Sarah Barclay Comic Reviews

If that last double-truck was any indication, it's all about hit the fan in the conclusion of the debut arc for this title.

The backup was equally entertaining, a bit of a mini-story going into Bruce's training days. I hope these types of simple one-and-done narratives continue throughout the Zero Year arc

I absolutely loved the backup story, and I really loved that it actually, in a roundabout way, tied into the main story. Really, I would totally get behind a DC title of just Bruce's training days, written and penciled by the team who does the backups. No matter how crazy the main bit is I can always count on Snyder/Tynion/Albquerque to bring the fun.

And those back-ups. Man, do I love everything about them. Snarky, rebellious Bruce is something that should be focused on way more than it is.

I'll be frank, I got a real kick out of this whole issue, and would welcome Ray Fawkes and Jeremy Haun back to do a story on the Riddler any time they pleased!

Both sections of this novel were jaw dropping and fantastic. I can't even think of the proper words of how awesome it all was. I literally have NO idea what these creative teams have up their sleeves next!

Snyder sure knows how to tell a story. Passion flows from every bit of this title, from the words, to the art, to the coloring, and to everything else. It all just works. This may be a story that takes place in the past, but there are still points that I'm surprised when they happen. For example, that scene with Lucius"say whaaat?! The intricacy of what Snyder's laying down"it's really leaving me speechless here, guys, and in an amazing way.

I don't even know what I can say about this art team anymore. They are beyond brilliant in every way. Capullo's pencils for Dr. Death and his victims have to be my favorite of this arc thus far. And that single page spread of Bruce with the gun. I got chills, bros.

So"Batman is effed, and Riddler thinks it's great. Things can only get worse from here, but in a good way, because it's Riddler, and Riddler's the best.

As a fan of Dustin Nguyen for a while, I was probably most excited to see his stuff in this issue. With his most recent stuff being the completely-different style of Li'l Gotham, I was still completely blown away by his skill. I loved his stoicism of Batman, and the style of Bluebird's uniform. Even Selina, whom I didn't quite recognize at first, was absolutely beautiful.

I just"what can you say about Greg Capullo anymore. His stuff is the bomb.

The dream team of Batman and Jim Gordon has been reunited in this mess, finally! But are they going to be able to beat the Riddler all on their lonesome? My money is on probably, eventually!

Zero Year is coming to an end, and I bet Bruce still has a better trick up his sleeve, yet!

Normally, when there are ten thousand artists on a title, I tend to get annoyed, but the split between Lee, Rocafort and Tan was pretty well done. I liked that, instead of just random switches throughout, they each did their own chapter. It helped it be much less jarring during the switches. But regardless of that, each artist did a fantastic and beautiful job on each of their sections.

While I knew this book was coming, it kind of snuck up on me. Even so, after reading it, I wondered how we've survived the two years in the New52 without it. Not everything was explained in this issue - like who possessed Selina Kyle or why were Clark and Bruce teleported " but it was a promising setup for what is looking to be a fantastic story arc and DC title.

The title continues to live up to its original hype, and now with the villain ousted, in a way, by Earth 2's Wonder Woman, I can't see what's in store next. Quadruple team up, anyone?

The story is set to conclude in the title's next issue, and judging by that last page, it's going to be a real doozie. Play nice, boys!

A solid story and amazing characterization, it's setting up for some great things to come.

We didn't leave Bruce in a very good way at the ending. Of course him and his sassy-self would get shot in defense of someone else. Will best-friend-forever Clark get there in time? I hope so, and with a huge 'I told you so!' to boot.

We all know " sort of " that Bruce isn't dead. Or, at least, won't stay that way? But android-alien-whatever-he-is Bruce is pretty awesome. I honestly have no idea how this arc is going to end, and I kind of love that fact!

This was a solid arc with a great conclusion. I have the utmost faith in Greg Pak, as this continues to be one of my favorite titles in comics out there today.

Overall, it is as you would expect from a filler issue story"short, silly, and of no real huge consequence.

This was a little hint of Damian in happier times, and some reminiscing by the showman Dick Grayson just what this reader, as I'm sure many other Bat-fans, needed.

I'm sure some people are wondering what Carrie Kelley has to do with anything, as anything with her might seem a little disjointed to the actual stories. But if the first 19 issues of this title in the New52 have taught me anything, it's that everything in this book is connected, even if it doesn't make sense at the time. So I can't wait to see what comes of this book's future, even after the grief. (Also, thanks to this issue, we finally know why Jason did what he did in Red Hood & the Outlaws #19. I'd say it might be a little justified.)

I wouldn't say this issue is a misstep " It seems everything Tomasi puts into this title is important for something later on " but it wasn't my favorite. That could just be my stubbornness, of course, as I've never been the biggest fan of Batgirl to begin with. But at this point, I think I'm more curious about the Nightwing issue of this storyline, and where the title will go from here since one of the title characters continues to no longer be with us.

