FA+
Shop
323
Views
Views
0
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 77 x 120
File Size 16.6 kB
Report this content
More from iamrman
Listed in Folders
Collecting Batman: No Man's Land #1, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #83-86, Batman #563-566, Detective Comics #730-733, Azrael: Agent of the Bat #51-55, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #117-118 and Batman Chronicles #16.
Batman: No Man's Land #1 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. The United States government have sealed off Gotham City and declared it a No Man's Land. Most of the city's people have been evacuated, but some still remain and fight to survive on the lawless streets.
This issue introduces us to the state of Gotham as the No Man's Land event begins. Gotham has been carved up into different territories controlled by different factions. Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD fight desperately to win territory from the gangs and criminals that control the rest of Gotham. Oracle also has her own operatives gathering information that might be useful. The Penguin's district is a haven for the black market. It is rumoured that he also was a supply line to the outside world. If that wasn't worse enough, Batman hasn't been seen for the last three months.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #83 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. Batman may be missing, but a new hero stalks the streets of Gotham. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon takes desperate steps to restore order.
The different factions have been tagging their territory, so you know there will be excitement when news comes out that somebody new has been tagging their territory with a bat symbol. Commissioner Gordon has a plan to set two gangs against each other so they can reclaim police headquarters. The idea is to have the gangs to wipe each other out so Gordon and the GCPD can sweep in and take over.
Batman #563 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. The gang wars escalate as they fight for control of Gotham while Batman returns to confront the new Batgirl.
The big mystery is what Batman has been up to for these past months. There has been a strange old man wandering about for the last few issues beating up ruffians. I thought it was batman in disguise, but it turns out it was Alfred. Batman was on hand keeping watch in case things got hairy. There are cracks forming in Gordon's group as well. Billy Petit, SWAT leader, thinks Gordon is being too soft with the remaining criminal gangs. Then there is the mystery of who the new Batgirl is. She's not one of Batman's people and you can tell it's not Cassandra Cain either because this Batgirl can talk. I have already read No Man's Land once before so I know who this Batgirl is. I'm not going to spoil it for you readers so you will have to wait and see for yourselves.
Detective Comics #730 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. Batman is back, but Gotham's criminals no longer fear him. Batman must go under cover for information and infiltrates Scarface's gang.
Batman has been gone for so long that people have forgotten about him. The criminals aren't scared of him any more. To top it off, Commissioner Gordon has lost faith in Batman thinking he has abandoned the city. This was so soon after Gordon started trusting Batman again after Batman brought in replacements without telling Gordon as well.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #51 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. Jean-Paul Valley struggles with the new costume that Batman provided for him. The new costume doesn't trigger his special skills like his old costume.
These past few issues made me forget how much Nicholas Scratch and his ridiculous henchmen infuriated me. Ooh, he's so mysterious and he can make people believe anything he says. He looks like a ridiculous edgelord to me. Thankfully, we don't have to suffer through umpteen issues of Jean-Paul bumbling about without his particular set of skills. He gets struck by lightning and that somehow unlocks those skills again. Comics, everybody!
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. A pair of priests have established a refugee centre in the remains of a church. The place is full of people huddled in fear and where there is fear, the Scarecrow is never far behind.
The priests have set up a refugee centre and refuse to come under the protection of the GCPD. That means that the Scarecrow is able to walk straight in and start manipulating things. Luckily, Huntress is there and knows that the Scarecrow is up to something but she can't prove it yet. For now the Scarecrow is free to seek sanctuary in the church.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #84 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. The Scarecrow incites fear in the refugee centre, forcing the priests to turn to other villainous help.
The Scarecrow starts his experiment by releasing rats into the refugee centre's food stores. Without food, the tension is sure to flare up in the centre. One of the priests resorts to seeking aid from the Penguin. The refugee centre needs food and the Penguin will provide it for them if he is allowed to store his stash of weapons there. A former member of Black Mask's gang is a guest at the refugee centre and the Scarecrow tells him that he needs to go and ask for the gang's protection, just as Huntress tells the gang to stay away.
