Futures End: Aquaman #1 is a combination of stories that have been done before, over-used plot devices, and forced tie-in event books. One-shot books are meant to be self-contained with everything readers need to know in that issue, but this book clearly requires more reading in order to get the whole story. It is the rare case of the two-part one-shot. While the artwork is visually pleasing, the story is confusing unless readers are keeping up with the weekly Futures End. For casual readers of the regular monthly Aquaman series, Futures End: Aquaman #1 is completely unnecessary.

The finale to Forever Evil: Arkham War is a bit of a mixed bag. The story gets to the resolution everyone can be satisfied with but without any surprises along the way. The action is fast and slick, and seeing all the villains in one place is entertaining. But this issue is also predictable. The side-effects of Venom, Bane overpowering all the other villains in a fight, and the ultimate winner of this showdown were all predictable (especially since the April solicitations ruined the ending in the title of the aftermath book). There were too many characters in a story that was too thin, with too little time to tie up the loose ends. It's a fun book that delivers on all the action it promised, but not much else.

This was a good beginning to a new story arc. Layman connected it with issue #0 nicely, and added new layers to the story. We saw some newer characters like Harper Row and Penumbra make their first appearance in Detective Comics, while older characters like Ras al Ghul and the League of Assassins lurk in the shadows. The more I see of Harper Row the more I like her. Scot Eatons art was realistic and detailed as he showed hes got what it takes to hold down a classic title like Detective Comics. This story arc has only just begun and, with the exception of a jet-sized hole in Wayne Towers, it has started on a high note.

The Verdict: Detective Comics 23.1: Poison Ivy was a decent issue that shed some light on Pamela Isley in her past and present, but it wasnt enough light in either time period. It would have been better, in my opinion and what do I know, if this issue was either an origin story or a plot-related tie-in to Forever Evil. I would have liked to see an in-depth origin story that dives deeper into her childhood, psyche, motivations, and character personality. Or it would have been better if they skipped the origin and focused solely on her interactions with other Bat-villains and how she fits into Gotham City during Forever Evil. That being said, we still get to see how ruthless Poison Ivy can be and some hints at what is to come for her in Forever Evil. Its a fun study of Poison Ivy, but I wish there was more to it.

Detective Comics #26 was an enjoyable conclusion to Kirk Langstroms origin as Man-Bat. John Layman gets the reader to care about Langstroms tragedy and he provides science-backed excitement along the way. Aaron Loprestis art is satisfactory and solid, especially the body language. Even though the relationship between Kirk and Francine suffered some because of the New 52 reboot, it was executed well and opens up many new story ideas. It will be interesting to see what happens to Kirk and Francine/Felicity in the future!

John Layman and Aaron Lopresti create an interesting Scarecrow story that reminds readers why he is one of Batmans greatest foes. Casual Batman readers, and fans of the Scarecrow in particular, will enjoy this Gothtopia storyline. The action in this book takes a back seat to the mystery-solving detective side of Batman, but this is Detective Comics after all.

Forever Evil: Arkham War #2 ramps up the action in Gotham as the villains come into direct conflict with each other. The first issue laid the groundwork and this second issue tangles up the web of deceit between Bane, Penguin, and Scarecrow. The story still has some holes the size of Two-Face, Riddler, Poison Ivy, and Mr. Freeze, but hopefully Tomasi and artist Scot Eaton are building up to that. This issue is fun with great action scenes and good dialogue, chugging right along and leaving readers waiting for more!

Aquaman #34 is a fun showdown between Arthur Curry and a new potential nemesis, Chimera. By taking an aspect of Aquaman's heritage and spinning it against him, Parker and company have created a unique foil for our hero. Although there is still more to explore in the relationship between Arthur and Chimera, this issue is a good conclusion for introducing a new villain into Aquaman's world. Guest artist Carlos Rodriguez, along with Bit and Rain Beredo, capture life underwater and on land with exciting atmosphere and energy.

Forever Evil: Arkham War #5 sets the stage for a climactic showdown between all of the villains in Gotham. The action in this issue is fast-paced and keeps the pages turning. Eaton's art has energy and detail that makes this enjoyable to read. Tomasi's writing keeps the story going with some pay-off with the Bane and Talon fight, but there are still several plot points that need to be addressed in the final issue for this series to have resolution.

Justice League United #0 sets the stage nicely as this new group of heroes come together. Lemire handles the team dynamic well and does a very good job at finding every character's unique voice. McKone's art and Maiolo's colors are a great pairing for this book and they set the tone perfectly for this story. There is a lot of potential in Miiyahbin, and it's good to see diversity, particularly underrepresented First Nations characters, on a big-name team with the likes of Supergirl and Green Arrow. All of these characters are fascinating in their own ways, but rarely do they get the time in the spotlight like they deserve. Justice League United #0 is a good start to showing off these heroes.

Overall, Detective Comics #20 was a great finale to the Emperor Penguin story arc started by John Layman in Detective Comics #13. There were some fun twists and turns along the way to keep the reader wondering what will happen next. The art was equally impressive, and Jason Fabok has become one of my favorite Batman artists because of his work here. This is the Batman and Gotham that I like to see. I hope this creative team stays on this title for as long as they would like. I cant wait to see what the next issue brings!

