No good/bad review for this one. My thoughts on it can be summarized in one emoji:💩

Tl;dr same as last time, a non-issue. But this one has dialogue!
Story advances a hint, just the minimal amount. You could definitely skip it and not miss a beat. I would not recommend it and tell people to instead wait for the end of this arc to return once the actual story is retaken.

On to the the general contents of the issue:

Apparently Batman has Constantine in his subconscious, interesting enough and poses various questions but I doubt it will ever be brought up again or Tom King will ever elaborate on it. So all we can do is say “cool cameo, bro” and ignore it because nothing came of it.

Batman is presented in a scenario where the wedding happened actually happened, or as I’d state it one in where Tom King had guts/sense to allow this. Seeing him struggle to maintain the illusion despite the increasing knowledge of it all being a dream was compelling enough, as was how he was shown as legitimately happy. Eventually the “dream” turns into a “nightmare” and they give the only information that advances the story, Batman is being held in an undisclosed location and being pumped full of fear gas to keep him out of commission. The only thing of value this comic has in the grand scheme of things is the page where this is presented, the rest can be easily ignored.

Constantine, who plays a big role in this particular issue, is portrayed well enough and is cleverly used as the nagging feeling everything is wrong, but this is nothing more than a small cameo and a missed opportunity if there ever was one.

The dynamic between the Cat and the Bat is well presented and engaging as King did do a decent job of showcasing the relationship until the terribleness that was the ending of Batman #50. This issue also cements that Batman’s biggest weakness is apparently sniper bullets, because apparently a man prepared to fight even Darkseid cannot foresee people shooting at him and his allies with a rifle from afar. Cue facepalm.

All in all a better read than last issue, due to the key inclusion of dialogue, but equally relevant in that it barely advances the story at all. Less of a waste, but a waste nonetheless. I might be being generous with the score. more

John Constantine and Batman just... fit together nicely, conceptually, at least. One is a cynical, sarcastic dick, and the other is a bruting, cold introvert. There's a lot of potential for such team-up, mixing street vigilantism with magic and demons. Too bad these two, every time they appear in the same place in the same time and interact, don't have anything valuable to say. Justice League Dark movie shoehorned Batman for no reason, Brian Azzarello completely bastardized these two characters in an abomination that is Batman Damned (albeit at least Johnny Boy didn't try to rape Bats like Harley in issue 2 - yeah, that's how bad things went with this comic), and now, Tom King came up with the same idea - to team up John and Bruce, in a mysterious story. And yes, it sucks like the two aforementioned teamp-ups.

First of all, the story - it's dull for the most part, and features two of King's most well known gimmicks: repetition and dualism. Remember #50, with all these boring beyond belief interludes featuring commentaries from Batman and Catwoman, regarding the same subjects? Like their eyes? You'll find that in this issue as well, thankfully used just once. You'll also find repeated scenes from the same issue - and look, I get it, it's a long story arc, and it's understandable King wants to put more emphasis on important scenes here and there - remind us what's happening with all key characters, since lat 10 issues barely push the main narrative forward. And while I understand why, I can't say I enjoy reading the same thing over and over again, basically, if I'm stuck in a never-ending loop of repetition and duality, parallels thrown in my face. And this week, once again, we learn nothing important - the comic leads somwehere, I guess, but it's as stagnant and slow paced as its predecessors. It's just boring. more

what the hell?
this series is all over the place, with no rhyme or reason.

there were no real clues in the last two issues to even tie all this together.
it’s just feels like a series of non related one-shots.

another pointless issue that ultimately went nowhere.

get Tom King off this book.
he has absolutely no clue what to do with Batman.

"10:38?"

If I were to describe this issue with one word I would use the word "uneventful" because there is nothing practically happening in this one. At least the story is starting to get somewhere.

The very ending of the issue finally gives us some insight about what the heck is happening. Fake Constantine informs "Bat" that he is hooked up to some nightmare inducing machine. I can't help it, but it makes me think about the episode of the animated series. The one where Mad Hatter had Batman in a similar machine. Can't recall the name of it. And, aside from "Bat" and "Cat" in the dialogue, there was nothing cringy or eye rolling here. I call that a success.
There was one moment I really liked. The short scene with the clock. Bruce and Selina's dialogue felt genuine and it was just nice seeing them interacting outside the costume like normal people. I was imaging that we would see things just like that if the wedding would end in a different way.

