Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr Comic Reviews

Having gone into Checkmate #1 completely blind, I wasn't 100% sure what I was getting into. I'm happy to report that Bendis, Maleev, and Stewart work together really well to deliver this introductory spy thriller issue. While there was more appetizer than meat and potatoes, it's still really fun. The dialogue between the characters is exciting; and I can't stress enough how much Maleev and Stewart's art brings the whole thing together.

Checkmate #2 doesn't fire on the same cylinders that the first issue did, but there's still time for the story to find itself and hit a home run. It did give us a great scene between Oliver Queen and The Question though, which is worth the price of admission alone.

Checkmate #3 has all the pieces it needs to be an incredible spy thriller, but it doesn't stick the landing. Maybe something's coming to pull everything together, but I'm not sure how this series is going to wrap up in a satisfying way. As long as The Question and Green Arrow keep having some panel time, however, I'll be here to the bitter end.

I believe that telling a Joker story by way of Jim Gordon is the best way to make it work, without making it feel like a Batman story too.

The Joker #2 continues the successes of the first issue, and gets better. The concept of the story is cemented and now the rules have been established. James Tynion IV couldn't settle for one bombshell with Gordon's reveal; he had to sink the whole ship by bringing the Court of Owls into the fold.

Overall, The Joker #3 continues to deliver on the promises it began to make in the first issue. As a fan of wordier stories, I'm really happy with Tynion's noir take on this Jim Gordon adventure. March's art mostly compliments this, but he takes questionable liberties with the former commissioner (and another character in the final pages). Meanwhile, the backup story continues to slip in terms of plot. Punchline has plenty of potential, but Chapter 3 fails to capitalize on it.

The Joker #4 is easily the best in the series so far. I have few complaints as Tynion seems to have found a perfect balance of noir and action. March absolutely crushed this issue and the creative team for Punchline is moving in a positive direction.

Unfortunately, The Joker #5 is nearly the complete opposite of last month's issue – and for me it's been the worst in the series thus far. The main story feels like a filler that contributes nothing to the overall story. There will likely be zero impact if you skip this issue, which isn't a good sign for a comic. Even the backup story falters, though I'd say the entire issue is worth it for Boo's art alone.

The Joker #6 returns as a solid issue after last month's filler. Despite the continued inner monologue of Jim Gordon, there's a lot of forward progress happening in the main story. As for the backup, Punchline needs something – maybe more pages, moving in a different direction, anything really – to be an interesting story. However, Boo's art alone continues to make the backup strip worth your time.

The Joker #7 doesn't capitalize on the success of last month's issue and makes very little forward progress. It does feel like an issue you'll likely need to read to stay current with the story, but the fact that it's missing the titular character is mind-blowing.

I've really enjoyed King's run on Batman and, now that I'm caught up, look forward to reading at a normal pace to fully enjoy his work. This alternate timeline story arc is interesting, but came out of no where. Having binge read this entire run is likely why this arc feels off; but the art is too good to not want to see more of it; especially the way Batman #46 ends.

The Gift story arc just didn't hit me the way the rest of King's Batman stories have; however Batman #47 still has quality writing and art to keep my attention. The arc has also provided me some more context about Booster Gold as a character, making me more interested in other stories that feature him.

Batman#48 brings King's story back to a place where I can't find anything to complain about. Great art, great story. It's the first time in a while that we've seen the Joker and Batman acting properly with one another and just as one would expect, it's not an all out brawl. The Joker is crazy and Batman broods.

Dark Nights: Metal #2 picks up the pace from issue one and continues to deliver the promises made about Metal. Fun dialogue, Batman on a jet ski, and heart pounding moments help shape this comic event to be one of the best ever produced. Snyder and Capullo continue to be a dream team in the industry, proving that their styles mesh very well together. Batman is gone and the nightmares have been released, can the multiverse survive? While we have to wait a month for the next installment ofMetal, we will have two tie-ins a week until then.

