DETECTIVE COMICS #951 - League of Shadows Pt. 1

DETECTIVE COMICS #951 - League of Shadows Pt. 1

Published February 22, 2017 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Christian Duce.

The Colony has sought out Lady Shiva only to find misery and death. League of Shadows begins now in issue #951. Lady Shiva thinking the Colony is a way into Gotham soon learns the Colony has been outcast from Gotham with Batman capturing the Colonel. Shiva quickly loses interest in using the Colony and just as fast disposes of her captive.

Training in the mud room proves both creative and entertaining. Kung Fu fighting Penguins makes for a fun and entertaining training session for Orphan. While Batwoman facetiously questions the reality of the mud room scenario. And after training a night out to the ballet is planned for Cassandra.

Batman decides to visit his new ally Mayor Hady. But the Mayor’s place seems in disarray and once Batman finds the mayor it isn’t a pleasant sight. And as quickly as Batman learns the attacker’s identity the police arrive and misread the scene thinking Batman was the attacker.

Questioning the Colonel about the attackers leads Batman and Batwoman down a rabbit hole or is it? The Colonel and Batman continue to clash in ideologies while Kate is shaken by his revelations regarding the new threat.

On the five O’ Clock news it’s all sunny, happy smiles but with a deadly twist. And Adams Square is full of laughing, violent jokers. But the laughs soon stop and the look in the crowd’s eyes becomes more sinister as Batman and the group seek to subdue the crowd.

The new story arc and the continuing one of the Colony is making this another great story to follow. What is Lady Shiva’s game? And was the poisoned crowd another diversion from the real villain? Maybe there’s some truth to the Colonel’s belief about the existence of the League of Shadows…

BLACK PANTHER #11 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.11

BLACK PANTHER #11 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.11

Published February 22, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and illustrated by various artists.

The climatic end to “A Nation Under Our Feet” begins at Necropolis where T’Challa summons Wakandain spirits of the past to defend the throne.

Shuri in her new form leads the attack as she is now a Griot and Black Panther along with Manifold arrive to join the melee. However, the Hatu Zeraze are quickly defeated by the People under Zenzi’s control.

Just as T’Challa and the Hatu seem close to defeat one last gambit is played. Changamire begins to broadcast a speech meant to inspire peace and surrender of the People and break the hold Zenzi has upon their hearts and minds.

For some it wakes them up but there are still some among the People that remain under Zenzi’s control. The Hatu are able to regain the upper hand with the distraction. Zenzi plays one last attempt and the remaining People under her control are transformed and mutated to continue their assault on T’Challa and Hatu.

Tetu is finally defeated by T’Challa and Wakanda’s past heroes and captured while Zenzi has evaded his fate. Shuri begins a new chapter with the Dora Milaje.

So the end of this first epic tale has come and with it a new beginning. But where will Black Panther fit in with a Dora Milaje led by Shuri? Will his sister take the throne back or will he cede his throne to her? The fall-out from this will remain to be seen.  

DOCTOR STRANGE #17 – State of Misery

DOCTOR STRANGE #17 – State of Misery

 

Published February 15, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Frazer Irving.

Back at the sanctum santorum of the good doctor is playing mediator to two factions and diverts a conflict but while this issue is resolved he and Zelma continue trying to find Wong and Misery. While they look magic is slowly returning to the world.

Wong and Misery debate whether Misery can defeat Doctor Strange and Misery is convinced he can undo the Doctor’s past work.

Stephen takes the search to his drinking magical buddies on a motorcycle. However, it’s not magic users that may provide help in locating Wong but Man-Thing. That is after Stephen rids the Man-Thing of Nazi Ninja Vampires for which he gives the doctor some algae.

Misery begins the reworking of Dr. Strange’s past work in neurosurgery and when Stephen finally catches up to Misery’s gruesome handy work and he brings a new player to assist  with the work to be done.

