Paul Shanly Comic Reviews

This is a fun issue. There's no doubt about it. But the creative team still has to tell a compelling story that moves the plot forward and this issue feels like it wastes the momentum it built up in the previous two issues. Let's hope it recovers next issue.

This was a solid middle issue for this storyline and Im interested where it its going. I like the idea of continuing to shake up Barbaras personal life and hope this continues going forward.

I liked this arc and Im disappointed to see it wrap up so quickly. Scott has a good handle on Barbara Gordon and I hope this isnt the last time we see her take on Batgirl and her corner of the Batman Universe.

A decent, yet unremarkable first issue for this new storyline.

Despite no being particularly impressed with Oracle as of yet, this was a fun and fast-paced issue that I enjoyed reading and Im interested in seeing where the story goes from here.

This writer has a knack for writing Barbaras personal life but this new villain has, as of yet, not lived up to their potential.

There is potential here, both with Oracle as a villain and with the background politics in this issue, but the story and character issues continue to cause this storyline to stumble.

Overall, I just want this storyline to be over. Oracle is a fine idea, but this writer has no idea how to write a villain like this and as a result, is just wasting time, money, and the ink this comic is printed on.

This book is a love letter to all things Batman and I had a lot of fun reading it. Also, Batman rides a dinosaur and thats awesome.

Ive always disagreed with the notion that Batman is some crimefighting engine that is fueled by his personal demons and pain. I think that there is mounting evidence that Tom King agrees with me. I enjoyed this issue and Im looking forward to seeing things go from bad to worse. I think that it is worth pointing out that we are nearing the three-quarters mark in Tom Kings proclaimed one hundred issue story arc and I think it is pretty clear that things are about to go from bad to worse.

After being introduced to Tom King through his work on Batman, I have branched out and read some of his other work (like his amazing run on Mr. Miracle) where Ive had the advantage of reading his stories in the context of a complete story, which I think is how King's work should be read. King is a writer that enjoys a slow burn and while the story is definitely moving, its hard to really gauge the story in pieces. That being said, King has excelled at writing a Batman who's unraveling appears to be picking up steam and there is definitely a feeling that the hammer is about to drop and the word is already out that its only going to get worse.

I dont think there was any way around doing some version of an issue where Banes plan is spelled out in crayon. While I think there were better ways to execute it, Im looking forward to the story moving forward from here, in particular, to finally dive into what exactly Thomas Waynes involvement is in the story.

This was an issue that took a simple premise and executed it well. Its no secret at this point that Catwoman is returning to the book when Batman is at his lowest. We are heading to a point where Batman will get back on his feet and in the fight. While Im looking forward to Batman and Bane throwing down, what I really cant wait is to see is what happens when Bruce has to face off against a bitter and rage filled version of his own father.

A solid issue featuring a return to form for Batman that makes me excited for the next chapter as this saga enters its final chapter with City of Bane.

A solid issue that quickly sets up the world and stakes that Bruce is going to have to overcome. Im looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here. Go buy it.

Its a well-executed issue that I think does a great job of conveying how hopeless things are in Gotham City, but I think that I would have preferred to get the story moving. On to the next issue.

This issue is either a landmark moment in the Batman mythos or a dramatic fake-out. I think Im good with either way the story wants to go, providing that the story makes meaningful use of Alfred's situation. Im looking forward to the next issue.

I get that Batman, as written by Tom King, is not for everyone. There is certainly a place for Batman as a relentless avenger with no room for anything but his mission, but I've seen that story, in many, many places. I think that this particular take, with a very human Batman who is madly in love with Catwoman, this is a far more interesting and relatable take on the character. I could not be happier that we have twelve issues of Batman and Catwoman featuring this creative team coming next year.

As Ive said previously, Tom Kings Batman isnt big action sequences and super heroics, but his flair for character has given us a very human take on an eighty-year-old character in a way that I dont think we have ever seen before. I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here. And if my wife is reading this, you totally kissed me first.

This was a fun but quick issue that I think could benefit from letting some of the action breath and possibly letting some of the big reveals or moments of this title happen without as much delay.

I have issues with some of the revelations that have come with this issue, but the Thomas Wayne moments made for a solid issue.

This was a tight issue with a well-executed fight that we have all been waiting for, but I think the more interesting part of the story is how clear it makes who the big bad of the title has been all along; in this case, the main characters own father. Ive long advocated that Thomas Wayne has the makings of becoming one of the true greats of Batmans rogues gallery which I think is something we are seeing more evidence of as this story reaches its conclusion. Im looking forward to where this is going.

This issue is poignant, bittersweet, and frankly, is a beautiful goodbye to a long-standing member of Batmans world in an issue that ties together the themes that the writer has been playing with for over eighty issues, and if you are going to kill a major character, this is how you let them say goodbye.