Dark Nights: Metal #3, in the overarching story, is another fine addition. The heavy exposition, while needed for readers who may not be reading all the one-shots and tie-ins, slows down the pacing of the story. I'm hoping that issue four takes a cue from the extended stories in the event"they have found a great way to solve their pacing issues the last few weeks. And while we have to wait over two months for the next issue, there will be plenty of other one-shots and tie-ins to keep us busy; including Batman Lost #1"the story of Batman in the Dark Multiverse!

This team delivered a great issue here. It's all about friendship and we get several points of views on it throughout the book. Through both Nightwing and Hush, we learn a lot about both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. I really hope that we get anotherSuperfriendsstyle of arc between these two down the road as that friendship deserves some TLC.

Unlike the previous issue, Red Hood vs. Anarky#1 doesn't necessarily have to be read for this Bat-event. While there could be one line in the issue that foreshadows the outcome ofBatman#50, it's not a crucial line the requires a reading of this issue. However, the writing is on point and if you're a fan of Red Hood, this issue will be right up your alley.

Batman: Prelude to the Wedding: Robin vs. R'as Al Ghul has two terrific stories at its core; but it does seem like the wrong one was picked up as the "main story"the 'B-story' featuring Selina nad Damian should have been the focal point. Other than that; this book felt right at home with any other "Bat" story.

No matter what style of Batman you like,Batman Black & White #1 will have something for you (and then some).

Batman Black & White #2 is a near-perfect issue. The few things that didn't exactly sit with me aren't enough to not sing high praise for this book. From excellent writing across the board, to equally excellent art, there isn't much more you could want from this series.

I've been loving this anthology series filled with unique voices, but Batman Black & White #3 lands as a quieter book this month. Perhaps it's because the previous two issues held nods to the past versions of Batman while this issue looked to the future, or maybe it was the misprint that threw me off in the very beginning. Batman Black & White #3 feels like a step backward in the series.

Overall, Batman Black & White #4 is a near-perfect issue. Three of the five stories are total home runs, with the other two only being held back by the art; though if the art hits your eyes differently, this could be just your cup of tea. It's great to see so many unique voices bringing something to The Dark Knight, and that the series didn't peak too soon.

This is a must-read issue of Batman Black & White.

Batman Black & White #6 closes this anthology series beautifully. Offering what may be five of the best stories to come from this series in one issue, I couldn't have asked for a better way to end on. Emotions ran high this month, but it was worth every minute. I hope to see many more stories from these creators in the future; as they've all added something special to the mythos of Batman.

Crime Syndicate #1 brings a new version of the supervillain team of Earth-3 to light in a way that leaves you wanting more. It does a great job at showing that these characters are bad and that we shouldn't like them. Despite that, we kind of do. We want to see these villains team against this common foe and to see them succeed. One of the only negatives after this issue is knowing that there are only 5 more to go!

Crime Syndicate #2 takes everything the first issue did so well, and improves upon it. While this was an Owlman issue, it never felt like it; unlike last month's Ultraman-centric issue. This is a fun story with evil takes on our favorite heroes, and its landing. The tease of the importance of John Stewart, the Emerald Knights, and the ring is extremely exciting, and remains what I'm looking forward to the most out of this series.

Understanding the formula this limited series is taking is bringing a level of enjoyment I didn't know I could have for Crime Syndicate. This third issue continues to move the story forward (so much so, I wonder where it's going next?) and Schmidt demonstrates he understands these characters inside and out. I'm excited to see what he does with the rest of the Syndicate, and where this story goes.

Crime Syndicate #4 takes a slight step backward, but it has the burden of setting up the next (final?) arc of the series. Despite that, Schmidt hits some emotional beats that make this a must-read issue. I do hope the rushed feel of the artwork by McKeown and Vines is a one-time thing as it does take away from the story, if only slightly.

As far as penultimate issues go, it's hard to get much better than this.

Crime Syndicate #6 wraps up this mini-series perfectly. I'm not quite sure how I'll do without the evil exploits of these characters, but I'm glad they visited for as long as they did. I hope DC Comics seriously considers making this an ongoing series or at least diving into Earth-3 more, specifically with this creative team at the helm.