Besides the fantasy and magic to these stories I really enjoy the underlying humor. Or at least it’s funny to me! What’s Misery’s angle? Why can’t he just get along with Doctor Strange? My comic reading is lot like my own life in that I really don’t know too much as to what’s going on outside my own story and so I only catch glimpse and peeks about other stories so when a popular character arrives I really don’t know what’s going on in their world and I’ll just let the story happen and enjoy! There are two characters with one possibly taking a leading role in the next issue.  The story is yet another bizarre odyssey through the multiverse and the restoration of magic to the world…



DETECTIVE COMICS #950 - League of Shadows, Prologue

DETECTIVE COMICS #950 - League of Shadows, Prologue

Published February 8, 2017 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Various artist

Ghosts. Are they real? What defines a ‘ghost’? Cassandra Cain feels ghosts. Ghost of the past. Ghosts of a life she wishes she had. To dance is her passion. But her circumstances keep it from being a reality.

She can’t explain the ghosts to her friends and she tries to avoid explaining them. Unfortunately some of the ghosts are not very pleasant. The violence she witnessed as a child and the wicked hopes her father had for her haunt her and cause her discomfort of the soul.

Mayor Hady has a change of heart about life after his heart nearly gave up on him. To make a better world he seeks out Gordon and our cowled hero for help. He offers Batman a hand in helping Gotham. A new beginning.

Orphan dreams of the ballet and dancing freely but those dreams quickly turn to the violent dans macrbe her life is. Instead of peaceful leaps and landings she performs fighting moves to subdue assailants. Her art has become disarming guns and knives and not graceful dance moves. This life has put her in turmoil and it takes all she has to keep score as to who is friend and foe. The violence and fighting are causing her to blur the lines of sanity and without hesitation she begins to see how to best defeat everyone even her closest allies.

Karlo Basil only wants his old self and life back but a new invention by Batwing may eliminate the need for a bulking device to return his DNA to normal he has physical consequences for the change. The longer he uses this new invention the more susceptible he is to causing himself more damage.

Orphan looks up to Batwoman and would like to learn as much as she can but she can’t communicate this very easily and must remain in the shadows. But she darts away and dances. She loses herself in the dance and the loneliness only to confide in herself she wants more. But has someone else heard her silent plea?

Jean-Paul Valley is called by a higher power. His heart seeks to overcome war and violence with the law of peace and love. His training partner marvels at his ability to stay focused in the heat of battle. Batwing would like the divine inspiration that drives Azrael in battle. Valley enlightens Batwing on things bigger than himself. Things that drive and shape the universe.  These things humble Jean Paul and focus his mind and heart to one good.

Before Tim’s supposed death he and Batman had a lengthly discussion on the change in Batman. Tim noticed a shift and a preparation being made for what Tim thought was war. He questioned the reasoning behind this preparation and pledged his loyalty to whatever end it all meant.

Detective #950 is obviously a set up for a larger story coming to the Bat-books. The many sub-plots coming should be good. I suspect Lady Shiva will test Orphan and her loyalties but the big picture I’m holding out for is this “war” that Tim mentions at the end. And after the events of Detective #949 I’m left guessing that Monster Venom is going to be the McGuffin everyone’s after. Dram-ah is coming…   

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DETECTIVE COMICS #949 - Batwoman Begins Pt. 2

DETECTIVE COMICS #949 - Batwoman Begins Pt. 2

Published January 17, 2017 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and Marguerite Bennett  illustrated by Ben Oliver.

Beginning in the conclusion to Batwoman Begins Kate and her father are seen discussing footage of Batman in action. Kate is intrigued by his fighting style and the many forms apparent in it. She is not alone as the man himself arrives out of the shadows and begins a confrontation in which Kate draws a gun on the Caped Crusader only to have her 2^nd Amendment rights revoked ala weapon disassembly.

Meanwhile at the Colony the Colonel and one of his soldiers debate whether Kate has the heart and discipline for the Colony.

