Batman

Batman and Robin #2

batman-and-robin-new-52-2-coverThe second issue continues to focus on the relationship between Bruce Wayne and Damian, but (like most of the New 52 titles) it is a step up from the first issue. We see Batman’s concern over his son’s past and the violence within him but also a proud moment where he sees Damian able to control his fury in taking down some gun-toting thugs on the streets of Gotham.

The issue also continues to give us a little more insight into the deadly vigilante known as NoBody who appears to be someone from Bruce Wayne’s past. I do have some concerns with the first villain out of the gate being someone who knows Bruce Wayne is Batman, but that’s second to my concern over the casual mention of Ducard.

For those who don’t remember, Ducard was the character played Liam Neeson in Batman Begins (before he was shown to be Ra’s al Ghul in one of the most disappointing reveals ever). Although I understand the reasoning for bringing in a character fans of the movie will recognize, I’m very concerned how much this might effect Bruce Wayne’s early history in this new DCU.

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Triumvirate of Terror!

  • Title: Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Triumvirate of Terror!
  • tv.com: link

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The intro segment is pure Silver Age foolishness (hey, I’m not complaining!) featuring the JLI battling the Legion of Doom in a baseball game called by Jimmy Olsen (Alexander Polinsky). Things look bleak for our heroes until Batman (Diedrich Bader) gives the team a rousing pep talk in the bottom of the Ninth about winning the game for the young kids watching in the stands like little Julie Schwatz and Frankie Miller (nice touch). And if that’s not enough the segment ends the only possible way it could, with a Bat-Man pun. Classic!

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Cartoon Network wants you to Beware the Batman

  • Title: Beware the Batman

beware-the-batman-teaseIn the keynote speech at the MIP Junior showcase in Cannes, France, Sam Register, executive vice president for creative affairs at Warner Bros. Animation, has announced the next animated Batman series for Cartoon Network, debuting in 2013, will be named Beware the Batman. The cartoon will focus on “a classic-looking Batman (sans classic yellow oval Bat-logo) teaming up with a gun-toting Alfred Pennyworth and a female ninja sidekick” named Katana (who may, or may not be a version of The Outsiders’ Katana) to take on Batman’s “more obscure villains, such as Professor Pyg,” but will also include well-known Bat-villains.

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Sword of the Atom!

  • Title: Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Sword of the Atom!
  • tv.com: link

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When the super-villain Chronos reappears Batman (Diedrich Bader) seeks the help of his old friend the Atom. However, Ryan Choi (James Sie) has retired from crimefighting so Batman searches out the original Atom, Ray Palmer (Peter Scolari) – “the fun one.” When Batman goes missing as well Aquaman (John Di Maggio) and Choi shrink themselves down and set off to find the Dark Knight in the miniature world of the Atom.

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Batman #1

batman-v2-1-coverIn the final issues of the old DC writer Scott Snyder was working on an impressive storyline in Detective Comics. Now after the reboot the writer continues to tell stories of Gotham’s Dark Knight Detective in the new volume of Batman.

The issue begins with Batman stopping a break-out in Arkham Asylum with the apparent assistance of the Joker (don’t worry, it will be explained). From there we are reintroduced to Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne at a party where Bruce unveils his new plan for Gotham City.

The issue also includes an appearance by Commissioner Gordon and a nice on-the-job conversation between Harvey Bullock and Batman. Not only am I glad to see Bullock has survived the reboot, I rather like seeing that he’s the one who notices Batman has gone back to his old method of hiding in the shadows.

This one’s an easy recommendation, and a solid read (even if the final panel is an obvious red herring). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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