Indiana “Indy” Marlow Comic Reviews

All of this is dealt with in such a genius manner whereby Sean still creates a brilliant Batman tale that tugs at the heartstrings of all the Conroy and Hamill Bat/Joker fans out there, packed with references and a hilarious piss take at whats happened to our Harley. This is like Batman meets House of Cards, and I cant wait for this tale to continue.

Not only that, but Napier is winning. Were seeing a Joker freed of his only two weaknesses, his insanity and his love for Batman. Every move made by Gordon or Batman has been planned for and used against them, all to advance Jacks plans. And I honestly cant even tell you what those plans are besides get ridding of Batman. The events of this issue have left Gotham on the edge of a knife. We know that Batman will fall from the first issue but will he take Gotham with him? Does Jack really have the best intentions for the people of Gotham? Will Batman ultimately save the day? And more importantly, do we even want him to anymore?

This issue caught me off guard. It hits you in the heart with a storyline that has had you doubting every character you thought you knew. It really is subtly and beautifully done by Murphy, and with all the other events that are going on, you have this foundation being laid for what is essentially a brand new character to build on. Jack loves Harley and all this is for her. Or is it? If these four issues have shown anything, its that this story is unique in its sane madness. A Batman story in reverse where the villain goes to higher highs while Batman tumbles deeper and deeper into exile and hatred. Perfect.

Honestly, I continue to lose my shit with every issue of this series that is released. If you havent read it yet, you really need to sort your life out.

It goes without saying the art is yet again brilliant. Painstakingly detailed with Murphys own unique style marrying perfectly with the emotional depth of the characters actions and discussions. Its starting to feel like the Breaking Bad finale where all the questions are getting answered, which is both satisfying and disappointing that the ride is almost over. Saying that, Mr Murphy, did you just drop a Red Hood clue for the sequel you sneaky bastard??

And in that revelation, were left with a new problem. What is Batmans place in this new world? Well thats something he asks himself, and one well find out about when White Knight returns at some point in the hopefully near future.

The art and story work in tandem this issue to emphasise the contrast between new and old, showing the Lord of Darkness in a way we all knew him to be, as opposed to his ironic Jesus-esque image. Its this unease that makes you want to read on as the creators continue to explore the character in new and continuingly surprising ways.

Its a unique piece of storytelling, delivered in a way that youd struggle to see replicated in any other comic, jumping seamlessly between historic poetry, mystery and philosophical musings on free will and determinism. I recently reread the revamped Lucifer from a few years back, which was interesting in its own way but never felt like that much of a continuation of the original series. It was too flashy for my liking, with too many jokes and not enough depth or class. These last few issues however have really managed to capture that distinctive feel and intrigue of the first run and this series just keeps getting better and better.

I absolutely love this series, and I know without a doubt that Ill continue to love it for a long time. An absolutely essential purchase.

This latest issue continues the satanic mystery theme, showing us just how far a Fallen Angel will go in order to get what he wants, and is an absolutely essential read.

If youve been concerned about any drop in quality during the return of The Dreaming, House of Mystery or the rest of DC Vertigos Sandman Universe then just give this arc of Lucifer a read and by the end youll have permanent smile tattooed across your face. Utterly wonderful.

Oh, and as if these comics werent already going through the mind of every teenage goth phase, things look to get even better next issue where it seems the gods of Egypt are next on Lucifers list to get him out of this latest pickle.

Once again, the art is bold and shocking, caressing the canvas with images lifted straight out of the heads of mystics and your very own nightmares. The Fiumaras and Aaron Campbell provide a visual drug trip that will haunt you forever but give you a sensual high that youll never want to forget.

This was a real gem of an issue. The dynamic duo of Snyder and Jock is a match made in comic book heaven, a fact which has been proven since their work together on the pre-New 52 epic Black Mirror. Jock has a jagged edge to his art, blending shapes and shadows together to deliver realistic looking characters with a somewhat nightmarish edge that practically jump out of the page. As weve seen before his style works perfectly with the character of Batman and even more so with the horrifying Batman Who Laughs. Snyder has once again returned to the formula of Batman doing what he does best, being a detective. And when you add to that a terrifying foe who knows everything he does and has absolutely no boundaries and were in for an absolute treat with this story. Im so hyped for the next issue, especially after the huge bombshell dropped on the last page!

I'm already adding this series to my ‘Best of the Year' list, and even thought its only February any other comics are seriously going to be hard pressed to knock it off that particular perch.

Another fantastic horror show of an issue!

This is a story which is very, very aware of the universe in which its set, but at the same time isnt afraid to try something extremely new and risky.

