Nate Stout Comic Reviews

Even the characterization in this issue felt off, though not significantly. The characters didn't necessarily act outside of what might be expected and their dialogue felt natural for them, but it does no development work. If you weren't already attached to Batman and Robin, you aren't going to get attached from this issue. Most of the characterization problems probably stem from the story being a bit rushed as it tried to all fit into a single issue. Overall, this is a disappointing end to Tomasi's otherwise phenomenal run.

Peter Tomasi proved in this issue the same thing he proved many times before; he understands Damian Wayne as character, as well as his complex relationship with his father. This issue shows us just how far Damian has come. We see him show control and use his head, even with that much brute strength. We see compassion and a sense of duty, all without being cheesy or feeling forced. Tomasi really manages to get to core of Damian's character. Damian wants to be something better than he is, and in the end, he has to accept doing what he can with what he has.

Christy Marx's story was well paced, with interesting characters and plot points that keep the reader engaged. Her characterization of Green Arrow and Connor Hawke are very accurate to their pre-Flashpoint portrayals. Even though Green Arrow did not quip as much as some might have expected, the dialogue throughout felt natural and fit their characterization perfectly.

It's clear in this issue that Gail Simone has Barbara Gordon's voice down. The internal dialogue boxes throughout the issue really sound like Barbara and explores the dome's effect on her in a way that sounds like someone's actual reflection. Simone's portrayal of Dick and Bab's relationship was flirty and intimate, yet complicated. The story itself was well paced, helped along by Bab's internal narration, and promises a big conclusion to come.

Waid has a clear understanding of Matt Murdock as a character. It will be interesting to see how Matt's new handling of celebrity will affect or be affected by his overarching depression that Waid has been exploring. With the beginning of this new arch, Waid once again asks what The Shroud's over all plan is. Waid's addition of Jubula to the cast presents a character with which Matt may have a completely new dynamic to flesh out.

This issue does an amazing job of developing Leia and showing just how much burden she feels as the princess of a dead world. Mark Waid is giving us a side of our princess that isn't shown (or at least not often) in the movies, which, along with the comic book series Star Wars and Darth Vader, currently makes up the entirety of the Star Wars Universe. You would be hard pressed to find a writer better suited to fleshing out Princess Leia. With dialogue that felt both understandable and at home in the Star Wars Universe (an oddly difficult aspect to master) and a consistently fast-paced story, Waid is giving Leia a voice of her own. Being a figure head isn't good enough for her. This is a Leia that wants to see action and make a difference for her people.

This issue is the aftermath of Johns' "The Men of Tomorrow" arc. While that arc was less than stellar on its own, if this issue did anything, it proved that Geoff Johns understands Superman. This is some of Johns' finest writing for Superman in the New 52. The dialog was very good, feeling natural and fluid. It was an issue entirely devoted to Superman's character and it hit all the right notes. He showed compassion and a desire to protect people, even when he isn't faster than a speeding bullet. By the end of it, I was saying, "Yes, this is Superman."

The characterization is pretty good here. All the Titans act like themselves, at least staying consistent with the Pfeifer's run so far. The only questionable characterization is that of J'onn J'onzz. J'onn isn't generally portrayed as being this violent or raged out. While he does fight, he is generally a calmer presence. However, given the context of this massacre, and the fact that J'onn himself is the sole survivor of genocide, we can see where this might have hit a nerve for him. We also see some development for Red Robin, as he struggles to maintain his belief that forming the Titans was an ultimately good thing to do. Overall, King and Pfeifer have brought us a compelling story, driven by natural dialogue and interesting characters.