Comics

Beware the Batman #4

/ / Comics

Beware the Batman #4Obviously set to be released after an episode of Beware of the Batman that never aired, Beware the Batman #4 features a two version of Man-Bat long after Batman‘s unseen first meeting with scientist Kirk Langstrom and includes Barbara Gordon working with Team Batman as Oracle.

Despite building on events and relationships that neither the show nor the comic have covered, the latest issue works well enough playing on a familiar storyline of Batman and Man-Bat working together to find someone else who has been exposed to the serum and transformed into a Man-Bat (in this case the young student Barbara had been tutoring).

With the show not returning to the air in January as scheduled I have a feeling these gaps in continuity could continue which may be why DC has decided to end the comic series after issue #6. As to the fate of the cartoon, given that neither DC nor Cartoon Network have discussed it in months, one has to wonder if it will meet a similar fate. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Robin Annual #2

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Batman and Robin Annual #2My issue with Batman and Robin Annual #2, which is a mostly unremarkable recreation of Dick Grayson first day as Robin, is the comic is simply yet another example of DC continuing to shit all over their own characters’ beloved comic history by rebranding the first Robin costume as a crappy version of Tim Drake‘s pre-New 52 costume.

Although the Annual’s story allows it to weave in Damian (reminding us how much the Bat-books miss him right now), it doesn’t actually do much to compare Damian and Dick’s versions of Robin (which is really supposed to be the point). I will say the joke about an average day in school for Dick was funny (but didn’t need to be repeated). But the villain, Tusk, is completely forgettable, and even this younger version of Batman comes off like a complete prick through 90% of the story.

Even with the fan bait of giving Batman fans a taste of the character Grant Morrison killed only because he could, Batman and Robin Annual #2 is unremarkarkable except for the fact it will likely continue to piss off longtime DC fans. Pass.

[DC, $4.99]

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30The Turtles exile in Northampton at the family farm of April‘s parents continues as both Leonardo and Splinter attempt to work through their recent struggles and failures. Both receive visions of Hamato Yoshi’s wife and Leonardo’s mother helping to soothe their pain and trying to bring her family back together once more.

As Michelangelo struggles to put recent events down in writing and Donatello struggles without having the necessary equipment or research to do much of anything, Raphael continues to be distrustful of Alopex and the arctic fox’s actions concerning his recently brainwashed brother.

The low-key issue is very much presented as the calm before the storm. Alopex finds at least temporary acceptance with the Turtles, Leonardo begins interacting with his family, and even Raphael lets his guard down a bit. However, it is all to be short-lived as Karai‘s agents have found the Turtles which should lead into a much more action-packed issue next month. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

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Fables #137

/ / Comics

Fables #137The Camelot storyline comes to an end as Rose Red chooses her first six new Knights of the Round Table (Brump, Wellstuffed, Bo Peep, Reynard, Maeve, and Lancelot), we see the power of her actions begin to manifest, and Lancelot discovers (much to his dismay) his role this time around.

Although the arc comes to an end, and much of the focus is on Red and her quest, the perspective of the issue is from that of Snow White‘s intriguing daughter Winter who is simultaneously both a small child wanting to protect her mother and a wise and immensely power creature of nature slowly building her own forces should there come a time when Rose Red and Snow White’s dispute turns violent.

Fables #136 also foreshadows the return of Bigby with the completion of his statue (except from a tiny piece made into a ring) and some ominous words from Winter suggesting that the wolf’s eventual return may not be the cause for celebration all may hope it be. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

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Transformers: Regeneration One #98

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Transformers: Regeneration One #98While Optimus Prime deals with the unexpected return and betrayal of Fortress Maximus, Rodimus Prime‘s plan of a preemptive attack on Jhiaxus leads the Autobots into a deadly trap that costs on of the original Generation One Autobots his life. The teasing of Shockwave and Starscream joining the fray also continues as the pair return to Cybertron setting up the comic’s final arc involving the fate of the Autobots, Decepticons, Cybertron, Earth, and perhaps even the entire universe.

I’m saddened to see Hound go and, given this is the end to the original Marvel Comics run that started back in 1984 (for .75 an issue), I wonder how many other names might be added to the list. And Maximus’ brutal attack on Optimus Prime introduces him as a dangerous threat as well.

Along with plenty of action, Transformers: Regeneration One #98 delivers a rejuvinated Shockwave, teases the return of Galvatron, and sets all the pieces in motion for what should be a very interesting final arc. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

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