Comic Book Review - BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE UNDERGROUND

Context:
Who’s behind the black mask?

Story:
This is a ‘Battle For The Cowl’ tie-in one-shot. The Black Mask, or someone dressed like him, is wreaking havoc in Gotham’s underworld and The Riddler, and Catwoman, are on the case. I have a fondness for film noir, and that’s what this issue reminded of as I was turning the pages. The story takes place from the point of view of two characters: The Riddler and Catwoman. The dialogue background colors were a great way to distinguish who was speaking during the issue and it added a nice touch to the atmosphere of the overall arc.

All of the Batman’s core cadre of villains are here with each getting their own quality time on the page. The Penguin, Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and of course Catwoman and The Riddler give a bow here. The writing drew me in and gave enough information to want me to keep turning pages, but not so much as to give anything away too soon.

In the very back of the issue is a special preview of ‘The Last Days Of Animal Man’, which is continued in ‘The Last Days Of Animal Man #1? in stores late May.

Art:
Pablo Raimondi’s art in this issue seems to be a direct homage to the film ‘Batman Returns’ starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The Penguin’s likeness especially is a great rendition of Devito’s character from Tim Burton’s 1992 film.

I liked the way that the colors and shadows blended nicely with the mood of the story. Not too dark, and not too bright, but a nice combination. The pages were clear, crisp, and worked well with the dialogue to complete the plot.

The only thing I missed from the art was more sensuality from Poison Ivy. She just seemed to be standing there in each panel like she’d just woke up from a nap.

What to look for:
The Riddler and Catwoman looking for the same thing but with entirely different methods.

What might put you off:
I didn’t really care for the Riddler’s low-energy part in this tale. Don’t get me wrong. I like the writing. I just would have liked to have seen the Riddler show a little more energy.

Recommendation:
This is a must read addition to the ‘Battle For The Cowl’ story arc and lays a great foundation which is continued in ‘Batman: Battle For The Cowl #3? and ‘Gotham City Sirens’ coming soon. Read more

Comic Book Review - Savage She-Hulk #1 of 4

Context:
There’s a new She-Hulk in Town.  Where’s the other one?

Story:
All New Savage She-Hulk is a ‘Dark Reign’ tie-in.  The story begins as the flame-haired, green skinned femme fatale lands in New York City from what we assume to be the future.  It seems pretty obvious that this is a different She-Hulk from the Jen Walters we all knew and loved before. Lyra is her name and she is definitely on a mission, so don’t get in her way.

Without giving too much away, she proceeds to ravage the opposing forces sent to stop her, with bits of flashbacks in between to set up just exactly why she’s there in the first place.  Apparently, she’s looking for something and only has so much time to find it.  The pace is fast, the writing fairly tight, and the dialogue is quick, with just the right amount of exposition to keep the pace flowing without dragging it down.

If you pick it up and start reading, then you’ve got to read to the end…you’ll understand when you get there.

In the back of the issue is a piece titled “A Bunch Of Savages”.  A nice little bonus, this is basically 8 pages of details leading up to the issue it’s contained in, and provides a decent amount of information in case you’re left a little confused.  It includes a casual round-table discussion with Jeff Parker, Paul Tobin, and Fred Van Lente, the writers of ‘Raging Thunder’, the ‘Hulk Family’, and the issue I’m talking about now, respectively.

Art:
I have to say that I liked the art overall.  It’s clean and crisp.  I found nothing confusing when reading through the issue.  Peter Vale & Robert Atkins work off of each other well, and pull the action along without skipping a beat.  I wish today’s artists would show a little more motion in their artwork though.  Every page doesn’t have to look like a pin-up poster.  I won’t mind, really.  My one turn-off with the art was the lack of emotion from the main character throughout the book. Except for a furled brow now and then, there really wasn’t any other emotion that showed from her.  It just made her look a little too robotic for me at times.

What To Look For:
Boudicca, the talking wristwatch-thing, has a great personality. Its dialogue is priceless.

What might put you off:
The basic plot gives men a very bad rap in light of the future that Lyra comes from.  Even though the idea makes sense in the overall scheme, it gets old quick.

Recommendation:
If you like She-Hulk, you’ll probably like this four issue mini-series.  If you’re just not into gamma-babes, then there’s really no point in picking it up.  I’ve read She-Hulk since her first appearance.  I like the character.  I liked this issue as well.  You decide. Read more