Z Comic Reviews

Batgirl #35 is not the perfect start that everybody expected. The book is riddled throughout with painful-to-read dialogue as it tries way too hard to be hip and cool. What is really needed is more of Batgirl kicking ass and doing detective work. There is still definitely a chance for a rebound considering the great art direction and the intriguing last panel of the book. Hopefully Stewart, Fletcher, and Tarr will reach their full potential.

Batgirl #36 is a big step forward from the previous issue. Barbara is back in character, and most of the issue is devoted to Batgirl action. The writing has greatly improved, and the art is very unique.

Batgirl #39 is a solid issue that definitely amps up the mystery element of the book. All members of the creative team are on point, making the issue feel particularly high quality. The wait for issue #40 will be unbearable.

Batgirl Futures End #1 is an absolute delight, and is 100% sure to please fans of all three Batgirls. Simone delivers the powerful fan service, and truly goes out on a high note.

Despite its problems,Batman Annual #2is still a solid Batman story. Marguerite Bennett writes a great debut issue and The Anchoress was an interesting character notwithstanding the little potential of her appearing in future stories. The art was good for the most part, and the panel layouts were solid. It may not be as good or as necessary asBatman Annual #1,but is still a recommended read.

What were you expecting? This book goes above and beyond my expectations. There is so much set up that you can't help but be excited for the next 10 or so issues. Snyder, Capullo and friends have set up something really special that should be a treat for all Bat-Fans old or new. This is the perfect jumping-on point for people who were waiting for the perfect time to start reading Batman.

The action is amped up, and thewriting and art remain top notch in Batman #22. Snyder and friends deliver. I said it last time, but please read this book. Even if you don't like Batman, this is the time to fall in love with him. Head out to your local comic store and pick upBatman #21and #22.

Sadly, Batman #23.1 is the book to skip this week. It features a decent story, but has no business being a part of Villains Month. Definitely skip this book if you only plan on reading Forever Evil tie-ins or origin stories.

Batman #23is an impressive issue. The Bat-Team is like a well oiled machine and this issue is a perfect example. It respectfully re-visits source material, has one of the greatest beatings in a comic history, and my god the colors! In short, read this book. If you haven't picked up issue #21-#23 yet, you are missing out in a big way. If you like Batman, Year One, Scott Snyder, comics, reading, or breathing, chances are Zero Year is something for you!

Batman #24 is one of the greatest single issues of Batman in a long, long time. The issue features the first appearance of Batman in the New 52, The creation of The Joker, and the prelude to the next section of Zero Year called "Dark City". All of this and more is jammed packed into this $6.99 beast of an issue.

Despite slowing down the pace, and changing the direction of the story slighty, Batman #25 is still quite a commendable issue. The introduction of Doctor Death was simultaneously incredibly creepy and nostalgically smart, while the Harper Row back-up story was a great look into her character. This isn't the best issue of "Zero Year", but it is still a pretty good one.

There isn't much Batman in this issue, but the Bruce Wayne and Jim Gordon parts are excellent. Doctor Death is proving to be a horrifying villain, and Greg Capullo's designs are top notch. The suspense and mystery are on the rise, and things can only get better from here. Overall, Batman #26 is an excellent issue.

Batman #27 is definitely one of the better Zero Year issues. We get tons of Batman action, as well as some great character moments from Gordon. Solid art and writing all around. The only bad part is waiting until March for the next part of the story!

Batman Eternal #15 is a solid entry in the series. The Jim Corrigan and Batwing storyline is much more compelling than it was back in issue 6. Much like Tynion, Ray Fawkes is turning in really solid script work for this series, and is further enhanced by Nguyen's artwork.

Batman Eternal #18 is a very tight issue. Seeley provides a highly enjoyable and entertaining script, while Andy Clarke delivers very solid artwork. Here's to more thoroughly exciting and fun issues of Batman Eternal.

Edge of Spider-Verse #1 is a great opening issue, and a neat Spider-Man Noir story. The art is great, but spotty at times, and a little momentum is taken from the story by making it a Spider-Verse crossover. It would be nice to see another Spider-Man Noir miniseries that would continue the story going on here. Spider-fans should be really excited for what's to come in the Spider-Verse.

Edge of Spider-Verse #2 is an excellent one-shot issue surrounded by an incredible concept. The story telling and art are top notch, and both contribute to make a stellar issue. Marvel would be wise to give Spider-Gwen her own ongoing series, because clearly the fans are rejoicing.

Edge of Spider-Verse #3 is a great issue with amazing artwork, visuals and a cool new world with its own interesting characters. While the writing aspects may not be quite up to snuff, some leniency must be given to Weaver, who still does a commendable job for his first time.

Edge of Spider-Verse #5 is hands down the best issue of the series, and is sure to please fans of the mecha anime genre. Way, Wyatt, and Herring send off the mini-series with an incredibly enjoyable tale. Leaving SP//dr without it's own ongoing series would be criminal.

Green Arrow #22 is another impressive issue in a continually great series. Count Vertigo is a trulyinterestingvillain, and it will be cool to see how Shado and Emiko will play into Ollie's life after what occurred. Let's hope Lemire and Sorrentino will be on this book for a long time, and can't think of many others who could write Green Arrow like Lemire, or have the distinct art style of Sorrentino. I wouldn't say Issue 22 is a bad jumping on point, but if you could get 17-21 first you would be much more informed.

Green Arrow #23is another solid entry in Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's run. The writing and the art come together again to make something very special. The fight with Count Vertigo was a little underwhelming, but I'm sure we will see him again soon (Next Month inGreen Arrow #23.1: Count Vertigo!). Now my friends, head out to your LCS and add Green Arrow to your Pull-List. The next arc has much potential, and I'm sure it will be great.

Overall, Spider-Gwen #1 is a stellar first issue. Building upon everything that made Edge of Spider-Verse #2 so great, things can only get better for this series. If anything, this series will cement Latour and Rodriguez and serious A-list comic talent. With great writing and visuals Spider-Gwen is sure to be a hit with a multitude of readers.

Superman #38 is a great end cap to Johns and Romita's major story arc. Uplifting, fun, and full of energy blasts, Superman #38 should not be missed.

Teen Titans #2 is another fun and enjoyable issue. Bunker and Beast Boy share some great moments, and there seems to be teases of upcoming storylines. Teen Titans is shaping up to be a pretty fun series.

Teen Titans #3 is another solid entry in this new series. Pfeifer writes a likeable team, and Rocafort and Brown are an amazing combination on art duties. The storyline may be treading water, but it will no doubt be interesting to see where Pfeifer, Rocafort, and Brown take this book in the future.

Teen Titans #4 is a strong ending to the first story-arc. Red Robin is back in full force, and we are provided with some insight into the future of the book. The writing and art are on point, and things look pretty promising for next issue, when a new member joins the team.

Teen Titans #6 is another great issue in fairly under looked series. Pfeifer's dialogue is great, and Hepburn's artwork is stellar. With the coming events, Teen Titans is definitely a series to be reading.