Batgirl #15 works on all levels. Larson knows these characters and continues to pump out fantastic scripts; each one seems to get better than the last, and this issue is no exception. The pacing is enhanced with the flashback scenes"this has been a favorite style of mine recently and it works really well for Batgirl. Including the big moment that the cover teases (spoils?) checks off everything I want to see in a Larson scripted Batgirl. I love that the cliffhanger this week ended with a flashback scene instead of the present day"Larson is giving both stories equal importance.

Batgirl #16 continues to deliver. By focusing on the past as much as the present, Larson gives us two stories that are closely tied together. This issue was not only written intelligently, but the art accentuated it. Batgirl continues to be the light in an otherwise dark DC world that literary dealing with darkness.

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't looking forward to another short story arc; especially once I discovered that 'Strange Loop' would be Larson's last. I like meaty stories, but the twist at the end pulled everything together for me. I've always called this title a perfect model for a Batgirl TV series on the CW. And while it still could be, this issue feels a bit different. Not necessarily darker, but definitely more adult than the CW typically goes. If you've been a fan of Larson's work in the past, be sure to soak this in"it's one of her best Batgirl issues yet!

Batgirl #23 is the final issue in Larson's run. While the story is about Batgirl struggling to find balance, it equally feels like a story about Larson saying goodbye. I didn't touch on the art in my review, it's (as always) wonderful. Minkyu Jung feels right at home in the world of Batgirl.Hope Larson leaves this title at the top of her game and while both her new path, and Batgirl's, is an unknown… anything is possible.

Batman '89 #1 has a big benefit of nostalgia, especially at a time where we know that Michael Keaton is returning to the role in The Flash, to lift this comic up. However, the creative team doesn't fully rely on that nostalgia to deliver this must-read issue, they present us with what feels like could be the logical third Batman movie from Tim Burton.

While I wish there was more Batman in Batman '89 #2, Sam Hamm's taking the time to flesh out this universe's version of Two-Face and I'm here for it. Being able to read this series and have it feel like a logical next step after Batman Returns continues to impress.

Justice League: No Justice #1 is a great first entry into the next great DC event series. The all-star writing team is able to connect this story to the previous event without making it a required read. Manapul's art really pulls it art together. The creative team had a lot of characters to service in this issue and they did it remarkably well. I'm very excited to see what the next three issues of No Justice brings us, especially with these mixed up teams. Great read all around.

Justice League: No Justice #2 is a very enjoyable read. While the previous issue didn't do much but setup what was to come, this one knocks my expectations out of the park. I'm happy to see these new teams working together and seeing how what's happening on Colu could potentially effect Earth. The story does a great job at raising the stakes these same characters had recently faced with the dark multiverse and is executed with perfection.

Justice League: No Justice#3 continues to deliver. It's interesting to see these new team configurations, especially now that they're clicking. I'd like to see more unlikely friendships, like Martian Manhunter and Starro, be born from this and look forward to the concluding issue and how things will be dealt with on Earth. The only ding this issue gets is on the artwhile it's all very good, I'd like to see one style to keep me fully engulfed by the story.

Justice League: No Justicepromised some shake ups and it delivered. Snyder and his team of writers and artists gave a great follow up to the megaMetal crossover event and it leaves the doors open for some new, interesting stories.No Justice#4 wrapped up a self-contained mini-series that didn't requirethe reading ofMetalto follow. This particular issue looked and read great.

Teen Titans Academy #5 takes a step out of the series' normal storytelling to focus on the Bat Pack, and it works beyond words. This origin story not only took its time to flesh out some of the most interesting characters, but it also pushes the story forward in big strides.

Teen Titans Academy #6 tackles another school trope with Summer Break, but this creative team knows how to handle the generic and put their own spin on it. There's so much to love in this issue – from the writing and art to the silly jokes and homages; it's probably the most fun I've had reading a comic in years.

Despite what feels like an incentive joke on the opening pages and a mediocre story with "Five More Minutes", Teen Titans Academy 2021 Yearbook #1 is a huge win. I love the format and the strength in the other three stories make this issue a must-read. Having Sheridan and Leigh as constants throughout helped unify the overall issue, while having different artists helped to make the stories their own.