Sergio Pereira Comic Reviews

There's an unwavering sense that Jurgens is really enjoying writing this series, and Action Comics #971's exuberance is contagious.

Bravo! Nostalgic, fun and a throwback to the Silver Age, Action Comics #975 is everything New 52 wasn't.

While not a spectacular finale, Action Comics #976 is a satisfying conclusion to "Superman Reborn."

Welcome to the Dan Jurgens show! Action Comics #977 proves Jurgens is one of the best Superman scribes alive today.

Complemented by the slick, action-centric artwork of the legendary John Romita Jr. and Danny Miki, there's a distinct feeling this Batman run might become another iconic one. It has the look, the action and the story to match, so it can only get bigger and better with each passing issue. Welcome back, Scott. Please don't ever go away.

The second part of 'My Own Worst Enemy' is all about the action, with questions about Alfred's involvement in Two-Face's plan still up in the air. The assassins keep coming thick and fast, as the Dark Knight fights for his life and to get Two-Face to his destination outside of Gotham. Back at the Batcave, young Duke Thomas learns about Harvey Dent from Alfred, before deciding that Batman needs his help and heading out into the field. The biggest shock, however, is Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock finding out what lurks behind Wayne Manor's non-functioning grandfather clock " or do they?

All things considered, All-Star Batman #3 is another fantastic issue from a dream team. With Tom King's Batman moving from strength to strength along with Snyder's " and both seemingly pushing the other to be better " it's fair to say it's a great time to be a Batman fan.

If All-Star Batman #4 proves one thing, it's that Two-Face remains one helluva of a wild card for any Batman story. You know there's another twist coming and it's bound to be insane.

Overall, All-Star Batman #7 is another resounding success. If this series has proved one thing, it's that Snyder is the quintessential Batman writer. No one captures the Caped Crusader and his world quite like he does.

Not many single-issue comic books can take your breath away, but All-Star Batman #8 is a masterpiece that deserves a spot in everyone's collection. Snyder's creating something special here, and you'd be a fool to not get on board now. There's simply nothing else quite like it.

Overall, Snyder closes off "Ends of the Earth" in style here. All-Star Batman #9 takes you to the edge of madness and brings you back to sanity with grace and poise. It's a wild rollercoaster of a ride and I can't wait to see what new menace Snyder conjures up for the Caped Crusader next.

Every issue of All-Star Batman surprises me. Not one story is similar to the one before, nor does it feel tired in any way. You can tell that Snyder's having the time of his life with this series, and it shows in the quality of this book. That's ten home runs in a row, Scott. We can't wait for the next issue.

All in all, All-Star Batman #11 is another solid entry in the series. It might not have the grit and intensity of the previous issue, but it succeeds in moving the story in an exciting direction. Also, we get to see Alfred punch Hush in the face and Penguin wear a Hawaiian shirt. Those two things alone are worth the cover price of this comic book.

All-Star Batman #12 is a wild ride. From seeing Batman captain a ship to Alfred screaming his lungs out, it's an all-out balls-to-the-wall extravaganza like no other. The intensity and grit are turned up to 11 and one has to wonder if the Dark Knight or Alfred will ever be the same after this mission. It's exactly the sort of nail-biting narrative that we expect from Snyder, and once again he delivers like only he can. Add this to your must-buy pile for the week.

So, this is it. It's the end of All-Star Batman. In typical Snyder style, he ends it off with a bang. It's been a pleasure reading this series, Scott, and if you ever feel like revisiting it again, we'll be right here, ready and waiting to read it. High fives to everyone who contributed to these incredible 14 issues.

Overall, Archie vs. Predator #1 isnt quite the bonkers, over the top clash that we thought it might be. Its light-hearted and wholesome Archie, but the Predator element is lacking. Its still early days, though, so lets see what #2 holds.

Back to the Future #1 is a mixed bag of flavour. There are good parts to it, but nothing that really stands out as spectacular just yet. Lets see where the future stories lead.