Back in the present Batman squares off against the Colony’s thief who stole the Monster Venom and has overridden the Belfry to target the Dark Knight. Then Batwoman joins the melee and exposes Simon as the Colony agent. The arrogance and insecurities he has about Kate and her abilities only add to the humiliation she puts him through.

As Simon continues his quest to free Colonel Kane he has yet another confrontation with Batman or is it? Simon thinking he is about to free the Colonel is confronted yet again by the fearless Batwoman.  Batwoman unrelenting bests Simon once more only this time she reveals what’s really going on and how he has fallen prey to a cleverly designed trap. But in a last ditch effort to escape Batman and Batwoman Simon injects himself with the Monster Venom for a very dramatic escape.

After the escape of Simon Batwoman recalls a time in the past when she first realized that Batman was her cousin Bruce Wayne and she then fully understood what drove the World’s Greatest Detective. Her father feared that getting too close to his mission would destroy her but she didn’t share that fear.

Back at the Colonel’s cell Kate and her father discuss the changing world and what the impact Monster Venom will have on a coming war. He agrees to let her in on the many organizations that are seeking new bioweapons for this coming conflict.

I’m really starting to become a fan of Batwoman. First I like her edgy attitude and drive. The costume is great and in these last two issues I’ve really enjoyed Ben Oliver’s art. I’m further interested in these new organizations and this coming war they are preparing to fight. Could “The Many Arms of Death” be one on the way? 

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DETECTIVE COMICS #948 - Batwoman Begins Pt. 1

DETECTIVE COMICS #948 - Batwoman Begins Pt. 1

Published January 11, 2017 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and Marguerite Bennett with art by Ben Oliver.

Who is Kate Kane? Why is she following in her cousin’s footsteps as a vigilante protecting Gotham? Starting off is a flashback sequence to sometime a couple of years ago her and her father, Colonel Kane, were training with a new gadget. Her version of the grapple gun used by Batman.

While testing this new toy she and her father are also shadowing the cowled sleuth through Gotham. However, he eventually catches her following and is able to evade. Later Kate and her dad recount the events and her frustration with Batman’s ability to escape her watchful eye.

Fastward to the present and Kate is now visiting her father in the prison cell at the Belfry. But duty calls and she leaves her father to begin a new case.

At the Argus excavation site where the remains of the beast they battled in the Night of the Monster Men they are attacked by a strange humanoid creature. The monster’s attack is stopped by Dr. Victoria October the lead scientist studying these strange phenomenon at what she terms, “Monster Town”. Apparently what is to blame for the strange mutation of the creature is Dr. Strange’s Monster Venom. This is some new form of bioweaponry highly sought after on the blackmarket. During a break-in at the Argus evacuation site someone stole a large amount of the Venom and that someone was with the Colony.

At the Belfry the Colonel is being paid a visit by the Argus thief from the Colony. And is there to extract the Colonel. However, the Colonel isn’t too keen on leaving his cell. But Batman and Batwoman arrive to ensure the Colonel stays put.

In this story arc DC is starting to give a little more depth to Kate Kane and her Batwoman persona. This story arc also takes the Monster Venom angle in a new direction with the Colony after this weapon. One question arises from this issue is why is Colonel Kane reluctant to rejoin the Colony? 

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DETECTIVE COMICS #947 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 5

DETECTIVE COMICS #947 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 5

Published December 14, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez.

In the dramatic conclusion to The Victim Syndicate and catty exchange with Batwoman. Spoiler and Batman have a clash in ideologies. Stephanie sees the world differently and how best to help it and her friends than Batman’s approach. She cast doubt on the good Batman does and identifies with the Syndicate to a point. Once they cross the line into hurting other she feels they are wrong. In a moment of regret and remorse the Caped Crusader apologizes to the Syndicate and offers to help them cope with their bitterness and anger from their own losses.

