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 #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?   

DETECTIVE COMICS #936 - Rise of the Batmen Pt. 3

DETECTIVE COMICS #936 July 2016

Published July 13, 2016 by DC Comics. Written by  James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez/Raul Fernandez.

Kate and Renee meet over a drink and Kate expresses a need for guidance but Renee pushes back and bodes her to trust her instincts while alluding to the reason they are no longer together.

Back at the Belfry Red Robin shows Batwoman the recent attack Batman suffered from the Colony. Batman’s vigilante group is assembled and briefed on the recent attack on Batman. She also has brought her father onboard now to assist with their training.

Meanwhile Red Robin is getting concerned about Orphan who is fighting the Colony as she tries to make her way to the Belfry. Once the fight reaches the Belfry’s roof all hell breaks loose as the sky is falling and the group is betrayed.

Surrounded by the Colony Red Robin makes a quite attempt to hack into the Colony’s computer system but when it doesn’t work the group is still able to escape the ambush at the Belfry.

With Batman out of commission and Batwoman left to lead the group the story takes an interesting twist as it is revealed what the Colony really is and who’s leading them.