Christian Gonzalez Comic Reviews

Absolute Power: Origins #1 was underwhelming to be honest. There are a couple of highlights, but Waller's motivations don't work for me. Although, I am interested in what happens next based on how the issue ended. On to the next one.

Although I liked this issue a little bit more than the last one, I'm still finding this story very dull. It's not horrible, but it's not great. It's just meh. Even though I mentioned that this series needed like one or two more issues to flesh out Waller's character development, I'm glad that we just have one issue left. We'll see if it can end on a good note.

While the quality of the story in Absolute Power: Origins has been inconsistent throughout the series, John Ridley and the creative team were able to conclude in a satisfying manner in issue #3. Waller's motivations might be confusing, but this series was able to depict the character's core attributes effectively and faithfully to what has come before. Her quest for absolute power has been a bumpy ride, but we eventually landed safely.

Batgirl #1 was really fun. The story is not overly complicated, and I think anyone can jump right into this series without feeling lost. Tate Brombal has stated that Cassandra Cain is his favorite Bat-Family character, and you can definitely tell that he and the creative team cares. I'm excited to see what happens next and how Batgirl and Lady Shiva's complicated relationship further develops and what secrets get revealed.

Batgirl #2 keeps the fast-paced momentum going, and provides emotional moments for our title character. Brombal and the creative team working on this series are crafting a very fun adventure, and I can't wait to see how Lady Shiva and Cassandra's relationship further develops and how involved Shiva is with the Unburied and their leader.

This new Batgirl series has been really fun so far, and issue #3 is another solid entry. While I thought the story was a little lacking this time around, I'm still interested to see what happens next and how this potential alliance that Batgirl and Lady Shiva are about to make will affect their effort in the fight against the Unburied. And will Batgirl ever trust Shiva?

Issue #4 of Batgirl was a slight improvement over issue #3. While I have been enjoying the series throughout, I'm starting to feel that the actual story might have been stretched too thin. The artwork continues to be great, and the emotional moment between Cassandra and Lady Shiva was definitely a highlight for me as it further developed their relationship. And with what happened at the end of the issue, I'm interested to see how Cassandra responds and what her next course of action is.

Batgirl #5 is the best issue of the series so far. The pacing continues to be dynamic, the artwork continues to be stellar, and the colors continue to be vivid and captivating. We really got an insight into who Cassandra really is and what she wants to be as a person, even with all she's been through in her upbringing. The next issue is the conclusion to this arc, and I can't wait to find out what happens. This book is why I love comics… it's just pure fun. If it's not on your pull list, then what are you waiting for?

Batgirl #6 did not disappoint. The conclusion to the "Mother arc was emotional, action-packed, and it left me wanting more. I know it might be early to say this but if the series continues to maintain this quality, we could be looking at one of the best Batgirl runs ever. This series has been so much fun; it makes me want to go back and read that early 2000s run by Kelley Puckett. Congrats to the whole creative team. You've made me a fan of Cassandra Cain.

Once again, we have another great issue of Batgirl. While there wasn't that much Cassandra Cain in the issue, the focus on Lady Shiva's origin was interesting and revealed certain aspects of her life and how it correlates to the dynamic of the relationship between Cass and her mother. Kudos to the entire creative team on this solid issue, and I can't wait to see how they tackle David Cain's involvement in the next issue.

Batgirl #8 is one of the best issues of the series far. Brombal and the entire creative team are creating something special, and they sent me on an emotional roller coaster in just two issues exploring Lady Shiva's backstory. The next arc is also perfectly set up, and I'm excited to get into Cass' next journey as she seeks out Bronze Tiger. And I'll state this now Batgirl is possibly the best "Bat title going on right now. Sorry not sorry.

Batgirl #9 continues to prove why this series is a must-read. It's just a fun time, and that's what I want from the comics I read. Miyazawa's artwork was a welcomed return, and the revelation at the end will have huge implications for Cass' future. The new arc is off to a great start, and I'm excited for what happens next.

Batgirl #10 was a fun read. While not my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed my time reading it. We got some insight into Jade Tiger's history and how he fits into Cass' life. While I felt that the Unburied were completely undermined in this issue, the last page left me shocked with how the creators were able to go there. And now, I'm really intrigued with how the second assassin plays into this arc.

Batgirl #11 once again proves that the creative team behind this series had a particular vision, and they're implementing it very well. This issue was just really fun and very anime-inspired. The action sequences continue to be dynamic, and there are emotional character moments as well. I continue to have a good time reading this series and cannot wait for Cass' next adventure.

