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"Happy New Me", and "Quin-Zel: Cosmic Corsair" Writers: Tini Howard and Erica Henderson Artists: Natacha Bustos and Erica Henderson Colors: Nick Filardi and Erica Henderson Letterers: Steve Wands and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou Review by Kendra Smart Harley Quinn #39 is upon us finally! When last we left our brave heroine, she had not only celebrated her birthday but also renewed her sense of purpose in her pathway towards who Harley Quinn is. Her recent probation has had her doing community service as a teacher, this is a big reason she wants to use her own smarts, her own drive. She wants to help people in her own way and to do that she is willing to bend a few rules in order to achieve helping someone who really needs it. And when last we left Harley, she was feeling a cold breeze indeed. Mr. Freeze had come with an offer. Mr. Ten Below  We begin where we left off, this issue starts off with Mr. Freeze seeking Harley out because he has a serious offer. Having heard she is back in the mix villain wise, he wants to see just how serious a player she is. But Harley has her own offer and the two don’t come to terms but Freeze leaves a warning with Harley, she will regret her decision to not join him. But Harley is serious about helping people in exchange for her services. It doesn’t take long for the right candidate to show themselves. Enter Maxie Zeus, a self proclaimed God who is low on his juice and luck. The officers of GCPD are quick to point out his flaws, this king needs a jester to help him organize his thoughts and Harley has no problem playing jester. Maxie agrees to Harley’s terms of service and his journey is on, as Harley tries to show him where his inner turmoil stems from. But Harley is racking up her roster of landing on the bad side of people: the GCPD, Robin…and she may find herself on bigger radars if she isn’t careful. [gallery columns="5" size="large" ids="189625,189624,189623,189622,189620"] Time For Our Session Tini Howard does a really nice job of making Harley’s wish for her purpose tangible. We get to see her fumble through what it means to achieve her goal. But it is paid off in droves as we get a super tender moment of clarity and understanding between Harley and Zeus. It is really nice to see Harley succeeding in a way that benefits her goals without too many side quests. Not to say there isn’t a build up, it is just nice to enjoy the moments that Tini Howard, Natacha Bustos, Nick Filardi, and Steve Wands establish for us so wonderfully. We also get a galactic bonus story “Quin-Zel: Cosmic Corsair” with story and art by Erica Henderson and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. It features Harley Quinn, space adventurer, stranded on a mining planet. On her way, she soon runs into the inhabitants, but they are stopped by Ivy almost immediately. What follows is a hilarious fight between Harley and the narrator as the story escalates with Harley just wanting to kiss her girlfriend. Erica and Hassan deliver a charming and hilarious short story. Conclusion Harley Quinn #39 sets up a chilling beginning to Harley discovering her way and finding success. What Freeze is up to remains to be seen but the moves he is making may leave Harley with no choice but to join him in his work… Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment. 

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"Good Old Bruce" Writer: Tom King Artist: Rafael De Latorre Color Artist: Marcelo Maiolo Letterer: Clayton Cowles Review by Philip Clark The Penguin #9 continues King's incredible run with this character. Penguin's got Batman running all over Gotham trying to pick up the sprinkled clues in this issue. Edging closer and closer to a war between children and father, tensions are rising in Gotham now that Cobblepot's back in town. Flock, or Family? Things seem to be coming to a climax within the pages of The Penguin. Batman's playing into Oswald's flippers perfectly, everything is lining up as it should. Or so it seems. With King at the helm, anything is possible! We've already been on so many twists and turns. What we do know is that the flock Cobblepot has put together, are unquestionably loyal to the ex-crime boss. I mean, when you have the reputation The Penguin does, wouldn't you be too? For a flightless bird, he tends to fly off the handle a lot. With his family on the line, Oswald will do anything to protect them. No, not his children. His wife, his love that he will break down and be vulnerable in front of. There's no Penguin with her, only Oswlad Cobblepot. [gallery columns="5" size="large" ids="189614,189615,189616,189617,189611"] Bat-Brained Detective Speaking of family, it's an attack on the Wayne legacy that brings Batman back into the equation. Bombings and clues alike are scattered throughout the streets of Gotham. All intricate parts of Penguin's plans of course, and the roles are played perfectly by his little flock. What really brings this issue to life is De Latorre's artwork. His Batman is one of my favorites, the commanding presence he has on each panel makes it feel like we're there with him. Whether it's on the rooftops of Gotham, or threatening people with Polar Bears; Batman owns every page he's on. As always, Penguin is exquisite. I can really feel the character getting back to his roots through De Latorre's art. Gone is the timid man from issue one; now we have Gotham's true crime boss back. Conclusion Honestly, I don't know what more this creative team can do to make these issues any better. The Penguin #9 is by far the best of the bunch. Honestly, King is quickly cementing himself as one of my favorite comic writers, and this run is becoming one of my favorites. I can almost guarantee you that if you reread the issues ten times, you'd find something different each time. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment

