Charlie Ashby Comic Reviews

Batman Annual #4 is a perfect standalone Batman book that is a joy to read, visually stunning, and a reminder of why comics are such a brilliant medium.

Overall, I can't say enough good things about this issue. It's everything that Doctor Who does best. It is a fun historical story, with good characters, funny and intriguing dialogue all while ending on a great cliffhanger. Plus, beinga comic book only helps to enhance that experience with the help of Rachael Stott's spellbinding artwork.

Overall, Batman #79 is a fantastic conclusion to a mini-standalone story focusing on Batman and Catwoman. It's a fascinating delve into their historic relationship and feels like a natural evolution from King's Batman #50.

Overall, Batman #80 is a fantastic issue that kickstarts the final phase of the City of Bane storyline, with art by Romita Jr. being the biggest highlight.

Overall, Batman #81 is once again a terrific issue of Batman that starts to fill in some of the gaps, while delving into the differences between Bruce and Thomas.

Overall, King does a fantastic job explaining Thomas Wayne's psyche during this event and sets up the final conclusion to the 'City of Bane' arc.

Overall, this was another excellent entry into Rucka's 'Lois Lane' mini-series and should hopefully alert DC that audiences are eager for more stories about our favorite intrepid reporter,

Batman #77 is a shot of Venom to the arm for the main Bat-Title, providing us with a fast-paced and engaging story that delivers one of the best Damian Wayne moments in DC Canon. The only major let-down is a story development towards the end of the book which doesn't quite land the way it should.

Overall, Batman #78 is a fun first part of an interlude that dives deep into the relationship between Batman and Catwoman. It is strengthed by the writer and artists' adoration for the story, but the abrupt change in pace may upset those who wanted to see the aftermath of the previous issues' cliffhanger.

Bellaire returns on color duty and makes excellent use of them in this issue. As Bruce is stuck in one specific location for most of the book, we see that depicted with various darker colors and blue tones. When both Bruce and the reader are aware of all the answers in the arc, the colors begin to brighten up and illuminate from out of the dark. Cowels adds some fantastic lettering, which combined with Janin's art helps depict motion throughout the story. Overall, King utilizes his strengths by focusing on the theme of fatherhood in this moving issue of Batman.

Overall, this is a fantastic issue that starts to really hit the nail on what the series was advertised as doing - speaking about mental health through the eyes of superheroes while also having an intriguing detective story to keep us intrigued too.

Overall, this is an interesting issue with some absolutely gorgeous colors and artwork, funny moments and a lot of Wally West. However, fans looking for a definitive answer still have an issue or two to get before we get that.

Overall, despite an intriguing cliffhanger ending, Batman #82begins to feel like it's crawling to the finish line.

So, overall Red Hood: Outlaw #30has decent art, but a slow-paced story. However, that story is starting to really kick off and makes you want to come back for more.

Overall, King's run on Batman ends rather abruptly and is in many cases unsatisfying most likely due to the sudden exit of the writer. However, the issue does have its bright moments that are sure to continue in the upcoming Batman/Catwoman series.

It's been a rough time for the Bat-Kids in the DC universe, but it looks at though Jason's life may be back on track soon if his friends manage to find their way back. The core of these characters and their outsider nature works so well for this book. Hopefully, the team will be reunited and will continue adventures for years to come. If you're not an avid reader of Red Hood and the Outlaws, this annual may not be the best jumping-on point for new readers " but if you are? It's a great little backstory.