Well, every bit of that curiosity I felt at the end of issue #1 has vanished out the window. This book is still goofy. The dialogue is absurd. I would not be surprised if Neal Adams is playing a joke on us all, because if he really is playing this straight, well, I don’t know… -Scott

Batman Odyssey #2

In the words of one John “Hannibal” Smith, I love it when a plan comes together. This is a great issue that left me breathing a sigh of relief and wanting more all at the same time. A number of details are tied up and yet I want to go back a reread every related story Grant Morrison has written since Final Crisis just to see what I’ve missed between the lines. Loved it. -Scott

Batman #702

As I read Batman Odyssey #1, the first word that came to mind was “goofy.” Neal Adams draws and especially writes a goofy Batman. It was funny then to go to CBR and read the opening sentences of their review: “In the early 1970s, Neal Adams helped redefine the look of Batman…His strong anatomical skills and ability at depicting action helped move the character from the campy, goofy looking Batman into something a little more mature…”

This issue seems like a joke. A parody where Batman makes stupid mistakes and looks like David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider (further enhanced by his car looking like KITT). This is not a Batman I like, though by the final panels I found myself feeling just enough curiosity to warrant a purchase of #2. But we’ll see. -Scott

Batman Odyssey #1

Batgirl #12

So young Stephanie has taken on the mantle of Batgirl for a full year now.  All in all I think it’s fair to suggest that she has fit the Bat-Noun requirements admirably.  She’s taken on incredible odds and taken down bad guys well above her weight division.  She’s even ridden Man-Bat like a renegade aircraft.  That was in #11, if you want to go back a bit.

The franchise presents the well known Bat moniker with a fresh take, without the overwhelming depth of continuity behind a certain Mr Wayne or his ever growing list of replacements.  Batgirl is what it is; unassuming costumed vigilantism to make the world a sometimes better place.

The final chapter for this origin story fits well with the rest, though you’d have to agree that it goes out with a fizzle rather than a bang.  The final conclusion is vague and unfitting for the amount of work put into the build up.  Having stated that however, Batgirl herself shines with excellent writing and witty dialogue during her off camera appearances.  Couple this with the intensely good artwork, especially the cover, the book is highly readable.

This book is entertaining, though it could have ended with more punch.  Were this the 60′s TV series, you’d say it’d need more “POW!” as the words were splashed in your vision. -Bretzke

Power Girl #13, "..What a Difference a Day Makes!".

The previous edition of this book walked through a meandering field of everyday activity for our protagonist.  This issue feels the same way, but the field is filled with land mines.

The new creative team has a different artistic style and it will have it’s proponents and detractors.  The story has the worst villain you’ve never heard of, unless you’re quite immersed in the DC lore, though that’s not the driving force behind what appears as the next chapter in this periodical.

Taking a leaf out of Marvel’s book with Tony Stark; first you make a character successful, then you take it all away.  Kara had built up a successful business and had come to rely on the people about her as she covertly went about her super powered life.  Now something has gone wrong in that perfect little sphere.  Attacked on two fronts, Power Girl is going to have to pull on some deep reserves to bring about success.

Terra appears in a reduced sense in a scene that licks of fan service, but we can forgive a new creative team this obvious titillation.  This is an excellent time to jump onto this solid super hero title.  A fresh story line allows for fresh opportunities and succulent delights.  Do try some, now won’t you. -Bretzke

Detective Comics #866

Previously we’d talked about how the new iteration of Detective Comics was well appreciated with a certain flame headed Bat-Gender.  I guess it’s time to move on, we can’t always be looking backwards.

This latest issue firmly places us in the mindset that Bruce Wayne is well and truly gone, it’s all about Dick now.  The number of references to his previous incarnation (term used loosely) as Robin is greater than the number of roasts I’ve had in the last 12 months.  That’s a few, I do enjoy a nice Sunday lunch.

