Overall, it's not worth the extra dollar, but it's still a decent enough issue. Save yourself a buck and get the regular cover if you're a Supergirl reader of if you like Kryptonian flashback sequences. Or, if you're not a fan of the current take on the Man of Steel, give it a try. It's a far cry from Grant Morrison's Action Comics run (which, in this case, is sadly a good thing) and it moves at a much faster pace than even the industry's top talents (Jim Lee and Scott Snyder's Superman Unchained is beautiful, but man oh man is it moving at a glacial pace). The title is misleading, but the product will not disappoint.

I'd say it's not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover, so save the buck. But definitely pick up this issue if you're reading Batman/Superman (also by Pak) or you're planning on continuing to pick up Action Comics after Villains Month concludes. It's leading directly into a new story and I for one am actually excited to see Kryptonian villains take on Kal-El in the New 52.

So all in all, its still a book that is significantly better than most of the books on the shelves these days and its even a pretty good read for the line of quality weve come to expect from DC Comics over the last few years especially. So go ahead and buy the regular cover, save the buck, and read it with an open mind. Lex is a little uncharacteristically evil in this issue, but thats okay. Because you know what? As much as I do like him, he is still, very much, a bad guy.

Id advice saving the buck and buying the regular cover, but this is definitely not an issue to miss. Though I personally do not like the new character look, he seems to be relatively unchanged in terms of motivation. And Im okay with that. Its nice to see that writers arent just completely ignoring the Morrison run, however unpopular it may have been. Its always easier to just ignore or flat-out disregard a previous story. It takes actual talent to acknowledge and redeem one. Im glad to see that DC is moving toward the latter in most Superman books.

The issue's strengths lie in the portrayal of Clark as naive, young, and hopeful" Something that hasn't been entirely clear in the New 52 from all of his writers. It is a nice bonus that Lana is looking like she's going to be slowly but surely replacing Lois. At least, for a while. I'm okay with that. And this backup story (with an art assist by the always-excellent Scott McDaniel) plants seeds for future stories, which is always fun. I am glad that Batman's story was important to the events in this issue, but didn't overshadow the main character. Something I was very hesitant when these "additional tie-ins" were announced was that Batman would be arbitrarily thrown into each and every one and the creators would be forced to essentially take an issue off. Luckily, that was not the case here. I can't wait to see where Pak and Kuder take Clark next.

A flashback sequence that shows pirates getting their asses kicked by Atlanteans and a modern-day story that shows Black Manta out-smarting and out-sassing Amanda Waller are nicely weaved in and out between an almost Shakespearean catch up session between Aquaman and his brother, the reluctant current King of Atlantis. Plotting is happening in the shadows. Ancient artifacts are being stolen. And the tides of war are brewing And I am pumped to see Johns lead this event into the main Justice League title and finally give Aquaman the respect he deserves, both by comic book loyalists and new fans alike. Go get this issue right now.

We pick up right where the last issue of Justice League left off with this one, and it's a full-steam ahead part of a surefire soon-to-be classic epic.

Film critic Roger Ebert once famously reviewed Batman Begins, saying, "This is the movie I did not realize I was waiting for." And I think that same mentality is true for me with the New 52's reimagined version of Aquaman.

Now, Ill be honest. Im a little biased every single time Amanda Waller makes an appearance, especially when shes being bitchy and manipulative, so the fact that she acts like Aquamans friend to his face and then immediately arrests Mera when he returns to his new post as King of Atlantis makes me giddy. I mean, come on. The Wall putting people in their place, whether directly or indirectly, in their own book? Whats not to love? So even though not a lot happens in this issue, we are given hints that Orm might be executed, Atlantis might be on the United Nations collective shit list, and Aquaman might be growing a king beard. And you know what? Thats enough for me. Ill be sticking with this title and Johns for as long as theyll have me as their reader. And Ill gladly report, recap, and review their efforts for all of you out there.

Though my one minor gripe (which is the fact that Aquaman seems to be a secondary character in his own title most of the time) is something that might turn off some readers, I am starting to think that it is a strength of Johns as a writer. He doesn't just write a good superhero book. He writes great superhero team books. This isn't just Aquaman's story. It also belongs to Orm, Mera, the Scavenger, and all of the other countless men, women, and fish they encounter along the way. Hopefully a majority of them survive the impending climax.

Now, some readers and fans of Arthur might not like that. But I personally have come to find it not only endearing that Aquaman usually takes a backseat in his own book, but also realistic. I mean, come on. Hes the King of Atlantis. Hes got stuff to do. So we get a cool fight sequence with a bunch of characters who are slowly growing, a brief but necessary recap of events for readers who might be picking up the issue solely to see if Ostranders still got it, and a pretty much entirely self-contained story that fits into (and bridges) a bigger arc. What more can you ask for in a filler issue? No complaints on this end. Overall, this was a solid issue that makes me anxious for the return of Johns and begs the question of why Ostrander hasnt been given his own ongoing title yet.

So not a whole lot happens in this issue, but that's okay with me because the pacing is obviously set up this way on purpose. There's just enough action to keep me turning the pages, just enough mystery to keep me guessing, and just enough "oh shit!" moments to keep me coming back for the next issue. One of which is the cliffhanger ending, wherein the Scavenger locates and proceeds to invade Atlantis. Even though this is a rational course, for some strange reason, I guess I just thought Aquaman would stop him before he even got there. It'll be interesting to see just how Atlantis fares in the wake of the war between Orm and Arthur and the rest of the surface world. And what ramifications will follow when it's all said and done.

So all silliness aside, its worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. And its actually a great read. Its fun, its quick, and it exemplifies just how simple (yet evil) characters like Black Manta really are. Theres not a whole lot of thought process to his villainy, which is charming in this day and age of complexity and in the age of the gray area bad guys. So excluding the less-than-stellar Claude St. Aubin artwork and the general cheesiness of the message the comic is sending, its one of the stronger titles to come out the second week of Villains Month. I cant wait to see Manta join up with Luthor and the rest of the villains-turned-less-villanous in the pages of Forever Evil.

Well worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover, this was one of my favorites of not only the week, but the entire Villains Month event. Bedard sure knows how to write compelling villains, but it was just an added bonus to see him throw in a redeeming moment for a villain. Ocean Master is a bad guy, yes, but its his circumstances that make him such. And, you know, the fact that hes the (former) king of a species vastly different from our own. The last half of this book felt almost like I was watching a blockbuster disaster film with a super-villain in the foreground. It was the very definition of epic.

Though she was thrown a curve ball with the "un-Oracleing" of Babs, Simones doing her best. But it seems like this is simply a transition for the writer to get handle on this new (old) version of one of the greatest female characters in comic book history. Dont get me wrong, I think shes got it down. So as long as she slows down a bit with the character building and exploration of themes that we already know and understand, Im excited to see whats next. Weve had fourteen issues of relatively no action, but the character-building and witty dialogue has kept me around. Hopefully Barbaras confrontation with the man who put her in a wheelchair will draw some new fans into the book. And hopefully the creators can keep those readers.

My one gripe is about the art inconsistency concerning Jokers should-be terrifying face. Its not that creepy. I mean, it was ripped off, tacked to a wall, and reattached quite barbarically over a year later. Why is it not scary? But beyond that, there is a lot of good to point out. Absurdly creepy proposal by the Joker after hes done talking more about everyone in the Bat family holding Batman back. And of course, this rant is after all skate at the roller rink he just killed a bunch of random innocent people at. And the threat to kill the former Mrs. Gordon, making that not one, but two wives that Joker has taken away from the not-so-pumped-about-his-return Commissioner of Gotham City. But again, this is still just the tease. I want the actual confrontation, which most assuredly is coming next month. Dont fail me now, Gail Simone. Youve finally got me hooked.

My biggest issue with this comic is the writing. Its simply not interesting, compelling, or new in any way. Lots of other more talented writers have already told this story, and theyve done it better. Much like Catwomans confrontation with the Joker, unfortunately this one just sort of fell flat. Unless Simone pulls the preverbal rabbit out of her hat for the last few part and epilogue of her contribution for this crossover (and her run on the title), Ill remain unimpressed and continue to support DC removing her from this, what should be the second strongest Batman family book. Perhaps she will surprise me, but I highly doubt it. Ive simply been burned too many times in the past by her lack of follow-through with stories that should have been important but simply ended up being worthless.

Gail Simone needs to go. Right now. Before she ruins this book forever. We get another poorly scripted issue with good art from the team of Simone and Ed Benes, featuring a creepy looking Joker but an uncharacteristically clich-filled and not funny one as well. This storyline could have been one issue, but instead has been drug out into a seemingly endless storyline full of no twists, no turns, no surprises, and absolutely nothing new whatsoever. And I blame that entirely on the writer and her seeming inability to relate to the title character, her main adversary, and one of my own personal favorite characters who should be easy to write, James Gordon Jr.

Sigh" What a terrible comic. Other than the art, it is almost completely without worth. Gail Simone to is to scripts what Rob Liefeld is to pencils. If you think I'm being too harsh, well, obviously we've been reading different comics these last almost two years. So this is not really a review, so much as it is a simple fan's plea. Please, O Great Higher Ups at DC Comics. Do what needs to be done. Get rid of this woman before she singlehandedly destroys the legacy of your great universe and the integrity of your honest company.

This issue gets it. It's an absolutely perfect read. Barbara Gordon has always been my favorite character in the DC Universe for this reason among many others: She's believable. And even after what the Joker ends up doing to her, she's never a victim. But this issue makes me happy because it's awesome, but it also makes me sad because we're not going to get it again next month. So here's a suggestion: Why not put Gail Simone on another title, say, Birds of Prey, and let Bennett take over Batgirl for a while? She is obviously more than capable. And the Birds haven't seemed like themselves since the reboot. So why not take care of two issues at once? Wouldn't everyone be happy then? (Oh, and Christy Marx needs a place, too. So why not just give Black Canary her own title and put her on that?) Just a thought. But until that day, sadly, consider this book not re-added to my pull list. But don't worry. I'm patient. I can wait.

Thanks for bringing this title back up to the top of my pull list, Ms. Simone!

This is all sorts of 60s fun and if you love the old shows, you'll love this. And if not, you'll probably at least get a laugh out of the antics. I can't wait for the next issue! I wonder if we'll get any more surprise guest starts? I sure hope so!

So there you have it. The bar has been set, very high to be precise. And I am pumped to see how these guys (and the rest of the Bat family team) surprise me. I thought Snyder and Capullo had reached their pinnacle with Court of Owls, but I was wrong. This might just be their next masterpiece, and Ill be here for the whole ride, telling you all my thoughts, hopes, and fears as the Joker laughs from the shadows.

The story is great, but it is in a sense another well-crafted part of a larger story. The true strength of this issue is the last six pages. The backup feature was a nice addition yet again. Month after month, James Tynion IV is proving that he has what it takes to bring the Bat-family and rogues gallery to life. And that Jock artwork is just the right amount of chaotic action mixed with the shadows and creepy imagery that make this story seem not only terrifying, but also personal and realistic. Capullos Joker is cool, but Jocks is downright scary. I almost forgot I was reading a comic book when I get to the backup story. And I believe that is the highest form of compliment for an artist.

Great art, great story, amazing twists!

How this issue did not come with a warning label is beyond me. In fact, how this whole series has not been given a mature rating shocks me. But that's not a complaint. It's darker, grittier, scarier, and better than ever with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo at their respective bests. The Joker's dialogue and fly-covered face are enough to give you nightmares, but this team of writer and artist almost make the reader smell and hear the Clown Prince of Crime. It's stories like this that make you want to check underneath your bed at night before you go to sleep.

The one person who actually decides to talk to Bruce is Dick, the prodigal son, the original Boy Wonder. But Bruce jumps the gun and tells him that he doesnt have to come, so he just goes with it and neglects to even mention that hes right outside the gates of Wayne Manor. What did Joker tell each of the family members? And even though Snyder and Capullo didnt actually kill anyone (excluding all of the inmates, guards, cops, and politicians, of course), will this spell the end for the family? After all, the title of the storyline was not death in the family. It was the death of the family. Only time will tell, and I hope its this creative team that takes us down that dark and dangerous path once the Clown Prince of Crime makes his terrifying and inevitable return.

Let me just start off by saying that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo (with the notable regular backup story script assist by James Tynion IV) are absolutely killing it with this title on a consistent and monthly basis. There is simply no such thing as a filler issue or a calm storyline with these guys leading the charge. And this issue is absolutely no exception to the standard that I as a lifelong Batman fan have come to expect from this dynamic team of creators. They make comics fun and challenging and really take the medium to a whole new level, which is surprisingly much more difficult to do as time goes by and these characters go through writer after writer and artist after artist on a weekly basis.

With yet another great backup story by James Tynion IV and Alex Maleev, this is yet another excellent issue that any Bat fans would find a welcome addition to their growing collection. This two part double feature not only simultaneously redefines Clayface as a villain worthy of the Batman's attention as well as growing the Batman mythos as a whole, but also manages to do something that I have thought was no longer possible: making Gotham seem fresh, new, and exciting. Another great issue, guys! Can't wait for Zero Year, and the brand new, never-before-told origin of the greatest hero in all of comic books.

So my gripe (actually, gripes) aside, this issue has some great dialogue and the art is just an added bonus. Intelligent portrayals of characters from the 1930s that come off as fresh and new, inclusion of little nuggets of lore into modern-day stories (such as where that giant penny came from and a little more background in terms of the Kane-Wayne family tree), and enough mystery of how things will turn out and who will become who keep this a fast-paced, albeit somewhat confusing read. Perhaps my complaints are a little over-critical, but that is only because this has been (and will hopefully become again) a perfect book throughout its almost two-year run. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of the origin story that I never thought I'd actually get to read. Next month cannot come soon enough.

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have done it again. They've somehow managed to hold my attention for an event that, being a lifelong Batman fan and adamant supporter of writer Grant Morrison's "every Batman story every written counts" philosophy, should probably make me very angry. But this has the exact opposite effect on me as it probably would if it had a different creative team. No, this storyline is new and fresh and, thankfully, respectful to the Bat mythos that has become a very important part of my life as a comic fan.

This is, for lack of a better word, a perfect comic. It flows nicely, it looks great, and the dialogue is better than that of any other book on the stands today. The humanity behind these larger-than-life characters is uncanny. The backup stories, which usually just seem like a way for companies to get an extra buck out of their readers always actually adds to main feature story. And most of all, even in issues like this one, where nothing huge or epic really happens (meaning, more specifically, there isn't a first appearance or a death of a fan-favorite character), every single moment and every single frame seems to be very well-thought-out and extremely important. Not a single page is wasted by this creative team. And I can't wait to see what they give us next month.

All in all, it was well worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. Kubert has established himself as a more-than-capable writer. And Andy Clarke's artwork has never been better. Especially in the flashback sequences. Joker's abusive aunt was by far the biggest strength of this issue for me as a reader, but I can understand where some people won't like her inclusion into the mysterious origin of the character. Excluding the fact that Snyder had nothing to do with this and it didn't really add anything new to the character, this was a fun little ride through Crazy Town and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Never before has the Riddler been more perfectly portrayed. This issue is well worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover by Guillem March. And though this is a one-shot by nature, it successfully does what every one-and-done comic book should: It references past stories (Zero Year) and leads into new events (Forever Evil) to build excitement and reward the devoted longtime readers, all while simultaneously telling a complete story that makes perfect logical sense to a new reader. Like I said. A perfect comic. Well done, guys.