In Bane: Conquest #1, Bane's co-creators Chuck Dixon and Graham Nolan show us that no one knows the Santa Prisca monster quite like they do.

The fun and games continue in Bane: Conquest #2. In this issue, the Santa Prisca monster teams up with his biggest rival, Batman.

Better take a deep breath, because Chuck Dixon and Graham Nolan won't allow you a moment to breathe in the action-packed Bane: Conquest #3.

With a strong The Dark Knight Returns atmosphere, it'll be interesting to see how long a run Gordon is given as the Batman before the inevitable happens. Speaking of which, the end of #41 was rather surprising. Not because it was entirely unexpected, but one would think it would make sense to happen a few more issues down the line. Could it be that Snyder is swerving us? I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Batman #1 doesn't stray too far from Snyder and Capullo's version " and this isn't a bad thing. If King and Finch manage to find a healthy balance between their fantastic action sequences with the same level of storytelling as their predecessors, there's no doubt that the "new" Batman will be a good Batman.

Unless Tom King is holding an ace up his sleeve and this is only the calm before the storm, Batman hasn't exactly been reborn; he's been aborted. Until this title goes somewhere further than two centimetres from the start line, I recommend picking up Green Arrow and Aquaman instead, since they deliver much more action and riveting storytelling than Batman.

Even without the presence of a big villain, 'I Am Gotham' managed to deliver when it counted. It's not quite the end of the Gotham twin story, as is evident by the reveals of Batman #5, so let's see where King and co take us next.

While Batman and Gotham Girl's necessary heart-to-heart spread out across most of the issue, the final pages of Batman #6 are what Batman fans have been patiently waiting for. The revelation of Bane as the mastermind behind the 'I Am Gotham' storyline, and Batman's deal with Amanda Waller to set up his own Suicide Squad, made all the weeks' slow burn worth it. Bane's back and Batman will be breaking bad " but first, Batman needs to battle a few monsters over the next couple of weeks…

So, is "Night of the Monster Men" the story that signals the real start of Rebirth Batman? It's looking likely that it is. As much as I loved the previous era of Batman, it's time for a new one. Let's hope DC has faith in this direction and allows it to develop further.

Batman's refusal to give up on his team aside, there was another purpose to Batman #8: to establish Duke Thomas as a legitimate member of the team. When the chips were down and not even Batman had a solution, Duke came to the rescue, establishing himself as a vital member of the team and not just Alfred's Batcave buddy. Duke has been given a major part in the Batman Rebirth, and it'll be interesting to see where his character goes. Personally, I'd love to see DC pull a fast one and turn him into a mighty foe for Batman in the same way The Flash team did with August Heart/Godspeed.

Like Snyder's 'The Black Mirror', Loeb's 'The Long Halloween' and Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns', there's just a feeling of something special about Batman #9. This could be King's defining Dark Knight story and the one that finally convinces Batman fans the series is in good hands. Frankly, I'm excited.

Batman #10 is action-packed, even if it's a little low on the storytelling spectrum and feels more like an expensive, but small, appetiser before the main course. If King's run has taught us anything, it's that he tends to favour slower-paced stories. As long as the end result is as good as the last two story arcs have been, that's fine by me. Take your time, Tom.

'I Am Suicide' has been topsy-turvy so far, but it ain't over until the fat lady sings. Mikel Janin hasn't faltered once from his side, serving up a smorgasbord of eye candy, so now it's up to King to produce the goods consistently. Judging by the conclusion of 'I Am Gotham', I'm putting my faith in him to do so.

For months now I've defended King's run, calling for patience and saying it's a slow-burner. Well, I can no longer do this. When you look at books like The Flash, Nightwing and Titans, they've been consistently good. Even the so-called filler issues, such as Nightwing #9, are well written and aren't stretched out to buy a few more months until the next story arc. Batman, though, has become too hit-and-miss and it needs fixing. And fast.

Batman #14 is a step in the right direction after "I Am Suicide," but Tom King's Batman still suffers from strange tone shifts.

