Theodis Wright Comic Reviews

Absolute Batman #24 is the first Scott Snyder-written comic I have ever given five stars to. And it is well-deserved. It is an intense, psychological ride that perfectly illustrates why Batman is a bonafide badass. It wraps up the Scarecrow confrontation with stunning visual flair and sets up massive anticipation as Bruce turns his sights toward the Joker. But as much as I am excited for that showdown, I am ready to see The Bat kick ass as well.

The plot is weird to accept. However, as a fan of Skottie Young, I am willing to give him a benefit of the doubt that things will be cleared up.

I've always enjoyed Zdarsky' voice for Batman. He brings it to another level in Batman #137 as Batman has to face off against his family (again). Let's hope Tini Howard can keep the momentum going in part 3 of the Gotham War.

I have had a real problem with Zdarsky's run on batman after being so excited after Batman: The Knight. His characterizations of the Bat Family sans Tim is bordering total disrespect.

If you, like me, were turned off by the Batman Who Laughs/Infected arc, you will find some relief in this new arc from Williamson and team. Zod breaking his truce and returning to Earth as well as Ra's presence is bound to bring some good action over the next few issues. One can only imagine the role the resurrected Kandorians will play. Knowing the characters Bruce and Clark are dealing with, I would expect a swerve at some point before this arc is over.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #47continues this series' grand tradition of remixing classic Silver Age DC Comics concepts for a modern audience, adding emotional weight, humor, plot twists and a sense of fun into the mix. The art and color combinations maintain the series' high quality output as well.

Joshua Williamson kicks off this new era of Batman and Robin with an action-filled story. But he also begins a narrative into Bruce and Damian's relationship that I have been waiting to read again for a long time.

Batman and Robin has the feel of being Williamson's sequel to his Robin run. And I am here for it. Tune in next month for the review of issue #3... same Bat time, same Bat... BANG!!!

As this arc continues, it will be interesting to see how close each member of Batman Inc. skips the line. While I can't see them crossing the line like Wingman almost accomplished, the Joker's test and the consequences for failing will be strong.

Batman Incorporated continues to be one of the titles I read first when it is released. I highly recommend others to pick it up as well. You will not be disappointed.

I'm disappointed that the series ends with this issue. However, I appreciate that Brisson ended the title in a way that leaves the door open for future missions. Batman Incorporated plays an important part in the Batman mythos. Despite Bruce not appearing in the series, you see his influence throughout the twelve issues. This was particularly the case as the team became willing to push back on Ghost-Maker as he pressured them to willfully kill members of Joker Inc.

Blood Hunt #1 could have been great. But instead, it's only decent. I wish MacKay had made the issue less predictable so that the reveal at the end was more of a shock. The art saves its good rating.

This was not good at all. It does zero to move the event further. It only devalues the importance of the event with the comedy it tries to play.

By placing an amnesiac hero squarely between a vengeful human populace and a seemingly desperate artificial race, Casshan Volume 1 delivers a gripping, morally gray narrative, with a cliffhanger ending that leaves you yearning for the next volume. It’s a fantastic start to the series.

One continuing question I will always have as I'm assigned this title is how much juice it has left in it. Most of the Bat-books are in sync with the greater Batman Universe and specifically life post-City of Bane. At some point, Selina Kyle needs to finish her business with Villa Hermosa and come home.

Issue #25 can't get here quick enough. Catwoman has been lost in its own world from the start, despite it being a spin-off from Tom King's Batman run. It needs some true cohesion that hopefully, its inclusion in the Joker War will bring.

So Selina is now back in Gotham (as seen in the Catwoman 80th Special) and next month's issue #25 brings us a new creative team responsible for bringing Catwoman through Joker War and beyond. While I have serious questions about the gaping holes between Villa Hermosa and the return to Gotham, I am cautiously optimistic that Ram V will bring us a good story that will now fit into the events of Joker War and the greater Batman Universe. Let's see where things go…

Great issue as Ram V continues to bring a truly confident Catwoman back into the Batman Universe. It's unfortunate, though, that it has to happen at the cost of Bruce and Selina's relationship. But Ram V has me committed to the ride for right now, and I'm on board to see where's he goes.