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Review: Power Girl #8[Editor's Note: This review may contain spoilers] Writer: Leah WilliamsArt: Eduardo Pansica and Julio FerreiraColors: Romulo Fajardo, Jr.Letters: Becca Carey Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd Summary Power Girl and Omen get drawn into the Brainiac/ Czarnian affair currently taking place in Action Comics.  Why isn't Power Girl taken with the rest of the super-beings in Metropolis? Positives With Eduardo Pansica and Julio Ferreira returning to the art chores on Power Girl #8 after the past two issues by Marguerite Sauvage, it's clear that the Pansica/ Ferreira team (and Farjardo Jr.'s colors!) are a pretty darn good combination for Power Girl.  They handle the action well and give Power Girl a much more recognizable personality visually.  She gets that angry face that one expects. (And, they even do a good job communicating the emotions that are out of character for her!)  They draw her more confident than she's written at times, and even manage to get a bit of attitude across as well.  Overall, their stuff looks good and despite the poor characterization of the lead character, the art invites the reader to like the book.  They are doing their damnedest to combat what Williams is doing with the character in the script.  It makes one wish the concept wasn't so poorly conceived and executed from a writing standpoint. There's even a single moment, maybe three panels where Power Girl seems to almost be at odds with what's going on with her characterization, the look on her face, something in her eye and the emotions passing beneath the surface may in fact betray something  larger at play...that somehow...the real Power Girl will emerge.  Perhaps, Williams is playing some long game (and playing it poorly) and Power Girl IS being directed...controlled...it appears it's possible in the sequence on the bottom of page 9.  In the middle of that page, PG expresses that attitude...not of the co-dependent, insecure character Williams writes earlier in the same issue, but the attitude longtime fans EXPECT from the character, the attitude that talked back to the stalwarts of the JSA in her earliest appearances in order to be taken seriously.  It's noticeable that when Power Girl is in combat or in action mode in this issue, she is more recognizable and enjoyable because of it.  Even if it's just a glimpse it gives hope as does the fact that there's another aspect that could be interpreted as a clue Power Girl is being manipulated. The fact that we also get a "Psychic Jerk Jar" revealed in the apartment that PG shares with Omen leads credence to the idea someone may be controlling her...and it may be Omen, who's been right under the readers' nose from the very beginning of this new (and wretched) iteration of Power Girl.  Strangely, this version of Power Girl is beginning to feel more familiar as this off brand characterization is what's expected and feels familiar.   Negatives It's very difficult to read a Power Girl who is insecure, lacks confidence in her abilities and is generally shy and dependent.  Williams gives us that as we learn she can't roller skate...(when she loses balance wouldn't she just levitate herself unconsciously since she can fly?).  She's afraid to run into Lois who also happens to be at the park where she and Omen are skating because she has a column due.   The dynamic between Power Girl and Superman in Power Girl #8 is still awkward...both in story and through Williams characterization of Power Girl.  Williams subtly shows us that PG's feeling are hurt because SHE wasn't also abducted with the rest of the super-beings of Metropolis.  She seems to need Superman's reassurance when he finds her...(um...why wasn't he abducted?)  And, it will never makes sense that she's identifying with the main Earth's Superman as family....  It's these moments that take away from the positive steps noted above.  It would be easier to take Power Girl's struggles to make it in this version if she were attempting to do things on her own and for herself, but wedging her into the Super-family eliminates any sense of individuality which has been a hallmark of her character from her inception.  Williams has yet to show WHY Power Girl feels she needs to fit in with the Super-family, WHY she isn't getting what she needs from her friends (AND surrogate family!) in the JSA, WHY she's unable to make her way on her own.  There's a story missing that needs to be told in order to make sense of all these "why's." Verdict The real question that must be answered with Power Girl #8 is whether or not this version of Power Girl can be enjoyed on its own terms or even in spite of itself.  Lord knows I WANT to like a Power Girl solo series.  Williams has stated that she wanted to show the differences between Power Girl and Supergirl… and she’s doing that.  She may not understand either character in terms of established histories and characterizations, but she IS making them different.  Can Paige Stetler be enjoyed as a bit of a mess trying to navigate her way through a world Williams assures us she doesn’t understand whilst consumed with feelings of insecurity and redundancy?  I don’t know that a reader who has a history with Power Girl, a reader who understands the substance of her character and identifies with/ enjoys her established characterization can make the leap…it’s too … different.  The art from Pansica and Ferreira want to make you like it.  It’s effective in that way, but unless an audience embraces this iteration it feels hopelessly at odds with what people have always liked about Power Girl, and this issue gives the reader very little of that.  As a Power Girl fan for nearly the entirety of her existence, this issue continues to disappoint.  The art is able to raise this issue a bit, surprisingly.