Let's be honest; there are no big shocks in this issue. We get some new information but thats not really the point. This issue serves as an argument as to why a character like Thomas Wayne would essentially become the villain of this story, and I think its successful at doing that.

I think that time will be very kind to this run on Batman, and that, much like Kings other work, reads better in a collected form then as individual issues. King presents Batman as a flawed, but ultimately very human character and I appreciate that he has put Bruce Wayne through a transformative character arc. I hope that other writers pick up this ball and run with it.

Its a fun read that sets up an interesting return to what was established in the previous series. Grab some pizza and enjoy the ride. Thats what I did.

Im really digging Freddie Williams' art in this series, and I feel that his cartoony yet detailed and kinetic style is perfect for a story featuring the mutants of the Turtles world and the more straightforward superheroes of Batmans world. I especially like his imposing take on Bane, especially in the final scene with Bane leaning over Baxter Stockman with biceps three times the size of Stockmans head.

This series continues to be a straightforward and wildly entertaining book that shows clear reverence for both sets of characters. If you arent reading it, Damian would probably say something condescending and insulting here.

I continue to really enjoy this series. And while I did find this issue a little short, I also have to consider it might also be because I simply wanted more. But seriously DC, stop giving away the end of an issue with the cover.

Pacing issues aside, this series has been very entertaining and I look forward to seeing how it all wraps up next issue.

I enjoyed this series as a love letter to the TMNT, as it made me remember when I was a kid, as well as the overall treatment of Bane. Go throw on Vanilla Ices Ninja Rap and enjoy it.

This book continues to be a compelling story filled with atmosphere and tension as it nears its conclusion. Im looking forward to reading the complete story next month.

A satisfying conclusion to what has been the best Batman series Ive read this year. Im looking forward to next month when Steve Orlando and Giovanni Timpano start Dynamites The Shadow/Batman mini-series.

Despite some structural issues with how this book was put together, an interesting take on a classic Bat-villain had me enjoy this issue quite a bit.

I've always looked forward to any book that pairs Azzarello and Bermejo but this book is so far shaping up to be something special, a book that makes use of the lack of the usual restrictions to tell a unique story. The bar has been set very high for DC's Black Label.

While I dont think that this issue was nearly as strong and the first issue of this story, Im still very much engaged in the mystery of this story and Im look forward to seeing how this all plays out in the final issue.

I enjoyed this story, but it was left too ambiguous and I feel that there is a larger story at play that I wish that Azzarello had decided to explore as opposed to what was presented here. That being said, this is an effective ghost story featuring Batman and his world and I look forward to reading all three volumes of this story.

This was a tight and well-executed issue. I love this take on Riddler and I hope we see more stories like this in the future.

These wedding prelude issues have been very hit or miss for me, but I enjoyed this issue and thought it was an interesting progression for Harley Quinns character. Now on to the wedding.

This book feels like it wanted to do something original and explore Nightwings connection to Batman in a new and interesting way, but got tangled up in its own themes and as a result, falls flat on whatever face Hush happens to be wearing.

This book suffers from a severe lack of focus. Is this an Anarky story, a Red Hood story, or is this just about Catwoman getting a night of dancing? I'm honestly not sure.

Books like this are meant to be character pieces, with a clear build to the big event of Batman #50 where the Joker looks to be getting ready to do something horrible. While I can appreciate some of the ideas that this book wants to play with, I just don't feel they are conveyed or executed well.

I would have preferred that if they were going to make this a Secret Files book, I think there should have been more connective tissue between the individual stories. Batman Secret Files #1 stands with the other recent anthology books that DC has published, and while I dont think that every single story was a home run, theres enough value to make this book worth the time to read it.

That being said, this was fairly enjoyable if a somewhat uneven collection of stories. While some stories had issues, it still features consistently strong art and a few stand out moments.

While I miss the globe-trotting take on the character, this is a solid issue. Ill be sure to see where the next issue is going. You should too.

Its weird to argue that a comic book would have been better served to have the main characters go for a coffee instead of punch a supervillain, but I think it would have served what I think the creators wanted to accomplish better than what is presented here. That being said, I think that this series ends with Batwoman and her world at a good place. With a TV series on the horizon, we have certainly not seen the last of Kate Kane.

This book was a bit of a mixed bag. There are some stories such as the Batman, Wonder Woman, Black Lightning/Katana, and Zatanna which I thought were very strong, and others that seemed out of place or were just poorly executed. I like that DC puts out these holiday-themed offerings and theres enough good in this book to recommend it.

This was a fun read, if a little forgettable, which is where I think the bar usually is set for crossovers like this. While I think a bit more care would have resulted in a stronger story, once again, this a comic book about a homicidal clown meeting a cartoon duck. So Im also just kind of glad that this is a thing that exists.

