TBU Contributor Comic Reviews

Although I have only been reviewing Kuwatas work for a short time, I am learning quickly that he often ends his story arcs with the death of the villain. It would be interesting to see Kuwata explore the impact that these deaths have on the psyche of both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Although this idea may never come to fruition, I am excited to see what the next entry of the Batmanga has in store. So tune in next week kids as we ride along with the dynamic duo in their fight against the evildoers of Gotham City!

As I stated above the conversation about mental health in this issue is great but unexpected. I was hoping to see something like this in Arkham Manor.Batman's interest in the Cobblepot Diary finally made me care about Olive's obsession with that book.I didn't notice any homages to Batman history in this issue. Hopefully the writers continue to include it in future issues. It's expert fan service. The Gotham TV series should take note. 

All of this makes for a very intriguing first installment with gorgeous art by Fabok. Definitely check it out. And its a great jumping on point if you havent been reading Justice League for awhile.

The story this week was amazing. Almost as if he is attempting to one up the story, Ardian Syafs art is beautiful from cover to cover. Each character is exquisitely rendered. No detail, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, is overlooked and the result is evident on every page. Needless to say, this entry into the Batman Superman storyline is truly exceptional and should not be missed by any fan of the DC universe. I will be patiently waiting for the release of next months issue and hope that Pak and Syaf continue to push this story in the amazing direction it is currently headed.

The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga is a series that should not be missed by any fan of the Dark Knight, with chapter #19 further solidifying the vibrant and timeless nature of the Batman mythos.

Jiro Kuwatas Batmanga is quickly becoming one of my favorite imaginings of the Dark Knight. Brilliant art and storytelling make this a series that is on par with some of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Take it upon yourself to ensure you dont miss these spectacular adventures of Batman and Robin.

The issue wraps up with Robin facing a foe that is strikingly similar to the Hangman. Furthermore, it ends with the Boy Wonders fate hanging in the balance. It is almost as though he is experiencing the same fate that Batman faced in chapter two of this story arc. Although it felt a bit repetitious, the panels involving Cathy felt fresh and invigorating, giving the book just enough material to stand on its own. With one more issue to go, lets hope that Kuwata wraps up this story arc with the same compelling storytelling of the first three chapters.

This week Jiro Kuwata did an amazing job continuing his current entry into the Batmanga. Although this book was written over forty years ago, it still feels very relevant and stands as a homage to the silver age of the Dark Knight. Kuwatas storytelling has not always been great, however, the art in this series has been consistently brilliant, and this chapter is no different. Every panel is exquisitely drawn, perfectly capturing the essence of manga in the late 1960s. This story arc would be a perfect jumping on point for any Batman fan and I cant recommend it highly enough.

The art direction in this weeks issue is beautiful from start to finish. The use of a wide spectrum of colors gives each panel a unique intensity that lends itself well to the multifaceted approach to storytelling. Although the subplots were underdeveloped at times, I found this to be a solid entry in the Detective Comics series and feel that the current story arc that no Bat-fan should miss!

Not enough credit can go to Msassyk and Serge LaPointe who color this issue. They absolutely knock this issue out of the park.Maps enthusiasm to interrogate Eric is pretty hilarious.Bruce Waynes interest in Olive is one of the more compelling mysteries is this series and I have absolutely no idea where its going.Gotham Academy #4 continues adding cameos for the die hard Bat-fans. This issue? Simon Trent a.k.a. The Gray freaking Ghost. 

Although many of the fantastical elements that make up the Harley Quinn series are present, this issue has more heart than most comics I have read in the last year. Fully capturing the holiday spirit, Conner and Palmiotti are able to explore many of the basic elements that make us human. A variety of artists add to the appeal of the issue, making it one that should not be missed this holiday season.

The Harley Quinn monthly series has been inconsistent at best. However, the holiday specials have been unfailingly top notch. The Valentines Day special excels in every possible manner. Seeing the writing ability in this special gives me hope that the monthly series will take a turn for the better in the very near future. Until that time, keep the holiday specials coming because they truly allow Harley to shine.