This final act, paired next to the narration from Oswald himself, is nothing short of a stroke of genius. The Penguin, to me, has always been a favorite character. And even though his appearance is ridiculous and most of his past tales have been filler issues, Ive always thought he could be more. Should be more. And now he is. Marvel and DC both have their fair share of great heroes, but DC has always blown Marvel out of the water with their villains. Ive always found myself drawn to a few Marvel bad guys over the years, though. But now, thankfully, I can cross the Kingpin off that list. Frank Tieri just made the Penguin the new Kingpin. And I cant wait to see what he does next. So go show your support. And pay the extra dollar for the awesome cover. Its worth it.

An awesome cover is just icing on the cake with this issue. Legends like Nolan and superstars like Tomasi really deliver a great read for readers new and old alike. The greatest strength of the New 52 (even though it creates a bit of a conundrum and possibly even headache for continuity buffs), is the fact that the Batman characters, for the most part, did not change. Bane is one of those characters. If anything, he became more brutal. More devastating. And at his very core, more evil. I cant wait to see what he does next. And, of course, who he kills first. This is the crown jewel of the fourth and final week of Villains Month.

So getting over the initial shock of the double-sized (yet double-priced) issue, it's still fantastic work. The backup story might have been something that could have been trimmed down to cut the cost, but there wasn't a single frame wasted in the main story. A few big hiccups in the editing and marketing department kept this from being my book of the week. But when it's all said and done, this is going to be one of the highlights of the overall storyline. And like I said before, this is going to be the storyline to watch. All five of you not reading it, take note.

The main feature is a perfect comic. But the continually random price and distracting backup story simply knocked it down to a great one.

This issue has excellent dialogue. It has nearly perfect artwork. It's cinematic in its approach to its storytelling. And I can't wait to see what happens next. Dr. Death. The Riddler. Some crazy stuff going on in the Middle East and some even crazier stuff happening on the streets of Gotham City. Gordon and the rest of the GCPD are about to go through some epic changes. Batman's not quite the world's best, well, anything yet. This is amazingly brilliant (not to mention brave) origin-retooling, world-building, and re-branding. I'm just glad the two creators who are making it so are completely back in control of the book. No more crossovers. No more backup stories. And please, for God's sake, leave the price tag on each issue the same. You know I'll buy it, but seriously" Four bucks is plenty. Especially for a company supposedly still "drawing the line at 2.99." Keep up the good characterization, Snyder! And don't stop reinventing the looks of my favorite characters, C

So there you have it. Another quality issue into the storyline. But don't get too into the story because next issue, Zero Year is taking a month off. Again. But that's okay because we're getting an entire issue that takes place not in the past, but right now. That's right. Batman: Eternal starts (or rather, is previewed) next month in the pages of Batman 28. As much as I'm enjoying Zero Year, it'll be nice to get a little break and a reminder that though Batman's origin is awesome, he' still kicking ass in the present (and into the future) as well. I'll be here. Will you be checking it out? Or will you be taking a month off and coming back for 29?

My favorite scene was not the homage to The Dark Knight Returns (which is probably one of most people's favorites). It's not even the censored description of the Batman himself. And to be honest, even though I love both of those things and they are all sorts of Frank Miller, it came down to one scene for me that made this not only a great book, but a legendary one. It's the first time we see the Bat Blimp. Something so ridiculous in theory, so obnoxiously fictional in reality, that it shouldn't work. But Capullo's pencils make it work. And it's not only my favorite scene from the comic, but from Zero Year so far entirely. Well done, Mr. Capullo. You, sir, are a master. (Snyder's also excellent, but most of my reviews say that, so I'm going to let Greg have this one.)

The penultimate chapter of the final act of Zero Year has arrived, and much like every issue of the epic so far, writer Scott Snyder has displayed his greatness in the form of witty dialogue and artist Greg Capullo has established his dominance by giving us a fast-paced way to tell a fun story.

"Zero Year" is finally over, and it was yet another thrilling conclusion to the newest Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo masterpiece.

This is no throw-away issue. I also didn't feel cheated by the price tag or length. It is a complete story that complements the current storyline of Zero Year as well as references great past plots from Requiem, Year One, and even Night of the Owls. Though some people might pass on this issue based on the price tag and the fact that it's an annual, I would strongly suggest that any and all Batman fans pick this up. Whether it is for the few pages that tie into Zero Year or the fact that we get two new characters who are actually well-done enough to be more than just single issue players who never show up again, this is a must-read. So go ahead and do yourself a favor. Skip all of the other annuals this week, but be sure you pick this one up and add it to your collection.

Needless to say, color me curious. I'm shocked at how good the dialogue of this issue was. Pak usually strikes me as way too wordy and at times, often preachy. But this issue was a welcome exception to his normal writing style. He seems to really "get" both Bruce and Clark and what makes them both tick. I wasn't a fan of the art change (although, in retrospect, Ben Oliver is still a very good artist) and the actual story itself seems to be unnecessarily confusing, but hey, I'm hooked, so obviously the creative team is doing their job right. The artwork of the first half and the cover are worth the price tag alone. Treat yourself to a comic that will surely pick up more steam as it goes and get yourself a copy before it sells out.

The series that I wanted to hate is continuing to surprise me in ways I never thought imaginable. Sure, Jae Lee has always been one of my favorite artists, but he's been primarily a Marvel or independent company guy in the past, so you can imagine my hesitation with him tackling my favorite characters. Obviously, there was no reason to be worried because, come on" He's awesome. But Greg Pak is a hit-or-miss writer for me personally. I loved his Magneto: Testament and Red Skull: Incarnate for Marvel, but found World War Hulk, Chaos War, and a majority of his Hulk (later Hercules) run unreadable. Now, in retrospect, maybe that was co-writer Fred Van Lente's fault, but hey, I'm human. Well, ranting and rambling aside, let me say that Pak is absolutely nailing the two main characters in this book. And he's even evoking real reader emotions, which is hard to do this day and age with a comic book.

The alternating artwork in this comic of Jae Lee and Yildiray Cinar is beautiful and Greg Pak's really got a knack for writing Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. In fact, he's writing Batman and Superman twice, when you really think about it. After all, they're not "older" or "younger" versions, as we found out this issue, but rather alternate reality versions. Which means that they are essentially completely different characters, even though they share major similarities. It's impressive that they are portrayed so differently when, in reality, most writers nowadays would just write them exactly the same but older (or younger) and not take such things into consideration. It shows not only talent as a writer, but respect for the characters, the source material, and the readership.

Buy the fancy cover, and buy the issue, because its a great story and has some of the best artwork on the stands today. Some added bonuses to this story were the portrayal of Supermans mother as a badass, a relatively new concept, as well as the Kryptonian family tree further explored. In comics of the past, I always felt a little distant from Supermans non-Earth family, but the New 52 has successfully ingrained in me a sense of understanding that yes, Superman and Supergirl are cousins, but theres more to it than that. The family aspect has been steadily grown over the last few years and, with the help of the new movie, I actually finally care about the House of El and their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. So congrats, Pak and Booth. You did your job well. I care now. So bring on the Doomsday!

The biggest strength of this issue is the seamless transition that kept the first issue from being a perfect 5-star comic. This time, when the art changes from Lee to Oliver, it actually makes sense and doesn't throw the reader. It's nice to see the epilogue from a different, yet equally talented artist. And it makes the ending that much more bittersweet. We know what is coming, but the heroes of both Earths have no idea. It was a perfect start to what will undoubtedly be one of the continually strong DC New 52 titles. The cover was amazing, the script was brilliant, and the artwork is incomparable. This is, by far, my pick for book of the week. It was incredible for a lifelong DC fan like myself to see such rich character development and masterful world-building. This series is starting to prove that comics really are an art form, not just a way to tell a quick soap opera with men and women in costumes. Good work, sirs. This was an excellent read.

A comic that just reeks (in a good way) of the return of the multiverse, this issue shows that series writer Greg Pak really knows what he's doing. And, more importantly, that he gets both of the title characters, never once focusing too much on Batman or Superman.

Holy crap. Hands down, this is the best Batman family book (other than the main one, of course). The writer/artist team of Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason is amazing month in and month out. This book never once has disappointed me. And this issue, featuring the return of the Joker (finally), is no exception. These two creators are at the top of their respective games and they prove it once again with this deeply disturbing yet equally entertaining crossover tie-in.

Good stuff. Good, creepy stuff. A well done (if not convoluted) fight sequence, some classic Joker lines here and there, and a cliffhanger ending. What's not to like?

Perhaps what makes this such a great title is the stark contrast between it and the core Bat title, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman. They are both great reads on their own, but they really complement one another so well that it's almost as if (gasp!) editors are actually holding staff meetings and having creators talk about the big issues, the epic events, and the importance of staying true to their strengths. And in this case in particular, it's Tomasi's understanding (as a former editor himself) of what it means to stay true to the characters. He really gets Bruce, and that's why it's so heartbreaking to see him fall farther and farther down this dark spiral into the abyss.

The fact that the regular series artist took such an important issue off kind of irritated me at first, but Richards' artwork really worked for me by the end of the read. The fact that Batman and his respective stage of grieving weren't really all that much of a focus for this issue didn't actually kind of made this a unique part to the miniseries-within-a-series. But perhaps the biggest strength of this issue was the dialogue and knack for truly understanding how the character of Barbara Gordon really works and why she is not only different, but perhaps better than all of the other allies of the Batman. This is the first time since the reboot that she actually felt like Babs. Batgirl and Birds of Prey writers take note: You're doing it wrong.

The upcoming issues are most assuredly going to continue the stories that made Tomasi and Gleason the team on par with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. I can't wait to see what role Carrie Kelly plays in issues to come. Not to mention my all-time favorite Batman villain, Two-Face. This series, much like the main Batman title, is a must-read for any and all Bat fans out there on a monthly basis. To get the story and the action, you have to read the Snyder/Capullo book. But if you want to feel what the characters are going through after they go through hell in each new adventure, the Batman team-up book is the place to go.

Pick it up if you're a Batman fan, Batman and Robin series regular reader, Two-Face supporter, or just like good comics in general. You won't be disappointed.

Completely worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. And Tynion is a rock star, so if you're not planning on following his story into the pages of Talon (shame on you), you should probably just pick this issue up for the nice one-and-done storytelling. The only regret I have as a reader is the artwork. It serves its purposes and obviously isn't so distracting that it ruins the comic, but it's sad to see such a great script severely lessened by an artist whose work is too dark and too gritty to the point where it's actually kind of hard to tell what's going on. Needless to say, you (much like I did) will get over it. The story's that good.

Id say this is a great issue to get you into Red Hood and the Outlaws and a fun way to explain Ras al Ghuls inevitable appearance (or lack thereof) in Forever Evil. Go ahead and just buy the regular cover. Save yourself a buck. But dont skip this issue just to save money. Tynion and Haun are at their best yet again. And even though it doesnt really add a whole lot to the characters mythos (and the new character introduced just to die was a little irritating" we didn't even get his name!), its a nice reminder of just what makes him a great character and a nice preview of things to come.

The issue is well worth the extra dollar for another awesome cover. My favorite part of the comic was the flashback where Croc is in the travelling circus. It reminded me of the old Batman: The Animated Series episode, although this issue paints him in a significantly more positive light than that one did. It was also nice to see him as a character capable of rational thought and planning ability. Hes never been smart, no, but most writers in the past have just written him off completely, or if they do choose to use him, hes just a brainless thug or flat-out comic relief. Its nice to think that he could possibly be as smart as he is deadly in the future. Thats one character change I would welcome.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, each and every month" The dream team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are amazing on the pages of Batman, but they are not the only superstars at DC right now. In fact, I would argue (and have many times before) that Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason are their equals. Which is perfectly fine with me. You will never hear me complaining that there are too many good books on the shelves nowadays. And the cinematic feel of Capullo and Snyder's work is matched by the emotional complexity of Gleason and Tomasi's. This issue is just another installment of comic book greatness, much as we've come to expect, yet still can truly appreciate.

I'm excited to see where Tomasi and Gleason take us next. They are in a very unique position in the DC Universe because, unlike most of the other books on the stands right now, they're not under the "event" labels. They don't have to tie directly into the stories being told in Forever Evil. Nor do they have to make sure everything matches up with the timeline of Zero Year. So, in that sense, this book is not only a good read, but a must-read. Because, as proven by the last two issues in particular, anything can happen and every story is fair game. Plus, check out those covers! The main one is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series, while the variant is simply art in its purest form. Pick them both up if you're a Bat fan. Or if you simply enjoy owning awesome artwork.

And it's just a bonus that it features my all-time favorite character. Not just as a villain, but also in enough flashbacks (where he is supposed to be a hero, but we're not quite sure if he is or not). The humanity in this series is what makes it amazing. It's epic in scope with the storylines, yes, but the little scenes like Titus eating off the floor when Erin spills her plate or Alfred correcting Bruce when he tells the story about the Native Americans as a warning to Erin" That's what makes this book great. It reminds us that yes, he's Batman, but first and foremost, as much as he doesn't want to admit it, Bruce Wayne is undeniably human.

This is the book for die hard lifelong fans like me. This is the book that goes deeper and darker into what it means to really be a character in such a terrible universe. This is, by far, the best book on the stands right now. Granted, I am a little biased. Two-Face has been, currently is, and always will be my favorite comic book character. I don't see that changing any time soon. Especially if this storyline ends the way I think it's going to end.

So DC just killed off one of my favorite characters. But I'm not even mad. Here's why: Patrick Gleason just turned in the performance of his career with this entire issue, but the last several pages in particular. This was the best issue of the series so far. It was a complex and emotional roller coaster that never once flinched or looked back. It was daring from its premise all the way to its climax. And even though Two-Face is dead (for now, it's a comic book), I'm proud to say that this is the best comic I have read in years. And I should know" I've read it a dozen times since Wednesday. This is, in all ways, a perfect comic book.

For those of you who missed the Robin Rises: Omega one-shot that came out last week, rest assured, there was a crazy fight sequence with some great Kubert artwork, but it was essentially just a tease for the real story to come. Hence this week's issue being named part one.

It's great to see this annual (just like last year's annual, for that matter) not only fitting into continuity pretty well, but also somewhat advancing the story. The current story featuring Two-Face is great, but it's nice to see that Bruce's grieving isn't done yet. And probably won't be until Damian's inevitable return. The strongest part of this issue is the fact that its creative team know what's important. It doesn't have to be an epic story. It doesn't have to be full of revelation after revelation. It just has to be what makes Batman and his family work. It has to be about the characters doing things that make them who they are. And that's exactly what it is. Which makes it not only my pick of the week, but one of the finest scripts Tomasi has written to date.

So it was a fast-paced fun read that raises all of the necessary questions and hooks just enough as to not come off as cliched or trite. Tynion's efforts are a very welcome addition to the brain trust plotting and driving this book. Him and Snyder really shine when they work alongside one another. And the additional help from the various other writers is also fun. It reminds me of a more down-to-Earth version of the now seminal classic, 52.

The last few issues have been, well, bad. The art on the last issue was a disgrace. The "writing" of John Layman is a perfect example of what I show my students NOT to do. But finally, FINALLY, we're back on track.