Tom King's Caped Crusader reaches a shocking new low in Batman #15.

It's terrific. Batman #16 is the issue we've wanted Tom King to deliver since day one.

Cerebral and darker than the blackest coffee, Batman #17 could've been straight from the mind of David Fincher.

In Batman #18, Tom King delivers a five-star book that'll have the fans salivating for more. This is the Batman-Bane clash we've been waiting for.

While not as memorable as the previous issue, Batman #19 provides enough thrills and action to set-up one last battle between the Bat and Bane.

Beastly! Tom King's Batman #20 is a fantastic conclusion to the truly excellent "I Am Bane" storyline.

After all the hype, the first part of "The Button" doesn't really deliver what we expected.

Everyone involved in Batman #22 needs to take a bow. This is a sensational issue that will be talked about for years to come.

Despite Tom King's desire to genre hop and show off his obscure knowledge of the characters, Batman #23 still remains a good read for fans of Swamp Thing and the Dark Knight.

Even though the sentiment is honest, Batman #24 belly flops into a pool of mediocrity. This is the sort of tripe that stops people from buying single-issue stories.

Take out your wallets and purses, ladies and gentlemen, because you'll be throwing your money at Batman #25. This is the Dark Knight story we want to read.

If you aren't reading "The War of Jokes and Riddles," you're missing out on a soon-to-be modern classic. This is King and Jann at their best.

You might need a box of tissues after Batman #27, because this issue will break your heart. Who knew that the Riddler could be so vicious?!

Overall, Batman #30 keeps the magic of “The War of Jokes and Riddles” alive. It's mysterious, heartbreaking, and jam-packed with all the action and humour you'd expect from King. Add this to your to-buy list for the week.

What I enjoyed about this issue is that it's uncompromisingly fun. Lately, comic book creators have struggled to find the sweet spot between silly and too serious, but Batman/TMNT Adventures hits the bullseye on its first attempt. It's a book which both casual and seasoned comic book fans can enjoy " and that's something special.

Batman: Damned #1 takes no prisoners as it unleashed a dark and disturbing Dark Knight tale.

Sean Gordon Murphy delivers an exquisite, darker R-rated version of Batman: The Animated Series in Batman: White Knight #1. The questions remains, is the Joker really cured, or is this another trick?

Despite the sluggish pace, Batman: White Knight #2 still keeps you interested and invested in this Joker-centric story. You can spot the ending a mile away from here, but that doesn't mean that what happens in between is irrelevant.

In Captain America: Steve Rogers #10, Nick Spencer continues to write one of the best Captain America stories in years.

Once again, Nick Spencer pushes the boundaries in Captain America: Steve Rogers #11. The Internet trolls are going to have a field day with this one.

It had to happen eventually, didn't it? Captain America: Steve Rogers #12 is agonizingly meh.

While it does have its high points, Captain America: Steve Rogers #13 is guilty of forcing Secret Empire down our throats.

With the focus firmly on Secret Empire, Captain America: Steve Rogers #14 suffers from being there only to kill time until the major event begins.

Prepare yourself for the one of the greatest single issue comics you'll read this year. Dark Days: The Casting #1 is simply phenomenal.

Snyder and Tynion, take a bow! Dark Days: The Forge #1 isn't only a five-star spectacle; it absolutely shreds all other books this year.

Put on your best headphones because Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's band is now in session. Get ready to rock with Dark Nights: Metal #1!

So, that's it. Dark Nights: Metal is done and dusted. Judging by the upcoming slate, it'll have many repercussions and the adventure will continue in different ways. While its conclusion is weaker than the previous issues, there's no doubt that it stands as a seminal event for DC Comics.

It ain't wabbit season here, because the Bat and the Fudd reign supreme. Batman/Elmer Fudd Special #1 is a picture-perfect noir tale that deserves your time and attention.

Transforming Wade Wilson into a mutant Ridge Forrester, Deadpool #25 is largely unexceptional.