It is rare in comics that the mind is asked to question the ideals that they have held true for many years. Tom Taylor demands that the reader take under consideration the motives of characters they have loved and followed for many years. I commend Taylor for taking this approach and am confident that he will use this tactic moving forward in order to breath fresh air into a medium that has been riddled with clichs for far too long.

This story was nothing short of brilliant. I absolutely loved the scene where the league was together investigating the murder scene. The whole tone of the book is Johns at his best and reminds me of his best stories from Infinite Crisis to Green Lantern Rebirth. I can really feel that Johns is going to knock this one out of the park and I for one cannot wait until JL #43 when Batman sits upon that Mobius chair and sees EVERYTHING like the Divergence preview promised.

Man this was a fun book. I love this pairing. I think Starfire being away from the two will definitely be a game changer and for the better as the attitude with her around was more or less distracting in my opinion because both Roy and Jason were dating her on and off. I can't wait for the next issue.

Seeing the Outlaws in childlike forms was both fun and well executed. Furthermore, connecting a holiday themed issue to thought provoking plot points made the issue feel like a solid entry into the ongoing monthly series. I am looking forward to seeing where Lobdell takes this series moving into the New Year.

Not all origin stories are created equal. The origin story told in this issue of Red Hood and the Outlaws exemplifies superior storytelling and character development. Lobdell proves himself as a skilled writer who has the ability to take this series to new heights moving into the future. I would enjoy seeing Lobdell explore the origins of all three of the Outlaws in a similar manner. This issue is a breath of fresh air in the Outlaws mythos and should not be missed by any fans of the DC Universe.

Some Stray Observations: The fact that Batman and the Joker are both in disguise and living under the same roof is just absolutely crazy…in a good way. Mr. Freeze is in one scene in this book and its actually pretty funny. Im curious to see how the Seth Wickhams escape factors into this. I really hope they find a bat book for Duggan and Crystal to work on after this. Losing them would be absolute garbage.

What are Dr. Arkhams reasons for lying to Detective Bullock about Jack Shaw?I think that the playful Mr. Freeze moments in this book will end up being the most memorable part of this series for me. I know that the characterization was largely pretty divisive but I found it refreshing.Dr. Crane is a Shawshank Redemption fan apparently. 

Batman/Superman is a book that just continues to get better. The current story arc is the finest in the series to date. Although the idea is not completely original, Pak has taken a tried story and made it his own. Coupled with art that is for the most part consistently good, this is a book that I would highly recommend to any comic book fan.

Such a fun issue, I am really liking this whole Truth arc and am actually going to read the entire run of it because it is so topical with what is going on with the attitude towards Man Of Steel. The fact that everyone knows Clark Kent is Superman is the best way that DC can make Superman DC's Captain America again. It's time to make this character relevant. No more secret identities.

The chapter wraps up like most of Kuwatas work, with the fate of our heroes hanging in the balance. A huge improvement from last week, this entry revives the current storyline and makes it one worth reading. Can Kuwata finish the arc with the same level of excellence that he produced in the current chapter? Tune in next week Bat-fans, when the fate of the current storyline will be decided.

The art in this series has been consistent and beautifully simplistic in nature. Kuwata does an amazing job of capturing the essence of American culture while simultaneously honoring his Japanese roots. I have thoroughly enjoyed the story of the Hangman that Kuwata is currently telling. It is refreshing to see Batman pitted against an enemy that is not a member of the established rouges gallery. I am confident that if Kuwata can maintain this high level of authorship, this story arc will end on an even higher note than it started.

I am excited to see where Kuwata takes this current story arc over the next three chapters. He has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller and artist; however, he is not without his faults. I just hope that he does not fall into a pit of mediocrity like he has done so many times before.

This chapter was a great finale to an exceptional story arc. Although Kuwata has been very hit-and-miss with his storytelling, this story arc is a testament to his ability to tell an exceptional Batman tale. I look forward to next week and seeing if Kuwata can maintain the momentum he created. Although this book was penned over 40 years ago, I would highly recommend it to any fan of the Dark Knight.