Ram V and team continue to impress and breathe some life into a once-dying title. We have two months of Future State (also written by Ram V) coming up next. However, considering that final panel, I am so ready for the return to Alleytown.

DC Power: Rise of the Power Company #1 is a great way to introduce/re-introduce the key players involved in the new Power Company. Now that this has been done, bring on Recharged.

As someone who has always been a fan of Peter Tomasi, especially since his run on Batman and Robin, I initially found it difficult to review this issue in a positive manner. Now over a year since arriving on Detective Comics, I'm still stuck trying to figure out where Tomasi is trying to take Batman. While it seems he is trying to put more "detective" into Detective Comics, it didn't come across right on the first read. I can only hope that this will improve and things flow smoother moving forward.

After enjoying the first issue of the arc, I see Tec taking a step back in moving the overall story forward. It seems Tomasi is still trying to find his way with Detective Comics. I still read the book as a fan of Batman, but I hope I don't get to the point where it becomes more of a chore than entertainment.

As we get closer to the event, I am hopeful that we will finally see the two books (if not the entirety of the TBU titles) line up with one another again. Things have been out of whack for quite a while, which could make reading quite nerve-whacking.

As we get closer to the events of Joker War, I still find myself looking and hoping for solid cohesion between the Bat-Family books, particularly its two flagship titles. The glimpses are visibly there, and the missing pieces are there for the taking. I continue to remain hopeful that Tomasi's experience will get it together.

Now comes the Joker War, where hopefully we see things all tied together. And then it's on to issue #1027, making it a great time to be a fan of Detective Comics.

This was a well-written story from Tomasi and Rocafort. We also get an issue of Detective Comics that ties in with the main Batman book, something I and others have asked to see for quite a while. I hope that this continues through the remainder of the Joker War and beyond.

Next issue is the epic Detective Comics #1027, celebrating one thousand issues of Tec involving Batman and the Bat-Family. This being the case, I would expect (hope, actually) that this special will outdo what we received in Tec #1000 last year. I would also hope as we come out of this grand issue that Tomasi can continue building Batman in line with the rest of the Batman Universe. We shall see in three weeks.

Lastly, I can't say enough about how honored I am to be doing this review for this book, for this character, this monumental issue. One thousand issues. That's a great feat that can only be claimed by one other hero. But here, on this site, and definitely to this reviewer, he doesn't matter.Batman for another one thousand issues and for life.

After an off issue with Detective Comics #1028, Tomasi has corrected the course in providing a decent story that provides a mixture of emotion and action. I am looking forward (and praying) that by the time all is said and done, Tomasi does what he does best and fixes all the harm done to Damian's character. Bring Robin home.

Even with some pretty unforgivable missteps, I am still interested in seeing where things go with Tomasi's story, particularly as it pertains to Damian Wayne. For me, the art has to get better. It's workflow just does not work for me at this time. This Tec fan prefers either Brad Walker or Doug Mahnke (Walker returns for issue #1032).

Clearly this issue was much better than issue #1030. However, I am still having major concerns with how Tomasi is depicting the Bat-Family in this arc. It is not good, and I hope is corrected by the time the arc ends. I am pleased to see, however, how Nakano is being developed and am loving the solo adventures of Damian.

I had a different "final thought" typed up before this weekend's news that Tomasi will be dropping off of the title after the next issue. As a big fan of his, I am sad to see him go. Here's to him and Brad Walker going out with a bang in issue #1033. I also hope his departure leads to better things, specifically a new Batman title (hint: it includes his son). Make it happen, DC.

I can only hope that this final issue is a sign we'll get more of Damian in the future as he travels the road to redemption (Joshua Williamson will have a two-part back-up story in the pages of Batman and Detective Comics in March). It will be tough not to see Tomasi and the team on Tec as I had such high hopes for the run. However, I look forward to the new direction with Mariko Tamaki.