And you got to love that Rebirth Batmobile. It's beautiful. Like the animated series one mixed with a tank. Mike Janin draws that beast really well. more

I recognized that it was a dream or hallucnation. Problem is that I really like the parts with Selina and Bruce That's what I wanted from their Wedding! But King still instills that there would be bad things. Comics are cyclical. They would get divorce, or rebooted them. I don't care about the future. I wanted it now!

Bats is kissing Cats in pretty or sexy environment. Constantine is there to harsh the buzz.

Rinse, lather, repeat.

On the final time Constantine tells Bats that he is caught and hooked up to a machine that makes him dream, with the final scenario having Cats die.

That is the whole issue. This story is so decompressed, if it were a set of tires, you wouldn’t be able to drive 10 feet.

Also, this is the second story this week wheres King’s protagonist is dreaming that his significant other is constantly getting killed. (See internet uproar over Walmart Superman book).

Get help dude.

The art was nice, but the story was slow. Three issues to tell us Bruce is mindtrapped. I feel so jerked around.

Or I could be wrong. more

there were definitely very good moments in this issue, but the series really needs to streamline.
too many characters and subplots going on at once, the story was all over the place.

that’s a big problem. when a series has been built around also selling tie-in series. things become too convoluted.

the most frustrating part is that the Turtles mostly just bickered among each other.

there were parts that i really DID enjoy in this issue.
it’s just not something i could confidently recommend to a friend.

part of me really wishes the series would just wrap up.
try to at least end it on a high note.
end it before the continually dropping sales numbers lead to an eventual cancellation. more

Tl;dr I did not think it would be possible for bendis’ writing to get worse on this book, he proved me wrong. Please save yourself the physical pain it will cause on your eyes and do not read it, buying it would be far too much and contribute to one of the worst books out there.

On to the actual contents now, so know spoilers will follow:

Issue ends on another “big twist/reveal”, because apparently bendis cannot continue a story without one. This is itself a showcase of a his lackluster writing in this book. About the “reveal” itself it’s basically “Man who was a villain is stated to be bad”. I stare blankly into space because it’s the only way I can react at something so blatantly obvious from even Man of Steel. There was no reconciliation had between Superman and Jor-El or anything to indicate that after their last encounter he was not a villain.

From what little we get to see from the journey the Superman Family took we now know Lois left her son in space with his “grandfather” after a single mission deciding she was not needed. Because I presume that ensuring Jon would not be influenced into following in the footsteps of Mr. Oz and continuing to instill in him the proper values and ethics of the person his parents want him to be is unnecessary in the face of just having superpowers. Great parenting shown here, thanks bendis.

Going by that we’re meant to believe Jon is not an impressionable young man who needs no further guidance by his parents and is trusted to know what to do in case his grandfather, who was last seen as a villain, asks him to do something that goes against his values. But while I shudder to think of what Jon will reveal happened in the following “years” of his trip, as of now we are just left with a considerably older Superboy who was aged just to allow the writer to explore how parents would feel if they missed out on raising their child. He chose to sacrifice the development of a character for the chance to explore an idea; he will undoubtedly waste this opportunity and reverse before anyone else can actually work with it.

It hurt to see Lobo make a short cameo, because he’s one more character to add to the list of those bendis has gotten wrong, but surprisingly what he says is the best advice Jon has gotten in this title. Seeing alien people worship Superman was ridiculous, because he actually strives to not be seen as someone who should be worshipped/relied on to that degree and while Superman has indeed assisted other planets in times of need the impact he’s had on the galaxy is far lesser than that of the GL Corps who has been outright shunned by the citizens of certain planets.

The dialogue itself is poorly written, cringeworthy in more than one ocassion (Jon laughling at was is not even arguably a joke Jor-El makes comes to mind), and I can’t help but say he does not get a single character “right” in the entire issue.

This is the worst issue in the run so far and it decidedly looks like it will not improve. Save yourself the hassle and avoid this title until a new creative team comes on board. more

#fireBendis

DO NOT ENTER THE SPOILER BARN BEFORE HAVING READ THIS ISSUE!

THE GOOD:

-The art is phenomenal, simply put.