While Deathstroke #19 is the weakest part of "The Lazarus Contract" so far, it does more than enough to keep us invested in the forthcoming finale.

We might not be seeing Slade Wilson versus the Dark Knight in Matt Reeves' The Batman anymore, but Priest and his team make sure we're getting the ultimate battle of brains and brawn in "Deathstroke vs. Batman."

While Batwoman has been one of the standout characters of Detective Comics recently, this issue suffers due to the lack of her team's presence.

Detective Comics #949 is a fitting finale and tribute to Batwoman - the breakout star of the series.

Detective Comics #950 is a fitting tribute and celebration of this legendary series.

If you're an aspiring Batman writer, pick up Detective Comics #951 and see a true master in action. Tynion is killing it.

Tynion demonstrates his masterful storytelling ability in Detective Comics #952.

There's enough in Detective Comics #953 to keep you excited about "League of Shadows," but it isn't a classic by any means.

Even though Tynion's foot has slipped off the gas a bit, Detective Comics #954 still keeps us invested in the "League of Shadows" arc.

James Tynion IV pumps Detective Comics #955 full of so much action that you won't know if this is still Batman or JCVD.

The best thing about Detective Comics #956 is that it marks the end of the long-winded "League of Shadows" storyline.

Detective Comics #957 might be a filler issue, but it's actually pretty good. The events will undoubtedly have an impact on Stephanie Brown's relationship with Tim Drake when he returns to the Bat Family.

Yeah, baby! James Tynion IV's Detective Comics #958 is exactly the sort of story that Batman fans have been waiting for. It's magic, really.

While the artwork might be a little iffy, Detective Comics #959's narrative saves the day here. Seeing Batman and Zatanna teaming up again should please many longtime fans of the Caped Crusader and the Mistress of Magic.

IDW's new Disney titles might be targeted at the younger audience, but I do see the older generation who grew up watching the Disney Power Hour and reading the Disney Magazine enjoying these stories just as much. Pick up a copy of Donald Duck #1 and roll back the years to a simpler time.

Gerard Way ensures that Doom Patrol #7 is the weirdest comic book you'll read this week. It might be too on the nose at times, but it's still a wild 'n' whacky ride.

Overall, fans will find that Fight Club 2 #1 delivers on its premise and builds a solid foundation for the forthcoming issues. It is equal measures of social satire and insanity from the mind of Palahniuk.

As expected, the story has evolved into a darker and more cynical beast " both in terms of storyline and art. The intentional facade of #1 is peeled away, revealing the ugliness that always lay beneath. These are screwed-up people with screwed-up lives and we're allowed to pity them, but also laugh at the sheer madness of it all. It's wicked satire at its finest " even if it doesn't quite pack the impactful punch of the original.

"The Button" explodes to life in The Flash #21 - and yes, Barry's about to screw with the timeline again. Why are we even surprised at this point?

None of us could've imagined the cop-out that The Flash #23 delivers. If anything, this issue cheapens everything that happened in "The Button."

Inhumans: Prime #1 is a fine start to the "Inhumans-verse," even if it doesn't step too far outside of its comfort zone.

So, be prepared to chew your nails and flick through the pages as quick as humanly possible to find out if the Monster was able to protect Joe from the Bride and her dastardly minions. Here's a big spoiler, though: you'll still have to wait until #4 to truly find out. Oh come on! You can't be too surprised by that.

The plot, while slightly predictable, had the necessary ingredients to satisfy the readers. The story has drama, action, suspense, the presumed death of a beloved character and suggestion of future tales.

Sadly, much like the rest of the series, Justice League #23 is uninspiring and bland. Save your money and purchase better books this week.

Overall, Justice League/Power Rangers #1 doesn't do any wheel spins or accelerate out of the block; instead, it pulls away slowly and cautiously. It's a middling issue, which makes you wish the creators will inject a bit more excitement into the remaining ones.

Oh boy! Justice League of America #1 misses the mark in every way and is an early contender for the worst issue of 2017.