The issue wraps up with Batman, Robin, and Chans daughter landing a private plane on the water of Gore Bay. Upon their arrival they realize that the mysterious creature is stalking them just below the surface. This issue was lighthearted, fun, and full of homages to the 66 television show. I look forward to the next chapter and seeing where Kuwata takes this story.

This chapter was a ton of fun! Although a little all over the place, the story was engaging from start to finish and the art was some of Kuwatas finest. This is the type of fantastical story that would have been a perfect addition to the 66 television series. Although it is not indicated how long this current story arc will run, I look forward to the conclusion and am hopeful that Kuwata will continue this string of exceptional writing and art direction.

This was a great set up to the 30th Anniversary arc of Crisis On Infinite Earths. You can definitely tell that they are looking to knock this story out of the park and it may be even to the detriment of the weekly stories that came before it as they specifically set up this event. I am glad they took the time to explain why Superman didn't recognize Brainiac when he showed back up in Future's End and even went so far as to give him the beginning of that lumberjack's beard he had in the series. I am licking my chops for this series as I am such a big fan of DC Comics and relish in it's history. Thankfully I wont have to wait long not only to read this story but to also get what is hopefully a satisfying conclusion in the next eight weeks of exciting comics.

4. I would implore anyone who is overwhelmed by this series and needs help understanding that before they read the next issue they should read Future's End/Convergence: Booster Gold and Justice League #40. Those 3 issues aside from explaining who Deimos is will really help you understand the stakes of what is happening here.

It is interesting that Dick almost convinced Telos to rebuff his programming and fight against Brainiac. I am incredibly interested in seeing just what will happen once Brainiac returns and finds that his spawn has let all of these heroes loose. There is going to be hell to pay. Hell to pay indeed.

This issue was a MILE above the previous one so I will give credit where credit is due to it in giving it a higher rating than the last issue. But so far Convergence has been nothing short of taking all of your favorite heroes from every single era, putting them in an oil drum, and lighting a match. Sure it looks pretty, and it might keep you warm for a short time BUT S**T BE BURNING YO!

Like all good stories, this one leaves us with something else to ponder as we examine our own lives. All too often, we think of our existence like an airplane flight. Theres home and theres the destination, everything in the middle is just noise. Benjamin Percy challenges us through Terminal to not just rush perilously into the future towards our inevitable death, but to slow down and recognize the present. That old cautionary tale that it may not be about the destination after all, but the journey.

As I stated in my review of issue #38, I find the Anarky character to be particularly relevant reflection of the current global environment. We live in a world in which a large majority of our existence is stored and transmitted electronically. The idea that the loss of personal data would send citizens into a frenzy does not seem too far-fetched. I hope that Manapul and Buccellato continue to explore the lasting effect that an attack like the one perpetrated by Anarky can have on society. This issue stands as a testament of the power that art can have when it represents life.

This was a great stand-alone issue of Detective Comics. An entertaining, but not too serious story made for a solid stand-alone tale. Although this issue did not add a lot to the Endgame storyline, it was a great ride from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good time without a ton of commitment.

As always the presence of the Thomas Wayne Batman is consistently all this reviewer needs to want to pick up this book and I can't wait for him to meet his son again in Convergence as we will see if he can truly be redeemed. It's troubling to me that there is a possibility that the characters that we care about most on Earth 2 might not make it out alive. The tension and drama of those facts is both great and powerful even if one can only wonder though if Thomas, Dick, Mr. Terrific, and otherswill be one of the many characters to lose their life on the Blood Moon or if some will even before.

As much as I wish that the Earth 2 gang would have ended up on New Earth so we could get a JSA again it's okay that they get their own earth again because we know we will be seeing them again in future storylines. And anyone who doesn't love that Dick's Batman costume has the Disco Dick era Nightwing colors cannot be called a true Dick Grayson fan.

Maps going to the dance with her dateless roommate is a perfect little detail. It gives you huge insight into what kind of friend she is.Another issue another callback to Batman history. This week Killer Croc tells his infamous and then I threw a rock at him. story.I mentioned this above but its worth noting it again Msassyk and LaPointes coloring on this book is just insane. Kerschls pencils are so detailed that coloring it just has to be an absolute nightmare. How this book comes out on time is beyond me.