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Gotham Nocturne: Act Three - "Crescendo" - Part one, and "Cassandra's Story". Writers: Ram V and Alex Paknadel Artists: Javier Fernandez and Robbi Rodriguez Color Artists: Dave McCaig and Patricio Delpeche Letterers: Ariana Maher and Steve Wands Review by James Attias Detective Comics #1084 feels like a fresh start. It's a good read, and dare I say it... quite entertaining?! He's Back! I haven't hidden the fact that Ram V's run on this title hasn't been my favorite, but I do try and pride myself on being fair and not judging all comics the same way, and tarring them all with the same brush, and this issue's the reason why. It was an entertaining read that showed us that, if a writer has a vision for a book or a character, we need to stick with it and give them the benefit of the doubt. This issue isn't my favorite Batman issue of all time, and it isn't going to win any awards, but it was a good comic with decent art. So let's not waste any time on the few gripes I had, let's talk about the good. Detective Comics #1084 showed us Batman's return to Gotham after a long time away, recovering from his defeat at the hands of the sinister Orgham family. We see his allies welcome his return, and his foes address the idea that Batman may be a supernatural force unable to be killed. These are the moments you want in a Batman comic. There were a few instances where Batman had something of a smile on his face, which is a very risky move in comics and movies. If done wrong the character's immediately laughed off as a bad version of the Dark Knight, but sometimes these instances can give readers the exact feeling they may want. I was glad to see it, even if I was slightly uncomfortable seeing the Dark Knight smile. It either means someone's about to face justice at his hands, or something isn't quite right. Only time will tell. [gallery columns="5" size="large" ids="189604,189605,189606,189607,189602"] Honor the Bat The backup story in this book, which didn't have a title, was a great read. We see Cassandra Cain fighting to honor the Batman who she fears is dead (this story takes place before the rest of the issue). She's always been a quiet, if not silent character, so when she talks/is spoken to, it's always impactful. She's the world's greatest fighter, and she's honoring her lost mentor in the only way she knows how. Truly genius writing in this one. Highly recommended. Conclusion Detective Comics #1084 is a step in the right direction for this title, I hope it keeps going and finishes the run on a high. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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Coming this July, DC Comics will publish character style guides illustrated by José Luis García-López as variant covers. 1n 1982, Spanish-Argentinian artist Garcia-Lopez designed the DC Comics Style Guide- a reference document that details the visuals of every character for other artists to have a consistent look across all comics. The style guide itself are turnarounds showing the fronts, backs, and sides of each character. The style guide was so influential that it established the in-house look not only for DC Comics artists- but also influenced their visuals for cartoons, action figures, toys, clothes, and other products. It is difficult to understate García-López's artistic contribution to DC's look.  Imagine every product in the last 30 years featuring DC characters. Odds are that it either directly pulled García-López's art from the comics he has drawn or it was influenced by his style guide. You can even see a 3D rendering of García-López's art in the form of the DC Superheroes action figure line that came out in the late 1980's. His art inspired a whole generation of comic book artists. [gallery ids="189630,189631,189632,189633,189634,189635,189636"] Artist Spotlight: José Luis García-López Now the character model sheets will be featured in DC's Artist Spotlight variant covers in July. The Artist Spotlight variants showcase a specific artist across multiple comics every month. Other artists that had a Spotlight include Jim Lee and Mike Deodato. DC will reuse the character turnaround guides by José Luis García-López on select comics. García-López's art will be featured on the following titles:  Batman #150, Green Arrow #14, Green Lantern #13, Shazam! #13, Superman #16, The Flash #11 and Wonder Woman #11. And- hey- DC is even resurrecting the characters' older logos for the variant covers. That is a pretty cool detail! The José Luis García-López Artist Spotlight variant covers come out this coming July. Source: DC.com All images maybe subject to copyright.