This was an enjoyable anthology special featuring some strong short stories. The standouts for me were the Mr. Freeze and Gorilla Grodd stories, but the whole book from start to finish was entertaining. This is a worthwhile read for a summer afternoon.

This is an on its face weird concept for a holiday special, and one that I dont think was entirely successful. And while there are stories that I dont think are terrible successful, there are enough bright spots, such as the stories for Superman, Aquaman, and Supergirl, to make this a worthwhile read.

Much like the horrible meat monster in the Ferdinand story, Im not sure why DC felt the need to make their annual summer special animal themed and if it should really exist in the first place. That being said, I do appreciate the general mad scientist tone that weaves in and out of a handful of the stories and there are a couple of genuinely great stories in this book that make it worth the read, namely the Animal Man and Killer Croc stories. Worth a read on a lazy summer afternoon.

Im not advocating for a Darkness, No Parents take on Harley Quinn that would get old fast. If this was some sort of limited series, Harley vs the DC Universe, I would say buckle in and enjoy the ride. But in the Harley Quinn ongoing series, I think that the character deserves more than whats presented here.

JLA seems to be rebounding in its last couple issues. This issue is a tight story that balances the quiet moments with an action heavy second half and I enjoyed reading it.

This title continues to be an entertaining read. While I found the wrap up of this issue a little forgettable, the personal stakes ended the story on a strong note and Im looking forward to the next issue.

Im not generally a big fan of tie-in issues as they take away from the larger story and usually end up feeling like a cash-grab. There are, however, some legitimately good ideas and interesting concepts in this issue and I find myself frustrated that they werent more of a focus of the issue. While I wish the creative team had executed things a different way, this crossover has me interested enough to want to read to see what happens next.

You can tell that Seeley is moving pieces around the board to wrap things up before he leaves the book, and its an enjoyable read. Ill be interested to see when its all said and done, if any of the elements of this story will remain when Sam Humphries takes over in December.

The ending of a thirty plus creative run on a book should have the feel of an event, with the issues building to a big finish and I just dont get that sense from this book. The characters seems to just keep circling each other without any sense of building urgency. Seeley has had a lot of good ideas throughout his run, and its a shame to see his time on the book ending this way. At this point, Im looking forward to this run being over and to the creator change in December.

As a grand finale, this book continues to underwhelm. It just doesnt feel as large or foreboding as it should be and I think that the blame continues to fall at the feet of Raptor not succeeding as a big enough, or compelling enough, threat for Nightwing. With two issues left, its double that much will improve before this story line wraps up and a new creative team takes over.

This issue does a good job of keeping the action going and the story moving. Although I wonder if the book will stick the landing based on whats set up here, its a fun issue and I enjoyed reading it.

Its a shame that Tim Seeleys time on the book had to end this way, because there were elements in the series that worked very well, but very few of those elements came to play in this finale. Dick Grayson is a fantastic character that deserves better than whats been given here. I look forward to what Sam Humphries and Bernard Chang are cooking up for the series going forward.

This book is a cool and crazy crime comic and I cant wait for the next issue.

Humphries and Chang have turned Nightwing into a neon tinted noir thriller and frankly, Nightwing hasnt been this good in years. More please.

Despite some issues with the art, I continue to be impressed with this new direction for Nightwing.

This book continues to be energetic and insane and yet still a gritty crime comic. Its a fun read. Go pick it up.

Ive enjoyed this story arc so far, despite having issues with the reveal of Nightwings history with the Judge. Im interested to see where things go from here. I cant help but be a little disappointed that this is going to be Humphries only arc since a new creator has just been announced for the title.

This story arc came out swinging and while Ive enjoyed the story as a whole, I find its starting to lose steam. It will be interesting to see how this all wraps up next issue.

Despite some elements that I found to be too derivative of other work and some story gripes, I really enjoyed this run on the book and I think that Humphries and Chang put a lot of elements in to play. Im disappointed that those elements probably wont be paid off as the book goes forward with a new creative team.

This is a story that is a better idea for a story then it is in its execution. I can't imagine what someone whos never read an issue of Nightwing before would think about this story if they leaped onto the book for this issue.

Some of my favorite issues of Batman are the standalone issues that Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle tended to favor in the early 90s. Those stories were more about the character than about plot and this story reminded me of those issues. Monthly comics seems to be focused on 6-12 issue epics that play better when collected in a trade and while those are great too, they dont all need to be big long-form stories. I hope to see more stories like this in the future.

This story had some interesting ideas and some nice character moments. And while Im not sure if this story is one that is particularly well suited to Nightwing, Im interested to see where things are going.

I enjoyed this issue, which I found to build well on the last issue and Im looking forward to the next one. Also, I may want to go watch Batman Forever now.

This was an enjoyable and emotional issue, that did a great job of paying off a storyline that paid off the story arc of Bizarros rise and fall in a touching way that didnt feel forced or false. Lobdell continues to show that he has a good handle on who these characters are and gives you characters to root for while driving the story forward. More, please.