-The writing is phenomenal, simply put.

-The writing and the art together is phenomenal, simply put.

-The opening for this issue was amazing. Creepy and unique.

-Not to mention the old Norton Sinclair. I don't know how this all connects but I cannot wait to see it do so.

-God, I love the mystery in this comic book. I am on the edge of my seat with every issue.

-That scene with the old Black Barn was so good. So. Good.

-Poor Doc.

-Once again, Norton and Angie were great together, they have great dialogue and are excellent characters.

-Good to see Deputy Ballard again. He was a small character, but I liked him.

-Now, the Bishop. I am so glad he is back. And his appearance this issue is executed to perfection.

-With this issue, we finally get confirmation that Norton is Danny. And even though it's expected, it's the right way to go.

-The splash page with Norton and Danny from the past. That was so, so good.

-And I'm not going to spoil anything after that. You're just gonna have to read it for yourself. Don't let my review hamper your experience with this masterpiece because I gave some stuff away.

-This series is phenomenal, simply put.

THE BAD:

-Absolutely nothing. God, I love this series. more

A very good conclusion to this mini-arc about Jonah. He finally gets past his ego and makes right at least some of the pain he's caused Spider-Man and others throughout the years. We get yet another heartfelt conversation between Spider-Man and another character that reaffirm their relationship and status quo for this series. First Boomerang, then Black Cat, now Jonah. We also get a cliffhanger that presumably has to do with Kraven, who's been a background player this entire time, so that's exciting. more

I thought this was really great. I had a ton of fun reading this. The pacing is great and so is the art. I like seeing Batman be a detective and I like that this mystery is actually slowly being unfolded. I hope Tomasi stays on Detective for a while, since his Batman is so refreshing after so much of the current Batman run and previous Detective Comics being regulated to sub-par Batman stories, or a team book. Also, maybe Damian can be alright again. Teen Titans just ruined everything Tomasi was trying to do and Super Sons is really suffering from a lack of plot. So having him interact with Batman as a supporting character might be just what the character needs. I've got high hopes for this series. more

THE GOOD:

-Okay, this issue cemented the series for me. It took me a while to come around, I'm not afraid to admit I didn't like it at first, but now I'm on board. This was awesome. I'm looking forward to rereading this issue and the series.

-I loved the diner setting. It was really cool.

-The fact that Donny Cates can make such a phenomenal issue out of one conversation is really something special.

-At first I thought Eddie's opening monologue was corny, then he turned on its head with a great joke.

-I absolutely loved the interplay between Eddie and Dylan. It was natural, not forced.

-Holy sh*t. The car accident turned into one of the best and darkest and most perfect twists I have read in a comic book.

-This art is something. Ryan Stegman is just an amazing artist. This issue could have no words and still evoke all the emotion it needs too.

-I thought the paneling for the crash scene was really, really good.

-It was a small thing, but that Venom tendril was cool, how Eddie used it to block Dylan's hand.

-Okay, I cried. I'll admit it.

-Knull's appearance was so weird and good. I love it.

-Then the twist that Cates pulls with it…. so good!

-Great to see the Maker. He was a great character in this series.

-That end… !!!

THE BAD:

-My only complaint is that last issue's cliffhanger was kind of written off. That was slightly annoying. more

Shredder In Hell reads like the return of an old friend that has been gone for far too long. As we inch toward our issue #100 milestone in the main series Its hard to imagine the story without Oroku Saki not making an appearance in some fashion. It's hard to believe that he's been gone for over forty issues now.  

Karai is attempting to resurrect Shredder, her father. From there the comic shifts to Oroku's perspective as he finds himself in the dream that he and Hamato Yoshi's (Splinter) spoke about as children. 

In this dream, he is tormented by his past self Takeshi Tatsuo and also comforted by Splinter. Oroku navigates the landscape trying to make sense of it all. Splinter tell's Shredder that the manifestations represent Oroku's soul being ripped apart by the Dragon God that inhabits it. 

It will be interesting to see how the series develops. My guess is that we will see Shredder escape hell either in control of his destiny as redeemed or reaffirming his path of destruction and gaining dominion over the Dragon God. 