Batman #564 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. The Scarecrow's experiments continue as he tries to incite the people in the refugee centre into rioting.
Now it turns out that the GCPD received an anonymous tip that weapons were being stored at the refugee centre. It doesn't take the World's Greatest Detective to deduce who tipped them off. Now the former False Face members also know about the weapons and the Scarecrow is manipulating the people in the centre into arming themselves against the impending assault.
Detective Comics #731 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. Gangs, villains and heroes converge on the refugee centre as Batman and Huntress try to put a halt to the Scarecrow's sick games.
I thought that things were bound to kick off. This is the DC Universe and you know how the Powers That Be love being needlessly grim and gritty. So you can imagine how surprised I was when human kindness saved the day after all. The people in the refugee centre even found it in their hearts to forgive the Scarecrow. Whether he deserves forgiveness or not is up to you.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #52 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. Azrael enters the ruins of Gotham on a mission of mercy. He frees a girl from the clutches of the cannibalistic Calibax, but is it already to late to save her?
This issue was a whole load of nothing. I'm starting to think that the Azrael series is starting to struggle for something worthwhile to do after Jean-Paul managed to break the System's brainwashing and got rid of the Order of St. Dumas. At least that's what I think happened. The supporting cast from the issues aren't around any more so who knows what happened to them. It seems like the rest of this series is Azrael chasing after Nicholas Scratch. I guess I'll have to suffer through it for now.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #117 is written by Ian Edginton and illustrated by D'Israeli. Batman takes the battle for Gotham City to the Penguin's Iceberg Lounge, a refuge for anyone with something to barter if even it is their own life.
I've never heard of this D'Israeli person before. I'm not sure if I like their art either. I find it a bit too simplistic and cartoony for a serious book like Batman. The art style might be a better fit for a more lighthearted series though. After doing a quick but of research is looks like D'Israeli is a pseudonym. His real name is Matt Brooker. Now it sounds pretentious.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #85 is written by Ian Edginton and illustrated by D'Israeli. Batman is forced to fight in the Penguin's gladiatorial arena in order to gain access to the villain's supply line to the outside world.
I already mentioned that cracks are forming in Commissioner Gordon's faction. Now somebody is wiping out rival factions and using the GCPD's tag. It does work though because the gangs think that Gordon's people are wiping out their rivals and those that remain want to negotiate to come under their protection. The Commissioner Gordon plot line is much more interesting than the nonsense with Batman fighting in the Penguin's arena.
Batman #565 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Frank Teran. Black Mask has started a cult of self-mutilated crazies and plans to take over the city. Only Batman and Batgirl stand in his way.
Black Mask seemed to have a neat gimmick, an obsession with masks, but now it seems like he's trying to hard to be edgy. He's having his underlings mutilate themselves. We also find out where Batman has been keeping the baddies he has been capturing. He is leaving them in the care of Lock-Up in Blackgate. Lock-Up was the loony cop wannabe that had his own little prison where he was keeping criminals that had escaped justice. You would have to question Batman's judgement for leaving wrong-uns in the care of such a nutcase, but Batman is bound to find out if Lock-Up kills any of the criminals and then he won't be happy.
Detective Comics #732 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Frank Teran. Batman and Batgirl fight back against Black Mask's False Face Society as they trey to take over Gotham.
I always thought that Greg Rucka was more of a lighthearted writer, but his writing here is something else. I know Batman hasn't always been sunshine and bunny rabbits, but these two issues are verging on the ridiculous. I remember liking the No Man's Land story the first time I read it, but now I'm not so sure. It's so edgy and grim that it's starting to put me off. I still have several more issues to read in this collection, so let's hope that things lighten up soon.
The first story in Batman Chronicles #16 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Jason Pearson. Renee Montoya discovers that her brother is helping the people of Gotham with the aid of an unlikely good Samaritan, Two-Face.
The second story is written by Scott Beatty and illustrated by Damion Scott. A young couple out looking for supplies seeks shelter in an abandoned warehouse unaware that it was once the Joker's hideout.