Batgirl #12 might have been more set up and less action-focused than previous issues, but it was as compelling as ever. Cass is going through it mentally, and this issue perfectly showcased why she's laser-focused on her mission: avenging Shiva's death. Will her view on providing justice morph into revenge and take her into dark places? I'm excited to find out and if this series isn't on your pull list, I'm silently judging you

Batman and Robin #11 starts off on a solid note. While the story isn't anything new, the artwork is absolutely beautiful, and who doesn't love dinosaurs? I'm intrigued to see what happens next. Some people have been waiting years for the payoff of Damian finally getting his revenge on Bane for killing Alfred. Will it happen in this arc? Guess we'll have to find out! See you next time.

Batman & Robin #12 was a fun read, and I'm excited to see how the arc ends. If Williamson is indeed ending his run on the next issue, I think he'll end on a strong note as this story has been quite enjoyable. I have definitely become a fan of Juan Ferreyra and will be on the look out for what project he does next. Now, will Damian break Bane next issue? I can't wait to find out.

The Dinosaur Island arc was pretty solid and a good way for Joshua Williamson to end his run on Batman & Robin. While this concluding issue didn't necessarily meet my expectations, I still thought it was worth reading. Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernndez take over as the writer and artist respectively starting next month in the DC All-In relaunch, so I'm intrigued to see the next chapter. Cheers!

Batman & Robin #14 kicks off to a good start with PKJ, Fernndez, and co. The underlying mystery that has ties to not only Gotham's past, but also Batman's past is really intriguing and seems to involve some kind of supernatural element. Even though Damian's character development seems to have regressed a little bit, I'm looking forward to see how the story unfolds.

While it took a little bit to fully buy into Phillip Kennedy Johnson's story, Batman & Robin #16 ramps up the intrigue in the mystery. New details about Memento get revealed and Damian deals with the trauma of what being a superhero really means. How will the Dynamic Duo deal with everything that's going on? Now's the time to start really getting invested in the series. Until next time!

Batman & Robin has been consistently solid so far in this run and issue #17 is no different. We're officially past the halfway point in this arc, and I feel that Phillip Kennedy Johnson and the entire creative team working on this will continue to provide great storytelling. Plus (spoilers ahead), how will the inclusion of Jason Todd affect the conclusion? I love me some Red Hood! I'm looking forward to the next issue, and you should too.

Batman & Robin #18 might have some flaws, but this run continues to be intriguing. There are a few questions that still need to be answered like the true identity of Memento, what his motivations are, and Damian's future as Robin. Will the creative team be able to conclude everything in a satisfying manner? I'm looking forward to finding out.

Batman and Robin #19 was just fine. The artwork was great as always and the story by Phillip Kennedy Johnson continues to be somewhat intriguing. But I'm starting to feel that this arc is starting to lose a little steam. I just want to know who Memento is already. Will we find out next issue? We'll have to see.

Batman and Robin #20 is one of the better issues of Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run. Even with it being an interlude-type of issue, the way the story was structured was really creative. The guest artists, Hugo Petrus and Juni Ba, did their thing and were welcome additions. And while I hope we come to a resolution to this story soon, I'm still intrigued in what happens next.

Issue #21 of Batman and Robin is one of the better issues in Johnson's run. The plot seems to have moved forward substantially, even though I feel like it should have happened sooner. Hopefully the pacing will continue this momentum. By the end of the issue, I was intrigued and I'm interested in what happens next. 'Til next time!

Batman and Robin #22 has been my favorite issue of Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run so far. There were major revelations, but I still have lingering questions. But at this point, I feel all the story plots are coming together and we're approaching the climax of the Memento arc on a good trajectory. Hopefully the creative team can stick the landing as all signs are pointing to Bruce's old London mentor, Atticus Byle. I'm excited to see what happens next.

Batman and Robin #23 was awesome. Simply put. I was intrigued throughout as the foundation that Phillip Kennedy Johnson laid out in all the previous issues is really paying off as we reach the finale. I still think that this arc will read better all at once compared to reading it monthly, but I'm left wanting more as the issue ends on a big cliffhanger. Hopefully the next issue sticks the landing after all this time, and I think that it will. I can't wait!