Not losing a single ounce of momentum from last issue, the creative team of James Tynion IV and Mikel Janin (with story assists from Scott Snyder, Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley) continues to take the world of Batman up a notch.

Dark times are coming to Gotham. And I wouldn't have it any other way. This series is starting to come into its own quite nicely. And as a final note, I'd like to point out that the Dustin Nguyen cover is quite possibly one of the best Penguin covers of all time.

This book rocks. It's how weekly comics are supposed to be.

Ray Fawkes and Dustin Nguyen continue to wow Bat fans with the second issue in a row featuring a bunch of "new" dynamic duos.

Three for three. Well done, Ray Fawkes and Dustin Nguyen (and Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Tim Seeley on the story assist). Batman continues to take a temporary backseat as two of the new dynamic duos continue their own adventures both beneath and outside of Gotham City.

Literally the only good thing about this issue is the Derlis Santacruz art. And even that's not enough to save me from the embarrassment of having read (and wasted my time reviewing) what passes for writing in the magical world of man-hating, crybaby, "don't fire me even though I suck" Gail Simone

So in conclusion, its totally worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover and everyone should go out and buy this issue. Palmiotti and Gray are comic book veterans who never really seem to get the credit they deserve (as is the case with a lot of the Villains Month's creators, come to think of it), so lets all go ahead and do our parts. Buy the issue. Love the issue. And tell them to keep up the good work. The New 52 is here to stay (or so were told), so instead of complaining or being stuck in your own little 1986-2011 pocket universe of continuity, embrace change and start enjoying the works of todays creators. Trust me, issues like this are a great place to start.

Save the buck and buy the regular cover. Or just buy another book entirely and accept that this one is nothing more than a poorly-paced characterization-fail of a filler issue by a writer who should not be in charge of such important and iconic characters. Sorry, Layman. You need to go.

Now, Ill be completely honest. The speculator market had me really hesitant to even participate in purchasing this book, but when I saw the cover, I was the first to admit that it is definitely worth the extra buck for the fancy cover. The interior art is just as great (Ive always been a fan of Jeantys work), and even though the dialogue is not very realistic (the Jokers Daughters inner monologue is fine, but the dialogue between characters seems awkward), it is still a good comic. Im more interested now to see what happens in the pages of Catwoman in coming months than I was before. Ever since Nocenti took over, I have steadily lost a little bit of interest each and every month. But I remain hopeful that this is the storyline that is going to change my opinion for the better. Hopefully it doesnt disappoint!

The greatest strength of this issue is its reliance of character-driven and well-written dialogue. Excluding the stereotypical "bad guy motive" scene, it's a pretty solid script. The art is consistent and action-packed throughout. And even though it's only a couple pages at the very end, it was a nice touch having Russ narrate the finale of this one-and-done story.

This continues to be one of the strongest titles that no one is reading, and it really saddens me to think that it might not come back after the Futures End storyline ends.

The fact that we know the story to come and the actual origin of Batwoman is an important piece to the success of this story, but it's not essential. We know her troubled childhood trauma. We know she ends up with Maggie in the end. And we know that cousin Bruce becomes Batman and cousin Bette becomes Flamebird. But what we don't know, which this issue singlehandedly accomplishes, is that we should care. To be completely honest, I've only been getting this title for the artwork. J. H. Williams III is a superstar and Amy Reeder is great and all of the other talented artists on this book make it a visually impressive read each and every month. But Marc Andreyko's arrival ushers in a new realm of possibility for the first time since Greg Rucka left his recreation: Actual characterization, actual plot advancement, and actual storytelling. The good art staying good is just a bonus. Mark my words, once everyone gets over this "controversy for controversy's sake" mentality surroun

Writer Marc Andreyko and artist Jeremy Haun are joined by a second artist, Scott Kolins, for the next thrilling installment of their first major arc on this title. And if the Rafael Albuquerque cover didn't give you a hint about the current state of the Batwoman universe, it's about vampires. Neat!

Like I said. Generic. There's no reason for this to be an extra dollar. There's no reason for it to tie into the event. And, quite honestly, there's not really much of a reason for the title to even exist. Now, if we could get a bold new direction going or a Team 7 story that didn't seem convoluted, paced weird, or just a way to keep the old Wildstorm characters relevant, that would be a nice start. Or maybe throw in the inevitable Green Arrow romance story. Or, you know, just let Gail Simone write the book again and pretend like the first two years of stories never happened. That would work, too. But until something drastic happens, I'm going to continue inching toward dropping this book. It's not bad. It's just not very good, either.

This series is in need of a desperate revamp. Maybe the "answers" Waller is going to provide for Dinah will give the team some newfound clarity. I certainly hope so.

There are two stories going on simultaneously in this issue. One about a creepy guy throwing broken toys from Selina's past at her (literally) and one about some sort of heist and murder game involving chess. Both seem underdeveloped and a bit rushed, but intriguing nonetheless. The flashback sequences are confusing, and I wasn't sure what was going on at times, but I'm still interested to see where it will go and how it will connect.

Ann Nocenti needs to go back into retirement, or at least leave this book before she kills it. Another issue of atrocious dialogue will destroy this book no matter how many crossovers, guest stars or interesting artists with cool fight sequences they add to it. This story is simply moronic. The dialogue is choppy. The story is nonsensical. And if it were not for a basic understanding of what makes these characters cool in past (and hopefully future) stories is the only reason this was even readable. A new reader picking this issue up would have no idea what was going on at any point in its pages. Im a veteran Batman reader and even I found myself rereading almost every page of this comic. My biggest problem with this issue is not even how bad it is; I can deal with a few issues here and there that simply dont work for me. Its the fact that this is one of the strongest characters in comics. Its one of the strongest female characters in p

This book is bad. And what makes it even more sad is the fact that it features one of my favorite characters. Figure it out, DC. Put Nocenti and Ollife on another book. Before you lose your readership for good and have to cancel this series.

This is by far the worst title on the stands from the Big Two. Hopefully the next creative team can save this book from complete irrelevance.

All in all, this comic is exactly what all comics, especially from the New 52, should be. It's pure unadulterated fun. The fact that this issue is just escalation at its finest proves that it's worth the cover price. The extra bonus of tying into the event (and actually being significantly better-written than this week's major part) is also pretty great. But I think the greatest strength of this issue is that it really does take advantage of the fact that a lot of its readers this month were just popping in to see how it tied into the big event.

So here are my hopes for this series (and the sub-event): First, I would absolutely love to see the characters get new creative teams after all of this is said and done. Second, if that one's not possible, I'd like to see a "Trinity of Sin" or just a new take on Justice League Dark, maybe even a magic/supernatural team-up series. This could be written by J. M. DeMatteis with backup stories by Ray Fawkes and a series of rotating artists. With the announcement of Animal Man ending early next year, the New 52"s "The Dark" imprint is pretty much gone entirely. If these characters are going to stay in the DC Universe, they need to be used. But perhaps they are being overused. And their creators are over-saturating the stories. These are my hopes. Or, ideally, something altogether and entirely different and unexpected will happen at the end of this event. Either way, I'm going to say I'm not mad that I bought this issue, but I'm not exactly impressed. Nor will I

Im not going to lie: This is not only my pick of the week (which is a very welcome surprise to me as a reader and reluctant fan of this series), but also a vast improvement over the last several issues. Its starting to actually be a good read. I really hope Fawkes can keep up the momentum that he just found. Because if he continues to write Constantine in a way that actually makes me simultaneously love and hate the character, hes really doing his job. And if he does so for a long time, I will happily retract my previous comments on Forever Evil: Blight coverage about taking all of the magic or dark titles of the DC Universe and absorbing them into just one monthly title. Keep proving me wrong, Fawkes. Im all for as many well-written and different titles as possible. Especially when theyre coming from DC.

All in all, these series are okay and the event has made them good (sometimes even great), but that won't and can't last long.

It sure has been a great ride. And writers J. M. DeMatteis and Fawkes are surely paving the way for something excellent with the ending. The artwork has been pretty great throughout the entire event-within-an-event thus far, and though it has seemed to be dragging a little here and there, just when I start to get bored or lose interest, we get a perfect issue like this one to bring me back in. Well done, DC. Maybe there is still a place for the "dark" titles in the New 52. Hopefully they don't all die in the conclusion of this story.

Dark Horse Presents #10 is a must-read for any and all comic book fans, both casual and hardcore. And, as an added bonus, Ken Pisani and Arturo Lauria have created the next big thing in their 2013 Geekie Award-winning story: "Colonus," which starts this issue.

My one gripe is a minor issue for me, but might leave a sour taste in first time Detective Comics readers. There simply was not enough Joker to make this a full-blown actual crossover. I would consider this more of a prologue. It also has what some might see as sort of an unnecessary backup story. But those complaints are easily ignored. After all, the backup tale was well-crafted and had beautiful art so no one really will probably care that they got charged an extra buck for a story that didnt really accomplish anything. And even though the Joker is only hinted at, referenced a few times, and shown but twice, he is terrifying and menacing and its always good fun to see just how much he scares the residents of Gotham City. Even the villains. I cant wait for the next issue!

Part of me wants more Joker, and part of me is already over this Emperor Penguin guy, but to be completely honest, an even bigger part of me is somewhat impressed with Laymans ability to tell a story about the Joker without him actually being in it. Needless to say, Im interested to see where this goes. And man, do I hope Joker kills all of these new ridiculous characters sooner rather than later. I mean, come on. Did you get a look at the new Penguins gang? They almost deserve to die just for looking that stupid. Cant wait to see how they croak.

It'll be really interesting to see just how far the gang war between the Penguin and the Emperor Penguin goes in the pages of Detective Comics, but I for one am almost more excited to see Bane tackle the villains that even Batman couldn't beat in the upcoming issues of Talon. This issue was jam-packed with awesome, and even though it was pricey, it was well worth the cost.

The conclusion to the Emperor Penguin story, which has been building for the entirety of John Layman's run, came to a conclusion this issue. And though I have my reservations, this writer is slowly growing on me. Perhaps it's just that I'm always a little more lenient when it comes to my favorite character and his stories. Or perhaps it's because Jason Fabok's art is absolutely beautiful. And the backup stories are truly amazing every single issue. But one thing is for sure. Layman is going to be around for a while. And for the time being, I'm going to officially go on record with saying that I'm okay with that.

Though it was probably overall not worth the extra dollar, it was still a decent enough issue. Save the buck and get the regular cover, but this is a must-read for fans of John Layman's current run on Detective Comics. It is also worth noting that though I do love (almost) all things Batman, I've never really cared about this character in particular. There are rare occasions where she is used well, but never more than a simple plot device that has been well placed within the story. This was the first time I would actually say Poison Ivy is front and center. And actually important. That's worth the cover price alone. And that's what makes the premise of Villains Month and Forever Evil not only a fun gimmick, but necessary for the survival of DC Comics and the New 52.

Its well worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. I would also like to add that this cover connects to the Batman 23.1 (Joker) cover, for those who are wondering, which is kind of neat. Its pretty much a mirror image (and the same cover artist), so thats an added bonus for those of you who are into that sort of Easter Egg stuff. All in all, the only complaint I have with the issue is that it was too short. I would have actually liked another five-to-ten pages leading up to her team-up with Deadshot. As it is, it serves its purpose (leading into the next story), but it does seem a little tacked on at the end. But dont get me wrong, this is still a stellar issue in just about every way imaginable. Do yourself a favor and go pick it up before your local comic shop sells out. Because believe me, it will.

Its comics by writers like Tomasi, as well as Kyle Higgins, Scott Snyder, Grant Morrison, Frank Tieri, Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker, Geoff Johns, and a handful of others, that make reading comics fun. And they are proving that yes, Batman and his rogues gallery will sell a book, but its the writers and artists who make the reader forget, albeit temporarily, that these are actually fictional characters, who deserve the praise. If more writers like them took on high profile books, DC would be unstoppable forever. So, I guess what Im saying is this: Dont accept mediocrity. And definitely dont buy crap. Support the comics and the creators that consistently make you want to talk to people who dont read comics and try to win them over. Support the comics and creators who respect the past, acknowledge the present, and look to the future. If we all start doing this, well get comics like this filling the stands. So start now by buying the fancy cover for an extra dollar. Its awesome.

Well worth the extra dollar for a cool special cover, this issue is another gem in the Villains Month line. Tieri knows how to write villains, yes, but its the humanity of this issue (or rather, the seeking of humanity) that makes it a good find. Ive always liked the tragic villain aspect of a majority of the Batman villains, and Man-Bat is no exception. Add that with the great art from Eaton and the ages old (but still great) bookending storytelling method, and you get another fantastic one-and-done story from two masters. This is what superhero comics are supposed to be like every month. Hopefully Man-Bat isnt ruined. This creative team just saved him from becoming a gimmick or fading into obscurity.

But is it worth the dough? For lifers like me, sure. For newcomers, probably not. And for lapsed fans who are questioning even the slightest detail of Bat history of DC Comics money-grabbing marketing ploys, absolutely not. Putting high profile names on a book like this was a must, but the price tag is obnoxious and downright shameful.

The creative team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato didn't quite do it for me in the pages of The Flash, but they are certainly at home in Detective Comics, that's for sure.

A feel good story, but why did it have to be the Calendar Man? Why not make up a new character? And why charge five bucks? This is a good read for those who aren't very familiar with any pre-New 52 Batman tales, but for die hards, it's probably a good one to skip over.

So no, this issue is overall not worth the extra dollar. Get the regular cover and save yourself a buck if you're a Worlds' Finest or Earth 2 (or New Gods) fanatic, but otherwise, it's a pass. The story doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The issue doesn't serve a very big purpose in the grand scheme of things (we already knew the big reveals). And, unfortunately, Paul Levitz and writers like him need to lead the charge and either retire or just go the way of the dinosaur. They were good (debatably) once, but that time was long ago. Decades ago. At least two of them.

I'd warn you that it's not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover and to save the buck, but to be honest, just save yourself the entire cover price and pass. The story makes no sense, it's unnecessarily confusing and soulless, and to be quite honest, it's not going to matter very much longer anyway. I'm assuming that with James Robinson's departure from the already lackluster regular monthly series, it will be next up on DC's chopping block. Matt Kindt is a much better writer than Tom Taylor (the guy who wrote a series based on characters from the comics based on a video game), and he's slated to take over next issue. Go ahead and just take it off your pull list now. I know I will be.

This is one of my favorite monthly reads. It always keeps me on my toes and it is not afraid to embrace brave storytelling. Read this book!

Overall, it's not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover, but a decent enough issue. Get the regular cover if you're a Flash fan, if you like giant talking Gorillas (who now have tapped into the Speed Force and have some fancy new powers), or you're at all curious about the upcoming Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion miniseries, which looks like it will be quite a fun read. I'm excited for the other Flash tie-ins, especially that miniseries, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really didn't hate this one.

I would say that if you're a Flash completionist and you're going to get it anyway, it's worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. Excluding that, though, I'd save yourself the extra buck. And if you're finding yourself disappointed with recent issues (and this new character "twist" especially), go ahead and just skip the issue completely. Barry Allen needs a new creative team, fast, and with recent news of that very thing happening in the near future, DC just successfully inspired this reader to stick around for a few more issues. But seriously. This series is a chore to read each and every month. Or, in this case: week.

