Comics

Fables #134

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Fables #134A single issue interlude in the “Camelot” storyline centers around the afterlife of Bigby who has been living out his days in a forested realm without remembering the series of events which led him there. Visited by Boy Blue, and one other important visitor, Bigby is roused out of his dream state to consider and question what happens to the legendary Fable going forward.

Although Blue doesn’t show him the way, his conversation to Bigby implies the wolf can return to the land of the living if he so desires. Or, if he believes that life is finished and is happy in his new surroundings, the wolf can stay in his new realm for eternity.

Bigby’s abscence in the comic has been felt, even before he was turned to crystal and shattered by Prince Brandish. This issue suggests that his return has more to do with the wolf’s decision and will than the various magics of Fabletown tirelessly working to put him back together again. The issue ends on a sweet, if melancholy, note, but I expect we haven’t seen he last of the wolf. Worth a look.

[Vertigo, $2.99]

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Guardians of the Galaxy #7

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Guardians of the Galaxy #7Fighting with the mysterious Angela didn’t solve anything, so in the latest issue the Guardians of the Galaxy try talking to the woman who it took all of them to eventually take down. Guardians of the Galaxy #7 reveals the cosmic event that brought the angel to the Marvel Universe (the same one Thanos mentioned last issue) as well as reveals her true origins to the Guardians as an angel of Heven.

There’s not much action here, as the issue is mainly used to introduce the character (finally) to those readers unaware of her origins. The interactions between the group while talking to Angela are fun, but both Tony Stark and Peter Quill push the flippant Whedonesque pop culture joke references well past the bounds of reasonable behavior.

With no reason or authority to hold her, the Guardians release Angela to Earth (a realm she only knows about through stories). Although the issue ends with the angel on her own, given the fact she appears on next month’s cover I don’t think it will take too long before we see her again. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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The Shadow #18

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The Shadow #18The Shadow‘s battle of wills with The Light comes to a close high above the city on rooftops and the top of the bridge as Lamont Cranston fights the crazed nun believing she is doing God’s work killing the sinful and purifying the world of the evil they represent.

Although I think this story arc is at least one issue too long, I can’t argue with the fact that it’s gotten stronger as it has gone on. The conclusion, with the two vigilantes both of whom equally believe their version of justice is righteous and the other’s is tainted, offers a physical battle as well as a battle of words and a debate on each of the vigilante’s actions set to some great panels by artist Giovanni Timpano.

The issue comes to a close with The Shadow victorious, but the inability of the police to discover a body in the river suggests we may not have seen the last of The Light nor her mission. Worth a look.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

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Batman ’66 #1

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Batman '66 #1I finally decided to pick up the first few issues of Batman ’66, the print version of the digital comic inspired by the 1960s Batman television show. Batman ’66 #1 features Batman and Robin dealing with the return of the Riddler and his odd puzzles as he sets out to steal three pieces of priceless artwork from Gotham City created by a renown artist whose love for puzzles was well known.

While tackling the Riddler, Batman and Robin end up in the new night club owned by Catwoman who isn’t pleased with the mess they make of her club and her goons. Not involved with the crimes, Catwoman agrees to help the Dynamic Duo stop the Riddler (and take the opportunity to try and steal one of the pieces of art for herself).

…

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Batman and Two-Face #24

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Batman and Two-Face #24After months of giving us issues with rotating members of the Bat Family the latest issue of Batman and Robin begins a new arc featuring an updated New 52 origin of Two-Face. Although the basics stay the same, a criminal exposes Harvey Dent to acid, the specifics are unnecessarily updated (something the New 52 excels at) as the person responsible for Two-Face’s creation is now Erin McKillen.

The issue begins with McKillen’s return to Gotham to attend a meeting with the other Gotham crime families who have decided to team-up against the freaks who have been encroaching on their turf. The scenes of McKillen and Dent are shown in flashbacks, although the reasoning behind such brutal actions on her part, especially for the first issue of an extended arc meant to specifically with Dent’s transformation into Two-Face, aren’t well explained.

All that said, even the changes can’t ruin one of Batman‘s most interesting villains. As the beginning of a true origin for the character it’s flawed, but fans may still enjoy the issue.

[DC, $2.99]

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