Batman and Robin #24 was a satisfying finale to the almost year-long "Memento storyline. While it took awhile to get to this point, I feel that Phillip Kennedy Johnson and the entire creative team created something special that fans will look back more fondly as time goes on. This arc will definitely read better all once when it's all collected, so I highly recommend reading the trades. Anyway, I'm really excited for the next chapter of Johnson's run and the journey the Dynamic Duo go on.

Batman and Robin #25 was not only an exhilarating and great way to start the new story arc, but it was also one of the best issue in Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run so far. It was action-packed, the pacing was electric, and it was simply a fun read all the way through. It will take me a bit to adjust to Fico Ossio's art, but I know it will complement the story Johnson is trying to tell. What did the Penguin do to Cy that caused the Quiet Man to go on this quest for vengeance? I can't wait to find out!

Batman and Robin #26 continued the momentum from the previous issue, and gave us more insight into the Quiet Man's motivations. Even though his methods don't align with the Dynamic Duo's, Cy is a sympathetic adversary and I'm intrigued with how PKJ and co. handle the villain that was teased by the end of the issue. The Quiet Man is essentially John Wick, and I'm here for it.

This series has been a delight to read, so kudos to Jeffrey Brown and the team for creating a story that anyone could enjoy. It is pure fun, and I guarantee that it will put a smile on your face. If it doesn't, then you don't like fun and I'm sorry you received coal for Christmas for many years. Live a little, and go read this comic! I'm certainly excited for part three.

This reimagining of the Batman and Robin and Howard graphic novel continues to be a delightful read, and part three actually provides some life lessons that anyone can interpret like not judging a book by its cover and to be kind to people because you might not know what trauma they are going through. This is a story that anyone can enjoy no matter what age they are. And Batman continues to be a goofball while being locked in middle school break room. How will he get out? Guess we'll find out in the next and final issue!

Batman and Robin and Howard #4 was a satisfying conclusion to the four-part reimagining of the original graphic novel, and I'm so glad I was able to read the whole series. Jeffrey Brown is a really good writer, and it is awesome that these kind of stories are out there for everyone to enjoy. Both kids and adults will love it, and I definitely want to check out Brown's other work!

Batman: Off-World has been a delight and honestly one of the best Batman comics I've read this year. It's so weird and honestly was skeptical heading in, but Jason Aaron and the creative team has created a world that I love journeying to. There's only one issue left, and I can't wait to see how it ends. I'm definitely picking up the trade when it comes out. Please do yourself a favor and read this. You will thank me.

Jason Aaron, Doug Mahnke, and co., really took us on wild and crazy space adventure with the Caped Crusader that shouldn't have work, but it did. And while issue #6 was a bit of a disappointment for me, I'll still recommend Batman: Off-World to any Batman fan. It was just pure fun, and I'm definitely picking up the trade when it comes out. The series is a solid 8/10 as a whole, but this issue. not so much.

To be honest, I was cautiously optimistic about The Last Halloween because The Long Halloween is considered one of the best Batman stories of all time, and it influenced a lot of modern Batman stories including films. Even with the absence of Tim Sale, Jeph Loeb and the creative team stepped up to the challenge and produced an awesome first issue. And I can't wait to see what happens next and how the story unfolds.

Issue #2 of The Last Halloween was another solid read. It might not have reached the highs of issue #1, but I'm still intrigued to find out what happens next. Klaus Janson was the MVP, and Jeph Loeb is crafting a mystery that leaves me wanting more and that's still worth of The Long Halloween's legacy. Onto issue #3 and happy Halloween to all the ghouls out there.

The artwork by Mark Chiarello was the clear standout ofThe Last Halloween #3. It elevated a kind of so-so story by Loeb, but I'm still happy to be in the Gotham of The Long Halloween and still want to see how the mystery plays out. But I do recognize that my interest is waning just a little bit. Onto issue four!

The Last Halloween continues to be just okay so far after starting off on such a high note. I really wanted to enjoy this series because I loved the world that Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale created all those years ago. But I'm starting to question whether or not if this sequel was necessary. The ending of issue #4, I'll admit though, did save it for me and peaked my interest. And who's behind these copycat Holiday killings? Let's find out what happens next.

Batman: The Last Halloween #5 was carried by the fantastic artwork of Bill Sienkiewicz. His abstract style perfectly melded with the dark tone of this series and elevated Jeph Loeb's story. While some of the subplots aren't quite working for me, I'm still intrigued with the main mystery. And if Loeb is able to tie everything together in a satisfying way by the end, then I might look back at previous issues that didn't work for me differently.