Not counting Dark Detective in Future State, Detective Comics #1034 is a great start to Tamaki's run. All of the Bat-Books seem to be lining up as they should, and the issue's ending has me anxious to see what's next. It's truly unfortunate that Dan Mora can't stay on the book long-term because his work is masterful.

Tamaki's use of Bruce Wayne alongside Batman has been a welcomed change to Batman comics. Detective Comics' connection to the main Batman book has also continued to bring the universe together. Now that Huntress has been fully integrated into the main story, it can only mean some fun adventures between her and Batman for the remainder of the arc. Overall, this issue is better than a four, but less than a four and a half. It is that good.

Detective Comics continues to be the best of the books in the Batman universe. Tamaki's skills at putting together remarkable stories in both the main story and backups make for an overall wonderfully connected story that fills in questions as you go from one story to the next. I for one am not upset that Tec has returned to twice-monthly shipping.

Despite knowing there are more issues to come in this arc, this story ended like a penultimate issue. Considering how good it ended, I am most definitely on board with more. In looking at the trend with the backup stories in Detective Comics, it is going to be interesting to see the role Penguin plays in this plot.

Another very good story from Tamaki. While it didn't push the overall story far along as in other issues, that interaction between Bruce and the drunk with the flashback story was very enjoyable and worth the read. Welcome back, Dan Mora.

It's time for Fear State, and it will be interesting to see Tamaki's take on the event spear-headed by James Tynion. And with the news of Tynion's departure from Batman, it will be interesting to see if she can take the reins of the universe.

Detective Comics continues to be a strong title, but its rating this week suffers due to the backup story. Despite some pretty decent art, there is still little interest in the upcoming title. Now that the prelude is done, I am hopeful for a return to form.

I'm one of those who have enjoyed Tamaki's take on Fear State in the aftermath of Batman's encounter with Hue Vile. As Fear State comes to an end, it will be interesting to see how she brings the saga to an end and how the relationship between Batman and the anti-mask mayor evolves (or devolves).

I have personally enjoyed Tamaki's take on Fear State these last few months. As we turn the page and head towards Shadows of the Bat.

Next week begins Shadows of the Bat, and I can't wait. Tamaki used this issue to perfectly set up the next few months of a Gotham City without Batman. It's now time to get things started. See you next week.

What an intense way to kick things off. Despite the change in leadership and direction, Tamaki seems to have been building to this story from day one, and I will be here for it. Join us next week for part two.

Another great story from Tamaki as she inches us closer to Day 24. Fans of Detective Comics should be pleased that this is a weekly event.

A great callback to Batman history, as well as an unexpected reveal, highlights why Detective Comics continues to be the best Bat-book on the stands. Mariko Tamaki's writing is a gift.

This story from Tamaki has been consistently great. This week, however, the backup story is really good as well. Tune in next week to see what happens when everyone wake up at the Tower.

As we go through the final stretch, Mariko Tamaki has shown she is not letting up on the action and drama of Shadows. We know the big return is happening soon. The only question is how exciting will that return be. (And can we please get the reveal of the Boy's identity?)

We are in the final stretch of Shadows of the Bat and what an absolutely great way for the Dark Knight to return to Gotham! This issue continues to build the intensity and excitement of this twelve-issue event from Tamaki and team.

We have arrived at the end of our journey. It will be interesting to see how Tamaki and Rosenberg bring their individual stories to a close in the final week of the event. With both endings showing promise, I hope that they bring their A-game.

Next month begins a new arc, and Mariko Tamaki will have a co-writer as we get the return of the Riddler in the main story and the return of Gotham Girl in the backup. We also have Ivan Reis returning to the pencils duties. I'm excited for the next phase of the greatness that has been Detective Comics. Just keep Matthew Rosenberg away from it.