But is it enough for Spoiler? She threatens Batman with exposure if he doesn’t quit the crime fighting and dis-ban is new group. She recounts every member’s possibilities outside Batman’s influence in their lives and how they might be different. But is her vision necessarily better?

Spoiler still distraught and unchanged in her thinking flees as Batman and the group prepare to turn the Syndicate into Arkham.

Later at Arkham Clayface tries to comfort Glory and offer’s her a hand in friendship. While Batman and Batwoman remain puzzled about the identity of First Victim.

Spoiler still grieving over Tim vandalizes the Batsignal and Batman and Batwoman reconcile their feelings and thoughts on the troubled Stephanie.

In an epilogue Tim is seen working up a way to escape the confinement he’s in but once he’s free he discovers his captor to be the unexpected.

The great thing about this story arc is there’s plenty of directions to go in. The continuing saga of Red Robin and what’s really going on is intriguing and should keep audiences captivated.

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DETECTIVE COMICS #946 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 4

DETECTIVE COMICS #946 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 4

Published December 14, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira.

In a flashback sequence Tim and Bruce discuss the big picture in regards to the new team he’s putting together and what the Dark Knight has planned for the future of Gotham and his role in defending the city. Tim offered his un-wavering support for whatever Batman has planned.

In the present Batman arrives at the Thompkins Free Clinic to assist Azrael with dealing with the Victim Syndicate who have decided to try and draw Batman into a confrontation.

Still grappling with the supposed loss of Tim Stephanie tries to find solace in a hologram of Red Robin created by Tim. However, at the moment of truth she is drawn back to reality that this is not the real Tim and still needs closure from his loss.

The other members of the team confront the Victim Syndicate one on one with Clayface dealing with Glory and bringing her back to her normal self while Batwoman confronts Madame Crow but Mr. Noxious arrives and adds to her troubles. Batwing’s nano-tech defeats Noxious and his assault on Kate as Kate is gracious for the assist from Batwing.

As Harper is assisting an elderly woman to safety Mute makes an entrance only to be brought to his knees by Orphan playing his wife’s last message to him before she was killed by the Joker.

And in a prelude to the conclusion of the Victim Syndicates reign of terror on the Thompkins Clinic First Victim is still trying to draw the Dark Knight into causing him pain in sick, sadistic plot to try and attack Batman through his noble sense of justice. But before the action is over Spoiler arrives and sets the stage for the finale to the Victim Syndicate.

There’s a lot of group dynamics going on in this storyline by Tynion. I like the Victim Syndicate and this angle they have trying to attack Batman through his sense of justice and all around good he feels he is doing. However, each has a grief that they blame him for. The ending to this issue also portrays Spoiler as a victim of Batman and his crusade. There’s definitely an analogy at work with her loss of Tim and how she’s been blaming Batman for it. Maybe she is a metaphor for the “Last Victim”?

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BLACK PANTHER #10 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.10

BLACK PANTHER #10 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.10

Published January 25, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Chris Sprouse and Karl Story.

Aneka and Ayo are confronted by the newly returned Shuri and Shuri is none too impressed with the Midnight Angels cause against her brother and the Wakanda throne. As well as her disdain for their alliance with Tetu and the People.

T’Challa, Hodari and Wakanda prepare for Tetu’s coming assault. They ready their stores for war and begin enlisting troops to defend against the coming war. But Tetu’s army may be more than they are prepared for as Zenzi’s magic has made them an army that doesn’t need sleep or food.

Back at the Jabari-lands the Midnight Angels begin to reconsider their alliance with Tetu. Shuri’s return has given them new hope for something better and her words have inspired them towards a new direction.

T’Challa seeks Changamire’s help in defeating Tetu. Not by force but by wisdom and the mind. Baba sheds light on the situation with Tetu and Wakanda by relating the rebellion to the American slave experience and it’s destruction it caused to both slave and slave owners.