One thing however that I am still trying to get used to is Templesmith's art style. One one hand it is kind of cool as the backgrounds have this very distinctive style to them that reminds this reviewer of watercolors. One thing that I do give him is his uncanny way of being able to give us so much by using so little. His style when it comes to drawing people is very unconventional and I doubt he will ever draw any the main Bat titles yet it is perfect for this kind of book. It almost has a very underground comic vibe and anyone who is into that kind of line would be doing themselves a service in picking up this book.

And a special thanks to Amanda, Jimmy and lil narrator Harley for sparing us the aromas of– Poo!– Prison Food!– Hairballs!Although I am kinda curious about those. But thats just me.

This was a good week for the Harley Quinn core series. I feel that the character truly shines when she is part of a larger group. I am excited to see where this story arc goes and hope that Poison Ivy stays along for the ride for a few issues. Only time will tell if Conner and Palmiotti can continue this positive trend, but for now they are surely moving in the right direction.

This weeks chapter of Injustice kept the reader engaged at every turn and sets up a great plot heading into the next chapter. However, it was the artwork that truly stole the show this week. Vibrant colors and striking contrasts brought the mystical nature of this series to life in every panel. I am confident that there are many great things to come in this series and hope that Taylor can keep the story moving forward utilizing primary and secondary characters alike.

Sean Ryan has a large task on his hands, penning the Suicide Squad as we approach their entry into the DC movieverse. With a movie on the horizon, the comic books will surely see a spike in popularity. Will this have an impact on the direction of the series? Only time will tell. However, for the time being the series seems to be moving in the right direction.

Although the art was a little less than to be desired, the story this week was solid. I enjoyed seeing Crux come out of his shell and further understand the depth of Starfires struggle. I am excited about where Lobdell is taking this story and cant wait for the next issue to hit comic stands in a month.

This issue reunited a rejuvenated Starfire with the other two members of the Outlaws. Although it felt disjointed at times, the issue as a whole was well written and set the stage for a battle of epic proportions. Furthermore, the preview for the next issue, Another Death in the Family, is reason enough to be excited about this series moving forward. The current team of writer and artists have done a great job with this current run and make it a series that should be given a shot by all fans of the DC universe.

This week was another great entry into the Batmanga. Well written dialogue and exceptional art result in a story that should not be missed by any fan of the Dark Knight. Next week will bring the final chapter of this current story arc and I have no doubt that it will end on a very high note.

Mr. Freeze is used as comedic relief in this issue. There aren't any obvious cold puns thankfully but there definitely a lot of one liners. To be frank? The characterization kind of sucks. I know I said not to freak out about the continuity and to try and enjoy the issue on its own but the inclusion of Eric Border combined with Mr. Freeze saying things like Inform Batman we have a real Joker here. will have your wheels turning regardless. Who is this geezer and why is Bruce so afraid of him? I have no clue where this is going. Also, how does this remain an ongoing series? Obviously Wayne Manor cant stay like this forever right?

The staff at Arkham Manor is just absurdly incompetent and Dr. Arkham is the worst offender. No wonder everyone escapes from Arkham Asylum.Sybil Silverlock is awake!Theres a callback to issue #1 and it turns out to be a nice redemptive moment for BruceHushs gag is a little jarring. Its funny but I dont know if works for a character as evil as Tommy ElliottThe biggest reveal of the issue is that Bruce grew an actual mustache to go undercover as Jack Shaw. I always assumed that sucker was fake. 

I cannot wait for the Last Will and Testament of the JokerBruces interaction with the random street thugs at the payphone is a classic Batman moment. It almost seems like something out of Batman: The Animated SeriesThe Batpods that Batman uses for equipment drops are huge! Who is paying for all of the roof damage when Batman drops one of these suckers from the Batplane? 