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The National Hockey League has teamed up with MultiVersus video game to allow animated characters to play on the rink, including Batman. A demo match-up took place on April 14th in a game that featured a rivalry between the two Stanley Cup winners: the Colorado Avalanche and the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The video game MultiVersus and the NHL utilized multiple cutting-edge technologies, including Hawk-Eye Innovations' optical tracking, to have the animated characters match the movements of real hockey stars in real time. NHL Edge tracks the stars and then maps real-life NHL players' movements onto the MultiVersus characters, to give the impression of players viewing a live game with animated icons. MultiVersus Roster Bat fans have another reason to check out MultiVersus as it will feature the legendary Kevin Conroy providing the voice for the Dark Knight. Speaking of which, check out this fun game highlight where Batman scores a goal.   Holy goals, indeed, Batman. Now I understand why Batman had retractable ice skates in Batman and Robin. The MultiVersus roster includes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Jake the Dog Finn the human, from Adventure Time. Shaggy and Velma from Scooby-Doo, and Steven from Steven Universe, the Tasmanian Devil are also on hand and officiate the game. The endeavor is to promote MultiVersus, which will receive its official launch on May 28th. The fighting game is free-to-play and features the library of Warner Bros properties. In addition to the other franchises named, MultiVersus also has characters from Game of Thrones, Tom and Jerry, and, of all people, LeBron James from the second Space Jam movie. The demo game ended 3-4 with the Golden Knights beating out the Avalanche. Source: YouTube.com Images and video content may be subject to copyright (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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Sideshow Collectibles and Ozone Productions have teamed up to add this new, lovely The Catwoman Fine Art Print to their lineup, by renowned pinup artist Olivia De Berardinis. [gallery type="single-slider" columns="4" ids="189580,189581,189582,189583"] Based on Michelle Pfeiffer’s puuuurfect performance as Catwoman in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992), she wears her iconic stitched up black leather catsuit as she peers through the Shreck’s Department Store logo. Her ruby red lips are the only splash of colour in the snow painting Gotham City white. The cute, happy design etched into the shop window makes her cunning, devious expression all the more lethal. Especially for whomever her next target is. With only 300 pieces being made, this limited edition The Catwoman Fine Art Print is hand-signed by Olivia herself and includes her official embossed Seal of Authenticity as well as a signed Certificate of Authenticity. Presented as either an unframed giclée with deckled hand-torn edges or in a custom framed format, she will definitely be stealing everyone’s undivided attention. Don’t miss out on adding this wicked thief to your own collection and pre-order today at Sideshow Collectibles. Print Details: Officially licensed by Warner Bros. Limited edition of 300 21 x 21” fine art giclée print, image dimensions 18 x 18” 100% certified archival heavyweight 300gsm rag art paper, with deckled hand-torn edges Embossed seal of authenticity Hand signed by the artist, Olivia De Berardinis Certificate of authenticity, signed by Olivia De Berardinis Print is wrapped and hand-rolled in acid free paper, inserted in a protective plastic sleeve, and shipped in a 4” diameter tube Additional Details:  Purchase Limits Limit of 1 per person. Product Size Height: 21" (53 cm) Width: 21" (53 cm) Box Size Height: 4.50" (11 cm) Width: 4.50" (11 cm) Depth: 30.50" (77 cm) Shipping Weight 2.00 lbs (0.9 kg) Source: Sideshow Collectibles Images Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles

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Sideshow Collectibles have recently added this stunning Batman & Superman: World’s Finest Fine Art Print to their art collection, by artist Joshua Middleton. [gallery type="single-slider" ids="189590,189591,189592"] Illuminated by golden light, Batman and Superman look out at the viewer, serious and ready for their next challenge. Beneath the Symbol of Hope, Metropolis is bathed in sunlight, not a cloud in sight as the Daily Planet’s golden globe shines bright. Separated by Lady Justice, Gotham is the opposite to its daytime counterpart as lights cut through the dark, cloudy night, calling for the Dark Knights help once more. The heroes may be a literal day and night of each other, but the justice they standby is matched. Originally made as a variant cover. For 2022’s Batman Superman World’s Finest #7, written by Mark Waid, you can now at this art to your own collection. Available as an unframed giclée print or in a custom framed presentation, every piece if only one of 300. Coming with an embossed Sideshow Seal of Authenticity don’t miss your chance to add Batman & Superman: World’s Finest Fine Art Print to your own collection and pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles today. Na na na na na  Print Details: Officially licensed by DC Comics Limited edition of 300 16 x 24” fine art giclée print, image dimensions 15 x 23” Heavyweight 100% cotton, acid-free, certified archival Fine Art Paper Epson archival inks Embossed seal of authenticity Print is wrapped and hand-rolled in acid free paper, inserted in a protective plastic sleeve, and shipped in a 4” diameter tube Additional Details Purchase Limits Limit of 1 per person. Product Size Height: 24" (61 cm) Width: 16" (41 cm) Box Size Height: 5.00" (13 cm) Width: 5.00" (13 cm) Depth: 22.00" (56 cm) Shipping Weight 2.00 lbs (0.9 kg) Source: Sideshow Collectibles Images Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles

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"Impossible" Part One Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Dan Mora Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain Letterer: Steve Wands Review by Bryant Lucas The cosmos is in chaos, as Earth is invaded by 5th-dimensional imps, in this month's Batman/Superman: World's Finest #26. The issue picks up where the World's Finest 2024 Annual and World's Finest #25 left off, with chaos in the 5th Dimension.  Bat-Mite and Mr. Myxzptlk have been on the run from a terrible unnamed foe who has murdered a group of their friends. Naturally, the mischievous imps make their way to Earth in search of help from the World's Finest. After making contact with Batman and Superman, they suddenly receive distress calls from other League members. Flash and Green Lantern are attacked each by a villain who now also has a 5th-dimensional counterpart. It turns out that Earth is facing an invasion of evil 5th-dimensional imps, each with an affinity for a DC supervillain. The teams split into two groups to deal with the threats only to discover that there's a more powerful and sinister force behind these attacks. Transdimensional Shenanigans Confession: I'm a sucker for 5th-dimensional stories. I love both Bat-Mite and Myxzptlk, so I'm predisposed to liking sagas like this one. Waid's script is a lot of fun, as he brilliantly captures the zaniness that has traditionally gone hand-in-hand with each of these iconic characters. From granting superpowers to summoning mech suits, these imps get up to a mess of fun and trouble. Waid also differentiates between these very similar imps by giving each a distinct voice. Mr. Myxzptlk was created as a goofy sci-fi villain for Superman back in the 40s. Bat-Mite, however, didn't arrive until the 50s, as DC attempted to produce more kid-friendly Batman comics. Therefore, DC poached the tone of Superman comics/villains for Batman, creating what's often seen as one of the lower points in the Dark Knight's history. [gallery columns="5" size="large" ids="189553,189554,189555,189556,189557"] Accordingly, it's easy for Bat-Mite to come across as a carbon copy of Mr. Myxzptlk. Using Robin as an analog for the readers, Waid has Superman pithily distinguish between the two imps, pointing out how each differs in their relationship to their corresponding hero. Bat-Mite all but worships Batman while Mr. Myxzptlk simply likes to annoy Superman. Narrative-wise, he continues the trend by pairing Mr. Myxzptlk with Batman and Bat-Mite with Superman. This allows Waid to once again use each of the characters as foils, contrasting each imp with the opposite hero. It's a clever writing tool that leads to some fun interactions. 5th-Dimensional Art As usual, Dan Mora's art is phenomenal, some may even say transcendent (I can hear your groans from all over the world). Seriously, Mora's vision of 5th-dimensional nonsense is great. He captures the loony-tunes aesthetics of these characters masterfully. What's even more impressive is how he translates this style into his designs for the 5th-dimensional imp villains. These knock-offs look both goofy and malevolent at the same time. He absolutely nails it, and I'm incredibly excited to see more of the new imps in the coming issues. Conclusion Batman/Superman: World's Finest #26 is another great issue in an all-star run. I might be a simple man to please, but there's something delightful about 5th-dimensional imps, they just bring me joy. That being said, it's worth noting that this title's consistency is remarkable, as Mark Waid and Dan Mora continue to produce comic book gold. It remains fresh after two years, and there's no sense that this title will be slowing down anytime soon. Final Verdict: Bring on the 5th Dimensional War! Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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"I am the Storm" Writer: Jason Aaron Artists: Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza Color Artist: David Baron Letterer: Troy Peteri Review By Eric Lee Minor Spoilers Ahead! Batman: Off-World #4  continues to give wild, over-the-top action, but may feel slightly hollow due to fairly thin characterization. This issue has the same good and bad elements as the previous issues. Readers are treated to the insane, hyperbolic action sequences of Batman versus evil aliens and, to be honest, seeing the Dark Knight whooping on evil aliens while riding a space wolf is peak entertainment. Writer Jason Aaron knows how to wring the maximum amount of excitement out of a superhero comic. Thin Characterizations However, that also brings the cons of the issue: the characters can feel quite one-dimensional. Even Batman himself feels a little rote. Yes, he's still able to showcase that he's a true hero, but these instances are small and fleeting. This iteration of the hero feels way too competent and calculating for someone who's only been a vigilante for a year or so. Outside of the brief mention of his rookie status, there's little that distinguishes this version of Batman from the veteran, grizzled version we all know and love. It seems like Aaron's missing some dramatic opportunities to show Batman being overwhelmed by outer space and being exposed to alien cultures, but he never seems to be phased by any of it. There's a lot of emotional resonance for a reader to latch onto with this iconic character that seems to be missing. [gallery type="single-slider" columns="5" size="large" ids="189545,189546,189547,189548,189544"] The only time we feel a sense of real emotion is during a quick montage of Alfred and Commissioner Gordon missing Batman. .. but that only lasted one page! It almost feels neglectful how little storytelling time is devoted to Earth. Yes, I know this series is called "Off-World", however, I also am curious about the Earth-bound consequences that stem from Batman's decision to stay in space. Has Gotham been overrun by villains? How has Alfred explained Bruce Wayne's disappearance to the media and Wayne Enterprises? Similarly, the interstellar villains are so grotesquely evil that it's also difficult to relate to their motives in any tangible way. We see more teases of the ultimate villains' powers, as well as how wildly evil they are, but that's about it. There's not much more that can be said about how