The good definitely outweighs the bad in this issue. Wrath is positioned to be a great foil for Batman, and Im looking forward to seeing how this develops over the next several issues. John Laymans writing has me hooked, and with Jason Fabok bringing the Dark Knight and Gotham to life like no one else, I am happy to be hooked on this title. Layman and Fabok continue to give us an exciting and excellent take on Batman and Detective Comics. Four out of five.

Detective Comics #23 gives readers a great set-up for the final confrontation between Wrath and Batman that will play out in Octobers Detective Comics #24. Writer John Layman keeps readers caught up in Batmans adventures with action, mystery, and danger. Jason Faboks art is top-notch with excellent details that will have you looking over each panel again and again. While the 5-second time flip certainly doesnt hurt the story, it doesnt do much for it either other than provide a quick two-page distraction. Overall, I have been enjoying this story arc (and all of John Layman and Jason Faboks run on Detective Comics to be honest).

Overall this is a great one-shot story starring James Gordon and it fits in nicely with Zero Year. John Laymans take on the future police commissioner and the corrupt GCPD was nicely done and it felt like a classic, old school, Jim Gordon storyline. Jason Faboks art is top-notch as always and the splash pages are wonderful. There are some very minor issues that stuck out to me, but nothing serious enough to really take away from the story and overall book. Its a great, self-contained story and a treat for your eyeballs at that!

Overall this was a fun, over-sized issue. The annual did a great job of tying into the on-going story arc without being tied down by it. Its an enjoyable stand-alone story that is quick and action-packed. It was great to see the spotlight shine on an under-appreciated and sometimes neglected character like Harvey Bullock. Casual readers, first time readers, and long-time readers can all find something to enjoy in Detective Comics Annual #2.

Overall, this was an exciting start to Forever Evil: Arkham War. Peter Tomasi writes Batmans rogues gallery exceptionally well and we finally see Bane begin his conquest! Scot Eaton draws Gotham with skill and theres an atmosphere of a city at war. Its a fun issue to read with enough going on that it ends before you know it and waiting for next months issue to come out already. Weve only seen the beginning of Arkham War but we can already tell this is going to be a huge, epic battle for the city of Gotham.

Forever Evil: Arkham War #3 hits all the right notes. Tomasi gives readers great dialogue between the villains and a story that never slows down. The action scenes are physical, dynamic, and always too short. Eatons art is kinetic and exciting, with fun splash pages and reveals that any Bat-fan will enjoy. This story is only getting bigger and better!

Forever Evil: Arkham War #4 is a fun, action-packed melee. Writer Peter J. Tomasi entertains with the interactions between Batmans rogues gallery and minor characters take the spotlight for a change. Scot Eatons art puts the reader right in the middle of the action and never lets up. Each issue escalates the action from previous issues and Arkham War #4 raises the stakes even higher. If the final two issues of this series are anything like the rest, readers can expect one explosive conclusion!

Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #5 is an exciting, intense, and overall fun issue to read. The Rogues are a lovable band of losers thanks to Brian Buccellatos excellent character writing. Artist Scott Hepburn highlights all the action and energy on the page while showcasing the brutality of the Crime Syndicates Johnny Quick and Atomica. Buccellato and Hepburn have put the Rogues through the ringer in this Forever Evil tie-in and this issue is one of the best of the miniseries, so far.

Superman Unchained #6 stacks the odds against Superman in a way that hasn't been seen in this series before. Snyder and Lee know how to challenge Superman's physicality and strength while still showing off Clark's heart and character. This is the type of large-scale, high-stakes, big action story that makes Superman stand apart from the pack. This is one of the most exciting, tense, and best-looking issues of this series yet.

"Robin Rises!" continues to be an excellent story about one father's mission to save his son, and Batman & Robin #34 shows the heartfelt conviction of Bruce Wayne. Tomasi writes the Bat-family better than almost any other writer going these days, and Gleason's art is top-of-the-line. This is a book you should be reading.

Batman & Robin #35 is a fun, exciting adventure from the Batcave to the fiery world of Apokolips. As "Robin Rises!" escalates with Godfrey, Kalibak, and the Bat-family, this issue shows the lengths that the family will go for each other. Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason are the perfect storytelling team for Batman & Robin.

Animal Man #28 is an excellent conclusion to the battle between The Red and the Baker family. Buddy is the hero we all want to bean ordinary man trying to protect his family under extraordinary circumstances. Between the otherworldly action sequences and the heartfelt emotional moments of a family trying to heal together, Lemire and Albuquerque make a fantastic team of storytellers.

Detective Comics 23.3 was one of the better single issues to come out of Villains Month. It ties into the events of Forever Evil and keeps the story chugging along into Arkham War. It doesnt waste time with any filler origin story or background flashbacks. Writer Peter Tomasi characterizes Batmans villains very well without letting any of them steal the show from Scarecrow. Szymon Kudranskis art has the paranoid, claustrophobic and ominous feel of a city trapped in a nightmare. It was fun to read and just as much fun to look at. I cant wait to see what Tomasi has in store for next month!

Detective Comics #27 is the closest to a perfect comic book thats been seen in The New 52. For anyone who likes Batman, this is an entertaining and engrossing read that pays tribute to what has come before but also looks ahead to what may come in the future. Whether you like your Batman with some vintage style and a healthy dose of camp, or dark and gritty with a hint of menace, theres a Batman story for everyone in this book. These creators tell stories with suspense, action, excitement, humor, intrigue, and most importantly, heart. Detective Comics #27 is one of the best comic books this reviewer has ever read. Heres hoping to another 75 years of Batman! Happy birthday, Bruce.