The third story is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Chris Renaud. Harold Allnut escapes from the ruins of the Batcave and is delighted to find a ruined city with lots of things in need of repair.
I always like seeing more about the lives of Batman's supporting casts. The first story is all about Renee Montoya taking time off and visiting her family. Two-Face seems genuine in his desire to help people as well. Maybe Harvey Dent is in control. Of course, Batman shows up and spoils the whole thing. The young couple in the second story must have been pretty desperate to break into one of the Joker's old lairs. I'm sure the Joker wouldn't have like dpeople touching his stuff. Then again, the couple seemed like they were from out of town so maybe they weren't familiar with the loonies that hang out in Gotham. I'm not sure if Harold is ever seen again after the third story.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #53 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. Azrael is tasked with taking down the Joker. However, the Joker doesn't take it kindly when he finds out that Batman has sent one of his underlings after him.
I think this is only Azrael's second encounter with the Joker. His first one was during the time Jean-Paul was Batman and the Joker tried making a movie about the death of Batman. It's always a pleasant change for me to see the Joker coming up with goofy deathtraps instead of being a ridiculous edgelord and wearing his own face as a mask.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #118 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Jason Pearson. Leslie Thompkins invites Alfred to her refugee centre to help entertain the children. Alfred tells that a story about a brave knight and his loyal squire fighting to protect his kingdom after a great disaster devastates his homeland.
This was a nice downtime issue after so much darkness. If you hadn't noticed already, Alfred's story is actually about him and Batman. We also find out what Alfred has been up to since Gotham was shut off from the rest of the world. He has been wandering Gotham gathering information. Nobody notices an old man wandering about. Alfred also offered his services as a trained medic and lightened people's spirits with his acting skills.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #86 is written by Lisa Klink and illustrated by Guy Davis. An old man is caught between warring gangs and his determination to protect the only home he has ever known.
One of the gangs fighting for territory near the old man's house is led by Victor Zsasz. It feels weird to me to see Zsasz leading a gang. He always seemed to be more of a loner. Even the other villains keep their distance because Zsasz doesn't care who he kills. Or that's the way I see it any way. Mention is made of Killer Croc's gang, but at the beginning it is said that Croc is working solo just wandering about. A bit of a coordination flub there, I think.
Batman #566 is written by Kelley Puckett and illustrated by Jon Bogdanove. Superman comes to Gotham City in an attempt to help, but discovers that even his super powers may not be enough to save Gotham.
I could never understand why Batman was so adamant about keeping other heroes out of Gotham. Superman never got salty about other heroes appearing in Metropolis. Batman should learn that people need help every now and then. Not asking for help and trying to fight all the Arkham escapees is what got his back broken by Bane in the first place after all.
Detective Comics #733 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Phil Winslade. A despondent Batman seeks Alfred for advice. Alfred recounts a story about Thomas Wayne choosing between business ethics and personal morality.
In this issue Commissioner Gordon finally finds out that Batman is back for real and he isn't happy. Batman isn't welcome in his territory. He isn't happy to see the new Batgirl either. Neither was Oracle, she was particularly upset that Batman had somebody using her old superhero name without telling her. It turned out that this Batgirl took on the name of her own accord, it wasn't anything to do with Batman.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #54 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. There is a new serial killer calling himself the Death Dancer loose on the streets of Gotham. His aim is to relieve the suffering of the poor unfortunates left in the city.
I guess Azrael has forgotten about Nicholas Scratch. Either that or the writers want to drag out his story line for a long as possible. I guess I can be thankful because I really don't care about Nicholas Scratch. That being said, the sooner Azrael finds Scratch and kicks his butt, the sooner the whole story can be over. Instead we have some edgy new psycho for Azrael to deal with.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #55 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. The Death Dancer sets his sights on Oracle as his next victim, so it comes down to Azrael to save the day.