The pack between Tetu and the Midnight Angels is broken and Tetu promises vengeance for the break while T’Challa and Shuri embark on the war.

I like the story however so far the action has been sparse but this is part of the build-up and with the coming war the pacing should increase and things in Wakanda should boil over soon…

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DOCTOR STRANGE #16 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 5

DOCTOR STRANGE #16 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 5

Published January 25, 2017 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

Flash back to a time when Stephen and the Ancient One were training. Stephen has his first encounter with Dormammu. The Ancient One prepares him in the event that Dormammu should possess the Ancient One.

Now in the present time Stephen encounters Dormammu once again and this time there’s very little magic to fight with. But he does have an enchanted dagger. But the dagger does very little against the magic of Dormammu.

Mr. Misery gains an admirer in the Orb and Wong seeks Misery’s assistance in helping Strange against Dormammu. It is to no avail.

Dormammu recounts how he delt with the Imperator and Empirikuls. Stephen then gets the better of him while Mordo seeks to be the one to end Dr. Strange. And what’s going on now with Wong?

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BLACK PANTHER #9 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt.9

BLACK PANTHER #9 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 9

Published December 28, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze.

As Shuri has returned she is now more than she was before she was victim of the Living Death. Changamire is still wrestling with Tetu and his methods of promoting his cause for change in Wakanda. But does he know there is an audience present to his discussion with his wife?

T’Challa still contemplates his sister’s handling of the throne of Wakanda and his own performance at the job. Shuri visits her ill mother and reports on what she has learned of Changamire.

Tetu and the Mid-night Angel continue to forge an alliance but Ayo still has her reservations about siding with Tetu and Zenzi. Which erupts into conflict with Aneka who doesn’t see eye to eye with Ayo.

Meanwhile Zenzi has her own reservations about trusting the Mid-night Angels and their true motives.
As a token of goodwill Aneka returns the captured Wakandan guards and is finally confronted by the transformed Shuri.

Shuri’s new power is very interesting and I’m sure there will be some kind of animalism explanation for it later. But the story is definitely beginning to come to a conclusion with all sides drawn and positions established. In the coming issues I think a final clash with Tetu and the Wakandan throne are coming. It's good to see Stelfreeze back on this title. I enjoy his artwork and it adds to an already interesting character.

DEADPOOL Back in Black #5

Deadpool Back in Black #5

Published December 14, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salvador Espin.

Issue #5 of Deadpool Back in Black is the exciting conclusion of the untold story of the Merc with the Mouth and Spider-man’s symbiote suit all taking place in the spectacularly excessive eighties!*

As the story begins we find Killer Thrill has her man, Spider-man that is and after a valiant fight by our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man she begins to use him to draw the Klyntar to her.

Has she bargained for more than she’s ready for? As the symbiote reacts to the anguish she puts Petey through it eventually finds her but her assistant, Guzz, delivers a sonic blast that separates Wade from the Klyntar and allow DP time to clear his head to deliver a KO to Guzz and rejoin the symbiote. Once reunited the symbiote sets its sights and tongue on Killer Thrill. And taking a piece of the bounty hunter with it.

After a devastating blow Killer Thrill calls off her quest to capture the Klyntar yet again but not before delivering a parting shot to Deadpool and the symbiote.

Now the symbiote sets its sights on the wounded Spidey and its desire for revenge. However, Deadpool can’t let that happen and forces the symbiote to separate from him once again. Free from the symbiote Deadpool is able to save webhead from the vengeful alien.

All bounty hunters have an employer and finally we learn who has hired Killer Thrill but they aren’t too happy about the failure of the mission. Killer Thrill however attempts to appease the situation by a Guzz offering.

Back on Earth we finally see the prior events of Eddie Brock’s fateful meeting with the symbiote and the birth of Venom…

This Deadpool blast from the past has been pretty fun. The artwork is great and all the eighties, Spider-man – symbiote spoofing has been a real joyride. Killer Thrill’s hijinks have been very entertaining and her love-hate relationship for Spider-Man really pulls at the heartstrings.   