Whatever happens, Ill be waiting with bated breath for my next sleep and trip to The Dreaming in the next perfect issue.

If Bilquis Evely drew the nightmares that The Dreaming had become then Larson has provided us with the dream of love becoming a reality as the perfect counterpart. The lighter colours, softer outlines and painful smiles fit like a perfect puzzle piece in this mystical, magical retelling of the broken hearts we've all felt at some point in our lives.

Another chapter ends in The Dreaming, but weve been treated to two issues of content worth at least two novels worth of material here.

The journey goes deeper here in yet another magnificent issue, and just like The Dreaming itself it seems theres no limits to the imagination of Spurrier and his team of creators.

I put down this latest issue craving my next fix and angry that I have to wait for more answers. The New Order is well worth the read for any Grayson fans, or anyone who likes a story that shines a light on current affairs.

I loved this issue, reading it felt very nostalgic but at the same time fresh and exciting. Could this end up being the Nightwing version of The Dark Knight Returns? Its certainly starting to feel like it.

Ive honestly barely scratched the surface of the sheer depth contained within this issue and what the different portrayals and discussions raised from the panels are, but suffice to say that this series feels like one for a long-term fan. Were seeing a continued progression of our childhood dealing with adult issues. It makes you think, it makes you reminisce, it keeps you uncomfortable but fascinated all at the same time. And while the action takes another step up like it has done in the past, this latest issue once again sets you up to rush out and buy the next.

One things for sure though, this issue has set the scene for a final that I really cant predict. Will it serve as a warning for us superhero fans to not idolise our heroes so much? Will Dick turn against this new world in a final Frank Miller-esque battle? I honestly can't wait to find out.

Nightwing: The New Order culminates in a satisfying and in light of everything thats happened, realistic end. I got the same feeling reading this issue as I did watching the last episode of the Bruce Timm Justice League series. Highest of recommendations as always.

Reading this felt like the manifestation of that moment when a teenager finds the genre of music that really speaks to them. But in this case, rather than the lyrics speaking to them metaphorically theres the actual ghost of the musician helping them through life the same way the songs do.

To put it simply: never mind the bollocks, heres Punks Not Dead.

A cheeky git of an issue, giving you that little fix that will leave you Jonesing for another hit in a months time.

When you finish this issue youll be asking questions for the rest of the day. If Sids not Sid then who, or what, is he? Whos Fergies real dad? Whos the bloke at the end and how in the hell will this all fit together in the end?

A welcome return to what promises to be another insane rock n roll ride.

While many recent DC and Marvel arcs and events have been undeniably enjoyable – DC Metal, Secret Empire and Convergence, to name but a few – they always left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, feeling at times like an excuse to strong-arm readers into buy more comics for the sake of it. And while this isnt necessarily the case all the time, the stories dont always lead on correctly with the rotating crew of artists and writers missing a beat here and there. This is definitely not the case with DC Vertigo, and rather than one large piece of art like most crossovers this has quickly becoming something else entirely. A tapestry of perfect collaboration between expertly chosen artists and writers coming together to provide many different perspectives on the same whole.

The only time theres any real brightness to the panels is when Tim is out of his house on one of his adventures, or when a character like Dr Rose walks into the panel. This not only shows how magic is lighting up Tims life but also that it still exists in the dull and boring world us readers, and the other normals in the story, live in every day. And Tim is our way in, courtesy of his stumbling journey through the pages of the books of magic. If he doesnt get gutted like a fish first, that is.

At the end of the day, this is a wondrous modern fairy tale with some genuinely likeable and relatable characters. It provides just the right amount of a mirror to our own world, along with plenty of escapism to ensure its readers become more and more interested with each passing issue. Highly recommended.

Rounding things out, the artwork of Tom Fowler and Jordan Boyd adds to the real magic of this book, with the Disney-esque feel of the character design making them truly stand out against the weird, insanity-induced fantasy land that The Dreaming has now become. If I were looking for a perfect summary of the aesthetic and feel of the book it would be in the panels of two familiar brothers regaling Tim with warm friendly smiles, only to suddenly turn into grotesque demons clawing at each others throats. And thats exactly what The Books of Magic is, a magical journey into the truth of what the world really is. Amazing, but bloody dangerous at the same time.

The gloves are definitely off now, and both Tim and Dr Rose are fixing to bring the fight right to the enemy as this latest arc unfolds.

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, this is yet another bloody good comic!

Fantastic is just one of the many words I could choose to describe this latest issue. If youre not already reading this series, youre seriously missing out.