If the ending of this issue is any indication, then there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bruce and his sadness. Tomasi and Gleason continue to make readers reach for some tissues on a monthly basis, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The last issue of this Stages of Grief storyline is to feature Nightwing, and I've never been more excited and anxious for a comic book in my life. I expect tears, lots and lots of tears.

I'm still bitter and in complete mourning over Damian's death, but this issue is exactly what I needed. It was full of heart and soul, and had that tiny bit of closure that makes everything okay for a little bit. For a title so focused on the emotions behind the Batman, it'll be interesting to see where it goes from here, with one of the main elements of Bruce Wayne's life out of the picture and most likely to be mentioned less down the road. I have complete faith in this creative team, though. They've rarely let me down this far. My lingering thought, though, is what happened to Alfred the cat and Bat-Cow?!

I'm excited about the fact that this book seems to be continuing the quality it had before the whole Batman Incorporated ordeal that made it my favorite title. Can't wait to see where it's taken from here.

So, solid issue all around, but I expect nothing less of this creative team. Now, the only question I have is, apparently, both last month's and this month's covers were to feature a Miss Carrie Kelley but seemed to have been inexplicably changed between the books' solicitations and their releases. (In fact, if I'm not mistaken, this issue was actually supposed to be titled 'Batman & Carrie Kelley #25, as opposed to Batman & Two-Face.) Was it a last minute editorial change, or has her part in the story been altered to be a more secretive, twist-like ending? She has yet to appear in this arc as far as I can tell, but I have my theories on where she might show up later"that is, if she does at all.

Like many books, Bruce was having a real bad day when we left him, but I think he continues to be in safe hands with this creative team"maybe!

This was a bit of a chase issue, and those aren't always great, but always necessary. Tomasi and Gleason succeed in making it interesting and worth every reader's time.

This was a solid ending to this story, with a lot more emotions and tie-ins than previously expected. However, I know that Carrie Kelley was supposed to have a big part in this story, and clearly that was, for some reason, reduced to bumkiss. Regardless, Tomasi, Gleason and their squad continue to make this one of my favorite titles. And with the next arc being called 'The Hunt for Robin' I can't wait to see what they do next.

This is an arc I've been waiting for since that fated Batman Inc. #8 was released. I hope it has the outcome I want, but even if it doesn't, I can tell this is going to be one heck of a ride. Wonder Woman is up next and I don't think I've been this excited for a comic in a while!

You can feel Bruce's frustration at the cat-and-mouse game coming off him in waves. I don't think he'll be taking your crap anymore, Ra's.

So, someone who was dead is now not"right? Only time will tell!

So, Bruce gets Damian back, and all hope of the assassin child coming back is dead"or is it? Judging by that last page"well, who knows what's going to happen next!

This story is only just beginning, but already it's turning into a ride for the ages. Waiting a month for the next installment might be close to torture!

Minus a few other books, Batman Inc was the only gatefold cover that actually had something to do with the story, and that was nice. I really wasn't expecting that ending with the Man-bat serum. So while this was another transition-y/filler issue, there's just a huge sense that it's all about to hit the fan and I absolutely cannot wait.3.5 out of 5 nerds

Batman Inc. #12 was the last bit of set up, and this is it, guys. The final battle. Bruce versus Talia. Literally anything can happen from here.

(Is it too early to start a countdown to Damian's return?)

This mini-series is definitely needed for a lot of Bat-fans: Great stories, with not a lot at stake or any sort of emotional or dramatic pounding. The perfect amount of campiness and heart, from page one to the last.

My only gripe is that it felt like a bit of a quick read, but overall it was an enjoyable start to a short arc. And some cameos by the Penguin is never a bad thing, in my eyes!

Frankly, I'm really excited for this book. I can't wait to see where this team goes with it.

Andy Kubert introduced us to Damian all those years ago, and has returned our little snot-nosed brat to us once more, in excellent fashion. A solid beginning to a story that already seems to be heading towards the same type of popularity as Batman 666.

This issue was a little odd, and not quite there, but I'm still really enjoying this series and can't wait how our brat wonder gets himself out of his current mess!

I really like where this utterly crazy story is going, and more than a little bummed that there's only one issue left of this tale.

So if you like story? Maybe pass on this one. Need some thoughtless action-y violence? Then perhaps this issue, and miniseries as a whole, is for you.

The backup Man-bat story, also by Layman, worked for me too, and I found it as enjoyable as the main feature. Andy Clarke's art really drew me in, though. I loved the grittiness to it, and felt that it really fit the character and storyline to a tee.

So while potentially not as fast-paced as the first chapter of this story, I find this title still in the most capable creative team it could have. Not only do they carry the story nicely, but they continue to add to the mystery. What's going on with Elena's daughter anyway?

