New 52

The Flash #23

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The Flash #23As the Flash battles the New 52’s version of the Reverse-Flash, Iris West will make a startling discovery about the man behind the killings of those tied to the Speed Force and her connection to him. I have mixed feelings about our new Reverse-Flash, however, the reveal that the killer is Daniel West leaves Professor Zoom (and kick-ass yellow costume) safe from the New 52 reboot, at least for now.

After teasing us for months ago an altercation between the two speedsters, The Flash #23 with several panels of the action and the unfortunate fallout from Iris’ discovery. There is also a nice B-story centered around Barry missing dinner with Patty’s parents and the cost of living the super-hero life as even the Fastest Man Alive can’t be everywhere at once.

The reveal of Daniel West was unexpected, and we’ll have to wait until at least next month to discover his story. I’m also wondering if this isn’t the first step to introduce another member of the West family. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Supergirl #23

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Supergirl #23It isn’t every month you get the death of a title character in her own book. Fighting Kryptonite poisoning, Cyborg Superman, and an entire legion of replicated heroes and villains created from her own memories (Superman, Superboy, Wonder Woman, Power Girl, Silver Banshee, Reign, Tycho, H’el, Appex) Supergirl battles valiantly until the end.

With the disillusion of Supergirl’s physical form, used to purge the Kryptonite from her system and to create a new body for Cyborg Superman, we learn the identity of our villain (who sure isn’t Hank Henshaw). The comic also gives us the arrival of the creature who created him as Brainiac arrives on I’noxia.

With the number of villains thrown at Kara the issue is filled with action but still packs an emotional punch with Kara facing both the mistakes of her past and her own mortality. Don’t weep for our heroine quite yet as I’d be very surprised if Kara isn’t back among the living and trashing Brianiac’s ship before the end of the next issue. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Batman and Nightwing #23

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Batman and Nightwing #23Bruce Wayne‘s obsession about his son’s death continues in this issue as Alfred reaches out to Nightwing when Batman becomes lost in a virtual recreation of events trying desperately to change the outcome and save his son’s life. Although the structure of the story feels a little off, the emotion works well especially once Nightwing, and later Alfred, join in.

With Nightwing’s help Batman is able to “save” Damian, but it’s the advice Dick gives Bruce back in the real world that seems to finally start the healing process. And the comic’s final few pages dealing with Alfred resetting the simulation shows us, and Batman, just how much grief the butler has been carrying around for allowing Damian out of the Batcave on that fateful night.

Although the final former side-kick issue is done, the comic will continue the Batman and… with villains such as Two-Face and Killer Croc leading into Batman and Carrie Kelly #25 which may, or may not, begin a new direction for the title. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Worlds’ Finest #15

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Worlds' Finest #15When the Huntress is abducted by Desaad and his minions, Power Girl jumps through the Boom Tube to rescue her friend. Despite not being a big fan of Desaad, I really enjoyed this issue as it allowed writer Paul Levitz and yet another new artist Emanuela Lupacchino (who has a knack for drawing our heroines, particularly Power Girl) to showcase a determined Kara’s impressive power set without worrying about collateral damage.

Other than a few panels of Desaad torturing Huntress (thankfully nothing too graphic), and her escape and reunion withe Kara, most of the comic features Power Girl ripping through the secret base of the stranded Apokolips‘ scientist. The comic ends on bit a twist as Kara and Helena make it home, but not before Desaad’s final move to screw with Power Girl’s powers.

Over the years Power Girl’s origins and powers have been tweaked several times. I’m assuming this latest move is to try and separate her a little from the New 52 Supergirl, but I’m hoping we aren’t going to see any huge lasting changes to the character. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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Detective Comics #23

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Detective Comics #23After being able to do no more than fight Wrath to a standstill, Bruce Wayne changes tactics by meeting with E.D. Caldwell while allowing Alfred to do some snooping around the man’s weapon factories to prove that he is indeed the man behind the mask of the city’s new deadly vigilante.

The latest issue of Detective Comics has its share of awkward moments, such as Wayne and Caldwell having a business meeting while having a martial arts sparring session at the same time. Although Alfred’s poking around confirms Batman’s suspicions, it puts the butler’s life in danger and doesn’t really explain the wealthy man’s end game (or how killing a bunch of police officers and starting a war helps facilitate that goal).

After giving up Red Hood and the Outlaws last month Detective and Batman and Robin are the only Bat-titles I’m still readying (having given up on the others months ago), but this Wrath storyline is certainly stretching my endurance to the limit. And, sigh, yes we get more of the awful Man-Bat back-up story this month as well. Pass.

[DC, $3.99]

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