Batman/Superman #1 by Joshua Williamson - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: Up in the sky, in the dark of the night, trust no one - for the infected walk among us. Spinning out of the devastating events of THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS, Superman and Batman are together once more in an all-new monthly series - and they're facing a terrifying new threat that could strike from anywhere. The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel must journey into the depths of Gotham City to learn which of their fellow heroes has been transformed into the horrifying horseman of their most dangerous and deranged foe ever. Our heroes will need to fight to survive, but an even more dangerous question lurks in the shadows: Can Superman and Batman even trust each other?

I've been a fan of the previous Batman/Superman series, and this new one by Joshua Williamson seems to be following in their footsteps. The Batman Who Laughs (from the Dark Nights: Metal series last year) has been harassing Batman and his friends over the past year or so, and now it seems that he has kidnapped an innocent boy. As Batman and Superman track the missing child down, they discover something horrible; The Batman Who Laughs has infected six people with the Joker serum from his dark universe. And even worse, the infected could be anyone, from ordinary citizens to heroes to villains. This is one of Batman's greatest fears, as he says something along the lines of "We (heroes) would make even better villains than the villains we face." And with that, the issue ends with a terrific twist, as the first of the new Sinister Six reveals themself.

Man, this issue flew right along. The pacing was terrific, and the reveal at the end was well done. I don't have much background with The Batman Who Laughs, but I didn't feel that I was missing that much, due to Williamson's excellent writing. This evil Batman is an excellent villain, and the premise of this series promises an exciting read every month. I also enjoy the uncertainty that has now been created for Batman and Superman, even between themselves. There is no real way to be sure just who has been infected, and the prospect of an ultimate evil version of some of DC's greatest heroes is downright intriguing to me. It will be interesting to see if the transformation in this issue (and further ones in upcoming issues) will have any lasting affect on the DC Universe at large. Hopefully this isn't just some one off story where everything is reset at the end.

I, for one, really enjoyed Joshua Williamson's Batman/Superman #1 and can't wait to see where he takes our heroes in future issues. Grab this if you're a fan of the Batman/Superman books, The Batman Who Laughs, or just someone who likes to see heroes go bad.

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

Event Leviathan #3 by Brian Michael Bendis - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: From the award-winning team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, it’s DC’s biggest whodunit in years! The world’s greatest detectives—Batman, Green Arrow, Lois Lane, Plastic Man, the Question and Martian Manhunter—have gathered to solve the mystery behind the true identity of Leviathan’s leaders and the destruction of the world’s top intelligence agencies! Red Hood is their leading suspect—and he is on the loose! Plus, the Silencer takes her shot! This mystery will unleash a new evil on the DC Universe!

In my opinion, Event Leviathan #3 is the best issue so far! Brian Michael Bendis does a super job writing this issue, and unlike with issue #2, I didn't feel like I had missed out on something due to any tie-in issues.

To summarize, at the end of issue #2, Batman and his group of detectives, spearheaded by Damian Wayne, basically accused Red Hood/Jason Todd of being Leviathan. This issue shows the immediate consequences of that decision and is told mostly through flashbacks showing Red Hood trying to get away from the detectives. And while the action is nearly constant, it's Red Hood's constant running commentary and observations that add depth to the mystery of Leviathan. He presents some very logical ideas about just who or what he is or isn't, and what Leviathan might be. He also asks a very interesting question that makes the detectives stop and reconsider everything: Where is Amanda Waller? The issue wraps up with an interesting twist that may take this series in a totally different direction.

I really enjoyed Jason Todd in this issue. I feel like he has been a very unevenly written character over the past years, but Bendis does a great job capturing both his ruthlessness, his particular moral code, and his intelligence (which particularly stands out in relation to Batman and the others). I also feel like this story has hit its stride, and rather than feel a bit confused after reading, I now find myself looking forward anxiously to the next chapter of this story. Bendis has firmly hooked me.

I highly recommend Event Leviathan #3 by Brian Michael Bendis. It presents a vital chapter in an intriguing mystery that has shaken up the covert part of the DC Universe. Grab your copy and get a bit closer to solving the mystery of who Leviathan is, and what his endgame might be.

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

The Dreaming #12 by Simon Spurrier - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: The search is over. The trail is cold. A crown must be conferred. A great reception is held for the envoys and ambassadors of the outer realms—but who greets them from the throne of tales? And somewhere, out in the world, the man who tore down the King of Dreams looks upon his work...and feels nothing.

