Jeremy Joanes Comic Reviews

It remains to be seen if this arc will have any far reaching ramifactions in the Batman mythos, but so far its offered, at least, a glimpse into what adventures with The Bat and The Cat will be like in the future.

This arc gives Batman fans a taste of what the Batman dynamic will feel like for the foreseeable future with Selina taking the place of the usual Robin role, resulting in a fresh take of Batman himself. While there is a questionable moment regarding the extent of Catwomans abilities, the relationship between her and Bruce is worth the price of admission.

Batman #44 is a fun lead up to the main event and its safe to say that there will be more twist and turns and this wedding wont play out the way most people will expect. Some readers may be annoyed that the main title Batman ongoing is practically devoid of its signature action and mystery, but its a nice change of pace and has had some much needed character growth. Itll be interesting to see if this wedding will go down in history as a defining moment in comics or retconned away.

If you're looking for a brief, but interesting what if story featuring Booster Gold, definitely give this a read.

White Knight continues to be one of the most engaging and thrilling Batman tales we've had in recent years that will go down as a classic if it can manage to stick the landing. Its social awareness and engrossing characters are only rivaled by its gorgeous art. If you haven't been following this series and you're looking for a superhero comic drenched in well written social commentary, you owe it to yourself to give this a try.

Batman White Knight #6 continues the unique battle between the Joker and Batman with maturity and grace. As the story races to it inevitably bombastic conclusion, if you've haven't caught up now, this is the time do it.

White Knight #7 ties up loose ends as it careens into the final stretch. Certain secrets between Batman and Napier are revealed and, with the confirmation that Murphy will be returning to the world of White Knight, it's probable that one specific secret will the main focus. Theres no telling how this story is going to end, but its, without a doubt, going to be something fan will be talking about for years to come.

For fans that may be tired off the main continunitys inability to progress Batman in more long term ways, White Knight is perfect because it has the leeway to grow organically. Added to that is the clear connections to Batman the Animated Series giving it a nostalgia factor. It makes you feel like you know these characters even more intimately than normal as many adult readers grew up watching one the Caped Crusaders most influential animated series.

Exiles #1 lays the groundwork for what could be a fun and adventurous series. There are at least two more teammates to find and hopefully spends a little more time in their timelines and the comic gains a more even pacing. Fans of the original Exiles series will find satisfaction in returning with Blink to save the multiverse from cosmic forces.

Issue two still suffers from some pacing problems and readers may feel like the plot is somewhat meandering, but the characters are still fun to read and, with the inclusion of Lil Wolvie and Valkyrie, shows that the comic is focused more on character interaction than deep storytelling. Hopefully, when all the members are more settled in the story will shine as much, but, as of right now, the comic is still fun to read and to look at.

Milk Wars continues the weirdness of Doom Patrol and invites the JLA along for the ride. Its fun and insightful without being too silly and pretentious. Its exciting to see how this story plays out especially after looking the cover for the following issues which feature Batman as a priest and Wonder Woman as 50's housewife. If you like trippy visuals and storytelling and crazy versions of old characters or are just a fan of the new Doom Patrol series, check this out.

If you're looking at the cover and are confused, but delighted, by the image Bat-Priest descending from heaven, definitely give this a read.

This is a difficult comic to recommend as it is unfriendly to new readers, but it's a necessary installment of the Milk Wars arc. Shade, the Changing Girl readers will probably not have a tough time, but it will be slog for anyone else. The internal story of the issue isn't especially hard to follow, you'll just have no idea who Shade is and what she's about. This may make readers wonder what her series and, if you're into psychedelic comics, Shade the Changing Girl is the comic to read. The Wonder Woman parts are enjoyable, and the art is captivating. Check it out, but be prepared to be a little confused.

Nightwing The New Order is a somewhat entertaining, albeit shallow, mini-series with a lackluster ending. It was a fun read, for the most part, but nothing worth further exploration.

While no major plot happens in this issue, its strength comes form its continued strong character voices and its warm, inviting art. You get a real sense of comradery from all our main leads which is bittersweet as you feel the tragedy looming ahead. Red Hood and the Outlaws #19 is a fun read with interesting narrative hooks.

Tom Derenick, Trevor Scott, and Jim Charalanmpidis helm the artwork as penciller, inker, colorist, respectively and its fine. It doesnt distract from the storytelling nor does it enhance in any way. Hopefully moving forward the series will go back to using more unique styles as it did in the beginning with Khoi Pham and Jonboy Meyers. In the end this issue is inoffensive and uninteresting both in its writing and its art. If theres any comic to skip this week, this is it.

While Teen Titans #17 offers a real follow-up to the Savior arc it doesnt fully capitalize on the interesting narrative hooks that arc left dangling. Like other books in DCs lineup right now, Teen Titans seem to be spinning their wheels until the No Justice storyline which will probably layout a new status quo for the team. Hopefully Teen Titans gets its gears rolling soon and gets back to what made the series compelling.

Despite being a rather unoriginal jumping off point, Silencer has the potential to show an interesting side to the DC Universe. If you love action movies, or are just curious about the world of assassins, this is a comic you should check out.