The unbeatable art paired with a terrible story makes for a difficult read. Buy the regular cover, if you must. The fancy ones not worth the extra dollar. And to be quite honest, unless youre a huge Flash fan or a staunch Patrick Zircher supporter, theres no reason to really get this issue at all. Which serves as a very disturbing reminder that Ive been blindly supporting this series through 23 regular issues, two annuals, a zero issue, and now three villain-themed one-shots, one of which had good art but all of which had bad writing and very little story to make me reconsider my viewpoint on the reboot as going off without a hitch.

Overall, a pretty decent issue. Would have been an okay "final issue" for some, which is never a good option for a comic company to present. But I'm interested in seeing what this creative team does when they take over Detective Comics and give a new character who's actually likable a try. I'm hoping for the best. As it stands, I'll be giving this issue a few more issues to save itself. After all, I've already given it over two years. What's the worst that can happen? They bring back Wally? Oh, man" Now I'm mad again!

This book is awesome. It's the best the stands have to offer. Johns' script and characterization (not to mention his knack for bookending and pacing) are matched only by the sharp pencils of artist David Finch, an excellent choice for main series artist. And don't let the gimmick of the fancy covers of Villains Month scare you away, either. Those and the tie-ins in the next few months are going to be part of the fun of the first line-wide event in years from DC.

There are a few minor gripes, and Ill admit that they are nitpicky, but I just want to say that Ultraman may be fast, yes, but hes in one frame, leaves in another, and is inexplicably present in the next. And then theres the issue of Luthors scale of necessary evilness. Or, in this case, unnecessary display of savagery. Did he really need to kill Ratcatcher? Not really. We know hes a bad guy. But wouldnt it have been cooler to see him as a misunderstood but actually right bad guy, who, in turn saves the day rather than the bad guy who hates everyone and everything that isnt him and saves the day because he wants to rule the world? I think so. That being said, this is still a stellar event and the best on the shelves from the Big Two in years. I cant wait for the next issue, not to mention the crossovers and miniseries. Keep em coming!

Forever Evil is promising not just because of its scope and the talented people working on the main title, but because it seems to work very well as a standalone story and an all-encompassing (not to mention very engrossing) event. I love a well-crafted team-up book as much as the next guy, but one that actually builds on previous stories, leads to new ones, and actually acknowledges (and to a certain extent, incorporates) current books on the stands? That's something special.

This is, by far, not only the book of the week, but the book of the month. Buy it. You have literally no excuse with this short week. And while you're at it, pick up Justice League 26, also outthis week as well. It's a great companion piece to this wonderfully evil comic.

So here are my theories. It could be a new character. That would be brave, especially with all of the reluctant fans or even flat-out hatemongers of the New 52. But I doubt it. It could be another "evil" version of the DC Universe that we're familiar with. That would sort of make sense, but would be a little bit of a letdown. It could be the Anti-Monitor. Which would be cool, yet predictable, since it is the New 52"s first "Crisis" event and it is all about the multiverse. Or maybe it's someone else. Someone Johns is known for loving and writing with such fury and gusto that it almost has to be him. That's right. What if it's Superboy-Prime? And what if (fingers crossed) he's the Superboy-Prime that remembers the pre-Flashpoint DC Universe? Now THAT would be awesome.

So I'm pretty sure absolutely no one saw that coming. I don't really have an analysis, to be completely honest. It was that shocking. That good. Well done, Mr. Johns and Mr. Finch. This is the best issue of the Forever Evil saga so far. I can only imagine what you guys have in store for us with the last issue and beyond. This is how you do a comic. This is how you do an event. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is by far my pick of the week. Possibly even month.

The waiting period may have lost some fans, but if they're smart, they'll pick this book up. It's well worth it's cover price. A fantastic ending to another great DC Comics epic. (Not to mention the potential for the New 52 to not be permanent. That's always a fun option.) Great work, gang.

The finale to one aspect of the Forever Evil mega event. I loved it, excluding the fact that it came out a little bit ahead of (or behind?) schedule. That being said, it doesn't really change or ruin the ending of the main event series. DC did that all on their own with Previews this week. But that is not the point. The point is that Eaton and Tomasi deserve their own ongoing book about the inner-workings of Arkham Asylum.

Seeing the President of the United States and Wonder Woman juxtaposed with this "everyman" was not only refreshing, but gave this event a much-needed sense of realism. After all, in a world of capes and superpowers, it's always nice to see that the true heroes, the ones who actually end up doing all of the work, are not only relatable, but actually likeable. And political commentary aside, it was nice to see a different and brave approach to giving a real person dialogue that actually affects the plot and overall tone of the story. Count me in for the rest of the series.

And even though I'm not entirely sure where this is going, I know that Gates is a good enough writer to make it all worth my while when we finally arrive at the end. Anyone who can make me care about a character like Steve Trevor (or Killer Frost, for that matter), has certainly earned the benefit of the doubt. Though this is not the obvious choice, this miniseries might be the one to watch out of the three Forever Evil spin-offs. Rogues Rebellion has all of the Flashy goodness and Arkham War is all about the characterization of the Batman supporting characters and villains, but Gates is doing something sneaky with this one. Out of the three, this is going to be the one that has some actual ramifications. I just hope they involve more Team 7 stuff. And maybe a rematch between Slade and Trevor" that lasts more than one page.

So yeah. There's a ton of action and lots going on. This is certainly well worth the cover price, if nothing else for the amount of energy spent putting it together and time it will take to read it. It's a fun read. It's got sharp and crisp artwork that never once comes off as lazy or inconsistent. And for some strange reason, it's oddly important-feeling. Forever Evil is a must, yes. The various crossover issues add to the overall story, sure. And the other two miniseries seem like they are a fun little experimentation in what would happen if the villains' respective heroes disappeared off the streets, okay. But this story seems to be actually going somewhere that's going to matter. I hope I'm right. And I hope that the next three issues can win over some more readers along the way. I'll be there, that's for sure.

So there you have it. Another good issue, kind of ruined by a great cover. There are still quite a few questions left unanswered, but that's okay. There are a couple issues still left, after all. I want to know who is in the Green Room. I want to know why the lasso of truth is going to play such a pivotal role in the inevitable saving of the various Justice Leagues. I want to know what Etta's new job title and responsibilities will be. And most of all, I want to see just how villainous (or maybe even heroic) Cheetah and Killer Frost end up being by the end of this miniseries. All in all, this was a fun read. Just like the last several issues. Well done, guys. Don't let the big wigs at DC ruin any more of your endings for the sake of a cool cover.

All in all, I enjoyed this issue, in spite of its flaws. But don't get me wrong. At its best, it's still a mediocre comic. It's well done and it makes me care about characters that I really shouldn't, but still… Not really. I mean, come on. These characters are all pretty lame when it comes right down to it. But still a very noble effort. Now, if these were A-listers or even if there had been fewer of them to keep track of, I'd be completely sold. But as it stands, with only one issue left to tie up a whole bunch of loose ends, I'm still not entirely impressed. A noble effort and I am looking forward to seeing how they wrap it all up, but this one is only for DC mega fans.

Then we get our cliffhanger, as is mandatory in the comic book medium. This "epilogue" takes place later, in the Green Room. Naturally, Mr. Green is a liar and his pants are an fire because he's not only a bad guy, but what appears to be the leader of the Crimson Men. So now Candy, the Pres., and good old Steve by association will be running A. R. G. U. S. (or what's left of it) into the ground, at the behest of the bad guys themselves. Should be a fun ride, but the question still remains: Where and when will we see this story? Doesn't it make more sense to NOT cancel Justice League of America and just put this creative team in place? Why not? I'd buy it. And as opposed to the Matt Kindt run, I'd actually enjoy it as well. All in all, it was a good miniseries. Lots of new questions asked. Many dumb characters made cool. And some great pictures with actual funny dialogue to move the story along. Good stuff.

Overall, this was a great premiere issue. It makes me wonder why Tomasi and Eaton arent working on more DC books. Theyre both at the top of their respective games and I honestly dont know anyone who wouldnt like this issue. It has enough cameos to satisfy longtime fans and its new reader-friendly enough to get the ball rolling for a lapsed or even reluctant Batman (or DC villains) aficionado. I cant wait to see where this goes and who pops up out of the woodwork. Without Batman to protect the city, Gotham is a little bit crazier than usual. Which is awesome. Im expecting a few shocks and twists by the end of the miniseries, but with a creative team like this, nothing will be done in vain. Its an excellent bookend to the main Forever Evil series and an excellent story while we wait for Batman to make his return public.

The artwork is phenomenal. The script is top-notch. And when it comes right down to it, this is pretty much a book that any Batman (or villain) fan has been waiting for. I only wish this could somehow lead into an ongoing title. The Villains Month issues leading into this miniseries set the tone, but the actual event (and this event-within-an-event) have continued to hold up that standard. The Scarecrow is perfectly scripted. Bane is amazing. Man-Bat is great. And even the Penguin is treated with the dignity and grace befitting a villain so deeply rooted in Gotham City's history. I'm glad to see that other characters will be showing up and picking sides, but even though the war hasn't quite yet begun, the action is going to be nothing short of epic. I can't wait for the next issue.

Needless to say, this is the book of the week. Shit hits the fan this issue, and it's exactly as it should be in Gotham City. Brutal, dirty, and permanent. Tomasi is unmatched in his Batman mythology and characterization. Period. I look forward to each and every single issue of Batman and Robin from him and the fact that we now get a second Bat book from him (with excellent artwork as a very welcome bonus) is just about enough to make mine DC forever. Plus, you know, the other Bat books are pretty amazing as well. So, yeah. There's a reason Batman's been dominating all forms of comic book pop culture for the better part of the last 75 years. And it's books like this that prove that he's going to continue to do so for another 75. Congrats guys, on your much-deserved success. And keep up the dark, unforgiving, uncompromising work. Preferably making this book an ongoing one once the dust settles.

So there you have it. Another great issue. The cover itself should sell most readers and it certainly delivers what it promises. We have a new dynamic duo. The fires of war are raging. And both sides are in for a great fight when the army of Talons take on Bane's team of killers. The only drawback of this issue is the fact that it couldn't feature everyone. I know that sometimes that's a good thing, but I would have really liked a scene with the G. C. P. D. and the Penguin. I'm sure there will be much more of that in the last two issues, though. Overall, this was not quite as good as the previous issue, but it was still great. And definitely the best book of the week.

Hulk" er" Bane fighting a bunch of other Banes does not interest me. In fact, it makes me think of all the reasons I like and have always liked DC. Because they routinely DON'T do stuff like this. Granted, it is going to at least try to not be campy, but come on. This is ridiculous, no matter how you look at it. In concept, that is. I remain hopeful that this will not just be one big brawl of crazy (or rather, crazier) Venom-induced Arkhamites fighting mindlessly until one side stops. But seriously. Let's not have that. Let's have Scarecrow outsmart (or try to outsmart) Bane. And really, let's just have what we all want to have happen actually come to fruition: the war ends, the dust settles, and the Penguin takes over Gotham City once and for all. See you next month for the conclusion. I'm sure it'll be great. Even if it's a mindless smackdown.

That makes sense. Ending a six issue miniseries with a to be continued mark. Granted, because it is the nature of comic book companies such as DC Comics to reveal major plot elements months in advance, we knew that this was going to be the case a while ago. So I guess we'll have to see the finale one-shot (part seven of six, if you will) in a month or so. Count me in. I'm excited to see the "new" Batman take on the old one. Batman VS Bane is always a welcome battle. Especially after they have both been through hell and back. All in all, this was a quality miniseries. I'm a bit peeved that it wasn't just seven parts, but hey, quality is quality. And plus, we get an extra issue of a good series, so my complaint will be instantly invalidated as soon as the next part comes out.

This is definitely one of the books to watch right now. DC is living up to the title blockbuster with this event for sure. And I, for one, am glad to see that the charge is being led by a book that I had very little faith in liking and ended up loving.

The last paragraph of each of my reviews is usually spent making predictions and spending further praise. I have none. This book was awful. Buccellato taking over Detective Comics makes me worry that I will not be re-adding the title after John Layman's departure. At least that one will have good artwork, though. This series, unfortunately, might have been better suited as a one-shot that led into the events of Forever Evil: Arkham War. Because, let's face it, the only reason I'm going to be picking up the rest of the series (other than my obsessive-compulsive disorder when it comes to finishing stories out) is my love for all things Batman. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm thinking this series is going to be yet another example of why people hate crossover events.

Now, let me get one thing straight: This isn't a good comic. But it's not exactly a terrible one, either. The script is decent and there are enough villains to keep just about any DC fan happy. But the artwork is unacceptable. And the fact that this whole miniseries just seems like extended Villains Month issues and could have been a big one-shot with crisp art and a more condensed storyline is starting to become very apparent to me as a lifelong DC fan. I'll give anything a shot if it features Batman characters, but geeze. This is just cruel. Stop putting them in other books to boost the sales and start emphasizing the books own characters as a way to solidify their own awesomeness.

Personally, I still don't really think this miniseries needs to exist. It would have been a fine one-shot or even a way to make The Flash a nice tie-in to Forever Evil, but this issue surprised me enough to care about how the story will end. We've only got two more issue left. Hopefully it can reach its great point again like it did with issue one, but I'm afraid that without the Batman villains to help out sales (and the story), the next two issues might just fall flat. We'll see. And I'm sure Gorilla Grodd will be coming into play soon enough. That'll prove to be bloody. Who knows. Maybe they'll just kill everyone and have Captain Cold show up at the end and go, "huh, my team really does suck without me." Or not.

The last issue shows promise. Giant monkey villain fighting a beaten and battered group of completely and utterly expendable D-list villains might just yield some excitement. I hope they just destroy the entire dynamic of this team and kill a bunch of them off. It would be literally the first interesting thing since their New 52 debut. I'll be glad when this one is over, to be honest. It should have been a one-shot. Maybe then it would have worked, but as a six-issue miniseries, it simply falls flat on just about every level. One more issue. See you there.

This series had three interesting things involved in its premise, two of which went away within the first issue (Captain Cold and the artwork of Patrick Zircher). The third and only other interesting thing about this series was taking out the most boring element of the post-Flashpoint DC Universe, the Flash himself, Barry Allen. But by taking away their leader and putting the characters through a seemingly endless round robin of villain vs. villain battle scenes, the overall product came off as a bit lazy. And it didn't look the greatest, with some less-than-stellar artwork and cliche-ridden dialogue. Poor pacing and an unbelievably crummy ending make this not only disappointing for a lifelong DC fan (and reluctant-turned-staunch supporter of the New 52), but for a casual reader as well. Poor work all over the place by pretty much everyone involved. I'm glad it's over.

Talk about new and different! The last issue of Nightwing led us directly into the first issue of Grayson, but this is by no means a bad jumping on point for fans both new and old alike. Writers Tim Seeley and Tom King prove with just one (technically two) issues under their belt that they "get" the character of Dick Grayson.

Art like this is definitely worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. And this issue actually made me excited for next month's continuing adventures, which is an extremely welcome (if not long overdue) surprise as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad that Count Vertigo was given a chance. I'm glad that I didn't drop this book. But mostly I'm happy to finally see the Lemire that everyone has been ranting and raving about all this time.