Once again, a backup story negatively affects the final rating of the overall issue. I'm not certain the point of them anymore, especially considering these stories have nothing to do with the main story. I continue to look forward to reading whatever Mariko Tamaki put out in Detective Comics. But unfortunately, the backup stories as of late continue to disappoint.

As we come closer to the end of Mariko Tamaki's run on Detective Comics, I can't help but think that there was more to the story she wanted to tell. It's unfortunate we won't get it.

A decent start to a new run by Ram V, but I have little interest in any long-term involvement by Barbatos. I sincerely hope it is short-lived.

I was hoping Ram V would pick up the pace a bit. However, I enjoy him highlighting the long relationship between Bruce and Harvey. It looks like Two-Face will be returning sooner rather than later. I still can do without Barbatos though.

Kudos to DC and Si Spurrier on completely throwing me for a loop and connecting the backup story to the main story plot. As decent as Ram V's story has been, the pace of things seems slow to develop. Let's hope the ending means that business is about to pick up for the arc.

Doctor Strange #15 is an example of the art killing the vibe. This is particularly true after the release of Blood Hunt #1, which I feel was the complete opposite, where the art saved the story. I hope that as the Blood Hunt event continues that there is better consistency with the art.

Joshua Williamson's world-building of the G.I. Joe Universe has been great as each new issue introduces us to another character from the world of G.I. Joe. I can only imagine who else will make their debut by the time the series ends in April.

The ending to Duke #5 was unexpected, but not surprising. It sets up future stories with the establishment of the Energon Universe's version of G.I. Joe.

This special is perfect. It is a perfect starting point for those how may have missed out on previous stories. Yet it also answer some questions for existing readers while setting up what's to come.

Things are off to a good start with Exceptional X-Men #1. It will be good to see how well Eve Ewing provides her voice to the history of Kitty Pryde and this new team she will help lead.

Exceptional X-Men #2 continues its trend of being a serious, yet fun series. Kitty's breaking of the fourth wall is an interesting idea, despite it not being a new concept. Ewing's rendition of Emma Frost is exactly what I would expect from the character.

After being a long-time fan of Marcus Williams' art style, I have been thoroughly impressed with his skills as a writer. There are not many who can navigate both lanes as a true cartoonist. With Eye Lie Popeye, Williams is showing he has a steady hand at the wheel.

This was a decent beginning overall. Ridley's story had a slow start but shows signs of promise. Jenkins has done a really good take on the Arkham Knight that Peter Tomasi could not achieve in his arc in Detective Comics. Brandon Thomas, however, gets the gold star of the issue as he has me interested in a Duke Thomas story. This is something previous writers have never been able to accomplish.

After a pretty strong first issue, The Next Batman takes a step back, primarily due to the quality of the back up stories. It suffers greatly from a lack of build, like most of Future State. The main story, however, improves from its slow start from the first issue. Let's hope this trend continues and flows over to the back-up stories.

What a way to end this story. While the previous installments of Future State: The Next Batman all had their fair share of weak stories, it was typically limited to one and the others held them up. This is the first issue where all of the stories were weak. At this rate, I really wish we would have gotten the full 5G event.

Gatchaman #3 does a great job in introducing a vital member of the series to readers not familiar with the mythos of the Gatchaman universe. If there was a request to make, it would be to tie the main series to the other Gatchaman stories better. However, on its own, Bunn's universe is great.

The "king of horror" my ass. Cullen Bunn was made for this series in every way. The entire team that has puts Gatchaman together has created (and re-created) a nostalgic story for today's time that makes you feel you're watching Battle of the Planets on TV. The events of Gatchaman #6 was a welcome swerve that I hope to see more of.

Cullen Bunn and Chris Batista continue to kill it with their re-imagination of the Gatchaman Universe. And yet, this new iteration of the Science Ninja Team feels like times of old.

Gatchaman #10 is the series' most intense issue. It allowed Cullen Bunn to dig deep into his experience in thrillers without going overboard. Yet, it achieves the mission of showing just how dangerous Galactor is as an adversary.