Ridiculously, incredibly talented, this whole team. And I'm really enjoying this story, along with the subtle family emotions each issue really seems to bring out.

The backup story was equally fantastic. I want to say I wish it were longer, but at the same time, it was kind of the perfect length. Short, fantastically sweet and to the point. The overall butterfly effect theme was spot on, and I really don't think it could have been done better. The art worked quite well in that regard too. There were, though, a few bits of awkward phrasing and points where a panel didn't fit my fancy, but minor bumps in the road!

I can't be the only one who thinks Barry is about to be in for a huge change, right? I mean, after all, he's going back in time to kill himself! And I thought my life was complicated!

So, we come to the end of a short arc, and now we must prepare for the Reverse Flash, who made his grand appearance at the end of the issue by killing Albert (kind of a bummer, too. I liked Albert!) and making an interesting inner monologue in the process. But hey, I am really digging the villain's redesign!

Flash on Flash on Flash is what this issue was. And I loved every second of it. It deepened all the mysteries. Who is Bart Allen really? What's going on with Daniel West? Why is Reverse Flash going after those who were in the Speed Force? Shouldn't Barry put those who are left in some sort of protection? (Rest in peace, Gomez) The Buccellatto/Manapul Flash continues to be one of the best books out there, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

This arc is really starting to ramp up, and things really weren't looking too good for our Scarlet Speedster there at the end. Is it too early for me to say the Reverse Flash might be one of my favorite baddies?

There's only one issue left of this arc, and I can't even begin to fathom what happens next. Are any of those affected by the Speed Force safe?

Ignoring the goings-on of Villains month, this Reverse Flash storyline is hitting its peak and, from that last page, I really can't wait to see where this goes. As a fan of a lot of time travel stories, I know you shouldn't mess with the past, so what damage is Daniel going to create in his attempt to fix his life?

This is this creative team's last issue of doing everything (they're only writing the next one, as far as I know) but it couldn't have ended on a better note. Man, I am still giddy over Dr. Elias getting whacked in the kisser.

This is a good send-off to arguably one of the best creative teams as they move to another title. It was an awesome start to the Flash before he actually was. It's just what comics should be about.

Overall, it was an adorable adventure. That's what we'll refer to it as. See? Barry proves you don't need to be an alien to be able to fly and do all the cool stuff, too!

While it seems weird to be reading a Buccellato story without Manapul attached, Zircher definitely filled the shoes left for him. I really, really enjoyed his style. I can't even nit-pick tiny details I may not have liked, it was all perfectly awesome.

Now this ghost is REALLY hitting close to home for Barry. Any way him or his coworkers can get out of this one unscathed?

This was Brian Buccellato's last issue on his legendary Flash run, and I don't think it could have been done any better. While I'll personally miss Buccellato on this title a bunch, I eagerly await the new writer's ideas!

So is this truly Wally West and the return we've all been waiting for? Perhaps, but I'm sure I'm not the only one excited for the upcoming issues of this creative team!

When is Barry going to catch a break? Or make it to anything on time? What does it all have to do with Wally? Answers are coming, hopefully soon!

Flash keeps getting later and later to scenes, and I have a feeling Barry's going to be feeling the pain of that real soon.

That parting shot of Luthor and Bizzarro tells of some pretty crazy things to come, and I'm more than a little curious. Also, while he was mentioned, where is our beloved Nightwing? Clearly he has some part to play, if Owlman wants to keep him alive"right?

David Finch continues to put a solid spin on this book, and I'm enjoying it a lot. In the Batman scene mentioned above, his simple panels of one cowled eye and one not really helped in the showing of Bruce's fury when one of his allies is in trouble. And that last page, man. I don't know what it is but I love it. It looks like some weird sort of school club photo.

So…a surprise guest to the party? There are a whole lot of people in a small space, and we all know that never ends well. And Superwoman is up to a whole lot of bad, it seems. This is starting to ramp up, and I'm pretty sure everyone is going to be screwed regardless.

Not long now until the end for this event and I can't quite see how any of the teams are going to deal with it.

We're about to have TWO Lex Luthors running around our planet, which I imagine can't be good, since we can barely contain one! And alas, poor Dick Grayson, we barely knew thee"or did we?

So while this story is now over, there were a few loose ends left. Luthor now knows Batman's identity? And welcome back Justice League! Looks like you've already got another HUGE problem on your hands!

I'm very happy to say that this series has a lot of promise, and I think our favorite acrobat is in pretty great hands with this creative team.

Really found myself drawn to Mahnke's pencils, too. I think it did a fabulous job meshing with the dark, yet nostalgic, story being told, especially with Eltaeb, Avina, and Reis's colors. And that spread of Owlman getting the jump on those mobsters was absolutely gorgeous.