But if they stray again, I'm done. The cover was excellent. The main story was pretty close to perfect (I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5). But that backup story. Man, oh man was it bad. I honestly don't understand who thought it was a good idea to include that other than the higher ups at DC just saying "let's charge an extra buck. Everyone's going to buy it because it has a Batman event crossover on the cover. Oh. We should probably make it a little bigger. No one reads those backup things anyway, so let's give Cowan a shot, even though he hasn't done anything of any relevance for decades." Yeah. That's just blatant disrespect to your fans. So please, you got my extra buck. Take your victory and stop it. I know Lemire and Sorrentino can do this. Just let them do their thing.

Overall, this issue is not worth the extra dollar, but it's a decent enough single issue for hardcore Lantern fans or even those who are interested in the upcoming crossover. Save yourself a buck and get the regular cover if you're a regular reader.

It's probably not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover, so go ahead and save the buck. But definitely get this issue if you're a Green Lantern (or Superman) fan. It's also a nice way to familiarize yourself with a great villain if you've never read anything with him in it before. And, to be quite honest, it's a good way to get yourself back into the mindset of "Oh, yeah" Jim Starlin CAN still write!" instead of having your hopes crushed monthly in the pages of Stormwatch.

The newest Green Lantern tie-in to Villains Month and Forever Evil was downright creepy. In a great way. Writer Charles Soule has really tapped into the primal fear behind the inspiration of two of the greatest underrated villains of the DC Universe this week, both with Swamp Thing's Arcane and Green Lantern's Black Hand. (He also did a pretty good job with A-list Superman villain, Lex Luthor, for those keeping score.) Joined by artist Alberto Ponticelli, Soule proves once again that he knows evil. And death. And lots and lots of chaos.

Id suggest you save the buck and buy the regular cover, but if youre a hardcore Green Lantern fan, its kind of neat to get the fancy one. Overall, this was a fun issue. Nothing new added to the already excellent mythos, but nothing broken. Only clarified and possibly introduced to new audiences. Which was the point of Villains Month, Im starting to gather. Great artwork paired with a good script and a fan-favorite character are a recipe for success. The only thing this book was missing was a scene or two featuring good old Sinestro himself, possibly watching from above. It would have also been nice to see where he went after Geoff Johns ended his legendary run on the Green Lantern books, but perhaps thats just wishful thinking on my part.

So, all in all, it was a decent issue. Average, if you will. The biggest complaint I have is not the black-washing of a favorite character of mine, just for the sake of diversity. Nor is it the unrealistic dialogue or the inconsistent storytelling of the various artists. Though those things play a role in the downfall of this issue, it was really the increased price tag and the utter lack of space for such a story. This could (and probably should) have been an entire storyline. Not just a one-shot issue. Not enough space. Not enough time. And really, when it comes down to it, a terrible jumping on point. Consider this book not re-added to my pull list. A noble effort, but when it comes down to it, they sort of dropped the ball. Better luck next time. I'm sure there will be another gimmick in the future that brings me back.

Palmiotti is hilarious and his wife throws in some great female nuances and jokes for younger readers of a different demographic than most Bat books, but her true strength lies in her pencils. Chad Hardin is a good rising star, but possibly too cartoony for such an already cartoonish character. But like I said before" it's still loads of fun. Just not as great as it could be.

It's inappropriate. It's chaotic. And above all else, just like the main series, it's fun. I mean, where else can you read about Harley Quinn going to Comic-Con and making out (and possibly more) with a bunch of Joker cosplayers? Nowhere. Buy this comic. It's great.

The backup story about Shazam is pretty good. And it looks like next issue is going to be the first epic fight between Billy Batson and Black Adam. Weve got some great art, but Im glad its a backup story. Mostly because, with this characters history, it probably would have been cancelled if it was its own title. And, quite honestly, I might not have ever given it a try. This particular part is well done, but it does seem like something that would be better suited for a backup in DC Universe Presents, because it sort of detracts from the cliffhanger in the Justice League title itself. That being said, Im still pumped to see what happens next in Throne of Atlantis. Im sure Geoff Johns wont disappoint.

The backup feature, as per usual, is somewhat jarring if you are reading it immediately after the main feature. That being said, it is good. Not great, but good, in that it has a clear vision presented to us of Shazam and Black Adam fighting and showing that Adam truly is a villain force to be reckoned with. The dialogue is believable and realistic and the art equals the script in the storytellers goal, but perhaps the best part of the backup feature, and the issues main story as well, is what has been the driving force behind DC Comics for quite some time now. And that force is Geoff Johns. I am beyond excited to see what happens next in this storyline as well as the inevitable next epic tale featuring my favorite superheroes under the guidance of such a talented and obviously caring writer.

Overall, this was a great ending, because, like all good comics or serial stories, it's just the beginning. I'm excited for what's going to happen next, both in the epilogue and the following tales of my favorite super team.

Whoo-boy. All of this action, great art, and some pretty stellar dialogue, and we get a bonus feature that finally seems to be finding its footing. Gary Frank's art is always excellent, but it always seemed a little jarring when it sort of snuck out of nowhere and interrupted previous stories. But with Superman and Wonder Woman operating off the radar in Kahndaq (Black Adam's home), it finally seems like the backups are building toward something bigger. All of this, with the effects of both Death of the Family and Requiem still having Batman reeling and the impending Trinity War have me thinking that Johns is planning something even more epic than we've seen before. Which is awesome, because the first big crossover event since the launch of the New 52 is something that I have been waiting for since its creation. Keep up the great work, Mr. Johns!

All-in-all, this issue proves that even great series need to just take an issue off every now and then. Next issue, I'm certain, will be back to what we have come to love and expect from such a great monthly title. And as far as I'm concerned, it can't come soon enough.

This is Geoff Johns at his very best. Retelling the origin story of a classic character is what makes him so great. The fact that we can now see all of these great personalities and powers in future stories is just icing on the cake.

This was the first DC comic I have read in over a decade that actually did something that surprised me. It was just a bonus that it was beautifully written and drawn. Go pick this issue up right now, before it sells out. And do what the creators are inadvertently asking you to do: Get excited. Get angry. But above all else, care.

Finally, the comic that we've been patiently (albeit painfully) waiting for is here. The finale to Trinity War proved three major things to its loyal readers: Geoff Johns is still one of (if not the) best writer on the DC Comics staff, even though he's got a fancy title now; the fact that the comics industry as a whole has a really terrible knack for leaking the surprise endings of every single comic on the stands still can't ruin an expertly-penned (not to mention drawn) issue; and the tie-ins and middle four parts were wholly unnecessary. This should have been Justice League 22 and Justice League 23. That's it. no extra parts. No forced purchases. Just two perfectly-executed lead-in issues to Villains Month and Forever Evil, the true crossover event that will have universe-wide ramifications. Ivan Reis is at the top of his game. Don't let the subpar interludes and covers fool you. This is a beautiful book.

This is a great issue. It's well-written, the artwork is classic yet not jarring for the eyes of the contemporary reader. Definitely worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover, this is going to be one of many excellent entries into the Villains Month gimmicky special cover themed issues tying into Forever Evil. The only two things that I didn't like about it were the fact that the huge Marvel Infinity event right now is essentially a giant crossover event about what this one issue is and we're going to have to wait until the next DC event before we even see Darkseid again. But, like him, I can wait.

So get used to him. Because like it or not, he's going to be around for at least a few more comics until they tie up this particular loose end. Sure, it's not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover (save yourself the buck), but it's actually still written like Lobo, just with a different look. So get over yourselves if you're a huge Lobo fan boy and have faith in the Powers That Be over at DC Entertainment to deliver a gritty and humorous tale of ultra-violence and ridiculousness when the two Lobos finally meet. I'll be there to see which one dies and how much drama that stirs.

I have no idea what the story was because it changed every half-page. I have no idea who any of the characters were because I, like a majority of the comics-collecting world, passed on this series when it first came out, knowing that it would be cancelled after looking at the concept alone. Even the beautiful Brian Bolland covers couldnt get me to pick them up. If I wanted to read about an overweight obnoxious guy who wishes he was a superhero, Id just talk to the people who frequent the local comic shops. I had never heard of writer China Mievelle before this series was announced, and will not be looking into his other works any time soon. I apologize for anyone who bought this issue, especially the extra dollar cover. Not worth the extra buck for the fancy cover. Not even worth picking up. This is one of very few comics that Im actually embarrassed to own.

A great issue with a great cover and fantastic creators, all in all. I couldn't recommend this to just the casual reader, because you have to have a lot of background knowledge to understand who the characters are and why they are acting this way. And, you know, why it's neat to see the opposite nature of their actions. But even though I really want to go and find out more of the story, like, right now, I'm pumped to see just how much more of the Outsider and Owlman's world we're going to get to see.

There's no question in my mind this week. Justice League is by far the best book on the stands right now. Johns and Reis are superstars and they're proving it by not only using characters long-thought lame or cheesy, but spotlighting and legitimizing them. Ultraman is now one of my favorite characters, and I can't wait to see more about Owlman, Power Ring, Johnny Quick, Atomica, Grid, Deathstorm, and the rest of the team. Not to mention find out more details involving the "baby daddy drama" going on between the evil "trinity" of heroes. And, of course, the inevitable revelation (and no doubt appearance) of the "Big Bad" who destroyed the previous two planets Kal-Il called home. Could it be Darkseid? Or something worse? If that's even possible. I have my theories" But I'm not going to share. Yet.

This issue has it all. And, thankfully, artist Doug Mahnke has fixed whatever wasn't working with his last few issues on this title. He's back at the top of his game yet again.

I am anxiously awaiting Superwoman's origin issue. I hope it's next. And I cannot wait to see just what made her into the villainous manipulator that she is today. This was not my favorite issue of Justice League in terms of its characters being featured, but I will say that's probably why I liked it so much. I don't really care for any of the characters featured, but there was just enough to make them interesting. It was well-written. It was fantastically-drawn. And the combination of different stories with similar themes and relatively similar outcomes made for a fun read. All-in-all, I'm very impressed with the creative team's ability to make what should have been a filler issue one of the better installments of the crossover chaos of the last few months. Kudos, gentlemen. That's how you do an origin book. Now if only they had had a less misleading cover" Probably one more appropriate for Forever Evil 4, also out this week.

All in all, it's a beautifully-drawn and well-written (both in dialogue and pacing) issue. It is, on the other hand, a filler issue. Much like this week's Forever Evil: Blight crossover issue, it's forgettable but gets the job done. It gets us from point A to point B. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. I'm ready for more non-Cyborg action. The ending of Forever Evil would be a great time to incorporate Cyborg into another team. Perhaps a New Teen Titans book? Nah. No one would buy that. Right...

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait to see them fulfill Doc Magnus' "rule number one," and "save everyone [they] can." I want this to happen in the pages of both Justice League and Forever Evil, though. Not in their own ongoing title. I don't want them to die, I want them to live and be exactly what this issue made it not only possible, but probable for them to be: excellent supporting characters. They're true heroes. They're interesting and relevant for the first time in my lifetime. So don't blow it, DC. Let Johns and Reis do them justice" But let them do so sparingly. Great work, guys.

So let's first talk about how great that Ivan Reis cover is. It's awesome" So much so that I was (and still kind of am) hoping that the Metal Men start looking like the Justice League in the near future. Even if it's just for one fight, it'll be fun. Now let's talk about how Johns has consistently made heroes who are D-listers or even lapsed B-through-C-listers into A-listers. The Justice Society? Check. Green Lantern? Check. Aquaman? Check. Metal Men? Check. So who's next, Mr. Johns? No matter who that may be, count this fan in for sure.

This is how you do an epilogue, folks. You reference past events, build toward future stories, and do it all with some beautiful artwork that leaves plenty of space for realistic dialogue and great character-building opportunities. There's a reason Geoff Johns is in charge over at DC these days. He's a man with a plan. And though the events of Forever Evil might be over, the story is just beginning. Though there are plenty of unanswered questions (I mean, come on" It's only part one!) I've can sum up my anticipation for the next several issues in three words: Count. Me. In!

This is the best team book on the stands. Do yourselves a favor and buy it.

Shazam!'s dialogue continues to be a fun highlight in Johns' tenure as Justice League writer and the harbinger of doom prophetic message when Cyborg melds minds with Power Ring's source are just a few reasons why this is the best team book on the stands today from any company. Pick it up to see where it goes next. I know I will be.

I hope that the next part of this story leads us back in the direction that issue seven put us on. Because other than the 22 pages of that comic, this series has been one of, if not THE biggest disappointment in the third (or was it fourth?) wave of the New 52. Step it up, guys. Or you're going to lose me.

So, I guess, because you have to, go ahead and pick this one up. Just set your standards really low and hope for more from Johns when he reigns it in next issue.

Again, this is far from a bad issue. It's just a little disappointing due to its lack of progressing the story along or really telling anything new in terms of the characters we all know and love. I'm excited but somewhat skeptical of how this is all going to tie up nicely (AKA how it's going to lead into the whole "Forever Evil" line-wide event and Villains Month). I'm sure Geoff Johns knows what he's doing, but it would have been nice if he had a little less confidence in his friend Jeff Lemire on this particular event. Especially if they were going to co-write Justice League of America (which went drastically downhill these last two issues in terms of this reader's interest level) and raise the price of the Justice League title (this one) that really served no purpose even before Lemire came on board. All in all, this issue got us to where we needed to be. I just wish it had been a dollar cheaper and two months sooner.

Needless to say, I'll be picking up back issues of Katana now, just like Trinity War event did for Constantine with me. I'm interested in this title now, when I had originally written it off as a terrible idea to diversify for diversity's sake. Job well done, Villains Month. Even though I think this should have just been one artist and one writer, it was quite a lofty tale indeed. Well worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. Go pick it up now, because your local comic shop probably didn't order very heavy on this one.

So yes, get the issue. And while youre at it, go ahead and buy the fancy cover. Its awesome. Tans artwork and DiDios straight-forward storytelling make this a fun read. The only complaints I have for it is that this team didnt do the last Justice League Dark tie-in issue (The Creeper) and that it simply wasnt long enough. I cant wait to see where these two villains show up next. And I honestly can say that DiDio has certainly still got the chops when it comes to penning a good old superhero (or supervillain, for that matter) comic book.

It may not be as reader-friendly as the other Justice League books, but who cares. It should get you interested in a whole other part of the DCU that you may not have ever given a chance before. And I hope that I'm not alone in my excitement that DeMatteis is going to bring some more much needed intelligence back to the dialogue and stories involving some of my favorite characters.

The biggest highlight in terms of well-done scenes in this issue for me was the very end, where John Constantine walks out of a room where he has summoned the Trinity of Sin. It was so dark and disturbing that most people probably overlooked the pain and torment that was probably necessary for this feat to succeed. But I'm sure we'll see more about that in issues to come. I, for one, cannot wait to see more about John's battle to convince everyone (himself included) that he's not a bad guy. He's not very likable. He's pretty self-serving most of the time. But when it comes right down to it, I'm under the impression that he secretly wants to do the right thing. Calling him a hero might be a stretch, but he might end up being the one to save them all. Or worse (or better?), he might be the biggest threat they'll ever face. Either way, count me in.

