DETECTIVE COMICS #938 - Rise of the Batmen Pt. 5

Detective Comics #938 – Rise Of The Batmen Pt. 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published August 10, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by  James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez/Raul Fernandez.

In part five of the Rise of the Batmen we learn a little more about past events that have had a hand in shaping the current relationship between Kate and her father. There was a time when she wanted to fight alongside him but now as an adult she questions his motives and ideology.

And inside the Colony lair it’s an all-out brawl between the newly rescued Batman and his group against the super soldiers of the Colony led by Colonel Kane and Ulysses Armstrong. The Colony learns that underestimating Orphan can be costly while Tim and Ulysses wage a blackhat war against each other.

Kate and her father continue butting heads as the Colonel attempts to lure her to his side but she refuses and stands by Batman. As the Colony closes in Tim unleashes another blackhat attack that gives the group just enough time to escape. However, the game has now changed as Ulysses unleashes his bat-eyes.

With the conclusion of “Rise of the Batmen” I’m interested to see how this story continues into the next arc. Batman’s comment to Colonel Kane as he escapes has me curious as to what he was referring to. Was he referring to the idea that the League of Shadows is real? Or was it a reference to something else? I’ll have to stay tuned to find out…

DETECTIVE COMICS #937 - Rise of the Batmen Pt. 4

Detective Comics #937 – Rise Of The Batmen Pt. 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published July 27, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by  James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez/Raul Fernandez.

Things are heating up as the conclusion to Rise of the Batmen is near. The utility belt is being analyzed as Batman is able to escape but doesn’t know where he is or what the Colony is really about.

Batman’s group manage to make it to some abandoned subway tunnels beneath Gotham where Tim’s been working on a way to beat Gotham’s rush hour traffic.

Back at the Colony Batman starts to learn what is really going on and how he’s been a part of this new organizations training and purpose. But the shocking surprise is yet to come as his uncle reveals more to the cause of the Batmen and the supposed coming threats to America and Gotham. But Bruce pushes back in a heated confrontation with the cornel.  Just as Batwoman and the group arrive Batwoman choses her side to begin the ending to “Rise of the Batmen”.

I’ve enjoyed the premise to this whole story arc. I like the clash of ideologies expressed between Bruce and his uncle. His uncle sees a future where one man can’t fight the good fight alone and thinks the US military with clones of Batman are the answer to protecting her shores. Batman sees the video of the Colony in action at hot spots around the world but still thinks the real threat is the League of Assassins and not the conspiracy group his uncle believes is. I’m anxious to see what comes of the Colony after all this is resolved. Do they remain a covert force in the military or does Batwoman somehow take command?   

BLACK PANTHER #5 - A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 5

BLACK PANTHER #5 AUGUST 2016

Published August 10, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Chris Sprouse.

What are the depth to which T’Challa will go to curb the rebellion in Wakanda? The Black Panther enlists the help of the mutant Manifold in a raid on the People’s hideout in the Alkama Fields. In a bid to learn more about the People and the rebellion he has taken prisoners, who have bombs attached to their hearts, for questioning.

In a move that seems desperate T’Challa organizes a meeting of the security for ruthless, despotic nations in an attempt to learn how to best handle the rebellion destroying Wakanda. But the council of the wicked may prove more costly than the capital he is willing to pay.

Shuri continues her quest through the DJalia led by the Griot spirit resembling the Queen Mother. She learns of the parable of the Adowan people who would not be strong armed by strangers seeking the Adowan’s wealth. The strangers viewed the Adowans as weak but rich and when the strangers attempted to rob them they found the Adowans united against the usurpers. While Shuri scoffs at the Griot spirit’s story she is finally made aware that even though a nation may appear weak its true strength comes when it is united as one.

After his meeting with the council of the wicked, T’Challa turns his attention to one of the People he had captured. And eventually makes a pact with him. But what does T’Challa have in mind? And Tetu, Zenzi and Stane meet with Jorick Kroawl, Intelligence Directorate of Genosha, who offered T’Challa some very bad advice which was rejected. But the fires of rebellion are further stoked as a video of Kroawl’s advice is spread through Wakanda.

I still think the return of Shuri will be the key to Wakanda’s salvation and I’m starting to think it’ll cost T’Challa his spot on the throne. The pact T’Challa makes with Kwabena is still a mystery but I suspect he is to act as a spy for T’Challa and bring the rebellion under control.    

DOCTOR STRANGE #10 - Last Days of Magic Pt. 5

 

DOCTOR STRANGE #10 AUGUST 2016

Published August 3, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

The thrilling conclusion to the “Last Days of Magic” has begun. But will magic come back after the threat of the Empirikul’s and Imperator are gone?

The Sorcerer Supreme isn’t feeling too supreme in the opener as he must battle the Imperator to stop the Imperator's quest to destroy magic with science. It may not be Strange’s magic that ultimately wins but his pain. The pain that was trapped by Wong and Doctor Strange is unleashed on the Imperator and the world feels his pain too.

But as the Imperator takes the place of Strange’s pain the Eye of Agamotto doesn’t flicker and the starch in his cloak just doesn’t seem to be holding its form. So all magic users are left to wonder where is the magic and how to bring it back?

Visually this Doctor Strange has been a real treat to look at and the writing of Aaron is very entertaining. Plots and dialog are great while still keeping with Doctor Strange’s lingo. There’s a bit of wit and humor in the dialog that really makes it fun to read. Throughout the whole story arc of “Last Days of Magic” it’s been intriguing to read the suspense and see the action as the Imperator and Empirikul’s seem to have bested magic with science. In this last issue we also get to see what’s really motivating the Imperator and his crusade to end magic. The ending leaves it on a low note as the state of magic is unknown.