The Last Halloween #6 was just fine. I'm still somewhat intrigued in the main mystery, but some of the subplots are just not that interesting. The rotation of various artists continues to be the best thing about this series as each one of them have bought their own flair and paid respectful homage to the late Tim Sale. Loeb has been going back to his classic runs with this and Hush 2, so we'll see if he can stick the landing on both titles.

Issue #7 of The Last Halloween is another solid entry of the series. It highlighted Batman and Robin's dynamic after a traumatic event and how they both share similar tragedies and how those tragedies brought them closer. The story itself is kind of disjointed, but it might read better once it's all collected. We'll have to see.

The Last Halloween #8 has great artwork by the talented Becky Cloonan. But her great artwork can't save the bland and overstuffed story by Jeph Loeb. There are some story elements that I still find intriguing but with only two issues left, I'm asking myself if this sequel series was necessarily. And that hurts me to state because I love the original Long Halloween. Hopefully Loeb can end it in a satisfying way, and I'm excited for Chris Samnee doing the art in issue #9.

Batman: The Last Halloween #9 is one of the better issues of the series. But since the quality has been so inconsistent throughout and we have one more issue left, I'm not sure if Jeph Loeb can stick the landing. Chris Samnee deserves all the praise he gets because his artwork carried this issue. I've said this before, but maybe this series will read better when it's all collected. If the last issue ends in a satisfying way, then I might have to look at all the other previous issues with a different perspective.

DC K.O. #1 did what it was suppose to do. It got all these heroes and villains together in a bombastic way and created a scenario where they have to fight each other to determine who fights Darkseid and becomes "King Omega. While it was a fun ride and the artwork was really good, the story was a little convoluted and new readers might get lost. But with that said, I have faith that Scott Snyder and the rest of the creative team will produce an event that's worth the hype. I'm intrigued in what happens next.

I think Red Hood #1 is a good start for this new series. While the story isn't anything groundbreaking, the mystery left me intrigued for the next issue. The artwork by Jeff Spokes complements the story really well. And I'm curious to see how Red Hood and Huntress' relationship develops, and I enjoy found seeing Jason in a new setting refreshing.

Robin & Batman: Jason Todd #1 is a solid start to the series. It once again shows that Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen have great chemistry when they collaborate. They do a good job of highlighting Jason's core characteristics for both new readers and old. While those characteristics might be a little too on the nose, I think they are essential to Jason's story. And with the cliffhanger ending, I'm interested in what happens next for this incarnation of the Dynamic Duo.

Robin & Batman: Jason Todd #2 was a slight improvement over an already good issue #1. It foreshadowed Jason's impending philosophy on how he's going to handle crime when he will eventually become the anti-hero, Red Hood. And the cameo from Nightwing was enthralling and the highlight of the issue. How will Wraith's influence affect Jason on an emotional and spiritual level? I can't wait for the conclusion.

Robin & Batman: Jason Todd once again further cements why Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen are one of the writer/artist duos in comics right now. The artwork was beautiful, and the story dove into the psyche of the most misunderstood Robin in the Bat Family. While the pacing had some issues and Jason's depiction might have been one note, this creative team crafted an engaging story that I left satisfied by the end.

Nicole Maines and the creative team involved with putting Suicide Squad: Dream Team together should be proud of themselves because they are crafting a really solid story so far. Two issues in, and I'm all in and can't wait for the next issue. Amanda Waller has set her plans in motion, and what will Dreamer do now? And how will the other members of the squad get involved? Until next time. Go read this comic as soon as possible!

Again, not my favorite out of all of the issues so far, but I'm still interested to see how Suicide Squad: Dream Team concludes. The creative team continues to produce a solid story, and I kind of wish the series was longer. I want to know why Dreamer is so important to Waller's plans. How does Dreamer want to handle Waller and her schemes? It leaves me wanting more, and I have been pleasantly surprised throughout the run. Don't sleep on this people!

Nicole Maines and the creative team responsible for Suicide Squad: Dream Team should be really proud of themselves for producing such a thrilling and intriguing story. I honestly had no expectations for this series because I didn't know some of the characters, but I'm glad I was able to review it. It's really solid and a good precursor to Absolute Power. Now that it's over, I'm looking forward to what Maines writes next and if this team reunites on another project, I'll be there day one. Congrats to everyone involved, go read this issue, and get the trade when it comes out!