Prub Gill Comic Reviews

Larger than life drawing, bold colours that transport you from your world into the comic, and most of all, they’ve done the heroes justice. Straight away, showing off their powers and heroism, because in its simplest form that’s what they’re supposed to do—be heroic.

And in true Snyder fashion, the issue doesn’t end without some great easter eggs and a final-page gut punch that sets the stage for issue #15. We get a quick panel of an EMT named… Dick Grayson. Then that last page hits you with two things. First, the heartbreaking reason behind Bane’s drive to defeat Batman: winning would have freed him from Ark-M and reunited him with his wife and child. Second, we get the direction of the next arc as a scientist appears on a video call with a man marked by a nameplate reading JKR, who — in the coldest, most devastating fashion — blows up Santa Prisca, wiping out Bane’s home and family in an instant.

I tip my hat off to Mr. Snyder, Jock and Frank Martin, you have outdone yourselves and raised the bar once again after an epic finale to the Abomination arc, with another banger from The Bat—I simply cannot wait for the next Absolute Batman issue, and I’m sure, neither can you.

With the introduction of Poison Ivy up next, I am more than excited to see how gory, gruesome, and outlandish her design will be in the hands of Nick Dragotta. Equally, I am curious to see how Snyder reintroduces such a famous Batman villain in this primeval universe filled with significant "Darkseid energy."

Giving me as the reader enough narrative to consume, without overloading my brain with too much going on. Having three stories being told at the same time was genius. Reading Absolute Batman #17 I couldn’t wait to read the next page and the one after that, but I didn’t want the story to end.

The final panel, with Wesker running off clutching a doll, underscores just how far he has deteriorated and returned to a life of crime. The lingering question is whether his prior reform was genuine or simply a ploy to escape Arkham. This issue does an excellent job of adding substance while leaving just enough unanswered to keep readers hungry for the next installment.

I’m both excited and saddened for issue #30 because it’ll be the end of this story arc, and the closing of Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s run on Batman and Robin, and my word, this run has been as good as a Usain Bolt Olympic sprint. This issue had it all, action, drama and mystery as well—will Two-Face reappear to get his own back on Batman and Quiet Man? What’s going to happen at the Sacred Heart’s Fundraiser? All questions that I cannot wait to be answered in the final issue.

Between the introduction of an intriguing new anti-hero in Cyrus Mercer (aka Quiet Man) and the profound character development of Damian, this finale was a fabulous read. Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s run as a whole has the potential to define the modern version of Robin for years to come.

I would advocate this to both seasoned readers of Batman, veterans of DC and most importantly, newcomers! If you want to get into reading comic books to enjoy the lore, stories and art, I would highly recommend that you pick up DC KO #1 (this season’s major DC event), and pick up this first issue of four of Batman’s story within the larger story arc.

Comics are supposed to be fun to read but create intrigue and cause discussion, and at face value, this is just a big fight thriller—but read between the lines, linger on its pages, and you begin to identify hidden narratives that the Heart of Apokolips is bringing to the surface.

Alas, the next issue is the last in this epic mini-series and I’m super looking forward to it. Especially with the high stakes of Batman potentially being reintroduced into the Tournament to become the King Omega! That is however, if he can overcome the wealth of emotions Williamson is sure to take us through with Bruce Wayne being face-to-face with his Grandson by the name of Alfred—it really hits you in all of the Bat-feels.

The context given by Williamson in Knightfight #4 was key because it helped build up the story he was trying to tell. By letting myself be taken on that journey, I was able to appreciate the end result that Williamson wanted to achieve—Batman is fighting for the infinite futures that people choose to have. Darkseid wants absolute control over existence itself, Batman has seen 4 different futures that were created by the individual wills of 4 different Batmen.

Rogue #1 is a must-read for new readers and seasoned Marvel book lovers alike. Everyone will find many elements of this story to like, and I really like the direction Schultz is taking us in. It is clear and provides a comprehensible goal: Rogue needs to find out what these visions are all about. I feel like there is going to be a lot of twists and turns on this power-draining journey. I am strapped in and all ready for it.

Spider-Man being pulled in every direction is a familiar trope for the web-slinger, seen across countless comics and films. However, I am intrigued to see if JMS will take this arc in a new direction that truly breaks the mold. Despite the familiar premise, the storytelling remains solid and highly enjoyable. JMS’s grasp of Peter’s personality is impeccable; the dialogue is genuinely witty, and I found myself laughing out loud at several of Spidey’s quips.

With the cosmically terrifying ending to this issue, I’m looking forward to seeing who these darned super dimensional beings are—what do they look like? Where are they from? What are their powers? I’m certain that JMS still answer all of these questions and help this story arc come to a fantastic end.

A fabulously written story by J. Michael Straczynski, which was backed up by great artwork from Perez and Guru-eFX. A perfect match of storytelling and visual cues that sucked me in from Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #1. If you’re a Spider-Man fan, this is a can’t-miss miniseries, and if you’re looking to jump on, this is a nice early story to help you get on board.

I cannot wait for the next issue because I feel that all of the pieces have fallen into place and we’re about to have everything behind the plot revealed. I highly recommend that if you are a reader of Batman, DC or you love crime mysteries, you get down to your local comic book store and pick up this issue and the two issues prior.