Mateus Santolouco is my favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle artist. He brings his A-game here. The issue is even more beautiful than I anticipated. Marcelo Costa's colors add to Mateus' dreamlike setting by giving a subdued color palette. The colors aren't bland though they just blend perfectly with the story and setting which reminded me of the realm of the ancestor scenes from Black Panther.  

There is an awesome moment where Shredder runs off and Splinter kisses his long-dead wife and chases after him. It's really strange seeing these friends in a friendly manner. The closest comparison I can think of would be Professor X and Magneto from X-Men. 

This in my opinion is Mateus's best work and also once again highlights the editorial direction of Bobby Curnow. This comic line is extremely tight yet every piece works independently. If completed the TMNT-Macro Series and are following TMNT universe you see all of the moving parts coming together. If you're only reading the main series you're still getting a great narrative but the minute details are missing.  

The comic ends on a pretty intense cliffhanger and if you're at all intrigued by this issue I can't see you not coming back next month for more.

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it is stories like THIS that make me happy that i’ve been reading IDW’s TMNT since the very beginning!

this is everything i enjoy about IDW’s TMNT. their past lives from Feudal Japan the relationship between Oroku Saki and Hamato Yoshi, Brothers of the same Ninja Clan.

Mateus Santolouco is a phenomenal artist. this series shows this in spades.
he is also a very gifted writer. he co-wrote Secret History of the Foot Clan and now he’s fully in charge of writing this series.
the character voices are spot on! this picks up right where we left Oroku Saki from IDW TMNT #50, and has great callbacks to that issue as well.
the world and scenarios Santolouco has created are really beautiful. his portrayal of Hell is totally bad-ass!
and the cliff hanger….. HOLY S%$&!!!
cannot wait for the next issue!!

the way IDW TMNT has been going the last few years i REALLY wish we’d gotten this story a LOT sooner! but atleast better late than never!

it's hard to recommend this to someone who isn't completely caught up with this series.
to anyone who is this is a definite recommend. more

Full Disclosure, when I write a review or upload a video for the Youtube channel I usually go back and forth between reading the popular comic I'm supposed to be reading for the week and something else that has either been languishing in my backlog or that I've been putting aside that I know will be interesting for me to read. 

Yesterday my review was for Heroes in Crisis #4, which turned out to be a dud and today was the Leonardo Macro series that I had been sitting on for awhile. 

The latter issue as expected turned out to be the superior comic. Sadly it will never get the same amount of attention. Not enough readers even know that the IDW TMNT line is one of the best lines of stories on the shelves today and honestly gives me hope for what the industry could look like if it wasn't so beholden to the juggernauts of Marvel and DC but I digress. 

This issue is beautiful from the beginning from to its conclusion and in my opinion, is a masterpiece stunningly presented by Sophie Campbell who provides the art and story and Brittany Peer who provides the colors for the issue. 

The story takes a hard look at Leonardo and it quickly becomes clear that Sophie has a genuine affection for this character. It focuses on his role as big brother and his responsibilities as Leader of Clan Hamato. It also gives us insight into Leonardo's thoughts and feelings about Splinter and the strain of his affiliation with the Foot Clan. The issue also delves heavily into Leo's personal motivations and what he wants for the future of his family.

Leonardo is the most traditional ninja of the group and bears the weight of currently being the surrogate father and big brother for his siblings. This puts Leo under constant strain because under the warrior's veneer he's still a kid. A kid bearing all of the titles and responsibilities of a much older man. He'd much rather have some semblance of a normal life rather than constantly being on guard prepared for the next emerging crisis.

After ending a failed meditation session with his brothers Leo leaves to take a break and decides to continue his session alone. After which he is almost immediately attacked by Koya. Koya is a mutant that comes in the form of a giant bird. She gets the better of him pinning him to the ground under her talons and snatching his mask off. Before she delivers the killing blow Leo asks her what's next? He tells her that she won only because he was distracted and that he wasn't giving the fight his all. This gives Koya pause and she lets him up.

They begin chatting and Leonardo makes the connection that if Koya is back, Karai must be back as well. She tells Leo that she came back to take what she wanted and asks him what he wants. His thoughts go to his brothers. Koya gets up to leave as Karai and the rest of her crew show up.  