The Dreaming #12 wraps up the second arc of Simon Spurrier's new series. In this issue, we finally get an idea of what Daniel/Dream has been up to, but most of it focuses on the new temporary ruler of the Dreaming, the strange AI moth-looking thing, who I believe doesn't really have a name, at least until the end of the story. Abel is trying to keep would-be invaders out of the Dreaming, and the new ruler is forced to confront what it really is. Additionally, Dora and Matthew finish their quest, and what they find is not at all what I expected. 

One of the things I usually enjoy about the Sandman books, and in this case The Dreaming, is the use of stories to explain bigger concepts, including the larger story of the book. In this case, the lord of the Dreaming tells a story/history to explain the nature of the Dreaming and Daniel's new purpose. This tale also leads to a realization about just what exactly is going on, and has potentially huge consequences for the entire Dreaming moving forward. In fact, I was really surprised by the ending (maybe I shouldn't have been, but I was focused on hoping this wasn't just a way to have a new Dream). I'm really curious as to how Spurrier is going take things moving forward. There were also several hints that Dora has a bigger part to play, and her true nature is important to that. And I'll confess, I find myself wanting to know what/who she really is moreso now than earlier in this series.

Overall, The Dreaming #12 by Simon Spurrier was a satisfactory ending to this arc, and the first dozen issues overall. Spurrier has done a nice job laying the groundwork for his run on The Dreaming and their are now several storylines that he can explore in both the near future and the long run. I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops. I highly recommend both this issue and the series.

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

BATMAN: CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #1 by Sean Murphy - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: In this explosive sequel to the critically acclaimed blockbuster BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT from writer/artist Sean Murphy, The Joker recruits Azrael to help him expose a shocking secret from the Wayne family’s legacy—and to run Gotham City into the ground! As Batman rushes to protect the city and his loved ones from danger, the mystery of his ancestry unravels, dealing a devastating blow to the Dark Knight. Exciting new villains and unexpected allies will clash in this unforgettable chapter of the White Knight saga—and the truth about the blood they shed will shake Gotham to its core!

I enjoyed Sean Murphy's Batman: White Knight. It was an interesting take on the Batman/Joker relationship, and a different view on Joker than I had read before. So naturally, when Batman: Curse of the White Knight was announced, I looked forward to reading it.

Batman: Curse of the White Knight looks to have two stories that will eventually merge: in the present, there is the Joker's plan to take down Batman, and in the past, there is some mysterious goings on with the Arkham and Wayne ancestors. In issue #1, Murphy gives a little look at the mystery of the past, but most of the focus is on Joker (who isn't happy with his Napier personality) and his escape from Arkham Asylum. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is still dealing with the fallout from the previous series and is looking to go public with his identity. Basically, this issue is an introduction to what exactly is going to be happening.

Murphy's take on Batman is a little grittier than the normal Batman. There are plenty of familiar faces, but they are all just a bit harder edged. This makes Curse of the White Knight a nice change from the main Batman stories. Also, because the series isn't part of the standard continuity, Murphy has the freedom to take the story where he wants, and his characters can act differently than they might have to in the main DC universe. I think this gives Curse of the White Knight more of an ability to surprise and shock the reader, and Murphy did that with White Knight and I expect something similar with this one.

Overall, Batman: Curse of the White Knight by Sean Murphy is a good opening chapter in this sequel series. I'm looking forward to seeing just how he ties the two timelines together. If you enjoyed Batman: White Knight or like different takes on the Caped Crusader, then grab a copy of this book.

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

Event Leviathan #2 by Brian Michael Bendis - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: “The Detectives”! EVENT LEVIATHAN, the new miniseries by the award-winning team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, continues! As the mystery of Leviathan continues to rock the very foundations of the DC Universe, the world’s greatest detectives gather for the first time anywhere to solve the mystery before it’s too late! Lois Lane leads Batman, Green Arrow, Plastic Man, Manhunter, the Question and a couple of genuine guest sleuths in the search for who Leviathan is and how their plans have already unfolded. This issue also guest-stars Red Hood, Batgirl and more!

Event Leviathan #2 by Brian Michael Bendis continues the search for Leviathan that began in issue #1. First, a disclaimer of sorts: this book/mini-series is a self-contained story with tie-ins. I haven't read any of the tie-ins yet, and I feel like I'm missing out on something when I read Event Leviathan. There are events that are referenced that seem to have happened in between issues. I felt this same way when I read Dark Nights: Metal. Self-contained should mean just that; any tie-ins should add to the story, not make readers feel as if they are missing something important.

All that said, this book moved fast. Batman and Red Hood met to discuss the Leviathan case, with Batman describing what had happened and what he knew. Red Hood knew a little, and they shared their info. The Question discovers what happened to Sam Lane, Lois's father and a super spy. Plastic Man investigates a dead Leviathan soldier who used to be an ARGUS agent. All this leads Batman and his team of detectives straight to their chief suspect.