After the disappointing start to the series, Justice League of America #3 is an improvement - even if it's a small one.

Justice League of America: Rebirth #1 achieves a good balance in giving every character a spot in the sun, but leaves you with the question: Is this series really necessary?

As far as first issues go, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #1 is as close to perfect as anything else I've read. It's turned my initial feelings of indifference into genuine excitement in just 40 pages. DC, you have my attention now.

What the Justice League vs. Suicide Squad event proves is the fans don't need a thousand stories within a story"sometimes all it takes is a simple clash between good, evil and the something in between. Let's hope that the DC execs take some notes from this epic event and apply it to some other Rebirth titles.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #3 allows us a breather from the nonstop action. Filled with humour and quirks, it's an enjoyable read, even if it is exposition heavy at times. What it does really well is solidify Amanda Waller as a no-holds-barred manipulator who'll do anything to get and protect what she wants. In a world where we have the Joker, Lex Luthor and Maxwell Lord, Waller shows she's at the top of the food chain. I think it'll be particularly interesting to see the interaction between the first Suicide Squad and the current one"maybe the Justice League was roped in purely to protect her from her own assembled groups teaming up on her.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #3 keeps the momentum of the series going strong in another enjoyable issue.

While Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #4's action packs a punch, the artwork is clearly the weakest we've seen so far.

Finally, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad gives us everything it initially promised as Williamson and Rocha take the series to a bold new level.

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad concludes on a satisfactory note, but could've achieved much more if it hadn't been so focused on being the set-up for Justice League of America.

Overall, Nightwing #13 is a step in the right direction for the series. While not as gripping as the epic before it, it's at least rectifying the mistakes it's made. Personally, I'd like to see a stronger villain introduced in the next arc"a legitimate threat for Nightwing to battle.

Overall, Nightwing #16 is another marvellous issue from the mind of Seeley. While Chuck Dixon might be known as the definitive voice of Robin, Seeley's making his case to become the authority on Nightwing. He has the ability to make you hate waiting a fortnight for the next issue"and that's a good thing.

In Nightwing #17, Seeley and Fernandez combine like the dynamic duo they've become. There's a magic in this arc that's undeniable and I hope DC's taking note. What do you think about the possibility of an ongoing Nightwing and Robin series? You'll find the first buyer right here.

With perfect pacing, awesome art and terrific chemistry, Nightwing #18 reigns supreme here. There's so much going on in this title, but it never feels daunting or overwhelming. It's just enthralling and entertaining. Overall, it's another cracker from Seeley and co.

Part of me is excited to see how this arc ends, while the other half doesn't want it to. "Nightwing Must Die" contains all the hooks and crooks that make it an instant classic, but I don't want Dick to go back to Bldhaven or Damian to the Titans just yet. There's something incredibly powerful to this tale and Seeley would do well to explore further adventures between these two protagonists.

Once again, Seeley drops another terrific issue in the form of Nightwing #24. The series might not be considered one of DC's premium books, but it's certainly outperforming some of the other bigger titles, such as The Flash and Justice League, in quality. Add this to your must-buy list.

We're used to quality from Tim Seeley‘s Nightwing, and there's no letdown here. It's almost impossible to get bored with this book as it changes things up frequently and explores all facets of Dick's life. Once again, add this to your buy list for the week.

“Spyral” part two intrigues and hooks us into Nightwing‘s latest adventure in fine fashion. Also, I don't believe for one second that he and Huntress will keep things strictly professional, and we could end up seeing some soapie-inspired love-triangle drama popping up down the line. So let's see what Seeley has in store for us in the next issue.

Like the rest of the Rebirth titles, Nightwing: Rebirth #1 sets the course in the right motion. It's obvious that DC has listened and embarked on a new direction with its titles, pandering to what the fans want. While this isn't always such a good thing for creativity, it does mean we get Nightwing back, so it can't be too bad.

You better put on those marching boots and get down to your nearest comic book store, because Kyle Higgins and Trevor McCarthy's Nightwing: The New Order #1 is an entertaining regime change in DC Comics.