fantastic Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, and David Baron's art is in this series. Their attention to detail makes every action scene pop. Every alien that's shown looks bizarre and out-of-this-world. Conclusion While Batman: Off-World #4 continues the fun, smash 'em-up story, the main plot feels like it's floundering, due to the lack of any real, in-depth characterization. The art's more than worth the price of admission, but for me, this feels like ultimately shallow entertainment. Images courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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"Nine Lives" - Part Six Writer: Tini Howard Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico Color Artist: Veronica Gandini Letterer: Lucas Gattoni Catwoman #64 brings us a cosmic heist, which could be deadly for anyone other than Selina. It is a chatty issue, but one with stunning visuals and excellent action. The issue builds tension from the very start, concerning the forces we saw rally at the end of the last issue. Catwoman's time is running out. Plus, we're now only three issues away from chapter nine. Next, we see Selina's masterful infiltration of a satellite and the overarching narration that showcases her confidence. This is Catwoman at her finest, but this series' story is taking her in lots of different directions. There's a recklessness to her these days, and she's not handling all these heists as well as she should. An enfranchised fan of Selina's, like myself, should probably be concerned about her wellbeing. The details around the numerous settings are a wonder to behold. The ground crew members at this secret base are sprawling and limitless, and the sea of stars makes for a wonderful stage for this story to take place. [gallery type="single-slider" columns="5" size="large" ids="189538,189539,189540,189541,189536"] There are moments when we get some real insight into the DC universe, like the offhanded comment about Green Lantern Laws gives us such an outstanding level of interconnectedness that reminds us all that, even in a heist narrative like this one, we get to see Catwoman tangling with cosmic forces beyond the world. Conclusion Catwoman #64 has moments where its overall wordiness somewhat breaks the flow of the excellent tension, layered heist drama, and stunning visuals. Sometimes a story needs to let itself breathe in this medium, to tell the most effective story possible. Nevertheless, the issue still delivers a great tale for those who love the Cat, and get hints at what could be coming to get her in just a few issues time. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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"The Dark Winged Queen" - Part Three Writer: Tom Taylor Artist: Lucas Meyer Color Artist: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Wes Abbott Review by James Attias Titans #10 takes classic stories from the team's history and brings them to the modern day, with team members changing and Demons rising from hell.  Let the good times roll!  The Devil's Son's Brother's Sister's Friends Demons. Devils. Protestors. This looks like a job for the X-Men! I mean... Titans! This issue really hit me in the nostalgia, with Trigon manipulating his kids into invading Earth and trying to get the worst out of his daughter. What the comic did perfectly was to keep the villains as the ones with all the info... although cracks are starting to show. So, we all know that the heroes are catching on. One thing that I hate hate hate, is when the audience knows sooo much more than the heroes, with no hope in sight. I was so glad to read that some of the greatest heroes around can sense when their closest friends are not themselves. Also worth mentioning is that Wally has gone, so I'm glad that I'm keeping up to date with the Titans'solo titles. Garth is back, though! This felt like Titans stories of the '80s... I Love it! [gallery type="single-slider" columns="5" size="large" ids="189523,189524,189525,189526,189522"] Magical, Colorful, Mystical I often get so excited about the story that I don't give enough praise and recognition to the artists. So, with this review, Lucas Meyer, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott, I salute you. The characters look exactly how I picture them when I hear the word Titans, the vibrant colors light up the page, give Hell a vibrant red, and give our heroes the colorful splash they deserve. The lettering was also on point, especially when three demons are talking, as well as the one who's posing as a hero. Once again, the creative team is fantastic. I can't wait to see what you guys do next, as well as who will join the series in the future. Conclusion Titans #10 is a wonderful comic that had me smiling from ear to ear. Don't sleep on this title, people. Jump on ASAP... you won't regret it. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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"Nightwing", and "00:01" Writers: Tom Taylor, Marv Wolfman, Michael W. Conrad Artists: Daniele Di Nicuolo, Bruno Redondo, Howard Porter Color Artists: Adriano Lucas, Hi-Fi Letterer: Wes Abbott Review by Steve J. Ray Nightwing #113 is a celebration... in every way possible. Not only does it highlight the character of Dick Grayson, it also shines a light on his brothers, his sister, his city, and the incredible Barbara Gordon. Oh... the fact that it's also the 300th issue, looking back over 29+ years, and his creators also get an extremely touching tribute, made this ancient fanboy's heart sing. "Good Robin, Bad Robin." Brilliant. I said last month that issues #111 and #112 were the perfect Nightwing comics... add this one to make that a trilogy. Writers Tom Taylor and Michael W. Conrad give us two completely different stories, showcasing two very different sides of Dick Grayson, and they deliver pure excellence. However, we also get two pages written by Nightwing co-creator, Marv Wolfman, which really got to me. I was there when Robin became Nightwing, I still own all the Wolfman/Pérez New/Tales Of The Teen Titans issues, so these pages feel almost like they were made for me. (Panel