All-Star Batman Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy by Scott Snyder

So in my personal opinion Snyder is an amazing writer and “All-Star Batman” proves it. Volume 1 is OMFG good; collecting issues 1-5 you are taken on a serious battle for Batman’s life that will have you cursing at allies left and right. You can expect the bad guys to take on a bounty on Batman’s head, but other NON-baddies, well, talk about an ungrateful Gotham.

I want to write soooo much more, but I only semi believe in spoilers, all I can say is that this is a must read. My only issue is with the cover, there were a few covers in issues 1-5 that I felt portrayed Batman in cooler cover, but that’s just me, I always end up thinking “oh this cover would be better”.

One last tidbit, there was someone that literally had screaming “WHATTTT”, I won’t say who but just, you won’t see that coming.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Netgalley ARC

Super Sons Vol. 2: Planet Of The Capes by Peter J. Tomasi

So Mr. Know-it-all, I mean Robin get's the Teen Titans in a bit of a pickle and who does he turn to, Superboy. With Superboy's help the Teen Titans are saved and Robin goes back to being young. Obviously the story can't end there, so, cue a portal to another realm and the Robin and Superboy being pulled through. 

Their adventure is interesting, difficult, and full of heroics. Definitely worth reading. Super Sons is actually a really good series that sees Robin actually acting more like a 13 year old. 

Rating 5 out of 5 
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NetGalley ARC

Batman/The Flash: The Button by Tom King, Joshua Williamson

Okay, for months now we have heard of this mysterious event that will 
crossover Watchmen into the DCU knows as Doomsday Clock and we've all been waiting on baited breath for more hints and what not.

Well "The Button" is the road to Doomsday Clock; collecting BATMAN #21-22 and THE FLASH #21-22, this four issue crossover gives us all this drama and action as Barry and Bruce find themselves in the Flashpoint universe. Now, I'm not going to say more because if you were one of the ones waiting for the release of the collected series you're in for a treat. And, if like me you have a subscription at your local comic book shop and you picked up every issue like your life depended on it, then you already know how awesome this story is (I mean we see Bruce's dad as Batman again) and what answers our boys will find. 

We've covered story, now lets talk art and covers. When these issues released they were released in variant lenticular covers and two of those now grace the covers of the hard cover deluxe edition. 

The Covers:
Despite having all the issues and the variant covers, my collection felt a little lonely without the hard cover set. So which did I choose? I chose the one with Batman and Flash running side by side. Personally I felt that one was way cooler and really encompassed the teamwork between Batman and Flash and they try to solve this mystery.

The Insides:
Like the covers, the art inside does not disappoint. By the end you'll like treadmills and caves.

Basically, if you haven't read, go get yourself a copy and get ready for the release of Doomsday Clock.

Rating 4 out of 5
(had to wait to long for what comes next)

Issues & Hardcover purchased at Collector's Paradise in Pasadena
Digital ARC provided by NETGALLEY

The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, John Romita Jr. (Illustrator)

This book wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. All this really do was cement that Bruce is a bit of an ass and Jason should know not to eavesdrop.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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All-Star Batman #1 by Scott Snyder

Well Snyder definitely came out of the gate running with this one.

Our main baddy in this one is none other than Two Face and he is out for some serious blood; placing a major bounty on Batman’s head and turning somewhat decent people into bad guys.

Without giving any spoilers, Snyder will have you at the edge of your seat and screaming for the next issue.

Rating 4 out of 5 

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Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland

As a Joker backstory this book is amazing. I’m always team Batman, but in this book I was totally team Joker.

The same way Gotham created Batman, it created the Joker.

If there is one Joker book you read, make it this one.

Rating 5 out of 5 

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Batman #6 by Tom King, David Finch

This issue really focuses more on Gotham Girl, whom I now 100% sure is officially a new lasting characters.

Here we’re still reeling from the shocking end of issue #5, but we get some really good teasers for the coming future.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Batman #1-5 by Tom King, David Finch

I was originally going to review each issue individually, however it’s a little hard to review a single issue on its own; they always end in cliffhangers and make you mad you have to wait a whole two weeks or so for the next issue.

The story begins with Bruce about to make the ultimate sacrifice to save all the people on a place Gotham. Just when things look their bleakest and you’re at the edge of your seat….BAM! Two heroes, with super strength and flight come along and help Bats save the day.

We get set up with two new heroes coming and the mystery of who they are and where they come from.

So were a little hooked now, plus Bruce donning a costume, not the Bat suit and actually going undercover has you like damn.

Things quickly take bad turn when we see Amanda Waller, because that woman is never good news.

The first act basically ends at issue #5 and let me just say “GO AND GRAB THEM.”

 

Rating 4 out of 5 

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Batman: Rebirth by Tom King, Scott Snyder

I’m a huge Batman fan, I mean come on; how can he not be your #1? Unfortunately this rebirth issue fell a little flat for me. We are basically given this hint of things are going to change and then Bruce working out shirtless of the side of a building in an extremely hot day.

Either way, as this was a transition issue from New 52 to the current universe I will definitely be sticking with this series.

