Batman Vol. 6: Bride or Burglar by Tom King - Book Review

From the publisher: A young admirer of Bruce Wayne's, Mattie, wants nothing more than to grow up to be like his millionaire idol. But what would happen if Mattie was forced to relive the worst tragedy of Bruce Wayne's life and his parents were murdered? Batman's hunt for the killer brings him face to face with a strange mirror image of his own painful past.

This stunning series continues as Batman and Wonder Woman's storied friendship--one that has stood at the heart of the DC Universe since the beginning--unravels while the universe itself begins to crumble around them. 

The superstar creative team of Tom King (GRAYSON, The Vision) and Mikel Janín (JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK) unite to tell another epic tale in the Dark Knight's mythology. Collects BATMAN #38-44.

Batman Vol. 6: Bride or Burglar by Tom King continues the story leading up to the wedding of Bruce Wayne/Batman and Selina Kyle/Catwoman. This particular volume contains four stories that highlight different aspects of Bruce and Selina's personalities and character, both together and alone.

The first story shows Bruce providing comfort and help to a young boy who's parents were killed, much like Bruce experienced himself. As Bruce digs deeper, however, something much darker begins to emerge. This story bordered on horror, and King might have set the stage for a new villain.

The second story splits the Bat and the Cat up. Batman travels to another dimension along with Wonder Woman, where they will be filling in for The Gentle Man in his endless battle against a demonic horde trying to reach our dimension. Meanwhile, Catwoman chaperones The Gentle Man himself as he gets a chance to check in on his wife. Both Bruce and Selina realize some things about love, marriage, and commitment. There were some tender moments and some near-heartbreaking moments as the two fought to return to each other.

The feature story was a three-part tale starring Poison Ivy and dealing with some of the fallout from the War of Jokes and Riddles storyline. After killing some men, Ivy struggles to come to terms with her actions. She decides she needs to make the world a better place, something she accomplishes by taking over every person on Earth except Bruce and Selina. This was a fascinating examination of the trauma of violence and trying to process and deal with your own awful actions. King is very careful to not pass judgement on Ivy, but presents her actions as those of someone who has been broken and doesn't know how to pick up the pieces and move on. It is a moving and well-written tale.

The final story is a look at Selina Kyle, and presents how a cat-burglar like Catwoman might go wedding dress shopping. It is a simple story, full of heart, with an eye to both the past and future. It is plain to see just how much Selina cares about Bruce and wants this relationship to work.

King hits another one out of the park with Batman Vol. 6: Bride or Burglar. It is a wonderful collection of stories of all sorts of tones and moods. Through it all, the focus remains on Bruce and Selina. King's characterization is terrific, and their engagement and inevitable wedding are making for some excellent stories. I highly recommend this book, particularly to Batman fans. However, it will have an appeal for new readers, as well.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Doomsday Clock #6 by Geoff Johns - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: The critically acclaimed super star team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank continue this groundbreaking event as the Mime and the Marionette take center stage in DOOMSDAY CLOCK #6.

Doomsday Clock #6 by Geoff Johns takes a small time-out from the main storyline. Rather, it focuses on the Mime and the Marionette, two villains from the world of the Watchmen.

Johns tells this origin story by splitting time between the present and the past. The past focuses on the Marionette: who she is, where she is from, and how she became the Marionette. Johns also takes some time to look at the Mime, as well. The long-standing relationship between the two villains is very interesting, and adds a lot of depth to the characters. As ruthless as they are, there is some emotional resonance to their stories and they are much more than one-note characters.

Meanwhile, in the present, the Mime and the Marionette have come into contact with Joker, who has captured Batman. As the group makes their way to a meeting of villains who are considering Black Adam's offer of sanctuary, Johns reveals more about the Mime and the Marionette. Putting this information with what we learn about their pasts creates a more complete picture, and results in a very interesting and different issue than I was expecting, particularly when the Comedian arrives.

The only downside to this issue (if it can be considered such) is that the main plot doesn't really move forward much. I'm still very curious to discover just who is responsible for The New 52/Rebirth (is it really as simple as Dr. Manhattan?). I want to see what happens Ozymandias and Rorschach get back on track with their quest for the good Doctor. What is Wally West's role in all this? So many questions, and we are now officially half way through the series.