Despite Gatchaman: Joe - Bloodlines #1 being a one-shot, Steve Orlando leaves the door open for there to be more to the story. Considering the mission that Joe has family out there is a compelling story deserving of a conclusion.

The first issue is a basic intro story with a nice mixture of action sprinkled in. It's the art, however, that gives the issue a higher rating. On the other hand, I am hopeful we see things progress as the story moves forward. There's definitely enough to keep my interest for now.

Gotham City Monsters remains a good, quick read. We've already been treated to one twist in the plot. If there's an issue at this point, it is that it's only a six-issue series. It will be interesting to see how Orlando ties the story up. Then again, no one was expecting to see more of Monstertown after Night of the Monster Men. Perhaps we're due for more in the future.

Hampton and the artistic team continue to tell a great story while weaving through the different stories and personalities of the entirety of the new Chrome Lantern Corps. Green Lantern Corps #20 continues to proves that it is a title that deserves to be on your reading list.

Immortal Legend Batman #2 succeeds in two things. First, it fleshes out a little about who the universe's Bruce Wayne is under the cowl (do we call it that). Second, and most important, it finally sets the stage for an encounter to occur between our trio of heroes. One would think it won't all be roses. Either way, this reader is here for it.

I really hate AWA in all the good ways possible.

Originally, I thought that four issues were not enough for this series, much like other series from AWA. However, after reading Little Black Book #4, four issues ended up being just right to bring things to closure. Readers looking for a quick read will enjoy picking this up.

Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet #3 serves as the penultimate issue to the mini-series, but this really could be expanded more. I'm unsure why we don't have any Milestone titles as an ongoing series. I'm sure other fans would agree and welcome one.

This story - more than any other recently told in the Dakota Universe - needed to be told. It is a tragic, yet wonderful tribute to the world Milestone Media created and a great jumping on point for the next generation of readers.

If not for the art, this review might be far, far worse. This isn't entirely on Moore, but the treatment of Bea since her break-up with Dick after he regained his memories has just been terrible.

The quick action in Pine & Merrimac #2 does a great job in keeping me interested in the story. The pace is really good. The art is a tad bit better.

This issue went somewhere I didn't expect it to go.

If you want to see a weird and dark take on the Powerpuff Girls, this issue is for you. If not, save your money for the fifth issue in the ongoing title!

This continues to be a great all-ages title to read on a monthly basis.

Revolution 9 #1 is a good kick off to the series. It ends with several thought-provoking questions that I hope get answered by the time the final issue arrives. I hope the series lays better groundwork as to how it fits in to this new universe Mad Cave and its creators are developing.

It's easy to get lost in this story if you are not reading the tie-ins. I have read some, but not all of them, which leads me to missing out on how some things are in the over-arcing story.

This was a decent start to the series. I have concern those not familiar with the Robotech franchise would find this hard to follow.

It is great having the original team back together for the new series. For those who followed the first run, it feels like it never ended. For new readers, there is not a lot lost if you want to catch up. I'm just happy my favorite green bombshell is back.

If anyone ever questions why this series was nominated for an Eisner last year, give them a copy of She-Hulk #8. It is as perfect an issue as Rainbow Rowell and Andrs Genolet could produce in this run.

This is the lowest I've seen Jen in this entire run as she worries about her relationship with Jack. Rainbow Rowell has made She-Hulk the strongest, both physically and mentally than I've seen her in years. With mixed emotions, I wait to see how she brings this series to a close.

This was a decent ending to this portion of Jen's story. I am please knowing that She-Hulk's story will continue and am excited to see where Rowell takes her in the new upcoming adventure that is the Sensational She-Hulk.

Space Ghost #1 is a really good start to the series. It's a fast, decently paced read that begins in a place it hadn't before. And it provides a decent amount of action, which helps with the pacing. I look forward to issue #2.

Jess' history deserve better in its creative direction.