I'm starting to think that all of Azrael's original villains are pretty lame. The ones that aren't borrowed from Batman, I mean. I have gone on enough times about how I dislike Nicholas Scratch. Calibax sucked and the Death Dancer is beyond ridiculous. He has blades attached to dancing shoes and kills people by prancing about and kicking them in the throat! If there was any highlight in these two issues then it was probably Jean-Paul Valley and Barbara Gordon just hanging out.
This collection was a bit of a mixed bag. I am rapidly getting fed-up of surrounding Nicholas Scratch. I just wish that somebody would hurry up and kick his head in already. The Black Mask story was so grim and edgy that it was ridiculous. The other stories were mostly fine though. The story with Montoya and Two-Face and Azrael's confrontation with the Joker were particularly fun.
My rating: 3 stars.
Next time: Avengers- The Legacy of Thanos
Batman: No Man's Land #1 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. The United States government have sealed off Gotham City and declared it a No Man's Land. Most of the city's people have been evacuated, but some still remain and fight to survive on the lawless streets.
This issue introduces us to the state of Gotham as the No Man's Land event begins. Gotham has been carved up into different territories controlled by different factions. Commissioner Gordon and the GCPD fight desperately to win territory from the gangs and criminals that control the rest of Gotham. Oracle also has her own operatives gathering information that might be useful. The Penguin's district is a haven for the black market. It is rumoured that he also was a supply line to the outside world. If that wasn't worse enough, Batman hasn't been seen for the last three months.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #83 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. Batman may be missing, but a new hero stalks the streets of Gotham. Meanwhile, Commissioner Gordon takes desperate steps to restore order.
The different factions have been tagging their territory, so you know there will be excitement when news comes out that somebody new has been tagging their territory with a bat symbol. Commissioner Gordon has a plan to set two gangs against each other so they can reclaim police headquarters. The idea is to have the gangs to wipe each other out so Gordon and the GCPD can sweep in and take over.
Batman #563 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. The gang wars escalate as they fight for control of Gotham while Batman returns to confront the new Batgirl.
The big mystery is what Batman has been up to for these past months. There has been a strange old man wandering about for the last few issues beating up ruffians. I thought it was batman in disguise, but it turns out it was Alfred. Batman was on hand keeping watch in case things got hairy. There are cracks forming in Gordon's group as well. Billy Petit, SWAT leader, thinks Gordon is being too soft with the remaining criminal gangs. Then there is the mystery of who the new Batgirl is. She's not one of Batman's people and you can tell it's not Cassandra Cain either because this Batgirl can talk. I have already read No Man's Land once before so I know who this Batgirl is. I'm not going to spoil it for you readers so you will have to wait and see for yourselves.
Detective Comics #730 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Alex Maleev. Batman is back, but Gotham's criminals no longer fear him. Batman must go under cover for information and infiltrates Scarface's gang.
Batman has been gone for so long that people have forgotten about him. The criminals aren't scared of him any more. To top it off, Commissioner Gordon has lost faith in Batman thinking he has abandoned the city. This was so soon after Gordon started trusting Batman again after Batman brought in replacements without telling Gordon as well.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #51 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. Jean-Paul Valley struggles with the new costume that Batman provided for him. The new costume doesn't trigger his special skills like his old costume.
These past few issues made me forget how much Nicholas Scratch and his ridiculous henchmen infuriated me. Ooh, he's so mysterious and he can make people believe anything he says. He looks like a ridiculous edgelord to me. Thankfully, we don't have to suffer through umpteen issues of Jean-Paul bumbling about without his particular set of skills. He gets struck by lightning and that somehow unlocks those skills again. Comics, everybody!
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. A pair of priests have established a refugee centre in the remains of a church. The place is full of people huddled in fear and where there is fear, the Scarecrow is never far behind.
The priests have set up a refugee centre and refuse to come under the protection of the GCPD. That means that the Scarecrow is able to walk straight in and start manipulating things. Luckily, Huntress is there and knows that the Scarecrow is up to something but she can't prove it yet. For now the Scarecrow is free to seek sanctuary in the church.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #84 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. The Scarecrow incites fear in the refugee centre, forcing the priests to turn to other villainous help.