After three issues, Ninjak is making a serious case of reclaiming its position as one of the more exciting comic book series around. Let's see if the consistency can continue for a prolonged period.

While zombies and superheroes continue to drive the comic book market, it's good to see a resurgence in other genres of the medium. Planet of Daemons looks like it's the real deal, so let's hold thumbs the forthcoming issues hold and build on the standard set by "The Eye of Lucifer".

With such a high bar being set by the debut issue, itll be interesting to see which direction the future editions of Ramlock Investigates go. Lets hope this impressive standard is met throughout the series because it has the potential to be something terrific.

Despite the abundance of too much information, Red Dog #1 remains an interesting read and premise. Superhero-free, it's a book that explores the different side of comics, which is welcome. I would like to see more of Q in the forthcoming issues, though, because dogs are always better than humans.

The artwork is gorgeous, the story is hilarious and the characters are genuinely likeable and relatable. If you havent picked up Red Hood/Arsenal yet, you are missing out on an extraordinary title that is a whole lot better than the current Bruce Wayne clone saga happening over in another book.

The first bite of SECTOR is tasty; it makes you crave for more. My only fear is that it might turn into another two-issues-and-die publication. South African audiences are fickle and dont immediately latch on to new things, so SECTOR might struggle to find its readers initially. That being said, the first issue is impressive and if the forthcoming ones contain the same level of quality, I dont foresee a lack of readership at all.

As several Rebirth titles struggle to find their footing and perfect balance of what old and new fans want, Suicide Squad #8 hits it out of the park. This is the DC Comics everyone wants to read and experience. This is what we want.

While Suicide Squad #21 doesn't break any new ground, it does provide the stability that the series has needed for some time now.

Peter J. Tomasi's Super Sons #6 continues to be pure joy and entertainment. Jon and Damian may soon be known as the World's Finest in terms of fun.

Tomasi and Gleason deliver another compelling installment of Superman.

Superman #15 is the ultimate fan service, featuring the best of the Multiverse in one book.

Superman #16 is an emotional and powerful end to the "Multiplicity" story arc.

Tomasi and Gleason's winning streak comes to a grinding halt on the disappointing Superman #17.

Simply powerful. Part one of "Superman Reborn" pulls no punches as it takes a huge leap forward in unraveling Rebirth's mysteries.

Trippy and emotionally poignant, Superman #19 uncovers even more of Rebirth's secrets as we edge closer to the end of the phenomenal "Superman Reborn" arc.

In Superman #20, Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason create a wholesome, fun story that explores the mystery of Superboy's developing powers (or lack thereof).

Despite the positives, "Black Dawn" is turning into a Jon-centric affair. Is it necessary to feature Clark's son so much in this title?

Benjamin Percy's Teen Titans #8 keeps the momentum of "The Lazarus Contract" going, keeping us in suspense and eager for more.

This is how you conclude a story. Teen Titans: The Lazarus Contract Special #1 is everything you hope it will be, and so much more.

It's difficult to place #46. It is a vital puzzle piece, acting as a slow burner for bigger events, but its pace is also its biggest enemy. Could most of the story have been squeezed into #45 already? Quite possibly.

The Batman Who Laughs #2 is the perfect mix of Death of the Family and The Black Mirror.

The signs are looking good that "The Lazarus Contract" might just be the perfect follow-up to "The Judas Contract."

Simply put, Trinity has everything Geoff Johns promised about the Rebirth line. Hope, fun and optimism are on the menu, and this dish is tasting more delicious with each passing issue.

Venom isn't a kid-friendly Marvel title. Oh no, this is a villain-driven story that's doing justice to the original incarnation of the character, and bringing the danger back to the Venom name. After feeding off so many hosts, it's high time the symbiote got a bit of its own back, and Lee Price is proving to be the perfect, despicable protagonist for this series. Heck, all that's missing at this point is a family reunion with Carnage. Now that would be a party.