*For those readers born during or after the eighties it was time of high adrenaline living to excess. – Joltn’ Jer  

DOCTOR STRANGE #15 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 4

Doctor Strange #15 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 4

Published December 21, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

To get things going the good doctor is the passenger in a taxi driven by the Orb. And the car ride takes the two to a secluded spot where the two happen upon a group of disgruntled investors that are preparing to make the con man, Reggie, pay for his misdeeds. But the arrival of the cab spooks the group and Reggie would appear saved if it wasn’t for the Orb who collects on Reggie’s bad debts.

Wong and Zelma take to the skies of New York looking for Stephen while Stephen and the Orb hit the town and duke it out as the doctor tries to escape the bizarre cab ride only to be strapped to the hood of the ride.

Across town at a bar Mordo is feeling the anger of Dormammu as he has yet to locate Doctor Strange and to gain more power he is engaged in a bloodletting of the bar patrons while Dormammu possesses the entertainment.

And in wrapping this issue and still wrapped on Orb’s cab, Stephen is top on everyone’s kill list. For some unknown reason Orb has driven Strange to the alley where Mr. Misery now resides and Mordo arrives to be the one to destroy Doctor Strange but Orb is having none of it and blasts Mordo. In the sky Zelma and Wong make an attempt to attack the group of Strange’s foes but all Hell breaks loose as Dormammu arrives in classic Doctor Strange fashion to let everyone know he is going to punch Strange’s ticket.

I think if you’re a fan of the Doctor Strange from the golden age you’re going to like this issue’s ending. It’s a classic retro-style appearance of Dormammu in full splash page and pose. I personally really like the whole bizarre twist this series has taken, Mr. Misery is a great character with many interesting characteristics and the ending with a throwback style entry of Dormammu is great.

DETECTIVE COMICS #945 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 3

Detective Comics #945 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 3

Published November 23, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Various artists

Beginning in the third part to “The Victim Sydicate”, Harper has notified Batman of the visit by Victim One with Stephanie. Yet Spoiler is not too cooperative with the Dark Knight and seems to be siding with the Sydicate’s view of Batman. This leads Batman to allow Dr. Thompkins to evaluate the group while he and Alfred try to piece the past together that will lead to the identity of the leader of the Victim Sydicate.

Back at the Belfry Batwing and Spoiler argue about Batman’s true intentions and Batwing provides the group with some tech to possibly prevent the powers of the Victim Syndicate affecting them.

Clayface recounts his encounter with Mudface before she was transformed which brings feelings of guilt and remorse to the misunderstood Clayface.

Batwing and Batwoman come to blows about Batwing’s own experience and dedication to a team effort. While at the Thompkins Free Clinic Jean-Paul and Harper discuss the distraught Spoiler when an announced visitor arrives. But Jean-Paul is ready to take up the sword and fend off the visitors.

More confrontation erupts between Spoiler and Batman while she’s being interviewed by Dr. Thompkins and afterwards a shocking return.

One thing I like about this issue is the cover seems to be a retro style cover with dialog related to the story in an attempt to sell it like they used to when comics were primarily sold on newsstands. The story is staying interesting with plenty of depth in characters. There’s still plenty of mystery and suspense as Batman is still trying to figure out the identity of the group leader and the ending has some great shock value to lead into the next issue.

 

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #4

Deadpool Back in Black #4

Published December 7, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salvador Espin.

Who likes a hearty helping of berries and nuts? Wade keeps masquerading around New York as the black suited Spiderman and yet again attracts another of the webslinger’s foes. A violent and repulsive encounter with Kraven the Hunter starts the action off in this issue but the Klyntar saves the Merc and his foul mouth yet again. More fighting and some poison darts get the better of the two and begin a strange hallucinogenic trip through a mix of Wilson’s memories and the symbiote’s when it was with Spiderman.