The crux of the story is about redemption.  Dick stuffed up some years ago and he’s out to make amends.  In re-visiting an old case, Batman discovers some loose ends that need cleaning up; a lost medallion, the meddling of the Joker and the consequences for the fall guy.  It’s an enjoyable tale, especially with the change in art style to represent the different ages within the continuity.

If you love all things Bat-Noun, you’ll find this a fulfilling experience with rich cultural and historic references.  If you aren’t those 22 guys, then this is a pass.  As much as I enjoy a subtle tale of vengeance and betrayal, sometimes I really just want some batarang action. -Bretzke

Detective Comics #865

I should be excited about this book.  I mean really, it’s got everything a Bat-noun detective book should contain; intrigue, a double cross, detectiving (the act of being a detective while wearing a costume) and some really freaky mental hijinx, all of these are standards for this book.

But in honesty, Detective Comics has been feeling a little lax ever since the departure of a certain crimson headed hero.  By comparison the current story feels dry and husk like, almost as though the writers are going through a list of things that must be included and just checking them off.

The story isn’t bad, everything is there.  The notable exception is a care factor.  I cannot feel inspired by a story occurring inside the fractured mind of a sociopath in detention.  Couple that with a cliche twist at the end that would have been telegraphed pages earlier of the character of interest had actually been introduced earlier, rather than just thrown in at the end.

Lazy and dull. We should expect better. -Bretzke.

Batgirl #11

Remember when we’d talk about Batgirl and laugh?  Yeah, I remember those times fondly.  Man I look like an idiot now.

Batgirl is perhaps the best Batnoun franchise out there currently, especially with the departure of Batwoman from Detective comics.  Combining witty dialogue with snappy action and excellent storytelling and art, this title has it all, delivering it while avoiding stereotypes and cliche.  At least for the most part.

The digital zombies are storming Gotham, Oracle has been taken by the evil Calculator and her mind is now his playground, along with all it’s secrets.  Exciting right?  That was last issue.  This issue continues the momentum with Stephanie taking on Man-bat (Not a misprint) and finding an unlikely conspirator to assist along the way.  Pay particular attention to Stephanie’s somewhat one-sided conversation with Kirk.  I think we’ve all experienced that kind of day, just not that exact situation (I hope).

Issue 11 ends at the same pace as it began – frenetic.  12 has to deliver at the same pace or greater. -Bretzke

Batgirl #10

Batgirl continues to develop on it’s solid foundation laid down in the previous issues.  Stating this seems obvious but it’s sadly rare for a book to develop sequentially as this one has, from introduction, through initial trials to some level of competence at the aspect of heroism.  Of the Bat franchises this one has presented the most even of growth over the time period.  Some may argue that Batwoman did it better, but sadly she’s gone for now.

That is not to say this issue is sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, though that would make a magnificent sound-track to one particular fight scene contained within.  You’ll remember the last issue left on somewhat a cliffhanger with the revelation that the Calculator is back in town and somewhat peeved with one Ms O.  Having assembled a Nanobot driven armada, his revenge shall take on monumental proportions and be dolled out like so many pieces of Pi (Couldn’t help myself).  Which brings us to the lesson for the day.  Unbeatable Odds (Ahem, my bad).

This book draws to a close in what should be considered classic cliffhanger fashion.  No spoilers but the chances of survival for our pair involved here are near zero (Buh…).  When heroes are faced with undeniable destruction, the sign of a true hero is to deliver an off beat, witty remark and then accept the Ground and Pound.  DC delivers with the necessary discretion required for a younger audience and leaves us wanting more.  My only complaint about the book was a section of dialogue from Stephanie to a certain detective.  You’ll read it, you’ll cringe.

Now get Cringin’. -Bretzke

Cinematic storytelling at it’s powerful best.  Sometimes when an action centric story is told, some of the dynamism is lost in the static panels.  This issue shows how the medium can demonstrate active and robust storytelling with a dramatic edge.  The pages will not turn fast enough for you! -Bretzke

Edit: That title is not a joke.

Detective Comics #863