Went into this cold. I didn’t feel lost. Excellent dramatic writing. I was engaged right away and got a pretty quick grasp on the character. Yes a few things did not make sense but overall I got it.
I felt a sense of dread in watching the”return”of a what I presume to be a scary character. A demonic evangelist, egomaniac with revenge on his mind.
Art is creepy and monstrous -- which is perfect for this book. Not a style I would buy but it works for this type of story. Gory, grotesque but not technically the most solid or stylistically the most elegant or energetic. Still, I enjoyed many scenes. Lines felt a little loose on the last couple of pages.
I want to know more about these characters and this world which I think is a hard thing to accomplish in what looks like a one-of background story.
Reminded me of Walking Dead, 28 Days later, The Thing
more

What if Hitler cured cancer?
Interesting examination of what would true equality look like
Terrifying experience as the villain reveals his plans
Terrific art- coincidently much like Panosian or Shaun Murphy
I find it intriguing that we are now seeing the issues on the periphery of comics are making them into the comics -- yet not what I expected.
The theme I am interested in is presented with the telling of two different experiences post 9-11; Crane’s mother’s and his husband’s. Some might point to this as an example of how humanity is good (optimistic) or bad (pessimistic).
I’ve read three other review of this book and what I find most interesting (and a little frightening) in all of them is that none of those writers felt the villain was Dr. Crane. The almost explained away his behavior in a way as understandable.
more

Panosian is one of my favorite artists. Cartoony, but versatile. His characters have style, He would have fit right in the Mad Magazine bullpen.
This book showcases a retro feel. Panosian’s inner 50’s advertising illustrator is showing.
Stanley is a charmer, a rogue, a scoundrel. I like him already.
Stanley is at the end of his rope. He’s regretful at this point for not having anyone left in his life and about to end it when-- a chance at redemption calls him.
Love the Rosanna and Greg bit. A great scene that moves the plot and add to Stanley’s character.
As the book went on I saw a Miller/Jansen DKR feel (boxing club scenes)
Solid noir crime chapter 1. Morally questionable characters,sexy femme fatale(s), Guns, booze, and Las Vegas.
We’re left with a set-up of a crime thriller and promise for an interesting inter-generational dynamic -- Stanley and Lucy / Betsy and Mercy.
If you like Darwyn Cooke’s “Parker”, Ed Brubaker, Greg Rucka crime stuff.
more

Sean Murphy is one of the last true superstar artists and a pretty good writer. I like seeing him do something this ambitious.

Terrific concept. “What if…” Batman story. As with DKR, we don’t know the specific timeframe, but it doesn’t matter. This is mythmaking.

“I know my way around.” a clever presentation of one of the themes -- Batman and the Joker are so similar, mirror images, they are interchangeable.

This Joker is an annoying, theater-geek, improv-class-taking meta-fanboy.He’s the ultimate extrovert who would rather murder you than not command your attention. He even laughs with a “Bwa-hah-ha-ha!”

This Batman is all toxic masculinity. The ultimate male - driven by a lack of control in a chaotic world he created for himself.

I love that Murphy is being topical -- on point ad relevant with the comics world and society in general.

Read it with Batman representing comic book industry and The Joker as comic book fans turned-critics/journalists/editors/podcasters….what?!?

Only complaint the last few pages felt a little sparse to try and end on the cliffhanger.
more

Action-packed, super-hero comic.
Venditti has a great feel for the characters.
I especially like Hal. He’s brash and cocky.
Sandoval and Tarragona are a great team.
Doesn't try too hard to be something it is not.
Just fun space-cop adventures.

Great use of actual linework to evoke atmosphere. This isn't relying on the colorist to do the job. The colors enhance the linework, but are not necessary to the job. Jordi Tarragona is the inker on this issue and should get a raise. You don’t see inks like this much anymore. This is old-school.
more