Leo immediately pulls his weapon and they get into a brief skirmish that ends with his katana being destroyed. She reveals that she is back to take back the Foot Clan. Leonardo tells her that he will not stand in her way and that he just wants his father back. They agree to a truce based on the condition that she allow his family the space to leave peacefully. 

With this, the rest of the turtles arrive and get into a brief skirmish with Karai before Leo shuts things down. Karai's forces walk away and the guys decide to hang out the rest of the day. As the turtles walk away Koya drops Leo's mask from a tree above and flies away. The turtles spend the rest of the day together and this reveals what ultimately drives Leonardo, his family...

I stated earlier that this is a beautiful issue. It really drives home some key aspects of Leonardo's character that you don't see in the regular issue format. Leo's ultimate goal is to protect his family and for them to be together and save. No child should be under the sort of pressure that Leonardo is under at all times. It's really sad that he has to make life or death decisions all the time at such a young age. 

We rarely get to see Leonardo in a state of peace so it was nice to see him get a respite even briefly. The art from Sophie has a serene quality that drives the key elements of the story and the familial themes of the series. She's also able to pack a lot of emotions into single panels that translate the inner thoughts of the characters without thought balloons or internal narration. The regular series is pushing 100 issues and has been theoretically been running in real time. This means that our heroes have been running from crisis to crisis with few exceptions. 

This issue is also special because if you haven't read it then you won't have any idea that the truce has been made when it eventually becomes a plot point in the regular series.

You also wouldn't have seen Karai's journey to Japan if you hadn't been following her story arc in TMNT Universe. The TMNT line of stories is incredibly layered with great writers, artists and probably the strongest editorial direction of any line of comics being produced today. 

It's pretty obvious that Leo's plan won't turn out the way he expects. I think this is driven home in the scene where The guys are walking away and Koya throw's Leo his mask. The threat will always be there.
 
I feel that there is a tragedy brewing for these characters. At the time of this writing, Shredder is slated to return. Agent Bishop and the Earth Protection Force are still a threat. The Rat King is still in the shadows and an increasing number of mutants are showing up all the time. I'd be very surprised if the series doesn't lose a major character soon especially with 100 issue milestone coming soon. 

This was an amazing ride and is a must read even if I spoiled a bulk of the plot points It needs to be experienced, Sophie and Co deserve all the praise in the world for this story together and on the strength of this issue, I'm going to check out some of her other work.  This issue is quite simply, perfection. 

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You know Tom King often stretches one issue into three? Well this felt like two or three crammed into one. Maybe some will enjoy that, a throwback to '70s plotting, but it felt rushed and disjointed. Mahnke's linework appeared more rushed as well, potentially a function of so many characters and plot, leaving little room for detail. But my issue is the dialogue, which felt clunky. Good ideas with disappointing execution compared to the past two issues, but of course I am still on-board with where this is going.

Biggest highlight? Reading HaHaNoraSoColdMarryMeBreakYou was a lot of fun! more

Ugh. What a messy, boring end to a messy, boring series.

THE GOOD:

-Still loving the art. I don't think I've read an issue where I've disliked Jock's art.

-I thought that first page was really cool. Reminds me of Snyder in the good old days when he was at his best. This whole series seems to evoke that very feeling.

-It's interesting to see more and more of these Bruce Wayne murders. So far, they're really keeping my attention.

-The Batman Who Laughs is so good. No not the series… That's pretty good, but the villain is perfect. I didn't like him in Metal (I wasn't a fan of that whole event in general), but this series is doing miracles for him.

-I really loved the confrontation between Batman and The Batman Who Laughs in this one. It was a really cool moment in this issue.

-The Joker scene this issue was creepy and really mad cup for the confusing and rushed one last issue.

-And God… that end. I won't spoil it. If you haven't read this issue, I strongly suggest you stay away from spoilers. Ruining the utter shock one gets from the last page should be outlawed. +1 extra point.

THE BAD:

-Sadly, after the first page, we get a cringe-y splash of Batman saying, "Whatever the hell it takes," with a bunch of needles sticking out of back. That was so overly forced.

-Wasn't a fan of Bat-Bullock. I'm not sure why that was even necessary, except to provoke that weird spurt of anger.

-This issue definitely had more Synder-exposition than the first one. I will admit I was bored at a few points throughout the issue.