This is, plain and simple, great writing. The pacing is perfect. The dialogue is within character for everyone speaking, and to be quite honest, it's keeping me guessing. What seems like random plot twists are actually (quite obviously, when you think about them) really well-crafted clues. The Phantom Stranger is either playing both ends and really is as self-serving as everyone thinks he is, or he's a double-agent with a secret agenda of his own. And I'm certainly hoping that Deadman in the Sea King's body is part of Constantine's plan to confront the Crime Syndicate with a double agent of his own. Only time will tell, but Forever Evil: Blight just took it up a notch. In a good way. And the timing couldn't have been better, because I was getting a little bored, to be honest. As with this week's issue of Forever Evil: A. R. G. U. S., the halfway point of this storyline had a much-needed pace pickup. Well done, DeMatteis and Janin. You've just saved this storyline.

We're heading full-steam ahead into the conclusion, but I can't say that I'm losing interest one bit. In fact, I think it's going to last the perfect amount of time. It was certainly a slow burn ride, but it's been fun so far. I can't wait to see how John plans to save his friends. I can't wait to see who lives, who dies, and who forms the brand new Justice League Dark. Needless to say, this issue is a must-read for any fans of DC Comics, the main Forever Evil event, or just plain good old fashioned supernatural superhero comics.

I'm not sure if it was the occasionally inconsistent artwork or the fact that the story is starting to sort of repeat itself, but this one was not as great as it could have been. Don't get me wrong. It's still an excellent comic in almost all ways. The pictures portray a well-crafted script that is, even though filled to the brim with magic, very human. Constantine's never been more interesting in the New 52 than he is in the pages of Forever Evil: Blight. And the fact that he's finally reunited with Zatanna is just too good to not enjoy. But the true strength of this break-off of the main Forever Evil event is the recent spotlight on the villainy of Felix Faust, one of the greatest villains of the DC Universe. I can't wait to see him kill and/or maim more of this team. And, inevitably, get his butt handed to him by the forces of good before all is said and done.

But not really. The epilogue is the strongest scene in the whole issue, by far. Zee visits John while he is wallowing in self misery (as is his preferred method of existing) within the House of Mystery. She bitch slaps him. Tells him they're officially over. And takes over leadership of the team. And the House. I for one am glad that John and Zee are done with each other. It was a great story, but it went about as far as it could. There will always be the ever-present tension whenever they get together, but with how Nick Necro went out (and the final reveal of the threesome), I feel like the story is over. I am eagerly anticipating the new direction of this title, as well as the most likely final stories presented in the two Trinity of Sin titles (Pandora and The Phantom Stranger). And, of course, John getting back to basics in the pages of Constantine. That's the best part, by far. Well done, team. This was a quality read.

This was just a transitional issue, which is fine, but the fact that Johns is such a great writer and Lemire is such a lackluster one was disconcerting to me as a reader. And the fact that we went from the artwork of David Finch and Brett Booth on this book normally, to the last part's stellar pencils of Ivan Reis, and then we arrive with Mahnke's bland and somewhat jarring portrayal of my favorite characters was a little disappointing. I really hope Lemire proves himself with his next part of the event, because I don't think that an epic tale like this can have too many false-starts without losing fans. Especially since Justice League Dark is already the weakest of the three core titles and we're going to have to shell out an extra dollar for the next part because it has a fancy cover. I would love to eat my words next week. Please, Justice Leaguers, don't disappoint me.

This is far from a bad issue. It just doesn't have a lot going on. The artwork has improved vastly over the last issue, the dialogue between characters seems to be more organic and believable. And the storyline, although moving at a relatively glacial pace, is not poorly executed. Perhaps we've just been spoiled in the past with previous events (mostly written by brilliant superhero architects like Geoff Johns and Grant Morrison with the help of very few bright yet more-or-less forgettable fill-in writers).

I'm also extremely excited to see where Kindt takes the Squad after this month and am glad to know that Ales Kot's (and Adam Glass's and even John Ostrander's before him) tenure are not wasted. I might have to go check out Mind MGMT back issues while I'm at it. Of course, because this issue actually matters and the fact that it's one of the few 3-D effects that works for everyone, no matter how much you oppose the effect, this one is definitely worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. Go pick it up and continue reading the events of Suicide Squad by Kindt and company, which has been billed as a direct crossover with Forever Evil after Villains Month concludes.

Probably not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover, so save the buck, but a definite must-read for Firestorm fans. And really, Justice League fans. There are a few nice cameos from various DCU villains along the way, and the fact that a majority of the more laughable characters appearing at the meeting with the Crime Syndicate are actually downright terrified of Killer Frost makes her that much more exciting of a character. I can't wait to see where she pops up next. Consider me a new fan of a formerly-thought stagnant villainess.

I did enjoy this book, but mostly because I have no idea who the character is or anything about her. It was a brand new concept to me, never having read anything about Hawkman or the Shadow Thief (especially this new interpretation). And call me old-fashioned, but theres something fun about seeing writers like DeFalco still on the stands. So unless youre an old school Marvel or DC fan, you will probably want to save yourself the buck and buy the regular cover, or avoid it entirely. But if youre anything like me, youre going to give this one a shot and probably give serious thought to going back and collecting old Hawkman comics to see just how different (or how similar) the new character is to the old one. All in all, it was a fun read with great art.

Spend the extra dollar for an amazing fancy cover. Youll thank yourself. And dont miss this issue if youre planning on getting Justice League (any of the three) titles or the main Forever Evil event or crossover issues. Or, you know, if you just love a good anti-hero story. Thats right, Ill be the first to say it: Black Adam is not a villain. Hes certainly not a hero (although some people might see some of his acts as heroic at times), but Id argue that hes an anti-hero. And I, for one, cannot wait to see him kill a bunch of bad guys in the upcoming months.

But it's not all neat and shiny. The artwork, for lack of a better term, appears rushed. Much like his issues during Trinity War, Mahnke does not look to be giving his all. Some of the facial expressions are downright distracting and the action seems very disjointed throughout the entire book. It is by no means bad artwork, but it is certainly not his best. I expect better, for three reasons: First, he is a great artist. Second, this is a high profile book. And third (and possibly most importantly), this is a crossover. This is where you win over new fans. Not scare old ones away. So I'm excited to see where Kindt goes with this (along with his other DC books) and I'll be coming back for more, but hopefully the artwork and the pacing pick up in the next issue. I think they will.

This series just cannot seem to find its footing. It's essentially backup stories that should be taking place in both Justice League and Justice League Dark, but work better without taking several issues to complete each story. That being said, I do enjoy it and will be sticking around until Jeff Lemire takes over writing duties and the team and name changes to Justice League Canada. Because, you know, there's apparently a lot of interest in that. So, until that final fateful day, count me in. I'm just hoping that the rest of the issues until that moment offer up a little more than just adding to the other Justice League books. That would take this from a good book to a great one.

The basic flaws of this issue fall not entirely on the pacing or storytelling (or choice of characters to be spotlighted), but are also equally put on the shoulders of artists Tom Derenick and Eddy Barrows, who are both normally very good at what they do. This seems like a very rushed product, and, unfortunately, there are more sequences featuring strange or distracting facial expressions than there are ones with compelling looks, glances, and emotions. The artwork is rushed. The story is a simple "move the plot along and grab some more bucks for the company with a crossover tie-in," but it is not without its merits. In fact, it's actually still much better than quite a few other books on the stands today. And the biggest strength of this issue (and the crossover as a whole) is a sense of something bigger happening. And one of obvious continuity. The characterization, though kind of boring at times, is spot-on. Stargirl and Martian Manhunter never seem like they are written

Maybe I'm just being way too nitpicky, but I guess it just seems like this series exists solely to get DC another 3.99 a month for a crossover book until it morphs into a completely different one under the pen of Jeff Lemire later this year. Forever Evil is great and, for the most part, I've been pretty happy with the crossovers. But this aspect of the story is officially tired. Let's move on and wrap things up. Because at this pace, we might actually see Stargirl fly around with a nagging Martian in her head for the rest of the event. Which would be expected, but still very disappointing to see.

In other words, do yourself a favor and either skip this issue entirely (and enjoy the excellent Suicide Squad issue that Kindt put out this week) or just look at the pictures.

So the "dream" thing is overdone as it is, but if you're going to use such a lame deus ex machina, at least do it well. The art team is trying their hardest to make a convincing story visually, but they can only be as good as their script. And I hate to say it, but Matt Kindt just isn't cutting it. It's sad, because his Suicide Squad is great. This book, unfortunately, is not only the worst of the Forever Evil tie-in series, but quite possibly, the entire New 52 line. Courtney willing J'onn back to life is nonsense. The willpower she has and her weakness of not wanting to fail others is rubbish. And to be completely honest, I don't even care enough to finish this story. (I will" but still. Make it a little easier on me, DC. This should be one of your best books.)

All in all, a pretty good finale. It wrapped up plenty of loose ends, acknowledged the entire run, and even planted the seeds for future stories. Or, rather, future series. I won't be picking that book up, but I was glad that Kindt used the three artists (Eddy Barrows, Tom Derenick, and Diogenes Neves) to his advantage this go-around. It felt like a complete story. It was a good wrap-up with the necessary story being driven by Stargirl and Martain Manhunter, the two "unofficial" leaders of the new League. I would have liked to have seen more about Amanda Waller and Congress, but I'm sure that will play out in the pages of New Suicide Squad and the rest of the DC Universe. And as for Steve Trevor, the guy needs to catch a break. Maybe not being on a Justice League for a while will help him salvage what little remains of his pride.

The only gripe I have is that I really don't want any of these characters to die. And that's kind of the whole point of the last series. Anything (or anyone) goes. Check this book out if you're a fan of the Ostrander stuff or if you just liked the previous volume.

With the regular writer-artist team of Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows returning to the book that is slowly but surely making them famous, the Joker is out for blood. This issue has not one but two big deaths. And they are surely going to be just the beginning. Poor Dick Grayson " always the optimist, but always the guy who gets the shaft.

And then we get that final page that weve been getting in all of the Bat family titles this month. You know, the one where Joker is dressed up in his purple Sunday best and getting ready to open up the fly-covered bloody platter? Yeah. That teaser is not getting old. Not yet. I simply cant wait for the finale in Batman and to be back here again in a month for the inevitable fallout for the rest of the family. Who else has the Joker taken away from Dick Grayson? And just how far is this going to push Nightwing into the abyss that will make him finally become what he fears the most? Will this be the breaking point that truly makes him the real heir to Batman? Or worse? Its going to be amusing and terrifying and shocking to see just what point the Clown Prince of Crime is trying to make, and why the original Boy Wonder seems to be getting it the worst of all of the family members.

This title, just like Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo and Batman and Robin by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason, is a series that never disappoints. And the fact that three changes can happen without completely compromising or flat-out ruining what has come before just proves that DC does, in fact, know what they're doing. Welcome aboard, Brett Booth. I'm excited to see where you and Kyle Higgins take my favorite character next.

Yet another great installment in the monthly adventures of Batman's first and greatest sidekick, brought to us by veteran Nightwing writer Kyle Higgins and new series artist Brett Booth. This book continues to prove that the Batman line is the best in comics. The dialogue is witty, quick, and realistic and the art speaks to the 90s kid in me but also the adult comic reader within. It's one of many examples of the New 52 line really understanding the necessity of pairing a writer with an artist who complements his or her own work. It's something that can make a good book great, which is definitely the case in this new creative team.

So there you have it. Another well job well done by the writer and artist team of Higgins and Booth. This series has always been a favorite of mine, but that is partially because Dick is such a great character. I was skeptical way back when writer Devin Grayson replaced Chuck Dixon and then again when Peter J. Tomasi took over the story of the original Robin all grown up, but nothing had me as hesitant as relative newcomer Kyle Higgins taking over the backbone of the DC Universe. And let me say, it's a treat every single issue to be proven wrong. Congrats on another great issue, guys!

Other than a few awkward facial expressions here and there, the artwork is relatively consistent and doesn't detract from the book at all. But I'll be the first to admit that I was slightly ticked off when I opened up the book and saw that one of my favorite artists was no longer drawing one of my favorite characters.

The penultimate chapter to the Chicago story arc hit the stands this week and, much like the entire series run of Kyle Higgins, it had a few surprises and twists for us. The only complaint I have about this issue is the art of Will Conrad. And let me go on record as saying that it is good, just not what I had come to expect from that of Eddy Barrows and Brett Booth in the past. He's still a good artist and a very capable visual storyteller. I just think he's a little bland, or, more accurately, safe. That being said, the issue is still great and you should go buy it.

So there you have it. A great story, expertly written and drawn by a fantastic creative team that really seems to be finding their footing as a duo. And other than the ending (which I'm sure many others liked, even though it felt a little rushed to me personally), it was a pretty flawless issue. But I'm from the generation where the ending is everything. And this one doesn't exactly ruin the story, but it still left me wanting. Not in a cliffhanger sense, just in a "did I miss something?" one. All in all, a good issue. Can't wait to see what life throws at Nightwing next.

All in all, it's a nice flashback tale that doesn't really add a whole lot of background to the character of Dick Grayson, but still fits nicely not only with his origin story that we do know, but also adds more to his character. His heroism isn't defined by his time spent with the Batman. No, he had that long before the tragedy made him into a superhero. And that's what makes him special. His parents' death didn't define him or give him purpose or even make him the man he is today. He was always going to be a hero. The tragedy that occurred when he was a teenage just made it that much more apparent. So far, this is the best of the special tie-in issues for the Zero Year event.

This issue, which will more than likely be the first for a casual reader due to its tie-in to Trinity War, will hopefully grab enough new blood to keep the series going strong for readers like me who were always kind of irritated with the lack of a legitimate origin story in the old DCU. I was always bored by the whole "He's mysterious! That's his power!" logic of the Phantom Stranger in the past. This one is much more interesting. Much more flawed. And above all else, much more human.

I really hope that sales increase due to the Forever Evil tie-ins and more people start picking up this book. As of right now, I'm one of a very select few at my own local comic shop who not only reads this issue and enjoys it, but actually purchases it every month. It's slowly becoming one of my favorites, and this is a very welcome surprise. There's nothing better than having good creators change your opinions on characters you never used to like. I hope that others start feeling the same way soon so I have someone to talk to about this great title.

This is leading directly into the Blight series-within-a-series crossover event-within-an-event. That's right, Forever Evil has far-reaching limbs and will extend to not just the superheroes and super-villains of the DC Universe, but also the holy and the unholy. The magical and the supernatural. And I, for one, cannot wait to see where this goes next. I've loved the magic characters for a long time and I feel that they were vastly improved upon after DC's reboot. Putting them back into the DC Universe proper and actually being forced to not only use them, but make them work rationally, was a stroke of genius. I can't wait to see what DeMatteis and the others come up with next as this new unofficial team or unholy alliance or whatever you want to call it are forced to work together and destroy all things evil. Count me in.

The best part of this series isn't the John Constantine antics, though. As much as I love him, he's already got a series of his own. Actually, counting JLD, he's got two. No, the strength of this book (other than the amazing script by the timeless DeMatteis and the great pencils of Blanco) is actually the characterization of the Phantom Stranger himself. He was always somewhat of a throwaway character pre-New 52. Now he's not only interesting, but on his way to becoming one of my favorites. I can't wait to see where this event takes him and what he does after shit really hits the fan in the issues to come.