four of page 21 got me right in the feels... look at the picture on the wall). It was lovely to see the work of Bruno Redondo again, even if it was for just two pages, but he's back next month. More on that later... Daniele Di Nicuolo drew the bulk of the "main" story. I can't say that I loved it, as his style's a little too cartoony for my tastes, but his layouts and storytelling are strong, and the characters are immediately recognizable. [gallery type="single-slider" columns="5" size="large" ids="189530,189531,189532,189533,189529"] Of course, Adriano Lucas' colors and Wes Abbott's letters are, as always, perfect. Wes absolutely kills it in the second story, too... even though there's no dialogue. "00:01" by Michael W. Conrad, Howard Porter, and Hi-Fi is a powerhouse of a tale. I love stories where no one speaks, and the visuals give the readers everything they need to know (of course, Michael Conrad's script must be super detailed, but getting the action across, with no dialogue whatsoever, is no easy feat. This is a non-stop, kinetic thrill ride of a tale. The art, colors, and letters - a great "24" style countdown - add tension, drama, and real stakes to the proceedings. I'd LOVE to see the full script. Conclusion Yes, Nightwing #113 is a celebration, but next month will see the beginning of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo's final five-issue arc on this series. I'm fortunate enough to own all of the 299 Nightwing comics (plus annuals) that preceded this one, and every issue of Grayson, too. I will approach the "Fallen Grayson" storyline with excitement and sadness, as, for me, the run by Tom Taylor, Bruno, Redondo, Adriano Lucas, Wes Abbott, and all the wonderful guest writers and artists, has been the finest in the series' history. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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Review: Nightwing #133- Legacy #300[Editor's Note: This review may contain spoilers] Writers: Tom Taylor, Marv Wolfman and Michael W. ConradArt: Daniele Di Nicuolo, Bruno Redondo and Howard PorterColors: Adriano Lucas and Hi-FiLetters: Wes Abbott Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd Summary It's Dick Grayson's birthday, and after a mission with Tim and Damian he faces a bigger threat...receiving the Key to the CIty of Bludhaven. Positives Some have criticized Tom Taylor's run on Nightwing for not moving fast enough and settling into too many stories that are no more than "look how great Dick Grayson is" plots.  A couple issues ago I commented that it was clear that Taylor had settled in for the  long game with the Heartless storyline.  Taken together, this is a defining run for Nightwing.  Nightwing #113 not only continues to focus on Dick Grayson's character and relationships, for my money the most significant part of any story, but also throws in some celebration (this SHOULD be issue #300) as well as a tease for what will be a definitive encounter with Heartless in the upcoming "Fallen Grayson" arc which will also be Taylor and Bruno Redondo's swan song on the title. Nightwing #113 opens with a fun action sequence with Dick, Tim Drake and Damian Wayne as they work a mission together.  Taylor peppers it with revealing and purposeful dialogue that not only propels the issue, but works the overall characterization of the three as well as supporting characters like Batman and Barbara Gordon.  This sections absolutely sings and is a "how to" balance story and character. The majority of the issue is similar.  Dick receives the Key to the City from his sister, the mayor, and along the way Taylor makes the character bits stand out.  Not only does Bruce Wayne get a compliment on his parenting from Melinda's mother, but Dick forces Barbara into the spotlight as he makes sure she is honored for her work as well.  These bits build these characters and the relationships between them.  It seems like a no brainer that Dick and Babs will at the very least be engaged to be married by the end of this run.  It's a logical conclusion. Positives Cont'd Taylor turns over the scripting duties to comic book legend Marv Wolfman for a short sequence (illustrated by Bruno Redondo) that is as much from Marv's own point of view as it is his in-story stand-in Marv (of Marv and George's Pizza- George Perez that is).  It serves not only as a tribute to Nightwing/ Dick Grayson, but also to George Perez who passed nearly two years ago.  It's a special moment that might get you a little misty.  The issue concludes with Heartless commencing the final stage of his plan to take out Dick Grayson.   The second story by Michael W. Conrad and Howard Porter is a neat "silent" story in the tradition of "Silent Interlude" from G.I. Joe- A Real American Hero #21 and the opening sequence of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (1968).  Conrad and Porter present a five minute incident as Nightwing has to get on a train and defuse a bomb.  Slow down with this one in order to experience the excitement and Porter's art.  Conrad uses a ticking clock throughout to give the reader a sense of the passage of time that is very effective.  Porter, inking himself on this story, appears to be channeling the legendary Gene Colan.  Porter's linework and use of shadows seems evident of Colan's influence.  It also serves as an argument that Porter should ink himself. Negatives While Di Nicuolo turns in a fine job on most of the art on the main story, Redondo has been missed for a lot of recent issues.  He's as much a part of the success of this series as writer, Taylor.  It's a shame the legacy numbering will only appear as an acknowledgement on this issue and won't be reflected on future issues as the only numbering.  Dick Grayson deserves that. Verdict Nightwing #113 is a wonderful set up for the final Taylor/ Redondo arc.  Taylor reinforces the focus on character and relationship (including some not mentioned above), but prepares the reader for what will surely be a massive encounter between Dick and Heartless.  To top it off the issue is rounded out by a well conceived and beautifully illustrated story by Conrad and Porter, respectively.