Trippin’ on whatever Kraven puts in those darts Deadpool finds himself in the lion’s den at the zoo. And he isn’t greeted too warmly by his feline hosts. Ironically it’s the hunter who saves their hide this time. But the symbiote begins to show a darker and more twisted side of itself and fends off Kraven.
While sleeping off the last of the drugs in the poison darts and collecting bird droppings all over himself and his friendly suit the merc is once again being hunted by Killer Thrill but someone else has caught the assassin’s attention. And it all concludes in the next exciting issue!

Kraven the Hunter has always been a prideful character and while these Deadpool issues are a great parody of some of Marvel’s best villain the fun doesn’t stop just because the hunter shows up. The best part is probably the lion wrestling Kraven does and the fact that he gets the idea to change his M.O. to hunt Spiderman from the torqued alien suit that Spiderman bailed on is pretty comical. But the cliffhanger in this issue is great too as the final issue should be a McFarlanesque epic meeting and Parker must be a magnet for *redheads? We’ll see how this all plays out next issue.

*Mary Jane Watson is probably every 12 year old boy’s first choice for an ice cream social… – Joltn’ Jer

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #944 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 2

Detective Comics #944 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 2

 

Published November 9, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Eddy Barrows.

Harper’s curiosity gets the better of her while scoping out Luke Fox’s car and triggers his anti-theft drones. But the Victim Syndicate crashes the party and Batwoman needs everyone’s help on this one.

Batwing joins the action and Renee attempts to subdue the leader of the Victim Syndicate only to find bullets have no effect. But the leader only wants Batman. Once the fight starts Batman finds his punches have no effect on the tech the leader of the Victim Syndicate is using.

The Victim Syndicate’s leader begins to reveal the group’s connection to Batman as Spoiler falls victim to poison and Batman is rendered speechless. As the leader offers an ultimatum but Batwing disables the leader’s tech that was preventing Batman’s punches from making contact and he is able to land a solid blow to the leader’s jaw. The fighting resumes but comes to a stalemate as the Victim Syndicate retreat.

Later at the Belfry Batman, Batwing and Batwoman review the casefiles on the Victim Syndicate. Batman finally remembers each member and their story. And while recovering from her poisoning Stephanie is visited by the Victim Syndicate’s leader to end the issue.

This new villain group has me intrigued. So far it’s just a band of misfits who seem to think Batman is bad and they are good. However, each “victim” has a menacing power that often seems similar to other villains in the DCU. But that’s explained. I’m looking forward to how all this plays out.

 

DOCTOR STRANGE #14 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 3

Doctor Strange #14 – Blood in the Aether Pt. 3

 

Published November 16, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Chris Bachalo.

If you enjoy bacon and have a weak stomach then this is not the issue for you. While Strange is held captive by Satana in Hell’s Dinner all he wants is some bacon. And bacon in Hell is hard to come by these days so everyone must share.

In tough competition to be best Hell Satana offers Stephen an opportunity to be the superhero of her Hell. And to make sure he complies she force feeds him some hell-shish bacon meant to kill him and enslave his soul.

While Satana prepares for his first show the doctor astral project into his own body to not only save his skin but his soul too. After ejecting the wicked bacon and feeling much relieved he decides to take a taxi but with an unusual driver at the wheel. The next issue should be lit.

The enduring quality of Doctor Strange is the odyssey which the story moves on. It isn’t a dry tangible telling of the mystic arts that’s for sure. And this latest issue delivers on the strange and mystical of the Doctor Strange lore. Where is it all going? With every issue the story takes a twist and turn through the varied world of the Sorcerer Supreme. And that’s entertainment.

 

DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK #3

Deadpool Back in Black #3

 



 
Published November 9, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Cullen Bunn and drawn by Salvador Espin.