Penguins feet are absolutely disgusting. Of all of the panels Bogdanovic decides to go super detailed on it had to be this one.Batman lifting up drum of antidote and pouring it directly into Gordons mouth is hands down the most ridiculous thing Ive seen in a Batman book in a very long time.Also, Batman makes a terrible joke. Apparently my Batman and father have the same sense of humor. 

The artwork throughout the issue is consistent with the style of previous issues and is beautifully rendered in the most simplistic manner. I continue to enjoy Kuwatas Batmanga and look forward to the next entry in the series. This is a book for any fan of the Dark Knight. However, fans of the 66 TV series will find this book to be remarkably enjoyable from start to finish.

This was not a bad issue. However, it did feel like it fell flat in the climax department. Anarky was a character with a plethora of potential that unfortunately was left untapped. Framing him as a man acting solely for the sake of revenge felt cheap. I hope that this is not the last time we will see Anarky in the Batman Universe; lets just hope his next outing does the character a little more justice.

Headmaster Hammer is a stone cold boss.Maps reaction to all of these stories is just perfect.Love the use of multiple artists in this issue. We never get to see this kind of art in a Batman story, so its fun to see it here. 

This series is in the midst of fighting through the growing pains known to all of those who are attempting something new. Although the story is moving forward, Scott Ryan could benefit from focusing more on the external forces that the Suicide Squad faces and less on the internal factors that seem to fractionalize the team.

The Meek from Batman #34, which Duggan co-penned with Scott Snyder, makes a cameo in this issue. Its setting up something Endgame related but it really just made me want to go back and re-read that stellar Batman issue.The big bad in this issue doesnt have any dialogue other than occasional grunts but he still has one of the most memorable and disturbing moments of the series.Mr. Freeze throwing snowballs at the Batmobile is my new favorite thing. 

A nice nod to Sefton Hill, Rocksteady Studios founder and director of Batman Arkham KnightIts cool that Tomasi tries to fit Arkham Origins fit into the canon even if Rocksteady seems to completely ignore it.Does Batman detonate a freeze grenade in Electrocutioners mouth?The art is like a mix between Greg Capullo and Mad Magazines Mort Drucker. Which are great by themselves but together it just looks strange. 

Harley has fashioned herself as a psychiatrist out of burlap bag with a lipstick face. This book needs more moments of levity like this.The art continues to be serviceable but there aren't any real stand out panels until the very last page.I know I mentioned it above but what is the point of blowing a hole into Blackgate? With all of the frivolous detonation of explosives in the Arkham games I would hate to be tax payer in Gotham City. 

Jiro Kuwata does an amazing job of capturing the Batman mythos that was alive and well at the end of the 1960s. Furthermore, he was attempting to bring the Dark Knight to a country that only knew Batman through crude voice over acting. I commend him for his efforts. However, the Batman fan base has always demanded their hero to be held to a certain set of standards that exemplify truth, justice and unmatched detective skill. I hope that as we move forward we see more of the latter in Kuwatas writing.

Overall this issue moved things along further than both of the previous issues so that is progress at least. With six issues to go let's hope for the best and for Telos's sake let's see some of the World's we were promised!

With only five issues left, one is truly left to wonder how much more they can fit into this series before it comes to it's natural ending point. Will the war between New Earth and Earth 2 that has been teased in Future's End even be touched upon? This reviewer just can't imagine that they have enough time to truly do it justice but after reading 21 issues there is certainly no turning back as this series ends with issue #26.

Although troubled with some dialogue issues, this weeks chapter in the Injustice narrative was effective in bringing the war down to the streets of Gotham. I am interested to see what Taylor plans to do with Superman now that he is free of his supernatural shackles and standing face-to-face with John Constantine. Dont miss out on this issue, as I am sure there are many great things to come in this series.

With Deadman and Spectre now standing face-to-face we are given insight into Spectres behaviors and motivation. Specifically, we learn that Jim Corrigan is not currently the vessel of Spectre. The true intentions of Spectre have yet to be revealed, and this current turn of events gives Tom Taylor the freedom to take the story in a plethora of different directions. Although I doubt this will be discoursed in the near future, I am confident this twist will add another layer of depth and secrecy to an already intriguing storyline.