-Sadly, I can't say I'm a fan of the Grim Knight. He was overhyped, really a very minor player so far. I do think a Punisher-style Batman has potential, but this issue isn't reaching it in that aspect.

-I wasn't a fan of the explosion page. It felt like it was forced to make it a splash page, but it really should't have and I don't like how they brightened the sky in that one little spot to show Batman. Didn't resonate with me visually. That's just me though, it's perfectly understandable for another person to love that page. more

THE GOOD:

-I liked the art, but it was a step down from the first two in my opinion.

-Glad to see Tomasi making ties to his Batman and Robin run. It added to this issue nicely.

-I still think the characterization is spot-on here. I especially found Henri Ducard to be a great character in this issue.

-That creature from issue one's appearance was just perfect. Bizarre and memorable. Apparently Mahnke and Tomasi heard the criticism that the creature looked too bland in the first issue, because they have really amped it up, in a good way.

-That line about the people who made Batman being unmade really resonated with me. I liked it a lot. I also liked that they didn't force a splash page on it, the line was powerful enough already.

-I thought that the temple scene was really cool. Awesome battle scene that isn't stretched to the point of filler, or too short. Nicely done.

-That end is just… Wow. I won't spoil it. If you haven't read this issue yet and plan on doing so, I suggest avoiding spoilers.

THE BAD:

-I will admit, the ending of last issue was continued rather anticlimactically this issue.

-This issue did feel kind of rushed, especially towards the end. The last page really felt like they crammed too much in there. So much so, I was very confused as to what exactly happened in those last few panels. more

THE GOOD:

-The anthology format for this issue was perfect. It made this the best issue of the series and the best issue of any team-related book I have read in a very, very, very long time.

-I absolutely loved the art. If there's anything the last two issues made me realize, it's that Alvaro Martinez is just a magnificent person, in terms of artistic talent. He really makes this book work the way it does.

-I thought the introduction to this issue was great.

-"The Soup" was a story with a great premise and executed to brilliance. Also, my favorite of the four stories.

-I absolutely love all of the body horror elements of this issue. I can't say enough about them and this issue as a whole. Do yourself a favor, read this series, even if its just for this phenomenal issue.

-Frankenstein and the Agents of SHADE alongside I, Vampire with both of their appearances was just epic.

-"The Conjoined" was just utterly and effectively disturbing in all the right ways.

-"The Offspring" was also just awesome horror. So good!

-The countdown paneling was a really subtle and awesome effect. I love it!

-The way the issue's framing story just escalated was awesome and perfectly subtle.

-It was a simple thing, but I really dug the backwards written page.

-"The Rip" was an awesome story and also the one most related to the ongoing story.

-Glad to see the return of SPOILER REDACTED at the end of the issue. He was a great villain and his appearance was genuinely unexpected and creepy.

-God, I love the end of this issue. It was just… perfect.

THE BAD:

-Nothing at all. Everything's perfect. The writing, the art, the format, the story. Also one of the most reread-able issues in recent memory. more

This issue wasn't as good as previous ones. I think the pacing issues are starting to catch up with this series. Not enough happens and what does doesn't allow the characters to shine.

I liked this issue. I thought it was a good finale. Not exactly one I didn't see coming, given all the Age of X-Man announcements, but still. That's a good way to clear off the board. It lives up to the "Disassembled" name. Issue 11 will actually be the best jumping on point, probably.

I don't know, I'm frankly shocked by the reception to this issue. It's just as boring as every other issue. Unearth isn't very interesting. The characters themselves say that it's based on a very one-dimensional concept, that mostly serves to create plot devices. And I believe them! I'm just so checked out of this title at this point.

I thought this was fine. I think it was a little hollow. I never really found that stakes all that high and I didn't really find anything in this as inspiring as the writing and art wanted me to. It just wasn't set up properly, I think.

THE GOOD:

-Bryan Hitch's art was still fantastic. He continues to deliver on every level with this series.

-That simulation-thing was pretty cool. Hitch's art really translated that perfectly.

-I will admit to liking the scene where they talk with Krypton falling apart around them. That was cool.

-I'm semi-excited for the Deathbringers, I guess?

THE BAD:

-So this issue is just Carter and Catar-Ol talking? Not sure how I feel about that.

-Alright I'm really bored with this issue. What a disappointing follow-up to last issue. -1 point. more