The Scarecrow starts his experiment by releasing rats into the refugee centre's food stores. Without food, the tension is sure to flare up in the centre. One of the priests resorts to seeking aid from the Penguin. The refugee centre needs food and the Penguin will provide it for them if he is allowed to store his stash of weapons there. A former member of Black Mask's gang is a guest at the refugee centre and the Scarecrow tells him that he needs to go and ask for the gang's protection, just as Huntress tells the gang to stay away.
Batman #564 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. The Scarecrow's experiments continue as he tries to incite the people in the refugee centre into rioting.
Now it turns out that the GCPD received an anonymous tip that weapons were being stored at the refugee centre. It doesn't take the World's Greatest Detective to deduce who tipped them off. Now the former False Face members also know about the weapons and the Scarecrow is manipulating the people in the centre into arming themselves against the impending assault.
Detective Comics #731 is written by Devin Grayson and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham. Gangs, villains and heroes converge on the refugee centre as Batman and Huntress try to put a halt to the Scarecrow's sick games.
I thought that things were bound to kick off. This is the DC Universe and you know how the Powers That Be love being needlessly grim and gritty. So you can imagine how surprised I was when human kindness saved the day after all. The people in the refugee centre even found it in their hearts to forgive the Scarecrow. Whether he deserves forgiveness or not is up to you.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #52 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. Azrael enters the ruins of Gotham on a mission of mercy. He frees a girl from the clutches of the cannibalistic Calibax, but is it already to late to save her?
This issue was a whole load of nothing. I'm starting to think that the Azrael series is starting to struggle for something worthwhile to do after Jean-Paul managed to break the System's brainwashing and got rid of the Order of St. Dumas. At least that's what I think happened. The supporting cast from the issues aren't around any more so who knows what happened to them. It seems like the rest of this series is Azrael chasing after Nicholas Scratch. I guess I'll have to suffer through it for now.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #117 is written by Ian Edginton and illustrated by D'Israeli. Batman takes the battle for Gotham City to the Penguin's Iceberg Lounge, a refuge for anyone with something to barter if even it is their own life.
I've never heard of this D'Israeli person before. I'm not sure if I like their art either. I find it a bit too simplistic and cartoony for a serious book like Batman. The art style might be a better fit for a more lighthearted series though. After doing a quick but of research is looks like D'Israeli is a pseudonym. His real name is Matt Brooker. Now it sounds pretentious.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #85 is written by Ian Edginton and illustrated by D'Israeli. Batman is forced to fight in the Penguin's gladiatorial arena in order to gain access to the villain's supply line to the outside world.
I already mentioned that cracks are forming in Commissioner Gordon's faction. Now somebody is wiping out rival factions and using the GCPD's tag. It does work though because the gangs think that Gordon's people are wiping out their rivals and those that remain want to negotiate to come under their protection. The Commissioner Gordon plot line is much more interesting than the nonsense with Batman fighting in the Penguin's arena.
Batman #565 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Frank Teran. Black Mask has started a cult of self-mutilated crazies and plans to take over the city. Only Batman and Batgirl stand in his way.
Black Mask seemed to have a neat gimmick, an obsession with masks, but now it seems like he's trying to hard to be edgy. He's having his underlings mutilate themselves. We also find out where Batman has been keeping the baddies he has been capturing. He is leaving them in the care of Lock-Up in Blackgate. Lock-Up was the loony cop wannabe that had his own little prison where he was keeping criminals that had escaped justice. You would have to question Batman's judgement for leaving wrong-uns in the care of such a nutcase, but Batman is bound to find out if Lock-Up kills any of the criminals and then he won't be happy.
Detective Comics #732 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Frank Teran. Batman and Batgirl fight back against Black Mask's False Face Society as they trey to take over Gotham.