Injustice is a series rich with characters from every corner of the DC universe. Although many of these characters have seemed trivial at times, Taylor finds a way in which to weave them into the fabric of this story. I am thrilled to see Taylor taking this series in fun and exciting directions. Time will tell if this series has longevity but I am confident that it is the right direction.

Intriguing storytelling and a thickening plot make this a solid entry into the Red Hood and the Outlaws series. The artwork was average with the exception of a few panels. Specifically, the color pallet used to materialize Tamaran was stunning. I look forward to the next entry in this series and hope to see Lobdell further explore the inner workings that make the Outlaws such a fascinating team.

We leave this issue with more questions than answers. The art in the book is consistent will all of the previous issues in this series. Although there are a few unnecessary clichs, Will Pfeifer continues to breathe life into each of the storys primary characters. I have thoroughly enjoyed Raven being used more frequently to drive the story forward and am hopeful that Pfeifer will continue to develop this character in the future. This series is full of potential but only time will tell if the creative team can make it a mainstay in the DC Universe.

Nice to see Mr. Hammer and Captain Sickle reunitedTweedledum and Tweedledee make their first appearance in the Arkhamverse since being teased as a Riddler trophy in Arkham Asylum.Tomasis dialogue may have been inconsistent in the issue but he continues to nail the interactions between Bruce and Alfred. 

Joker talks about being rocketed from a doomed planet. This is an obvious nod to the Superman origin a character that I dont think had been acknowledged in the Arkham Universe until now.Viktor Bogdonvics art is a highlight of the issue. His recreations of scenes in Arkham Origins is the best stuff that he has done on this title so far. 

With only one issue remaining in this current story arc, it will be interesting to see how Batman decides to deal with Clayface. Lets just hope that Batman chooses wit and morality as opposed to staring down the barrel of a rifle.

All in all this story wasn't what I thought was being advertised and that brought with it a little disappointment. What I believed was going to happen was we were going to get a Post-Knightfall Bruce and an Azbats who was Batman before succumbing completely to the System and being forced out of the mantle. What we got here was close but I am one of those guys who likes details being fleshed out in a concise manner. If some of the dialogue was spent instead on explaining what happened in the year before the dome for Azrael that would have been helpful as I might not have as many knits to pick. Does it do the time period that it was set in justice symbolically? I would have to say yes. But I think I would have done things differently in the way the issue actually shaped up.

Teen Titans has gotten off to a rocky start. However, providing depth to the storytelling and improving the art direction could make this a series that all DC fans wouldnt dream of missing. For now we will wait to see if Pfeifer is able to take this series in a direction that warrants our attention.

So…okay. Greg Pak has done an amazing job on this title up until now. I went with whatever he was trying to spin in the last issue because it literally was a shell shock for both characters not knowing who they could trust and apparently a Superman unmasked now of course means a Superman UNWANTED and a Superman suspected. But I don't get it. Is he trying to make it as if the only team that could possibly work together is Bruce and Clark? If so, I get it then. But it's unneeded. Batman and Superman should always be friends no matter who is under the cowl. That is until they have a good enough reason not to be. I guess there has to be tension and nonsense in this book somewhere because without it there isn't any at all. Also Bat-Don being incredibly trigger happy and stab happy is just weird. Bat-Don STABBED an under dweller. Now tell me that's not weird.

I like a lot of DC fans were shouting from the rooftops fighting over the naysayers of DC's current direction since the reboot that this event was going to fix everything that was wrong with the state of the DCU today. And as of reading the #0 issue and this issue not only have we not moved the story forward but this was nothing more than exactly what the #0 issue conveyed but using different characters and there has been no evidence of this story living up to the anniversary we are celebrating. Do we really need two separate issues to set up what isn't exactly the most difficult plot to grasp? I am already sold on the concept DC. Believe me. I want it all in my eyes right now. Don't oversell and under deliver.

A truly underwhelming conclusion to an otherwise interesting yet hard to follow story arc.