Our hero with great fashion sense finds himself in some eighties style girl trouble in Deadpool Back in Black #3. The Merc with a Mouth first finds himself mistaken for Parker by Black Cat who just wants to purr up and rekindle their magic but then out of nowhere pops up the most heinous villain of them all. A wicked bunny-girl complete with eighties retro-goons and yes, bunnies! Maybe she should be in the Bat-universe? But if Bunny Woman with killer rabbits wasn’t enough headache there’s still Killer Thrill who just loves his new suit to death. Literally. But Wade manages somehow to survive all the mayhem of this issue but unfortunately for Bunny Woman her bunnies won’t be around for Easter. And Wade can’t take advantage of Black Cat just getting it all wrong.  

This issue will probably be my favorite out of all five. Bunny Woman is too much! The whole Monty Python Search of the Holy Grail killer bunny theme was great. But there was no running away except by Bunny Girl. And the real money shot was Killer Thrill taking the bunnies out. However, if there’s a moral to this story it’s probably don’t underestimate a ginger with disease ridden rabbits…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DETECTIVE COMICS #943 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 1

Detective Comics #943 – The Victim Syndicate Pt. 1

Published October 26, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez.

Gotham has a new menace that wants to see Batman gone. It all starts with an attack at Wayne Enterprise front office. Lucius Fox is the recipient of this new terror’s message to Batman. People killed in a strange way that appears as though they were poisoned in a multitude of ways. And then they leave a calling card on the front of Wayne Enterprise.

Spoiler is still going through the motions of losing Tim. She seeks solitude at the Thompkins Free Clinic and tries to make sense of her duty as a superhero with Harper. While Clayface and Orphan train hard both physically and mentally.

But Bruce and Kate attend a social function at the Gotham Public Museum and continue to analyze the changes Bruce has gone through in relation to his group after the loss of Tim. But the tech at the Belfry is beyond any of them and so to help understand and use it in Tim’s absence Bruce recruits someone whom Kate is not too happy about calling on.

And if the stress of the event wasn’t enough the Victim Syndicate appear to introduce themselves to the party goers.

The Victim Syndicate is beginning to be an interesting story arc. There are many questions about this new villainous group to get you hooked on the story and as Batman and Spoiler continue to deal with the supposed death of Red Robin that story element is intriguing as well. I do like this Batman group though. I think it’s working well rather than having just one sidekick Batman now has a team. The angle Clayface is taking so far is interesting and the ongoing threat of the Colony is enough to keep you reading.

 

BLACK PANTHER #8 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 8

Black Panther #8 – A Nation Under Our Feet Pt. 8

Published November 16, 2016 by Marvel Comics. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Chris Sprouse/ Karl Story.

After the exciting daring rescue of T’Challa from Stane Cage and the group bid T’Calla fair well as he gives a brief explanation as to why he summoned them there in the first place. However, later he and manifold prepare to embark on another most important journey to bring back Shuri to the living.

Meanwhile Shuri continues on her quest for enlightenment with the Griot that has taken the form of Ramonda and T’Challa along with Manifold make the leap to the Djalia. T’Challa still wrestles with the guilt of leaving Shuri to defend Wakanda herself and certain doom. But the living death she is trapped in is not what it appears as the Panther can’t get a sense on his sister and he feels as though she’s really not there at all.

In the Djalia Shuri stumbles upon the ruins of the Bako, a fifth dynasty of Wakanda and recounts the tale of Sologon. And tells how spirit of iron makes skin of stone. As Shuri nears the end of the story T’Challa and Manifold arrive to bring her back.

And with their return Shuri is free from the living death.


In this issue Shuri returns and the big question will be what role does she play in Wakanda now? The build-up seems over and it would appear we’ll get to see how she can resolve the hostilities in Wakanda and put down the People’s revolution led by Tetu and Zenzi. It’ll be interesting to see what impact this has on the Midnight Angels too. Maybe she can recruit them to help against Tetu and the People.