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A new novel titled Batman: Resurrection will be published that is set in the Batman '89 continuity. Popular Star Wars novelist John Jackson Miller will write the continuation. Penguin Random House will publish the sequel. Despite making his name in Star Wars novels, Jackson Miller is pretty excited about writing Batman, even hailing it as a "dream project". “There are dream projects, and then there are projects you never dreamt were possible. This is the latter. People always ask what world I wanted to get the chance to write in; I never named Burton’s take on Batman because I never imagined it could happen. But [PRH] editor Tom Hoeler found a way.” Of course, Bat-fans are already familiar with the world. DC Comics has published two series Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes that are set in the same universe. However, Jackson Miller is well aware of those comics. He stated that his novel directly continues where the original Tim Burton film left off. “Whereas the DC Batman ‘89 comics are set after the Tim Burton films, I chose to make Batman: Resurrection a direct sequel novel to [the 1989 movie], meaning characters ranging from Vicki Vale and Alexander Knox to Max Shreck and Selina Kyle from Batman Returns can appear in the book." The Plot of 'Batman: Resurrection' So what is the Batman: Resurrection about? It deals with the fallout of the Joker's crime spree from the movie. Many citizens are still traumatized by the Joker's attempt to gas everybody at his Gotham parade. Additionally, Batman is still trying to round up the remnants of the Joker's gang. But the criminal element seems more emboldened, making Batman wonder if he needs to help Gotham City as both Batman and Bruce Wayne. Miller continued about how he is so excited for the novel. He reported how the Batman film heavily influenced his writing. “Batman shaped the writer I am. I saw it in the theater 12 times. I reviewed it for my college paper and wrote about it often in comics magazines, including an essay on Prince’s Warner Bros. Records soundtrack. Writing Batman: Resurrection has been like reuniting with old friends.” Batman: Resurrection will come out on October 15. You can pre-order the novel now at Amazon, Penguin Random House and Bookshop. Source: Gizmodo.com

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Sideshow Collectibles has teamed up with Iron Studios to give us the great new 'Batman Black Version' Deluxe Art Scale Statue. The 1:10 scale statue shows The Dark Knight standing on top of his iconic, but damaged, Bat Signal. A red smile, crossed-out eyes, and a green squiggle decorate the usually plain light. [gallery type="single-slider" columns="6" size="large" ids="189504,189505,189506,189507,189508,189509"] Along the sides, The Joker's tagged his latest joke, just in case the World's Greatest Detective can’t work it out. Disturbingly, the little angel crouching beneath the light, pointing it up to the night sky, also has the villain's laughing face. Wearing a torn, muddied cape, Batman's armor is scratched and ruined. The Dark Knight looks even grumpier than usual. Carefully hand-painted, the lovely 'Batman Black Version' Deluxe Art Scale Statue is available to pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles. He'll look great anywhere, but especially next to another Batsy.  The 'Batman Black Version' Deluxe Statue features: Limited Edition Based on original movie references Made in Polystone Hand-Painted [gallery type="single-slider" columns="5" size="large" ids="189502,189503,189510,189511,189512"] Additional Details Purchase Limits Limit of 1 per person Materials Polystone Product Size Height: 10.5" (27 cm) Width: 6.4" (16 cm) Depth: 7.2" (18 cm) Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) Source: Sideshow Collectibles Images And Press Release Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

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Sideshow Collectibles has added this stunning Batman: Scars Fine Art Lithograph, by artist Alex Ross. The legendary artist spoke briefly about this piece in Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross, saying: na na na na na  I was inspired by a Joe Staton drawing, from a story about a future version of Batman marrying Catwoman. At one point in the story there was a scene when he was out of costume and she saw his back and gasped at all the scars. Until this piece, they remained unseen. na na na na na  [gallery columns="4" size="large" ids="189470,189471,189472,189473"] Created in 1996 as a pin-up illustration for Batman Black and White, this realistic piece pays homage to The Brave and The Bold #197. Batman's empty cowl watches over Bruce Wayne, checking the marks and scars littering his bare back like a demonic guardian. Each mark earned in battle against his foes, a mark of failure and fuel for his drive to get better. The rough, imperfect darkness surrounding the man and his persona only makes this moment feel more personal. Limited edition, with only 195 pieces being made, each print is hand-signed by Alex Ross, with hand-torn decked edges, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Pre-order today at Sideshow Collectibles to avoid missing out on adding this stunning Batman: Scars Fine Art Lithograph to your art collection. He will look amazing no matter where the piece is hung, but especially beside other Dark Knights. na na na na na  Batman: Scars - Print Details: Officially licensed by DC Comics na na na na na  Limited edition of 195 na na na na na  17.5 x 23.5" certified archival fine art lithograph print Archival giclée on heavyweight textured paper with hand-torn deckled edges na na na na na  Hand-signed by the artist, Alex Ross na na na na na  Certificate of Authenticity na na na na na  Print is wrapped and hand-rolled in acid-free paper, inserted in a protective plastic sleeve, and shipped in a 4” diameter tube na na na na na  Source: Sideshow Collectibles Images Courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles na na na na na  (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();