Geoff Johns has written another excellent issue with Doomsday Clock #6. I highly recommend it, particularly to fans of villains and those who've been reading along. It's another step in the bigger picture Johns is creating.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms - Book Review

From the publisher: Embrace your time with the Lord, no matter how busy you are! 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms offers encouraging insights and meaningful reflections in just 10 minutes. For the days when you most need the presence of God, 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms is the perfect way to grow in your faith that fits into your busy schedule.

This devotional invites you into the Psalms, a place of praise and reflection. Realign your heart with God’s as you read through the Scripture and spend just a few minutes with Him. Whether you’re on a quick lunch break, between classes, or relishing some peace and quiet during nap time, 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms gives you what you need to keep going. Just 10 minutes a day will guide you into Psalms, helping you feel closer to God and His Word.

10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms is a nice combination of gift book and devotional. It is written to be easily digested in a short amount of time, but with enough thought behind each entry to provide depth for the reader. With the many praises and cries of sorrow and for help in it, Psalms is a good book for a devotional focus.

There are 46 separate devotions in this book, and they work there way through the book of Psalms. Each entry follows the same basic format: there is a key Bible Verse (or two or three) from the larger passage that the entry is based upon. Next is a 1-2 page devotional presentation, relating the passage to today. This is followed by a short prayer based on the key points of the passage. Finally, there are questions for reflection, centered around the message and passage. Some examples of devotional topics include: The Firm Counsel of God; A Beggar at God's Throne; God's Guidance; Make a Joyful Noise; and Hide His Word in Your Heart. Because much of Psalms is David (and others) laying his heart bare before God, the topics can feel a little weighty, so if that is not what you are looking for, you may want to try something else.

As a devotional reader, I appreciate these shorter 5-10 minute devotions, as they are perfect for reading in the morning when getting ready for work. They provide insight into the wisdom of the book of Psalms, and the questions are a jump start for thinking about how I can apply the ideas to my life.

There is another book in this 10 Minutes in the Word series that focuses on Proverbs. I liked that book much better than this one. I'm not sure exactly why. I might be the content; I much prefer the wisdom of Proverbs to some of the heavy emotion of the Psalms. I also found the writing style to be tougher with the Psalms. The entries I read did not seem to flow as well; I found myself having to reread portions multiple times.

Overall, I would recommend 10 Minutes in the Word: Psalms to anyone looking for a devotional with short but deep devotions to help grow your relationship with Jesus Christ. While this wasn't a book that I found I enjoyed, I'm sure there are many readers who would like the style presented by the author(s).

I received a review copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.

THE WILD STORM #15 by Warren Ellis - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: Marc Slayton took his show on the road, as the thing inside him he called the Carer told him to.  But whom is he hunting, and for what purpose? John Lynch is crisscrossing America to warn the other Thunderbook test subjects that IO might have discovered them, but IO might not be the only threat to their lives. The uneasy peace between IO and Skywatch has become a cold war—and there are plans for a hot war. 

Another issue of The Wild Storm, another piece of the puzzle. With issue #15, Warren Ellis moves the pieces on his chess board just a little bit more. There are so many story threads at this point that I can't wait to see how (and if) Ellis can pull them all together into a cohesive ending.

So, Bendix and Skywatch are mad at IO for an attack last issue. IO may have figured out where Bendix's group is hiding. Slayton is trying to please the weird alien living inside him. Jenny and Shen have an interesting conversation with Jack Hawksmoor. Lucy Blaze suffers the fallout from last issue. And John Lynch is still looking for the men and women from operation Thunderbook.

I enjoyed this issue, but nothing was resolved. In fact, Cole Cash and his group (the wild CAT) didn't even make an appearance. There was lots of action, plans and more plans, and plenty of characters. The Wild Storm is not short on stuff happening, and with every new issue, Ellis throws more balls in the air to juggle; and so far he's doing an excellent job. A large part of the fun for me is seeing just what happens next and waiting to see if Ellis can stick the landing. I don't know if he can, but the journey to find out is a blast.

Because of all the various characters and factions, there isn't very much space to let the individual stories breathe. I would hope that after The Wild Storm concludes, there may be some series that revisit the various characters, filling in gaps in their lives or adding depth of character, because there is a lot there to work with.