It does leave this reviewer to wonder that while it is great to have help and friends in the DC Universe to call upon when things get hairy is this version of Green Arrow even able to take on a threat this low level on his own? I can only imagine that off panel Ollie and Bruce had a long talk about what he did wrong. Here's hoping he did at least. Because this Arrow is truly GREEN.

What happened in those two weeks?? And what will this mean for our superheroines?? Yeah, I called Harley a superhero. You saw what happened to that accountant!! Find out next month after that superhero cliffhanger!!

Every great story is bound to hit a couple of bumps in the road. Injustice is not immune to this phenomenon. Tom Taylor has a great track record writing Injustice and I am confident that he will continue to tell a compelling story as the series moves forward.

This week was a mixed bag. The New Suicide Squad is a book rich with untapped potential. Being in its infancy, it would behoove DC to reevaluate the current writing and art team assigned to the book. At a minimum they should offer some strong insight into the direction in which the series should go. I would hate to see this comic become another victim to the paper laden DC chopping block.

The New Suicide Squad has the potential to be great. As of now, the team currently assigned to the book has lacked the ability to craft a story worth serious consideration. I really hope that this series takes a turn for the better in the very near future. Until that day arrives, I wouldnt recommend this book to even the most passive comic book fan.

Experiences in the graphic arts will always be relative to the audience taking them in. Let us use this opportunity to appreciate the various manners in which we can all enjoy art. Far too often we rely upon the sentiments of others to form our opinions on pop culture. It would behoove all of us to stand back from the influences of our surroundings and identify the intrinsic characteristics that make us all individuals. In other words, remember what made us Bat-fans in the first place. We all see the Bat in a different manner. Every interpretation different than the rest. Just remember reader that even in his worst, Batman is still that hero that we all need, even if his current story does not meet your standards.

If there is one thing that has been consistently enjoyable in this series it is Kuwatas art. Although the story this week was absolute nonsense, every panel in the book was beautifully inked. The action sequences were particularly enjoyable artistically, even if they were laughable contextually. As a collected work I am still uncertain if I would recommend the Batmanga to a fellow follower of the Bat. However, with a little less than half of the chapters still left to read I will wait until the end to make my final recommendation. Lets just hope that with the start of a new story arc next week we see Kuwatas work take a turn for the better.

The pages of this book are a testament to the fact that even the Dark Knight is not invulnerable to being placed in the most ridiculous situations. Jiro Kuwata is a wonderful writer and artist; however, in this current effort he has failed miserably. The beauty of his short form style is that even though this story will be easily forgotten, it is part of a much larger narrative that is rich with well-developed content. Lets just hope that this story arc passes like a bad storm and serves only as a baseline of just how bad things can really get.

I want to love this story. I really do. But right now it has me wanting to bang my head between my laptop fold.

Ugh. Such a disappointment. I had high hopes for this series. I must admit I never read the adventures of the Wetworks crew so I don't know how well they were portrayed in this series. But Azrael was portrayed atrociously. We deserved better.

Since her origin in Batman The Animated Series, Harley Quinn has skyrocketed to become one of DCs most popular villainous vixens. It is unfortunate that a character as beloved as Harley Quinn is treated with little to no reverence in this current series. Without a certain degree of change moving forward, I am confident that this is another DC monthly that will be unnecessarily cut short.

I really want to like the New 52s Harley Quinn series. However, the writers of this book have yet to capture Harley in the manner she rightly deserves. Lets hope that this series takes a turn for the better in the very near future. If not, this character is doomed to a future full of subpar jokes and weak plot lines.

This entry into the Suicide Squad series was unbearable. This is a book that I wouldnt recommend to a mortal enemy. It is sad and unfortunate that such a great cast of characters is being subjected to such horrible writing and art direction. Take it from me comic fans; this is one issue that you definitely want to leave on the rack.

Bullock is very clearly modeled after Gothams Donald LogueThere is no chance Stone would be hired as a security officer in Arkham Manor. Im a sucker for a redemption story but in the real world his criminal record would keep him from getting a job there.Clownface was taken to S.T.A.R. Labs at the end of Arkham Manor #6 and yet here he is. WAKE UP EDITORIAL!The cover is cool…