Rating 3 out of 5 

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Batman: The Black Mirror by Scott Snyder

This is a Batman adventure where Dick Grayson wears the cowl and we’ve got some serious crazy baddies up and about.

The story was good and the art was impressive; but seriously, damn does Dick spend a little too much time on his back.

#TeamBruce because he is still the best Batman.

Rating 5 out of 5 

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Batman: Europa by Brian Azzarello

Loved this. It’s a psychological thriller where the great question of the co-dependency between the Dark Knight and the Joker gets an answer.

It’s a little dark both in story and in art, that many might not find this an enjoyable read, but if I could use one word to describe it I would say “WOW”.

Rating 4 out of 5 

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Bedtime for Batman by Michael Dahl

This was a sweet, fun, get ready for bedtime story.

Perfect for young readers and anyone who loves Batman.

Rating 5 out of 5 

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Batman Eternal Vol. 2 by Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley, James Tynion IV, Kyle Higgins, Ray Fawkes, Jason Fabok, Fernando Pasarín, R.M. Guéra

I'm throwing it out there but I'd never visit Gotham.

Things are getting worse in Gotham, we have a new baddy that is out to prove he's better than Batman. Hush, what a crazy villain name [like "This crime was committed by Hush" very dramatic] is out to burn Gotham to the ground and in the ashes rise as the king.

This action packed book will look a bit long but it is jam packed with grit and drama and fights that will have you flipping the pages like there's no tomorrow; and knowing Gotham, that just might be true.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Batman: Arkham Knight Vol. 1 by Peter J. Tomasi, Viktor Bogdanovic (Illustrations)

In this exciting prequel to the critically acclaimed video game we have the Dark Knight questioning if Gotham still need the cowled hero and a dead Joker.

But just as there might be hope that Gotham will see peace, new threats arise some not so sinister and some quite funny. 

Aside from the great illustration and coloring, we have some interest developments in characters like Harley Quinn. Is it wrong of me to cheer her on as a new Gotham underground leader? Obviously Batman would still save the day but still.

And lets not forget that great scene where Bruce Wayne shows some serious fighting skills at a press conference, just awesome.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Arkham Manor, Vol. 1 (Arkham Manor #1-6) by Gerry Duggan, Shawn Crystal (Illustrations)

Yeah so Arkham Asylum is gone, but the baddies are still here with nowhere to go. Not to worry though Batman, I mean Bruce Wayne to the rescue; turning the iconic Wayne Manor into the new home of the criminally insane.

When the patients start turning up dead Batman has no choice but to go undercover and find out who the nutjob icing nutjobs is.

This was good read; I absolutely loved Victor Freeze in this one, something about the crazy finding great joy in the snow made me laugh.
Rating 3 out of 5 
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Batman and Robin Vol. 6: The Hunt for Robin (Batman and Robin Vol. II #29-34, Omega) by Peter J. Tomasi (Artist), Patrick Gleason (Illustrations)

OMG! I was so sad reading this one; I didn't know whether to take Batman/Bruce's side or Ra's al Ghul's. Robin/Damien is dead and dear old grandpa wants to bring him from the dead but daddy dearest knows that as painful as it is Robin should be left to rest in piece.

This action packed book filled with appearances from heroes and baddies all over the DCU is one super addictive, page turning read.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Young Gotham Sampler 2015 by Cameron Stewart, Tim Seeley, Tom King, Becky Cloonan

In this collection we get a taste of our favorite heroes new adventures and a look into what is going on in Gotham. 

This sampler gives us a peek at three series that we will definitely want to be checking out. 

Grayson was my favorite of the three samples, I like the art so much more; but that's just me. Check out these upcoming titles.

Rating 5 out of 5
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The Joker's Dozen by Laurie S. Sutton

This is a great children's book; the book follows the Caped Crusader as he tries to take down the Joker and keep Gotham safe.

The book is targeted to children about 7 or 8 years old; who are barely learning to read chapter books. The story is easy to follow and even gives children the option of picking their own ending. It's a fun adventure for young readers as they explore lengthier reads. 

Of course anyone really can read this book, however, older readers might not like the book as they will find it too simple. So, keep in mind this is a child's book and have fun.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Injustice: Gods Among Us Year 2 Vol. 1 by Tom Taylor, Mike S Miller (Illustrations), Tom Derenick (Illustrations)

If you played the game you know that following Lois Lane's death, the Man of Steel crosses over to the dark side. Finding that the only way to protect humanity is to implement martial law, he sets out to create a new world order with him at the helm and any hero that disagrees, will find themselves and outlaw or worse, dead.

Even in a totalitarian state the people will not submit to this new world order and a resistance is formed, led by the Dark Knight. Batman and his allies, know Superman has gone too far and they must bring him down.

The story is riveting and engaging, you never think of the day you will see the JLA as the bad guys and more importantly, you never think of the day when Sinestro and Superman will be allies. The illustrations are incredible, they implement a much darker color scheme that conveys atrocities of this new world. This is one series you definitely have to follow to the bitter end and see how many heroes will fall from grace.

Rating 5 out of 5
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