There seemed to be a sense of closure, almost ending, in this annual for these two characters, and I think that's awesome for them moving forward. Higgins always does a fantastic job writing Dick and Barbara, and this issue is no exception. Why do I get the feeling this was a HUGE calm before the storm though?

Overall, Nightwing has quickly become one of the most fun books I read and I absolutely adore it. I can't wait for this story to continue in the coming months.

Overall, I'm glad the Nightwing title has been given the opportunity to spread its wings a little, and not be bogged down by being connected to any other Batbook at the current times. Because, to keep up with the bird puns, it is soaring. I already can't wait until next month's!

This storyline just keeps getting better and better and I can't wait to see how everything turns out. I mean, at this point, who's more screwed: Nightwing, the citizens of Chicago or the imprisoned cops?

In case none of you have noticed, I love this book a heck of a lot. The creative teams are doing an amazing job to the point I almost don't want this arc to end!

This creative team continues to be one of my favorites. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Just like the story, Conrad and Richards' art was totally solid. I loved the body language, the faces, the colors, and all of it. I think the best part had to be the alleyway chase scenes. I really adored all of the different angles they used for each panel. The variety was just awesome.

The art was solid, though I must say while I didn't notice the switch in artists right away, I liked Conrad's better than Richards. Not to say that Richards was bad or anything, his pages were solid too. But if I had to choose, I'd go Conrad's.

It seems the story with Mali is over"for now. I kind of enjoyed the mysteriousness about her, and hope this isn't the last we see of her before Kyle Higgins puts down the pen for the title!

I didn't remember Wil Conrad wasn't drawing this one until I opened it, but quickly forgot. It took a few pages, but I overall enjoyed Russell Dauterman's work. A few of Nightwing and Dick's faces here and there were off, but I liked the slight cartoony nature of his characters. Each person's design were so different from the one next to them, I can't help but be impressed.

This was Higgins's last issue on the title, and he went out with a bang. It was a quiet, uplifting bang, but a bang nonetheless. With some turmoil and shady stuff coming up for Dick Grayson we can only hope that the next writer can meet the pretty high standards that Higgins set.

Regardless, a solid start for what already is looking to be an interesting series. Dick Grayson doesn't need a mask to kick a lot of bad guy butt!

As for the art"kind of the same as the story. It was there. It wasn't the worst I've ever seen, but it wasn't gorgeous. The faces weren't my favorite. I'm leaning towards not liking it, but it really was just in the middle of the road. I could live with it.

Overall, this issue was interesting. It carried the story while giving some humor and emotions along the way. And that last scene made me very curious. Will Jason meet up with Ra's? Will there be a conversation about a certain dead grandson that Jason doesn't remember? With Roy and Kori now split up as well, will they each have a chance to save Jason by themselves?

With a lull in the action, the story keeps going strong. Roy is about to do"who knows what, and I can't wait to see it.

The story seems to be picking up pace right now, though. The Untitled have gotten into the city and Jason seems to have agreed to lead the League. Why do I get the feeling its all a ruse? And flaming swords that materialize out of nowhere? Just another day in the life of Jason Todd, I guess. I think that's what makes this title so fun, you literally have no idea what's going to come next.

This issue kind of slowed down the story, and I'm kind of ready for this arc to be over. Though Ra's showing up, especially with what he's been doing lately in other books, definitely made things interesting.

Two words: flaming swords. You gotta love when an issue ends with flaming swords. I feel this arc is nearing its endgame, and I have to admit: I'm pretty pumped for it.

It was a solid ending to a storyline that seemed to drag at times. And I couldn't agree more with Jason, when he said he's had enough of magic for a while. In the words of Roy, "Oh, thank god!"

I've gotta say, this was probably one of the most stressful arc openers I've read in a long while. These next five months are going to be an adventure, and I'm still holding out hope that we'll get the conclusion a lot of the Bat-fandom wants: the return of our favorite assassin child.

No matter how you look at it, this title is fun. It has mystery, action, and smarts. Everything a fantastic series needs. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

As more answers surface, more questions pop up too. We've learned of Wraith and his history, but who was that person who saved Lois Lane and those pilots in Nova Scotia? And what the heck could Lex Luthor want with Jimmy Olsen?

Jim Lee is spot on again with basically all that he does. There was a certain feel to each section (Clark, Lois, Jimmy and Luthor) of scenes that was different from the others. And those paper dolls were equally as creepy, but in an awesome way, as their creator. I've gotta say, though, the pages of Superman and Wraith's battle had to be my favorite. From the action to the quieter moments, such as Clark bleeding, it was all grimly lovely. Though, I have to commend Lee on his consistency with the Ascension masks, and that page of the members attacking Lois was pretty amazing, especially in the mask details.

So, the world is going to explode and everyone's pretty upset about that. What are an alien and all his friends to do?