So the last two parts have added quite a bit of steam to a lackluster storyline. Hopefully the next issues ofTrinity of Sin: PandoraandConstantinedon't disappoint like they have been. I am hopeful that writer Ray Fawkes can continue what DeMatteis has set up, or at least, just keep the plot moving forward. What I fear is that the next two parts will just be more of the same thing, though. I hope I'm wrong. Because, on its surface, this is actually a very interesting story. And a great companion piece to the main event. Blight is now interesting and the Stranger's decisions should have some potentially awesome consequences. Also: I'd love to see more Zauriel. And maybe a full-blown "Heaven VS Hell" war on Earth. That would be pretty sweet, too. Here's to staying optimistic!

And more importantly, I can't wait to see who lives, dies, and inevitably joins the new-new Justice League Dark. It would be great to see all of these "dark" titles combined into one mega and ultra-dependable book each and every month. I know that this is an unrealistic (and not to mention not very good a business) plan, but it would be a nice reward to all of us who have stayed true and loyal these last almost three years. I'm not saying that the books should be cancelled because they're bad. I'm just saying that this event has given DC a great opportunity to combine in a sort of "greatest hits" type of way. Five or more mediocre-to-good titles pale in comparison to one (or maybe even two) awesome ones. Justice League Dark should be the one. And maybe backup features from the rest, if they really want to keep that 3.99 price tag.

Although I am a little confused as to why this story had to take place throughout four titles (and not just one really well-done one), it's starting to wind down when it should be ramping up. It's a good read, yes, but I'm going to take a shot and say that it will probably not read as well in a trade paperback collection when the whole story is said and done. It's had it's great moments here and there, but between the misleading covers, the poorly-advertised tie-in issues, and the overall lengthening of the whole "Blight" aspect of the story, it really just seems like it's stretching itself a bit too thin. Don't get me wrong. It's still a good read. I'm just going to go back to my original theory (or rather, suggestion) that the whole "Dark" portion of the New 52 should probably just be one title. Justice League Dark is really all they need. Especially now that they've explored just about every angle of the magical universe in this epic story.

Scott Lobdell is one of my favorite writers, so it's a given that I was beyond excited that he was making his return to superhero comics with the launch of the New 52 last year. And the fact that he would be writing two of my favorite characters (Jason Todd and Tim Drake) was just icing on top of the already awesome comic cake. This issue is just as good as anything he wrote over at Marvel back in the day, and that's because (to put it plainly) he's still got it. If you'll excuse a pun, he has an "uncanny" ability to weave high-octane action with realistically compelling drama and spot-on humor. And with this team of lovable losers, most fans would agree that he's got nowhere to go but up. But that doesn't stop him from making a good comic into a superior one.

I feel that the greatest strength of this title, much like that of Teen Titans, was and always has been the scripting of Scott Lobdell. He truly understands how to write a team book and make everyone seem realistic. But the two flaws in this particular issue are the lack of Jasons narrative that I have grown so accustomed to over these last sixteen months and the lack of a threatening Joker presence until the final page. Much like my disappointment with the last issue of Teen Titans, I am remaining optimistic that the finale will make up for the seemingly choppy issues here and there by the end. I dont know what Joker has planned for the Bat family, but I know this: Its going to be worth the wait.

The plot is a little confusing, mostly because of the fact that it is needlessly nonlinear and the art is not the greatest. I'm not entirely sure what was happening throughout the book, but to the best of my knowledge, it was essentially a throw-away issue where Starfire and Arsenal are looking for Jason, who apparently took a Wayne jet, crashed it, and disappeared to a magical place from his past.

This month's issue was a slight improvement over the last issue. It seems that new series writer James Tynion IV is starting to get his footing. It also seems that new series artist Julius Gopez is starting to slow down and take a little more time with the pencils. That being said, this is still a far cry from the book that Scott Lobdell and friends were putting out on a monthly basis.

But the lack of compelling character development and bottom of the barrel artwork isn't enough to kill this comic completely for me. No, because at its core, this title still has quite a few things going for it. The first being that I know for a fact that James Tynion IV is a good writer. Perhaps this just isn't the best fit for him. The second being that I know for a fact that Jason Todd's story is far from over, even if this title might be destined for cancellation. And the third being that eventually, we're going to have a moment in this storyline (which yes, is taking forever to go anywhere) that features Jason either joining the League of Assassins and disbanding the team, Jason turning against his true nature and actually becoming a full-blown hero (or at least an anti-hero), or, finger's crossed, something even better.

This one proved that this team knows what they're doing, even if the characters don't. It's safe to say that Red Hood and the Outlaws is not only in safe hands, but that it's not going anywhere. So do me a favor and if you dropped the book after Scott Lobdell left, go ahead and pick up this issue. Trust me. You won't regret it.

James Tynion IV and Julius Gopez are continuing to explore the new "team" dynamics within this book without forgetting to insert very-necessary humor. The first few issues of this new creative team's run were a little slow, but they've really come into their own and are starting to portray the three main characters (and the new cast of the inner circle of the League of Assassins) not only accurately and intelligently, but in a fun and unique manner not felt in any of the other DC books on the stands.

After the Villains Month Batman and Robin tie-in issue last month (featuring Ra's al Ghul and the League of Assassins), I knew Tynion would be bringing him back. And he writes him so well, that I know for a fact that the continuing storyline, even though it is getting quite lengthy and starting to drag on, will be excellent. I look forward to see what the creators have up their sleeves. And the fact that Ra's referred to Jason as a "young detective" harkens back to the original theory that Jason really truly is more like Batman than anyone, including themselves, are willing to admit. Whatever they have planned, you can count me in.

The art was amazing. The characterization was perfect. And, to be blunt, the last-minute cover change was what did it for me. It launched the book from "good" to "great," just by taking the long hair off of the solicited cover. They could have previewed this like most marketers would have and I would have been not only unshocked, but annoyed. It could have said, "Batman crossover! Joker! Buy it!" and I would have. But the fact that he wasn't announced (or really, ever actually called out by name) made his cameos throughout that much more disturbing and haunting. And that art. Man! Is there anyone more fitting for this book? Let's keep Jeremy Haun around a while. He runs laps around the past artists on this book.

This is by far one of the most unique Batman books on the stands. Possibly even one of the strangest superhero books available today. And it's great.

So even though it's only one issue into the new storyline, this comic really did a great job making me want to not only read this issue, but go back and read the work of Zeb Wells. His pacing, plotting, and dialogue are top-notch. And anyone who can weave the Kingpin, my favorite Marvel villain, into a story is okay in my book. And the fact that he is not only threatening to his own men, but also to the heroes and anti-heroes of the Marvel Universe is something that hasn't really been seen since Ed Brubaker's run on Daredevil. This one's got it all, folks. And I can't wait to see our heroes (and villains) go up against the mysterious and creepy trio featured on the last page cliffhanger.

It's like these creators made this book for me. And for that fact, among many others, I thank them yet again.

This series has singlehandedly restored my faith in the higher-ups at Marvel. It may not have been the best seller on the stands. And it may not have been as long as the hardcore Joe Mad fans wanted it to be, but it successfully brought this lapsed reader back to the House of Ideas. Now the trick is to keep me here. Ill follow Madureira to the pages of Inhumans and Im currently enjoying Charles Soules Thunderbolts, but Im going to be giving Savage Wolverine a rest after seeing the previews for the next few issues. Heres to hoping that we get more creators like these two writing books that appeal to each and every comic fan out there. I know Ill be picking up whatever they put out from this point forward.

For a new reader, this is a must-read. For a fan, this is still a good way to spend your hard-earned cash.

The Green Arrow origin by Jeff Lemire and Denys Cowan is a rehash of an old story, but is decently-written with hard-on-the-eyes artwork. But the Harley Quinn origin by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Stephanie Roux is every bit as chaotic, fun, and heartfelt as the main ongoing title.

Even though this is very much a transition issue, it is still a great read. I would go as far as to label this as the most underrated book in the line. And I'm glad that they are finally just admitting that it is, will be, and has been a Bat-book all along.

There are two shocking twists with the true return of two characters: Harley Quinn is no longer sane and Deadshot is apparently no longer dead. But the biggest and most impressive aspect of this issue, not to mention the fact that Adam Glass so perfectly meshes two unrelated stories into one cohesive tale, is the twist he drops on us at the end of the book. Not the return from the grave. Not the return to crazy. No, its the fact that when Joker locks up his former lover in a dungeon with a pile of other locked up corpses, he lets her in on a secret. She wasnt the first Harley. And from the looks of it, hes been in a vicious cycle of love and violence for years. And if he gets out of Death of the Family alive, hes going to have a new enemy in Harleen Quinzel.

This has been one of my "must-read" books ever since its beginning, but I had found that it was starting to lose its footing, as stated before. Well, let me tell you all right here and now" If this creative team is here to stay, this book is not only going to get back onto that list on a monthly basis, but it might very well climb to the top.

But I think the real strength of this issue in particular isn't the great facial expressions that show true emotion behind those tragically misunderstood psychopaths or even the fantastic knack for making every single character look and talk like a complete badass. No, it's the pairing of both writer and artist. They really seem to work together to create something special that is very hard to find these days in comic books. The writer is telling the story through the artist. Not the art selling a poorly written book. Not the dialogue being ruined by a lazy artist. But a truly amazing blend of art and words that tells a story that actually means something. This is, hands down, my new favorite book.

So why is this such a great issue? Well, the artwork is amazing. The fight scenes are perfect. The scope is epic yet realistic. There's a sense of actual urgency when shit hits the fan. Even the leader of the cult is creepy and unique. And each character looks, well, like a real person. But the script is also impeccable, what with little lines here and there that actually make the reader chuckle in what should be a serious scene (King Shark's "My name is Trixie and I like to party" line and Deadshot's "Dying hurts!" proclamation come to mind). And all of this without actually detracting from the fact that not only is this a team full of people who are, in every sense of the word, evil, but also that literally anything could happen.

The dialogue and the pacing was perfect and it was certainly nice to see someone from Amanda's past come back to haunt her, but I honestly don't know what happened at the end and I blame it in equal parts on the artist who botched such an important issue and the editorial team for scaring away one of their greatest writers on the payroll.

This is the start to a great new adventure in the series. Always one of my favorite artists, I was sad to see that Patrick Zircher was going to be separated from recent Suicide Squad writer, Ales Kot. Rest assured, though he will be missed on this book, he's got other things coming out right now that we can all read. And Kindt is doing a stellar job. I know it may be a little premature, but I'm going to go ahead and call it. This is the book to watch. Finally, I think it's going to get noticed the way it should have been all along. Keep up the good work, guys!

The series that used to be a guilty pleasure slowly matured into one of my favorite books. Then the writer left and we got a new one. Which was actually good because, somehow, he was even better than the one before him. Then he left. And now we have a new one. Big shoes to fill, but certainly a capable writer of doing so. Kindt has proven that he's totally in charge and completely at home with these characters and these off-the-walls crazy plots. This is back on its way to becoming my favorite books on the stands again. We'll see how this next issue plays out, but I'm going to go ahead and jump the gun here and say that it will be nothing short of awesome.

So there you have it. Action at its finest. Humorous dialogue. Psychotic serial killers trying to one-up each other in a deadly game of posturing. And the world in flames around them, desperately waiting to see who survives the upcoming onslaught. The best part about this book is the single fact that literally everyone is expendable. Even the fan favorites can die. And no matter what happens, how it all ends, and who survives when the dust clears, the realization for us normal folks just watching the chaos always creeps into the back of our minds: Whoever wins, we lose. After all, who is really going to save the world? And, more importantly, what's going to be their true motivation for doing so? This book rocks.

Speaking of O. M. A. C., how great is it that DC is finally not only getting and accepting, but embracing that a bunch of these characters work really well in a book like this? Steel isn't a bad character, just one that should be in a team book. Deadshot is amazing, but would totally fall flat with his own series. And add to the mix a couple of fan-favorites (Harley Quinn, Waller, Gordon, etc.) and you've got a recipe for a best-seller each and every month. So even though this is a bit of a "cheat" in terms of new material, it still satisfies the craving for insanity each and every month. Can't wait to see what happens in the next issue. And it's going to be really fun to see what sort of shakeup happens as we head toward the end of Forever Evil. I'm sure there'll be some deaths. And replacements. And returns.

There is still plenty of charm in this title. From the gross scene where O. M. A. C. pulls a corpse out of King Shark's mouth (from a few issues back) to Gordon being shot on accident and pretty much taken out of the action for the rest of the issue, Kindt still has plenty of laughs for such a dire situation. And then there's the charm (or lack thereof) of characters like Boomerang and Power Girl. All in all, I am sad to see this series go. But I will admit that making a team of expendable characters is certainly starting to get a little less believable, what with most of them being too popular to actually kill off now. I hope we get a nice wrap-up ending with the closing of Forever Evil. And, of course, that we get to see more of these characters in other books, whether its Harley Quinn, Justice League, or even a branch off of the upcoming Amanda Waller one-shot. Either way, count me in.

Oh, yeah. And the "magic bullet" that Floyd shot everyone with? It placed nanobombs back into the teammates. Waller forgot to mention that part. So she's going to need to rebuild not only her team morale, but their home base as well. It'll be interesting to see what happens next issue, what with Forever Evil: A. R. G. U. S. ending and potential paths of Steve Trevor and his team crossing with our own fan-favorite forced-to-reform villains. Either way, it's going to be a fun final issue. For now. Plus, we'll get a Waller one-shot that will no doubt serve as a coda to the series. And then the inevitable relaunch"

Overall not worth the extra dollar, but a decent enough issue, so go ahead and get the regular cover. It's a nice breath of fresh air into the Superman titles, which could not have come at a better time. I'm looking forward to the rest of the villains because if I liked Bizarro this much, I can't wait to see what's in store for the characters I already love. So far, Villains Month has been a pretty well-done mini event-within-an-event. And it serves as a great reminder of just how much I love DC Comics epics.

So all in all, its actually worth the extra dollar for the awesome cover. And for fans of Superman of the past, its a nice throwback to classic tales. In terms of actual New 52 continuity, its also nice to see a writer that actually cares about making things make sense. You know, the whole rationale behind the reboot in the first place. Lets hope that writers like Scott Lobdell, Greg Pak, Scott Snyder, and whoever else decides to take over the Superman family titles keep Tony Bedards hard work in mind when they use Vril Dox again.

So go ahead and save yourself the buck and buy the regular cover, because this issue leads directly into the next Superman family-wide event. Lets hope that this one does better than the HEl on Earth storyline last year. I have faith in Lobdell and company to make this the true Superman crossover event that I know they can deliver. Its about time something happened in those books. Otherwise, whats the point? If you cant do your flagship character right, why even reboot to begin with? Hopefully this is the story that shows me why they found it necessary to negate years worth of story. Needless to say, Im sticking around and for the first time since the introduction of the New 52, Im excited about Superman again.

So save the buck and buy the regular cover, but dont be scared away by some of the other lackluster Superman books of the last few years. This ones well-done and even though not a whole lot happens, it shows that with people like Kuder working on these characters, they dont have to have the same repetitive boring battles. They can still be scary. They can still be original. And in the case of this one in particular, they can still be brand new.

