Secret Origins #4

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi, Jeff Lemire, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz, Denys Cowan, Stephane Roux, Ian Bertram Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: July 23, 2014 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 8 User Reviews: 4
6.7Critic Rating
7.0User Rating

The latest explosive origins from DC COMICS THE NEW 52 include Harley Quinn by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti and Stephane Roux; Green Arrow by Jeff Lemire, Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz, and Damian, Son of Batman, by Peter J. Tomasi and Ian Bertram!

  • 8.5
    Batman-News - Elena Carrillo Jul 23, 2014

    Harley needed a new origin story in spite of the fact that she's been made over and over since the New 52 began, so her inclusion here was necessary. And rather than restomp old ground, Tomasi gives us something fresh in his take on Damian Wayne. Both stories are fun and all-in-all I think this is a great book (the Green Arrow story being a bonus alongside two strong Bat-related origins). Add to that Bermejo's awesome cover and you'll want to pick up this book! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Amy Beddoes Jul 24, 2014

    I have, in the past, written SECRET ORIGINS off as a doomed concept. I'm not really sure this issue has changed my mind. They haven't all been like this, and they won't all be like this. But for what it is – a series of origin vignettes – it's a real pleasure to read. Perhaps SECRET ORIGINS will last, and perhaps it won't. But even at $4.99, this one, at least, is worth it. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    We The Nerdy - Adrienne Crean Jul 28, 2014

    Lastly we end with Damian, son of Batman.Tomasi did a very good job on a story line, however, it focused very little on Damian's origin, and more on the now. I do understand Damian is a child, therefore, how much origin story can there be? I believe more time spent on his training, and getting to know his father, even a story line of a specific mission they worked on together, could have been a better fit for Secret Origins. Again, the story line was indeed well done, I just feel it wasn't up to par for what the series is based on. The artwork done by Bertram I'm sure is loved by many, however, it is not my kind of art. I found myself wondering what certain items or blood stains were as opposed to being blown away by magnificent scenes. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Jul 24, 2014

    Secret origins #4 is another unnecessary walk down memory lane.  If you don't know the origins of any of these characters, go for it. All the writers and artists are good enough to make it worth your while.  If you know the stories already, there is not enough new bits for me to recommend this book to you.  It's all pretty much what you remember. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    The Batman Universe - Corbin Pool Jul 25, 2014

    This one had a lot of callbacks, which can be old for an older reader. But also had some nice moments in there as well. If you hate the art, I get it. It's Ian Bertram, who did a story in Detective Comics #27, and recently did a issue of Batman Eternal. I've heard a lot of negativity about his art. Although it is very stylized, I actually kinda like it. I don't know that I would want it on a Bat-book regularly, but from time to time is nice. I think it would look better in an indie comic, as it has that kind of style. If you didn't like it, don't judge this story on that. There are completely different artists on these books. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Cole Kennedy Jul 25, 2014

    Secret Origins is certainly a series that is geared towards new readers or readers who just want to expand their knowledge of the characters, but whether your reading them for the first time, or refreshing your memory of why Harley's skin is also bleached, or how Damian came to be, Secret Origins is, at its core, entertaining. The collection of varying art keeps the book looking fresh and captures a lot of different readers who like different styles. All in all, this series is worth picking up, even if you're an expert on all things DC, and is a must have for new readers. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Booked - Jeff Hill Jul 26, 2014

    The Green Arrow origin by Jeff Lemire and Denys Cowan is a rehash of an old story, but is decently-written with hard-on-the-eyes artwork. But the Harley Quinn origin by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Stephanie Roux is every bit as chaotic, fun, and heartfelt as the main ongoing title. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Jul 23, 2014

    Secret Origins #4 is a mediocre, boring, and most importantly, disappointing comic. There's a lot of potential with these writers getting to do origin tales or having the opportunity to expand further on the characters they love. However, just about every origin tale has been done already with nothing new to offer, the writing was often boring, and artwork ranged from good to downright hideous. I was so excited about this issue but it offered nothing of value to justify the $5 price tag. Skip it. Read Full Review

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