Sirens #22
Writer: Peter Calloway
Artists: Andres Guinaldo and Lorenzo Ruggiero
Cover Artist: Guillem March
Publisher: DC

With the Azrael/Crusader crossover going strong, this issue focuses on Selina’s test. After Red Robin failed his test (in Red Robin #22), Azrael and Crusader moved on to Catwoman, with the assistance of her crazy sister. The proposed test is for Selina to kill her sister, and in doing so atone for her sins. Naturally, Selina rejects this test and unfortunately as a result, fails her test.
Other than a brief mention, the other two Sirens don’t make an appearance in this issue, but in my opinion that is just a minor detail that doesn’t really harm the story. I thought this chapter in the crossover was the best from the first three chapters. The plot was similar to Red Robin #22, however, I thought that adding in her sister as the wild card was an interesting touch. I’m still unsure as to the point behind this crossover and why Catwoman was chosen along with Red Robin and Batman to be tested as Gotham’s savior. Overall, I feel the crossover has been decent and this issue is the strongest one yet. 3.5/5

Green Lantern #65
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artists: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy, and Keith Champagne
Cover Artists: Doug Mahnke and Keith Champagne
Publisher: DC

As the chapter unfolds, we start off with Guy and Hal, trapped on a snow covered planet looking for shelter. After finding a rad looking spaceship (which they needed now they’ve removed their lantern rings), the two blast off for OA in the hopes of finding help and saving the universe. When they arrive, they are greeted by a recently turned Kilowag and a hoard of possessed Green Lanterns. They escape just in time and are able to meet up with John and Kyle. The four, now powerless, make the decision to take on a new power ring.
The main purpose of this issue, from what I gather, is meant to bring the four lanterns of Earth together. They’ve been spread across the universe for a while now, so it’s nice to see them fighting alongside one another once again. Having each of them take on a new power set is a great concept, and it would have been a nice surprise, had it not been spoiled by the cover to Green Lantern Corps #59. Overall this was a good issue, even if not that much actually happened. Also, I thought the art was surprisingly weak in this issue. The characters looked weird in some situations and some scenes looked sloppy and unfinished. 3.5/5

Green Lantern Corps #59
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artists: Tyler Kirkham and Batt
Cover Artists: Aaron Lopresti and Randy Mayor
Publisher: DC

As the cover clearly depicts, this issue surrounds the four Earthlings and their new roles. Hal, almost too readily, took on the role as a member of the Sinestro Corps, Guy rejoined the raging Red Lanterns, Kyle questionably chose to join the Blue Lanterns, and John became an Indigo Lantern. The four, armed with new weapons, decide that their first mission on the road to saving the universe would be to save Ganthet. Ganthet, meanwhile, has been battling hoards of possessed Green Lanterns, expending every ounce of his power. The Earthlings arrive in time for Ganthet to criticize their decisions, only to be interrupted by the arrival of Mogo.
I thought this issue was great. Seeing Kyle, Hal, John, and Guy in action with their new powers was really cool. Because this is Green Lantern Corps, Kyle, John, and Ganthet are the primary focus of the issue and I’m cool with that. John has been very action/weapon oriented for a while now, so it will be interesting to see him handling his powers, which are derived from compassion. I’m sure there will be some magical turn of events in the future to make Kyle’s decision worthwhile, but as of right now he just looks like an idiot, seeing as the blue rings power up the Green Lanterns who are currently their enemies. Ganthet steals the show, however, with his wicked awesome display of power. This issue was drawn out, inked, and colored beautifully. The pages looked really good, especially the fantastic looking fight scenes. 4/5

Teen Titans #94
Writer: J.T. Krul
Artists: Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood
Cover Artists: Nicola Scott, Doug Hazlewood, and Jason Wright
Publisher: DC

The Teen Titans were on a rescue mission to save Solstice’s parents, when Wonder Girl and her mother were kidnapped and taken to another dimension. This issue has the rest of the team make their way into this new dimension in order to rescue her. Unfortunately, this proves to be difficult due to the the new environment and new natives. In the middle of an attack Raven unleashes a blast of energy, and in the confusion Red Robin and Ravager are also kidnapped. The new villain reveals himself to be of Hindu lore hellbent on breaking out of this dimension.
This issue was really good; I’d say one of Krul’s best issues on this series yet. The power set that this team has is immense, so it only makes sense to have these fantastical, powerful enemies. I like that Krul has brought back the demon agenda, without drudging up Trigon. Speaking of Trigon, it’s going to be interesting to see if Raven will ever be able to handle being around Solstice, who it appears may be joining the team soon. I don’t know what it is about Nicola Scott, but for whatever reason her art rubs me the wrong way. Other than that, this issue has a little something for each of the members of the team and is overall a strong issue. 4/5

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Arnab Pradhan
arnab@comicattack.net