The question on my mind, and probably on that of everyone else's as well, is just how long can they keep it up? And by they, I mean both Clark and Diana as well as Daniel and Soule. Is there enough chemistry to truly explore this relationship further? Or is this destined to be doomed, due to fan outrage and comparisons to Twilight? (Seriously, I saw no Twilightesque shenanigans in this. At all.) I look forward to some great future stories looking into "masks," so to speak. I've always thought Wonder Woman and Batman were actually the ideal pair, but that would be too easy. Superman and Batman's friendship works because they are so different. So why can't Clark and Diana's work on the same token? Or at least, why can't they try desperately to make it work and draw it out as long as possible? Either way, if the rest of the issues are as good as this one, consider me on board. Until Lois comes back and is actually written as someone other than a plot device. That'd be neat.

So, great pencils, colors, and formatting make this a fun read. And the fact that Snyder is going to do something that isn't Batman, Swamp Thing, or a creator-owned series has me intrigued. Can't wait for the next issue, which is the first time I've said that since the reboot.

The comic that should be the best on the stands continues to soar higher than even my highest expectations with the second issue of dream team Scott Snyder and Jim Lee's epic tale of the Man of Steel. The artwork is perfect. Period. The script is simultaneously human and super. And even though it's only the second issue, I feel like this creative team has accomplished more than the last three years of Superman writers and artists combined. This series, if I were forced to choose one and only one, would be the title that I would give out to reluctant or new Superman fans who were interested in learning more about the New 52 and its mightiest hero.

The biggest strength in this issue is the teamwork between Lee and Snyder. Both are great in their own right, but this is the first issue where I felt like they are actually working as a team to support one another and really tell a great story. The words and the pictures are really meshing nicely and I just hope that this title continues down it's amazing path. As far as I'm concerned, this should be Action Comics, and DC should just go ahead and cancel Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl completely. There is simply no need for a Superman family in the New 52. Especially when Clark, Lois, and Lex are written so eloquently in this title. It just makes the other titles look like lesser products. Needless to say, I cannot wait until the next issue hits the stands!

This is by far the best issue of this series so far. The characterization is wonderful, the dialogue is fresh, and the artwork is unrivaled in not only DC Comics, but ALL current books on the stands.

I can't wait for the next issue, mostly because Supeman fighting Swamp Thing (you know they'll fight, then team up) is going to be awesome. But also partially because I really want to see the Scarecrow weasel his way out of this one. I'm extremely hopeful for this series again, which is a shock, because I was quite honestly considering dropping it when Snyder left. I'm glad I stuck around.

Only two issues in and Charles Soule has proven himself a worthy successor to Scott Snyder. The issue's artist, Kano, is no stranger to superhero books, and he also shows new and old readers alike that he has found his place at Soule's side. Their storytelling ability is matched only by the epic scale of a character that I didn't know I cared about until the launch of the New 52. That's right. Swamp Thing is not only terrifying and monstrous, but also, at his core, very human. Just like the title character, the humanity of this series is revealed not by having a few scenes of old Swampy lamenting his past life as Dr. Alec Holland while performing godlike feats, but rather, by expressing his greatest fears through a more traditional approach: a nightmare.

Trust me. You'll want to read it, no, experience this comic for yourself. So go ahead. Drop everything and go buy it. Mark my words, Charles Soule is going to be our generation's Alan Moore when it comes to the Saga of the Swamp Thing.

This is, hands down, the best written comic on the stands today for that reason among many others. You'll be kicking yourself if you wait too long to get on the bandwagon.

For the first time in years, Swamp Thing is not only the smartest book on the stands, but it's actually a superhero title, not just a preachy horror book.

So all in all, youd be a fool to miss this issue. Whether youre a huge Swamp Thing fan, a Charles Soule or Jesus Saiz fan, or even just a fan of good old fashioned horror comics, you wont want to miss this one. Go ahead and pay the extra dollar for the fancy cover. Its by far one of the best ones so far this month. And though it is rated teen plus, I would argue that it simultaneously doesnt go too far over the top as well as accomplishes the overall goal of thoroughly disturbing its readers into secretly hoping that Arcane never comes back again. Well done, guys.

So things are heating up, quite literally, as this story rockets toward its whirlwind conclusion. Soule is proving that he not only knows how to weave an expertly clever story, but also work with multiple creators throughout a single story arc. Ever since he took over the book, it has slowly but consistently become not only one of the better DC books in their line, but toward the top of my stack of monthly comics in terms of sheer entertainment value. It is, in all honesty, one of the most enjoyable reads each and every month. And what luck! We get two issues this month! I cant wait for the soon to be classic annual later this October.

So unless Calvin Rose seriously just died, (which, come on" it's a comic book!) we have a purpose. Or, rather, a more clear one. I am excited to go back and give the first six issues (and the issue zero origin comic) a second read. And I am really excited to see what happens next. That being said, it's not quite my favorite Batman book yet, but man is Talon getting there. Keep up the good work, guys! You've finally won me over!

So we dont get the Bane fight we want. We dont even really get a lead-in to the Birds of Prey and Talon fight (which will eventually become a team-up because, hey, its a comic!). Hes just getting his armor on one minute and watching Batgirl and her all-female team of Gotham City protectors. So yeah, this issue wasnt exactly the greatest. It just seemed like a get from point A to point B type of issue. Which is fine, for a filler issue, but makes me a little skeptical about the future of the title if this is going to be the format of every single issue. I have faith, though. After all, Tynion has proven himself as a good writer in the past. And the second issue of his solo run on Red Hood and the Outlaws was significantly better than his first. So heres hoping that issue nine of Talon is much, much better than this one.

Overall, gripes aside, this was a slight improvement over last issue. But it's still missing something. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I know that it will get better. After all, it's an interesting premise, a new character, and the scene with Bane in this issue was enough for the price on the cover. Not to mention the return of Bane co-creator, Graham Nolan, providing layouts for Miguel Sepulveda's finishes. I'm just hoping that the risk I've been taking by keeping with this book after Scott Snyder's departure on co-plotting is worth the reward I'm hoping we get with the final battle between Talon and Bane.

This might seem like an average review to the casual reader, but it's probably just because, even though not a whole lot happens in this issue, it's finally one that makes me look forward to the next part. I've been saying for months that I had faith in Tynion as a solo writer, and that is why I liked this issue so much. Because, just like other "new faces" of the New 52, he's finally proving me right. He does deserve his own book. He's making Calvin his own character and he's unapologetically owning each and every single scene with Bane. I just can't wait for the final showdown. It's going to be fantastic.

Much like Batwing, this is one of those Bat family titles that really doesn't serve a whole lot of purpose other than we get an extra Batman comic in our stack every month. I'm just curious to see if the series will even be good at all without constant guest stars and lead-ins and crossovers. Or if the creative team is brave enough to try.

The art is phenomenal. Brett Booth is amazing in just about every frame of this comic and has been the whole series. His Joker is no exception. But I could talk for days on end about my love for this former Image and Wildstorm hotshot. The true strength of this issue and series in general has been the combined dynamic of Lobdell and Booth, which was glaringly absent in this particular issue. But it was still by no means a bad comic. In fact, it was a lot better than most of the books on the shelves these days; it just seemed a bit like a fill in issue.

This month, we get yet another issue guest written by Fabian Nicieza but still plotted by series writer Scott Lobdell. Brett Booth continues to supply the comic with some great art. There are quite a few equally great action sequences within these pages. But this is still essentially just another of the same thing we've been getting all along in both Red Hood and the Outlaws and Teen Titans for the last few issues of each title. Not a lot happens, but it still remains a fun and quick read nonetheless.

Probably not worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover, so you can go ahead and save yourself a buck. But definitely a good read. Wolfman successfully wins back fans of the 1980s style he's so famous for writing in as well as fans of the original Raven/Trigon saga. And with the one-shot special format, he also wins over reluctant fans of the more fantasy-inspired elements of the superhero mythos. I'm pretty excited to see how this plays into Forever Evil in the pages of the upcoming Teen Titans crossovers. I'll be picking them up for sure.

I remain hopeful, if not a little bit skeptical. So save the buck and buy the regular cover. But even though its aggravating at times, Im not going to place the blame on the creators. Im going to say its all on the editors. They may have botched it pretty badly, but my guess is the type of people picking this book up are those who arent too worried about such things as continuity. Theyre getting it for the action. And on that measure, no one could ever say that this book didnt deliver. That alone makes it worth the read.

This is a great premiere issue that not only acknowledges the previous series, but builds on it, without alienating potential new readers. Grab your copy if you are interested in any of these characters, this creative team, or just need a fun new title to read. You won't be disappointed!

A slight step up from last issue, we are shown quite a bit this issue. Series writing team Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Keith Giffen, and issue artist Patrick Zircher deliver a significantly more cohesive story this go-around, but there are still plenty of lingering (and even some nagging) questions.

New characters. New twists. And still not a whole lot of progress. Yet this still remains an entertaining, albeit convoluted and wholly unnecessary series. Let's see if the pieces fall together more coherently next issue.

Most of the issue is the typical Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen, Jeff Lemire Dan Jurgens brand of somewhat interconnected future chaos in the DC Universe that is beyond unrecognizable, with artwork by Jesus Merino, embracing the look of an early 1980s DC Comic.

The series I'm torn between hating and loving and loving to hate (and hating to love) continues its weekly quest of confusing, intriguing, and aggravating me. Writers Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen, Jeff Lemire, and Dan Jurgens are joined by expert artist Patrick Zircher in the newest issue, which improves on art, but falls slightly farther down the hole in regards to plot.

So we have a wonderful piece of art that is going to reinvigorate the industry, bring back some steam to two creators' comic book careers, and hopefully bring some thought into the everyday superhero comic reader. Not to mention that, even though I'm sure it won't work out well in the end, part of me still hopes that there will be enough twists and turns throughout the tale to give me even the slightest glimmer of hope that the original Sandman might not be dead. I mean, come on" Who wouldn't want a new modern-day ongoing Sandman series? Excluding maybe Neil Gaiman. Which, I guess is probably pretty important. All kidding aside, there is no question in my mind. This is, by far, the pick of my week. And quite honestly, the month. Well done.

First and foremost, the fact that they are trying to encompass the entirety of the DCU is amazing. I hope they pull it off. Secondly, I find it impressive that Fawkes acknowledges events as recent as last week's issue of Justice League. It shows that they really do know what they're doing behind the scenes at DC Comics. And third and quite possibly most important, is the fact that with just one small issue, I'm loaded with questions that I want answered and cannot wait to see if I get my way within the pages of the various crossover issues of the event.

So a pretty straight-forward issue, all in all. But a good read nonetheless. This book might be moving a little too slow for some readers, but I think the footing and the pacing are perfect for such a character. It's being drug out enough to keep up with the events of the rest of the other important DC books, but not enough to be a repetitive or daunting read. I'm curious to see just how long this title will last after Trinity War ends, but in the meantime, I'll anxiously await each and every issue.

So, all in all, not a whole lot happens. It's not bad and Fawkes is successfully keeping me reading, but I'm worried that the title character just isn't intriguing enough to keep (or grab, for that matter) the attention of new readers.

So there is still plenty of intrigue to keep my interest piqued. I'm going to be coming back again to see her "chat" with the Outsider and what revelations (if any) he shares with her about her origins. Pandora herself is a mystery, yes, but almost too mysterious. Like, to the point where she's actually the most boring character in her own book. But you almost don't notice, because the plot moves right along at a fast enough pace and there are enough secondary characters and guest stars to keep you distracted as a reader. I look forward to seeing where this series goes next, but it would be nice to get some answers relatively soon. Even if they just lead to bigger questions. I'd be all right with that. But they have to give us something some time, right?

All right. I'll buy it. I'm on board. So let's get this new "crossover-within-a-crossover" going. Justice League Dark, Constantine, The Phantom Stranger, and even Pandora's book itself will form the grouping of Forever Evil: Blight, the more magical and supernatural crossover issues that will be coinciding directly with the events of the main Forever Evil crossover. If you've been paying attention recently, DC Comics has been quite sneaky with their solicitations. They're no longer grouped as they once were. There's no longer a "The Dark" section of the New 52. Could Forever Evil: Blight be the reason? Does this mean some people are going to die? Does this mean some series are going to get cancelled? Does this mean some teams are going to be getting consolidated? Well, one thing's for sure: Anything can happen. Count me in.

So with the cliffhanger, we now know as the readers that there is a reason for the deaths. They don't really mean anything at this point. This is sort of a cop-out, but I'm glad that they at least have acknowledged that this is not the best of plans. I'm interested to see how they explain whatever this plan is to the readers, because, to be completely honest, this event-within-an-event is a bit weak so far. It's an interesting premise, but something crazy needs to happen soon. If not, I'm going to keep saying "cancel these books" every time I write a review. Come on, DC. Prove that you're the authority on all things magic and supernatural like Marvel is for all things space and time. I know you can do it. I have faith in you.

Just like this week's main Forever Evil crossover issue, it's pretty bland. Not in a terrible "I'm going to rip this up and never read it again" way, but more in a "meh, I'm ready for the next issue" way. Now are Pandora and the Phantom Stranger really dead? No. Am I starting lose interest in this event-within-an-event again? Kind of. But am I interested to see what exactly happened to the two heroes of the Trinity of Sin (and where/when the Question will pop up again, for that matter)? Absolutely. This storyline is far from lost. And it still has a bunch of potential. I'm not just rooting for J. M. DeMatteis anymore. After two issues in a row, I'm finally back on board the Ray Fawkes train. I really hope he doesn't disappoint me.

The greatest strength of what's left of "the dark" imprint of the New 52 is the lack of trust among its heroes. And anti-heroes. And villains, come to think of it. It's that moral ambiguity that makes this portion of the DC Universe just so interesting to begin with.

Silly, John. You just really don't want anyone to like you, do you? The stories by Fawkes and event-within-an-event co-writer and co-plotter J. M. DeMatteis seem to be two of the very few DC Comics writers post-New 52 who really "get" the character of John Constantine. He's not a hero. He's not really even an anti-hero. He's an asshole who occasionally makes not terribly selfish decisions. In other words, he's flawed to the point where he's almost a bad guy, but when it counts, he's still human. I have no idea how this is all going to wrap up nicely (spoiler from future readers: it's probably not), but color me curious as to how things shake out. I cannot wait.

So it may not exactly be worth the extra dollar for the fancy cover. Save the buck. It reminds me of the terrible bloody variant covers that X-Force did at Marvel back when Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost, and Clayton Crain were in charge of making tired characters more edgy. But if nothing else, you should pick this up for the script by Ostrander. Hes a legend for a reason. And unlike several other legends who should have stayed retired, hes earned the right to put out books with the current superstar creators. I just hope he gets to return to his one true love, (and my first favorite comic I probably wasnt old enough to be secretly reading,) Suicide Squad. Heres to hoping that he stays around as long as hes willing to school the current writers in how to write a good adult comic.

I would suggest you save the buck and buy the regular cover, but dont pass over the issue entirely. Its a great script and a fun new twist on some classic elements of Greek mythology. Not to mention the fact that it is going to directly impact the future upcoming issues of the main Wonder Woman series. So go ahead and pick this one up if youre a lapsed fan, new fan, or just a person who enjoys good one-shot origin stories. Its well worth it.

Tyler Kirkham's art is a strange choice for an otherwise forgettable issue, but a welcome kind of strange. He adds a bit of mangaesque quality to a run-of-the-mill displaced heroes going home tale.