It is mindboggling that a comic book with Bizarro would continue to give me the feels, but here we are. This has consistently been one of DCs best books. Go buy it.

I enjoyed the action-thriller tone of this story. Its not a perfect story but Im interested to see where things go from here.

This story had a lot of promise but opted for a quick, uncomplicated, and boring resolution that doesnt pay off all that build up in any sort of meaningful way.

Much like with most crossover events, I find that this issue, and Gotham Resistance as a whole, cant be judged as an issue of the series it takes place in, be it Suicide Squad or anything else. This issue improves on the previous two issues of Gotham Resistance and Im looking forward to the story continuing in Green Arrow.

This story is a bit of a mixed bag, but there are some interesting ideas. The series has been very up and down and Im curious to see which way the next issue will go.

There are some nice touches in this story that play in the early history of the DCU, but ultimately the story would have benefited from fleshing out the main plot. Well see where this goes next issue.

This is an uneven story with some fun, movie inspired moments. I feel like this book is at its best when its just letting the team go off on an adventure, but that it gets bogged down in making sure it stays true to being a Suicide Squad story.

A well paced and action history issue. It isn't perfect, but I enjoyed it.

This arc has gone on way too long and continues to confuse and frustrate. My biggest problem with this storyline, is that I just dont particularly care how they get out of this one. Do better folks, the readers deserve it.

This is a book that continues to play it safe and as long as that is the case, its never going to be more than mediocre.

The issue is quick and action heavy and while I thought it was a bit on the nose, I enjoyed it.

This issue was pointless and I didnt enjoy the unrelenting negative tone of the story. Juan Soria may not belong in this story, but neither does anyone else.

I like the new story arc and Im curious to see if there are any long-term effects or consequences that are going to spin out of this story. Im very curious to see how this creative team handles the next issue.

This issue was, just fine. It did its job in moving the story forward, but story problems keep it from being more than that. I do however like the idea of all of Wallers secrets either exposed and destroyed, and for a book that I feel has played it far too safe over its run so far, I think there is a real opportunity to hit the reset button and do something new with this title, but we will have to wait till next issue to see if the creators are willing to push it.

This could have been a very interesting story of revenge and past mistakes coming back to haunt Captain Boomerang. As it stands, all it has done is make me want to watch Tron.

This book feels like it is just marking time until No Justice gives it a creative restart. Id recommend that anyone looking to jump on to this title Dont Just Dont.

This is a fairly solid issue in a mediocre storyline. It seemed like the book was headed for a creative change with the No Justice relaunch coming next month but that doesnt appear to be the case. Ill be interested to see if this book turns a corner once this storyline is done. At the very least Batman will be guest starring on the title in May.

This book is uninspired and has no interest in stretching passed its formula and is in desperate need of a reboot.

This series is stuck in a creative rut. It looks like this series is ending after the next issue, and in my opinion, could not be ending any sooner. Hopefully whoever handles the eventual relaunch will have some new ideas, because there just arent any left in this title.

Its inevitable that the Suicide Squad will be back. What I would like to see is a writer take the reins that isnt afraid to take some risks with this title. Take the team out of the prison. Put the team on the run from Waller. Tell smaller and more personal stories of a group of broken people bonded by the suicide missions they are forced on. Id happily read any of these books. Just not this one.

This issue was a welcome surprise. Ill be back for next issue. And you should be too.

This book is well thought out, compelling, and beautifully drawn and continues to maintain the very high bar that the Batman/The Shadow crossover set for this series to follow. Books like this are the ones that keep me reading Batman every month.

This series continues to impress, with Orlando and Timpano delivering well thought out and layered story. More please.

This continues to be a well written and expertly drawn series and I'm looking forward to seeing where this is going as it moves into its final two issues.

This story started off extremely strong, and while I do feel that they have had some trouble executing some of the more interesting ideas in the book, the series still has my attention, and I'm looking forward to the last issue and seeing how this story ends.

This series started out strong but didn't quite stick the landing for me in its final issue. It was still an enjoyable read and I'm sorry to see this story end.

While I feel that this story should have larger in scope, there are some interesting ideas and Im curious to see where the story is going.

I don't particularly enjoy the Titans vs random imaginary friends direction that the book has taken. I like this line up of characters, but I think that the writer is still figuring out what to do with them. Nightwing is about to undergo some pretty big changes in his own title, so I have to wonder if the direction of this book is going to be taking another turn shortly.

I like a lot of elements of this book but it still seems to be floundering. Change might be coming though. It still remains to be seen how the series is going to be handing the new status quo that Nightwing is going to be going through over the next few months.

Team books are all about how the characters interact with one another, and with a team with as much history as the Titans, I want the book to take the time to tell smaller stories like this. I also want the book to just be better then whats presented here.