I enjoyed Event Leviathan #2. Bendis is a great writer who knows how to spin out a mystery. There are some interesting characters appearing, including the Question and Plastic Man, neither of whom get a lot of play. I also expect a red herring, or two or three. I also like the connection between this series and Heroes in Crisis, as Red Hood is still dealing with the fallout of the death of a friend. While not totally a character-focused story, it was a nice added touch, and showed that the events these heroes face do have carry over effects.

Bendis reveals who Batman thinks is Leviathan, but I'm not buying it at this point. He is too good of a writer to reveal the villain this early in the story. But like usual, I'm trusting Bendis because of my past history with his writing. My only real issue is the tie-in concern I mentioned earlier. Books should either be support or required to the main series, and there should not be any confusion on this matter.

I recommend Event Leviathan #2 by Brian Michael Bendis. Fans who enjoy event series (no pun intended) and Bendis's writing will like this one. However, get this now (along with the first issue) or you'll be at a loss.

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

The Wild Storm #24 by Warren Ellis - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: The final issue. The final act. IO has betrayed the world, and Skywatch wants to burn it. The only people in the middle are Jenny Mei Sparks’ ragtag team of wounded orphans of the secret world. The storm has hit. This is how it ends.

So it comes down to this. After 23 issues, The Wild Storm #24 by Warren Ellis wraps up this particular story in the Wild Storm universe. And Ellis wraps it up in style. IO and Miles Craven vs. Skywatch and Henry Bendix vs. Jenny Sparks's new Authority. There are explosions, double-crosses, appearances by more weird powered people (presumably Skywatch experiments), and outrageous action as only Ellis can do. And also, this story gets a definitive ending, although not every plot point was resolved. It turns out this was Angie Spica's story all along.

Rather than just look at this issue, I want to talk about the series as a whole. I think Ellis did an excellent job, both recapturing the original feel of his Stormwatch/Authority series and a new sensibility or take on the concept. I really liked the crazy action, but some of the personal interactions I could take or leave. I also thought Ellis introduced so many different ideas in this series, but didn't see all of them through. Of particular interest to me was Cole Cash/Grifter and his Wild C.A.T. team. Grifter is one of my favorite Wild Storm characters, and it seems like they just got shuffled out after a few issues. Now, hopefully Ellis was just bringing these ideas in to use them in later Wild Storm series, as I believe there will be two more series set in this universe, starting with WildCats sometime in August.

Overall, I though The Wild Storm was a fun and entertaining book. I enjoyed the wild ideas, action, and re-introduction of some old favorite characters. The Wild Storm #24 by Warren Ellis was a solid ending to the story. I recommend this series to fans of Warren Ellis and his original take on Stormwatch and The Authority.

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

The Dreaming #11 by Simon Spurrier - Comic Book Review

From the publisher: The World’s End pub is a place where ales and tales flow freely. A place where the netherfolk gather to spin stories and mark time between realities. But a blight has come to the Worlds’ End pub, and as the search for Dream of the Endless nears its end, our plucky hunters must confront the saddest thing of all: a fable that can’t stop fading. Meanwhile, the new Lord of the Dreaming, chafing against its unwanted throne, gropes for answers—and endings...

The Dreaming #11 by Simon Spurrier continues the story of Dora and Matthew the Raven's quest to find Daniel aka Dream. After their stop in Hell last issue, they are transported to The World's End Pub, which should be familiar to fans of Sandman. Here, stories are currency, and Dora and Matthew stumble into the pub only to find the entire pub full of people captivated by the stories being told by three strangers. However, a fire is loose on the upper floor of the pub, and no one seems eager to put it out. Only Dora seems immune, and this leads to an interesting conversation with a rabbit whom no one remembers. The issue ends with a twist that I didn't see coming which sets up next issue (which promises to reveal where Dream is or what he wants) nicely.

I've really enjoyed this quest for Dream storyline, but because each issue is only a part of the story arc, I find them hard to review. I enjoyed revisiting The World's End, which is a cool location with many story possibilities. I also found the story-within-a-story to be interesting, reflecting some popular story themes. Spurrier uses this issue to reflect on the nature of stories, which has always been a part of the Sandman world. I also liked the development of Dora, who seems to be growing as a character with each issue. I have a little trepidation at how Spurrier is going to wrap up the search for Dream, because it seems like he is leaning towards creating a new Dream, which Gaiman already did (in fact, he did it extremely well, since that was a major part of the original series). However, I'm going to trust that Spurrier won't just be repeating previous stories with his own take on them.

The Dreaming #11 by Simon Spurrier is an excellent chapter in this series. I highly recommend it, particularly to fans of Sandman.

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