4 Razors

Batman, Zatanna, and Monsters! Oh My!

/ / Comics

all-new-batman-brave-and-bold-12-coverI’m not sure why many of DC’s best comics come from their kids line or why it’s so hard for comic book shops to stock these, but when I find one I make sure to grab it. The latest issue of The All-New Batman: The Brave And The Bold features Batman and Zatanna and a whole host of cameos from lesser known DC heroes and villains who fit perfectly into a Halloween tale.

Batman calls on Zatanna to help him track down the person responsible for breaking into the House of Mystery and turning Abel into in a tree. Their search for the magic users responsible leads to battles Doctor Destiny and Mr. Mxyzptlk before the true culprit is unmasked.

The final battle gives us a super-sized throwdown between the conjured up villains (Man-Bat, the Monk, Dala, Blockbuster, Solomon Grundy, werewolves, monstermen) and Batman, Zatanna, and their friends (Deadman, the Spectre, Etrigan, Blue Devil, Swamp Thing, Tomcat). However, victory isn’t won with fists but with words as Batman starts to understand how to use the rules of magic to his advantage. Best of the week.

[DC, $2.99]

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Castle – Demons

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: Castle – Demons
  • tv.com: link

“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” 

castle-demons

This year’s Halloween episode gives us a ghost hunter (Philipp Karner) found dead in a haunted house with long history of murder. Since the early 20th Century eight people had been murdered in the the McClaren House. Things get even more interesting when Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic) uncover the fact that their ghost hunter, as a child, may have witnessed the most recent murder in the house 20 years earlier.

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Batman #2

/ / Comics

batman-new-52-2-coverBruce Wayne has been marked for death by the mysterious group known as the Court of Owls. Writer Scott Snyder delivers another strong Batman story that explains Nightwing‘s DNA at a crime scene, sees Batman run a motorcycle into a helicopter and full speed, and Bruce Wayne survive an attack from the Court of Owls assassin on the observation deck of Wayne Tower.

First, I’ve got to mention the terrific art by Greg Capullo who really shows off Gotham in this issue as well as give us some great panels of the Dark Knight. The villain (given his look and ability to pop back up from the “dead”) reminded me a little too much of Karl Ruprecht Kroenen from the first Hellboy film, but the fight sequence on the top of Wayne Tower and in mid-air between the assassin and Bruce Wayne works well.

I’m also impressed with Snyder’s ability to capture Bruce Wayne’s arrogance while still being able to present a likable character. Even if he villain isn’t a great one Snyder’s story about the guardians of Gotham and Capullo’s art elevate the issue into one of the best of the week.

[DC, $2.99]

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Powerless!

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Powerless!
  • tv.com: link

batman-brave-and-bold-powerless

After making light of Batman‘s (Diedrich Bader) abilities because of his lack of super-powers the JLI’s latest member Captain Atom (Brian Bloom) finds himself stripped of his own powers by his arch-nemesis Major Force (Fred Tatasciore). What’s a super-hero to do when he’s lost all his powers? Well, if you’re like Captain Atom, it involves a lot of crying.

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Kung Fu Panda #3 (of 4)

/ / Comics

kung-fu-panda-3-coverEven if it’s far too expensive for a comic aimed at younger readers, I’ve got to say I enjoyed the hell out of the latest issue of Kung Fu Panda. The main story finds Po and the Furious Five taking on the warriors known as the Five Elements (an ape, leopard, spider, crocodile, and pink flamingo) who have returned as foretold in legend.

We’re thrown right into the action as the Five Elements show up to claim their place as the rightful defenders of the valley. Although the first battle doesn’t go well for our heroes, they regroup and expose the con artist for what they are.

The back-up story by Deron Bennett gives us another tale of a great Kung Fu master: Master Rhino, Slayer of Ten Thousand Serpents. It’s not as good as the main tale but it still works well.

Once again the art is terrific and the detail on the various animals used and the intrinsic humor in their designs really helps sell how fun crazy and fun this series has become. Even given the cover price fans of the characters should try and track these issues down. Best of the week.

[Ape Entertainment, $3.95]

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