Michael Devaney Comic Reviews

Although this issue was a bit uninspiring, I like the premise of Convergence and look forward to seeing the story develop amid the brooding team conflicts and the inherent problems that are sure to come from being confined inside a dome.

Whilethe artwork in this issue was as strong as ever, it wasn't enough to save an otherwise mediocre plot, especially when compared towhat we've come to expect from this title and its charismatic lead character.

Overall, the writing good, but it plays second fiddle to the strong, detailed artwork capturing the essence of the title.

Talk about action! With decapitation, dismembered limbs and Deathstroke masterfully wielding the Godkiller sword against the Man of Steel, Deathstroke #9 is a "hack-n-slash" lovers dream.

All I have to say is, Wow! What an ending! But aside from the totally awesome last page, I also thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the issue. It clearly captured the feel and spirit of the Deathstroke character and was the perfect wrap up to the God Killer storyline.

Although topping the ending to last month's "audience jarring" issue showing Deathstroke's eye gouging incident where he ripped his own eye from its socket to offer it as a blood sacrifice would be a stretch, this issue is a great follow-up. It's entertaining and fun and presented in the classic military style we've all come to expect, and love, from a Deathstroke comic. The action-oriented artwork and intriguing storyline, particularly with so many unknowns looming, looks promising for the upcoming issue.

As mentioned above, this current storyline and its interactions with the Suicide Squad is a lot of fun, but the artwork, which is superb, might outshine it all. The artwork of Tyler Kirkham and the added dimension of so many villains makes the anticipation of turning each page one you won't want to miss.

Next month promises a bizarre issue involving Lexcorp and hopefully a more in-depth delving into the current "missing Rose saga." I look forward to finding out how things end with Snakebiteat the penitentiary and also to seeing him in future issues.

The Lex Luthor plot move was a nice surprise. I also liked the pace and intensity of this issue (there were virtually no breathers) which is a credit to Bonny's style. Equally impressive are the fight scene depictions and where Kirkham wields his meanest pencil. His use of unique angles and close-ups suck the reader right into the action.

Wow! Just when it looked like things were winding down to a conclusion they turned on a dime and increased intensity. Now that's good writing.

Additionally, apart from starring in his own title Deathstroke also makes an appearance in this month's Green Arrow issue #50. You may also want to give that a try.

Now that this action-packed storyline has reached conclusion, it'll be interesting to see how things develop now thatRa's al Ghul is on the scene. I have a sneaky suspicion thatwe'll probably be seeing more of Batmanin the future as well.

If you can't tell by my enthusiasm, these are fun times to be following the Deathstroke title. James Bonny has things rocketing along at a mind-blowing pace and the art, which is credited to Paolo Pantalena in this issue, is equally fantastic.

By the end, Maps has earned a Batarang souvenir from young Damian, both she and the mystery item are headed back to Headmaster Hammer's office and a disconcerting last frame leaves us wondering about Olive's return for the next issue.

With literally no fluff, each page builds on the next. I truly enjoyed this issue as much as any issue thus far and can hardly wait for next month.

Because of all the moving pieces, several information revelations and the focused storyline, I really enjoyed this issue. Give it a try, I think you will too.

All elements and literary references in this issue work seamlessly together to make this an enjoyable read at every level.

With all its mysterious elements, this issue is definitely fun and the collaboration of writing and art work are superb. The mix of full and irregular frames, sparing use of close-ups and the smooth story telling voice keeps the mood and pace of the story spot on for readers. As this series progresses, I find myself particularly enjoying the well delivered depth of the back stories and its expert merging with the forward arcs of the characters.

Looking to thenear future, be sure you don't miss next week's Gotham Academy issue #13 (due out December 9) which is a tie-in issue to theRobin Warseries. Feel free to leave your comments. I'm curious to know your thoughts.

It's a smooth, light read that kept my interest peaked till the end. Given time to adjust my tastes, I'm sure the new art direction will take hold and become a satisfying new norm, I just wasn't quite ready for it yet.

While the yearbook idea seems fun, the pedestrian tales left something to be desired causing the newness to wear off quickly. Although not completely unentertaining, I'm accustomed to a little more from the title. Next month we're scheduled receive a second helping titled "yearbook part two". Hopefully, it'll pack more of a punch.

Given enough time every book eventually has a lull period. Even though this issue (and the previous one) wasn't my cup of tea, I've been a big fan of this title from the start. That said, I look forward to next month's issue and hopefully getting back to business as usual.

Now that the yearbook series is over, I'm interested to see where theGotham Academy team takes us next.

The Yearbook series concludes next month. Withseveral unknowns still left up in the air,I look forward to seeing how things are wrapped up. And who knows, we might even get a long overdue visit from the Caped Crusader.

If the Gotham Academy summer hiatus is news to you, don't fret. DC Comics is set to give us all we can handle this summer starting in June with the much-anticipated REBIRTH relaunch of its entire line of monthly superheroes. Enjoy your summer!

Without giving too much away, it's sufficient to say that these Joker stories are intended to give you the jitters, not to make you laugh. Ha.