I highly recommend The Wild Storm #15 by Warren Ellis, but do not start here. I missed one issue and felt like I missed some important stuff. This is definitely a series to read in order from the beginning. Thankfully, DC is putting out collected editions of the story, so if you haven't read the previous issues, go grab those.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

MICHAEL CRAY #9 by Bryan Hill - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: Michael learns the truth about John Constantine’s plans to provide the world free energy, and his sinister plot will shake Michael to his core and potentially plunge the world into a new age of darkness. Killing Constantine and his allies might save the world, but doing so could trap the alien entity growing in Michael’s brain forever

Michael Cray #9 by Bryan Hill adds another chapter to this interesting story, but does not yet make anything clear. In this issue, we learn a little more about Diana Prince's plan to bring her "old gods" back to Earth. Constantine and Cray have a heart to heart. Trelane attempts to track Cray down, using his old team. Oh, and the mysterious presence in Cray's mind makes a reappearance.

Hill has created plans within plans with Michael Cray. I'm not sure what the endgame is yet, but the story is definitely building. None of the characters has a lot of depth (although Cray is the closest), but Hill is doing a nice job taking familiar characters and putting an alternate universe spin on them. They are just similar enough to the heroes readers are used to to make their evil sides an intriguing change.

What started as a villain of the month type story has grown into one with some vast conspiracies. This is what Hill has hooked me with, not so much the characters, but the overall story. I'm curious to see how it ends, and this is why I'd recommend Michael Cray #9. This isn't the place to start (a collected edition with the first six issues comes out next week), but it does put another piece of the puzzle in place. With three issues to go, I'd like to see how it turns out. I'm also curious if we'll see how this series fits in with the larger Wild Storm universe and the story being told in The Wild Storm.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

CATWOMAN #1 by Joëlle Jones - Book Review

From the publisher: The wedding night’s barely over, but Catwoman’s back on the streets, this time to expose a copycat who’s pulling heists around Gotham City. As Selina cracks the whip on her former criminal cohorts, she’s attracting unwanted attention from one of Gotham’s most dangerous groups. The mob? Nope. Try the GCPD. And as if the Bat-Bride didn’t have enough problems, don’t miss the debut of an all-new villain determined to make trouble for all nine of Selina’s lives. Don’t miss the start of an all-new monthly series written and illustrated by Eisner Award-nominee Joëlle Jones!

Catwoman #1 by Joelle Jones is the start of a new on-going series for Catwoman/Selina Kyle. Selina has been a major player in Tom King's Batman series over the past several years, with her engagement to Bruce Wayne and pending nuptials. Catwoman #1 immediately follows Batman #50, and the cover warns readers to make sure to read Batman first.

Let me start by saying that I'm not going to provide any spoilers for Batman #50 or Catwoman #1. I will say that Catwoman only appears to mention the events of Batman very briefly. At least initially, Jones looks like she'll be taking Catwoman in an independent direction, much like has been done with Batman in the the other Bat-books besides the main title.

In this issue, Catwoman is trying to keep herself busy but runs into trouble when police confront her about murdering their fellow cops. Selina is stunned, as she had nothing to do with it. In the meantime, Mrs. Creel, the wife of Governor Creel, is more than she appears to be. What do these two storylines have to do with each other? I think that is the story Jones is going to be tackling in the first arc of this new book.

I thought Catwoman #1 was okay. It was definitely an opening act, as there was a lot of set-up and introduction going on. Jones kind of has her hands tied, as she has to further develop the character of Selina Kyle and follow in the footsteps of the excellent job Tom King has done in recent years. Jones appears to be starting off fine, as she has introduced several new characters. This should help her carve out her own path for Catwoman, as there is a delicate balancing act between writing a character's solo book and keeping things in line across the continuity of various other books.

I would recommend Catwoman #1 by Joelle Jones to fans of the character or those Batman fans who are looking to follow her adventures independent of the main Batman book.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

THE MAN OF STEEL #6 by Brian Michael Bendis - Book Review

From the publisher: The fate of Lois Lane and Jon Kent is revealed! Metropolis’ survival hangs in the balance! And Superman must somehow put an end to Rogol Zaar’s rampage! It’s do-or-die time for the Man of Steel in the final chapter of this explosive miniseries!

The Man of Steel #6 wraps up the mini-series Brian Michael Bendis's first foray into writing an extended Superman story. Bendis reveals just what happened to Lois and Jon, and completes (sort of) the conflict with Rogol Zaar.