That does, however, propel the Lion to a high status as a Batman villain, because he forced Batman to ask for help rather than solve this by his lone, brooding self. The head and footnotes of this issue kept me interested and looking forward to issue #1105, and I am hoping for more loose ends to be tied. This story has been too strong to finish with a whimper; it needs to end with a lion’s roar.

What I really loved about Detective Comics #1105 was that Taylor’s dialogue had a certain speed and direction to it; it felt like it was actively leading me toward the answers I was seeking. The inclusion of Robin and Batgirl in danger adds to the chaotic peril Batman finds himself in, but Taylor leaves a potential "Easter egg" of salvation: Batman has already tested the cure for the "No Fear" virus on himself. This leads me to believe there is more than meets the eye in the encounter between the Bat and the Lion.

The only downside was her instant overpowering of Elder Gods and eternal entities. This could make it difficult for Orlando to create real danger for Wanda, but that itself will be interesting to watch. Every hero needs to meet their equal to create a compelling narrative. With the start provided by Orlando and the artwork of Bernard Chang and Marcelo Redmond, I am one who hopes a great story will be told. Not to mention, this will have ties with Doctor Strange and the consequences of the One World Under Doom arc that has been told.

After the way in which Wanda took down The Vishanti and Dormammu I was pleasantly surprised to see Agatha pose a threat. With the fight going into Sorcerer Supreme #3 the ending did leave me with the desire to find out what’s going to happen. That is the most important thing that Orlando has achieved in my opinion—he’s got me invested enough in the story he’s telling, to have the anticipation built up for the next issue.

And the revenge is the payoff that I’m really looking forward to see unfold. You see, Strange wants to redeem himself because he caused Thor’s death; he wants to return to Earth because that’s where he’s from, his friends and family are there. But the revenge… a lot has happened in the Marvel Universe, something called One World Under Doom—and Doom was only able to succeed with that by having the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. Something Doctor Strange will fight tooth and nail to win back.

That desire to create a story of grandeur in combination with this art team, could indeed create a beautiful story for Doctor Strange, which could impact the wider Marvel Universe as well. I really hope that Landy isn’t rushed, nor the art team, so we can continue to get this level of thought and quality of storytelling.

The involvement of The Scarecrow was a genuine surprise, though his dialogue felt a bit wooden—we've seen the "spread fear in Gotham" plan many times before. I am hoping this is fleshed out with more complexity in Book Two. That, along with the surprise inclusion of Lois Lane, leaves me with plenty of questions. While it’s the 1930s and Superman likely exists somewhere in this universe, I’m hoping for something more nuanced than "Big Blue" simply flying in to save the day.

I would recommend reading The Second Knight to any Batman fans or detective story sleuths, even without having read First Knight. Jurgens is famously known for his work on The Death of Superman, and his story thus far has felt nostalgic—a welcomed change of pace and setting compared to the current Batman runs on offer (which are all amazing, by the way). What a time to be a Bat-fan.

Rainbow Rowell has done a great job of writing to the young adult audience, and I suggest that this is a brilliant introductory story for someone of that age. Being introduced to the Marvel universe, any member of the younger aged audience can enjoy Spiderman as he spends time with the Fantastic Four, Avengers, Daredevil and X-Men throughout his holiday period. A Christmas bingo card for Marvel’s greatest teams!

Despite these gripes, I am looking forward to the next issue. With Shutdown attacking Static while he’s vulnerable, the stage is perfectly set for a redemption arc for Terry. As a Batman fan, it's always a highlight to see the Dark Knight—even the one from the future—finally make his triumphant return.

If you are a fan of Wolverine or are looking to jump into a Wolverine story from the beginning, I would recommend this Ultimate series to you. If you are a Wolverine fan and just entering the comic book world, then I would suggest you check out Weapon X to really understand the true origin story of the infamous anti-hero.

The saving grace for me as a reader and reviewer is the excellent artwork from Cappuccio and Valenza, and also the true to character representation of Wolverine from Condon.

I have used the word continuity a lot, and there was a massive lack of it here. I do not know if Condon was pressed for time and needed to get a story out, but this story felt like the most blatant of filler issues. It is either that, or Marvel decided to add a few more issues for Ultimate Wolverine and Condon had to muster something up quickly. I say that because there was little to no dialogue in the second half of the issue. As a reader, I felt this was actually a waste of an issue, which are hard words to use. Nothing is meant against Condon personally, but this issue felt directionless. It almost seems as though he is also looking forward to the end of this series.

The saving grace of Ultimate Wolverine #14 and the entire run has been the artwork from Alessandro Cappuccio and Bryan Valenza—creating a Eurasian Republic that feels every part of depressing as the people of it endure. In Ultimate Wolverine #14 Cappuccio and Valenza create an epic near one-page splash that captures Logan’s ruthless aggression and pent up violence from losing his friends in The Opposition—plus you see an E.R solider damn near ripped in half.

I think the narrative is being unnecessarily convoluted with too many side stories. At its core, this is a story about a proud man looking to make the world a better place after overcoming oppression, alongside an exploration of how the technologies of today shape our every move and make us feel isolated, especially for those in their formative teenage years.