A fascinating new series with an existential take on dystopic sci-fi, C.H.A.R.L.1.3. comes highly recommended. Sadly however, as with most independent comics, it alsoleaves me waiting with baited breath for the next issue and look into this fascinating world.

Massey and Burgess have done great work here to set up a new mythos well worth exploring, keeping the momentum going after a great first issue and promising a hell of a lot more to come.

Overall, this arc shows a lot of promise, even if it is a little rough around the edges. But then again, so is John Constantine.

Its strange, but like I said, this definitely doesnt feel like the New 52 anymore. In this brief arc Seeley has given us a glimpse of the old John again, almost gnawing his teeth at the fact hes part of the DCU. This is also why I cant say its perfect, because it makes me miss the Vertigo Hellblazer so damn much.

This latest chapter shows us that we dont always need bullets flying or Batarangs bouncing off body armour to have a good introductory issue. Sometimes just a tease and a reminder of who the main character really is proves to be more than enough to whet a readers appetite.

Like I said before, this series has a strange sense of different genres shifting back and forth. You have the gumshoe supernatural feel of John while the police and gang element of London reminded me of shows like Luther or Anna Friels Marcella. And, with the addition of Huntress we have a solid grounding in the larger DCU, and a nice little reminder its all happening in the same world. It shouldnt really work but it does somehow, and after the climax of this issue the only way is up with more action and insight into John certain to follow.

The art is still top notch, with wonderfully dark scenes and black tones accentuating the vicious gore. Nergal and the rest of the old school demons are faithfully recreated with their own unique spin to fit into the style of this new universe they find themselves a part of. All of this comes together to give me the feeling that Im reading a classic Ennis Hellblazer tale. The mix of London, gangsters and monsters fits like a glove for Constantine and I can tell that this tale is ramping up to a great finale.

Im going to be bloody sad to see this series end next issue, especially since it feels like such a great full-circle way to tie up Johns progression over the last few years, from head of the Justice League Dark to romantic New York interludes and now struggling to find his roots in his home town where the devils have come to roost.

Yes, I expected more of a bang from final issue this going in, but one again Seeley manages to shut me up by staying true to the character throughout. Is it a nice ending, or is it a to be continued? Only time will tell.

The Justice League Dark annual provides some great progression to the main ongoing story while still functioning as a standalone Swamp Thing story in its own right. Definitely one for anybody looking for a jumping-on point for the team, complete with some extra little teases of whats to come.

Its a true ensemble piece, dripping with Easter Eggs that made my jaw drop as we get to watch the evolution of an unlikely team thrown in at the deep end of another apocalypse. And after this issue, Im waiting with bated breath to see just how our new team is going to make it out of this one.

It felt like a bit of a gamble at first, but it works so well to deliver what has clearly been an incredibly well thought out story, and one that will keep any fans of the last incarnation of the JLD happy. It keeps throwing curveballs at the reader to keep them on their toes, while dropping huge storyline bombs along the way. Ive been purposefully vague about these bombs so as not to spoil them, but its also partially because theres still so much left unknown about this new and terrifying threat. A villain whose aura is on par with the unsettling feeling I got reading the Batman Who Laughs.

Make sure you get up to date with Wonder Woman and the Wonder Woman/Justice League Dark issues before picking this one up. Things are truly kicking off, and its starting to looking like our heroes are going to have to pull a bloody big rabbit out of the hat to get out of this one!

While it could perhaps be viewed as a bit of a filler/reintroduction to the main plot, this is still a cool issue and well worth picking up as we begin the journey towards the impending big boss battle that were clearly heading for in the coming months.

This is still an enjoyable romp. Some might say it's becoming a little too much of a constant kick in the teeth, but it still makes me want to read every new page just to see how deep these characters are able to go.

This is yet another solid issue which continues to further the palpatation-inducing tale of excitement.

JLD continues to absolutely kill it, consistently keeping the ball rolling with the action while never disappointing in the plot department.

A leisurely return then, featuring more of what weve seen before, although thats probably not a bad thing if it continues in a similar vein to the previous series.

I still have hope that this will turn out to be yet another one of Chucks genius plot devices, once more creating a glorious meta stick in the eye of the reader, but that hasnt happened yet. For the moment it just feels like its slowing the pace of the whole issue down and only giving us the briefest glimpse at the main plot. Im keeping my fingers crossed that this series manages to return dizzy heights of its predecessors.

Its a philosophical thought experiment played out by the archetypes of a well-known storyline. If our generation seeks to destroy their fathers how would they choose to react to the instinct of protecting their own offspring when it comes down to it? Would the break the mould or are they doomed to become the absentee fathers they despise so much? Only time will tell in the next few issues.