So, the big mystery of where Lois and Jon are, and if there was some fallout between Lois and Clark is addressed. The answer lies with Jon's future (apparently he is responsible for killing millions) and Superman's father, Jor-El. It was a little anti-climactic, but does promise to provide the opportunity for Bendis to tell some interesting stories. As far as Rogol Zaar, Superman and Supergirl wrap this particular battle up, but again, it's unsatisfying, as there isn't really any resolution. But, Bendis has laid the foundation for more stories here, as well. Finally, the mystery that started in issue one, with fires being set around Metropolis and Superman's interaction with Chief Moore, the new fire chief, isn't answered at all (well, one panel reveals the fire starter, but it's at the end of the book and there isn't any kind of closure).

Overall, I was rather disappointed with The Man of Steel. While it had a "complete" story, it really was more of a prologue to characters and events Bendis will be writing about in upcoming story arcs of the main Superman and Action Comics series. Other than a special event to introduce Bendis to DC readers and the Superman books, I don't know why this needed to be a mini-series; it seems to me that it could have functioned as just another arc in the regular books.

I'm sure there are fans of Superman who were happy with The Man of Steel, but I'm not sure I'll be reading any of the monthly books to find out what happens. I just didn't find myself hooked or invested in Bendis's story. I would recommend this to Superman fans, and Bendis fans might find it interesting, but it wasn't my favorite.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

BATMAN #50 by Tom King - Book Review

From the publisher: It’s the wedding you never thought you’d see! The Batrimony is real as Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle are set to tie the knot in a can’t-miss, extra-length milestone issue that will reshape Gotham City. All their friends (and a few enemies?) will be party to a comic book coupling for the ages.

Superstar scribe Tom King officiates the sure-to-be-offbeat nuptials, joined by an all-star lineup of guest classic Bat-artists doffing their hats to the lucky couple in a series of pre-wedding flashback scenes sure to set the romantic mood.

Tom King has been building toward Batman #50 for some time, with the wedding of Batman/Bruce Wayne and Catwoman/Selina Kyle. The stories leading to the wedding have ranged from great to fantastic, and issue #50 promises to cap them off in style. King doesn't fail to disappoint.

Batman #50 is the story of the hours leading up to the wedding ceremony. King chooses to tell the story from the alternating viewpoints of Batman and Catwoman as they get prepared: deciding on a location and time, finding a judge, witnesses, etc. King also uses an epistolary format, having some of the story told through letters. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll stop here, but I do want to say that King writes with emotion and clarity, and his stories never seem to take a straight line, with Batman #50 being no exception.

I don't often comment on the art of a comic, but Batman #50 had a cool format. Mutliple artists created splash pages to coincide with about half the story. Not every drawing was my favorite, but I did enjoy seeing various stylistic takes on Batman and Catwoman and their relationship through the years.

Overall, Batman #50 by Tom King was an excellent comic. It can be read by casual fans who enjoy events, but it is probably best read by readers who have followed along with Tom King's run on Batman. I highly recommend this book.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs - Book Review

From the publisher: Embrace your time with the Lord, no matter how busy you are! 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs offers tangible reminders of God’s wisdom and meaningful reflections in just 10 minutes. For the days when you need help discerning direction, 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs is the perfect way to engage with God.

This devotional invites you into Proverbs, the book of wisdom. Realign your heart with God’s as you read through the Scripture and spend just a few minutes with Him. Whether you’re on a quick lunch break, between classes, or relishing some peace and quiet during nap time, 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs gives you what you need to keep going. Just 10 minutes a day will bring you closer to God and learning His Word.

10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs is a nice combination of gift book and devotional. It is written to be easily digested in a short amount of time, but with enough thought behind each entry to provide depth for the reader. With all the God-inspired wisdom in it, Proverbs is a perfect book for a devotional focus.

There are 46 separate devotions in this book, and they work there way through the book of Proverbs. Each entry follows the same basic format: there is a key Bible Verse (or two or three) from the larger passage that the entry is based upon. Next is a 1-2 page devotional presentation, relating the passage to today. This is followed by a short prayer based on the key points of the passage. Finally, there are questions for reflection, centered around the message and passage. Some examples of devotional topics include: Don't Follow Your Heart; A Path That Leads To Destruction; Don't Waste Your Breath; Wisdom With Money and Work; and Speak Words That Heal.

As a devotional reader, I appreciate these shorter 5-10 minute devotions, as they are perfect for reading in the morning when getting ready for work. They provide insight into the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, and the questions are a jump start for thinking about how I can apply the ideas to my life.

I would recommend 10 Minutes in the Word: Proverbs to anyone looking for a devotional with short but deep devotions to help grow your relationship with Jesus Christ.

I received a review copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.