The creative team of Vita Ayala and Nikolas Draper-Ivey are the perfect duo to not only modernize the Milestone legend and the world around him. They also do a wonderful job of keeping his legacy intact.

I now feel I need to read this series (the main story, not just Blood Hunt). I am easily suckered into reading all thing New Orleans whether good or bad. But this first installment of the Blood Hunt tie-in was actually pretty good watching the youngsters wanting to help.

This is a typical DC anthology issue that was going pretty well. Then Amanda Waller arrived and ruined.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9 truly brings home the brothers have dealt with up to this point. And while things might not have ended as you would hope, you know what comes next is bound to be special.

Good start to the mini-series. There wasn't much direct story between Damian and Dick, but I totally forgive due to the fact that Dick and Babs are parents.

The storytelling here is intense and often comes with shock and awe.

The Next Batman: Second Son does an excellent job at beginning to answer a lot of questions opened in the four issues of Future State: The Next Batman, while still providing more to keep the reader interested. Looking forward to the continuing chapters of the saga.

Whatever issues that I have had with Future State: The Next Batman are slowly being answered. John Ridley has put together a great story that slowly shows Tim's/Jace's transition to the mantle. In doing so, he fills in plenty of the holes left by Future State. This has made the series much more enjoyable.

Despite the weak artwork, Second Son continues to be a strong book in continuing Jace Fox's ascension to the mantle of the next Batman. Hopefully, Ridley can bring a bang to the final issue. Unfortunately, considering we will be getting another series this year from him, it's more than likely things will end on a whimper.

After three great issues, Ridley ends Second Son on a flat note as he prepares for the next phase in his story of the Fox family and Jace's ascension to the mantle of Batman with I Am Batman. Hopefully, the story ends better than its predecessor.

Daniel Warren Johnson does a great job of introducing the Transformers into the Energon Universe after a brief cameo in Void Rivals. It's safe to say that these are not your dad's Transformers. It is more than meets the eye.

Fans of the Resistance universe would do well in picking up U&I #1 and continuing the journey Stracynski and others have been guiding us through since 2020.

There wasn't much action, but it provided a decent introduction of Gwen Stacy and laid groundwork to what's coming.

Void Rivals #2 provides a decent back story while the main story continues to move forward as well. It will be interesting to see if Kirkman provides more back stories of the characters. While some might consider this slow, this is great universe building.

This is world-building at its finest.

I was expecting a swerve of some sort at some point in this series. What happens at the end of this issue truly took me for a loop. And that shows how great Kirkman is at this.

Void Rivals continues to be my favorite series right now. Even with its place in the Energon Universe, it is a series that can clearly stand on its own with characters that I am invested in following and an artistic team that has been doing some top-notch work.

If there was ever an issue that brings the entirety of the Energon Universe together thus far, it is Void Rivals #10. Yet, I still can't believe it took me this long to give an issue in this series a perfect score. At the wait is over.

Void Rivals #12 continues to solidify its place as the best book on shelves for this comic reader. Kirkman's and De Felici's mastery of storytelling has not slowed down one bit.

Wonder Woman #7 shows exactly why the Trinity is the best superhero tandem ever. Stories like this are truly missed and more like this are needed.

I remain pleased with the way Tom King is continuing Diana's journey in Wonder Woman #10. I give him credit for baiting and reeling me in as a follower. I hope that he doesn't disappoint in the end as he's been guilty of before. Diana deserves the pedestal he currently has her on as a member of the Trinity.

While I have not been a fan of Duggan's run on X-Men, this issue was a decent read. My only complaint is the same one I always have about events within the Marvel Universe these days too many crossovers.

I feel truly lost in this issue, but it is the problem with picking up so many tie-ins for an event.

Zorro: Man of the Dead #3 continues a great new take on the classic hero. Readers should not have trouble catching up. Murphy's storytelling literally and visually continues to be superb.

This has the potential of being a White Knight type of universe with how the series ended