I always thought that Greg Rucka was more of a lighthearted writer, but his writing here is something else. I know Batman hasn't always been sunshine and bunny rabbits, but these two issues are verging on the ridiculous. I remember liking the No Man's Land story the first time I read it, but now I'm not so sure. It's so edgy and grim that it's starting to put me off. I still have several more issues to read in this collection, so let's hope that things lighten up soon.
The first story in Batman Chronicles #16 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Jason Pearson. Renee Montoya discovers that her brother is helping the people of Gotham with the aid of an unlikely good Samaritan, Two-Face.
The second story is written by Scott Beatty and illustrated by Damion Scott. A young couple out looking for supplies seeks shelter in an abandoned warehouse unaware that it was once the Joker's hideout.
The third story is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Chris Renaud. Harold Allnut escapes from the ruins of the Batcave and is delighted to find a ruined city with lots of things in need of repair.
I always like seeing more about the lives of Batman's supporting casts. The first story is all about Renee Montoya taking time off and visiting her family. Two-Face seems genuine in his desire to help people as well. Maybe Harvey Dent is in control. Of course, Batman shows up and spoils the whole thing. The young couple in the second story must have been pretty desperate to break into one of the Joker's old lairs. I'm sure the Joker wouldn't have like dpeople touching his stuff. Then again, the couple seemed like they were from out of town so maybe they weren't familiar with the loonies that hang out in Gotham. I'm not sure if Harold is ever seen again after the third story.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #53 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. Azrael is tasked with taking down the Joker. However, the Joker doesn't take it kindly when he finds out that Batman has sent one of his underlings after him.
I think this is only Azrael's second encounter with the Joker. His first one was during the time Jean-Paul was Batman and the Joker tried making a movie about the death of Batman. It's always a pleasant change for me to see the Joker coming up with goofy deathtraps instead of being a ridiculous edgelord and wearing his own face as a mask.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #118 is written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Jason Pearson. Leslie Thompkins invites Alfred to her refugee centre to help entertain the children. Alfred tells that a story about a brave knight and his loyal squire fighting to protect his kingdom after a great disaster devastates his homeland.
This was a nice downtime issue after so much darkness. If you hadn't noticed already, Alfred's story is actually about him and Batman. We also find out what Alfred has been up to since Gotham was shut off from the rest of the world. He has been wandering Gotham gathering information. Nobody notices an old man wandering about. Alfred also offered his services as a trained medic and lightened people's spirits with his acting skills.
Batman: Shadow of the Bat #86 is written by Lisa Klink and illustrated by Guy Davis. An old man is caught between warring gangs and his determination to protect the only home he has ever known.
One of the gangs fighting for territory near the old man's house is led by Victor Zsasz. It feels weird to me to see Zsasz leading a gang. He always seemed to be more of a loner. Even the other villains keep their distance because Zsasz doesn't care who he kills. Or that's the way I see it any way. Mention is made of Killer Croc's gang, but at the beginning it is said that Croc is working solo just wandering about. A bit of a coordination flub there, I think.
Batman #566 is written by Kelley Puckett and illustrated by Jon Bogdanove. Superman comes to Gotham City in an attempt to help, but discovers that even his super powers may not be enough to save Gotham.
I could never understand why Batman was so adamant about keeping other heroes out of Gotham. Superman never got salty about other heroes appearing in Metropolis. Batman should learn that people need help every now and then. Not asking for help and trying to fight all the Arkham escapees is what got his back broken by Bane in the first place after all.
Detective Comics #733 is written by Bob Gale and illustrated by Phil Winslade. A despondent Batman seeks Alfred for advice. Alfred recounts a story about Thomas Wayne choosing between business ethics and personal morality.
In this issue Commissioner Gordon finally finds out that Batman is back for real and he isn't happy. Batman isn't welcome in his territory. He isn't happy to see the new Batgirl either. Neither was Oracle, she was particularly upset that Batman had somebody using her old superhero name without telling her. It turned out that this Batgirl took on the name of her own accord, it wasn't anything to do with Batman.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #54 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. There is a new serial killer calling himself the Death Dancer loose on the streets of Gotham. His aim is to relieve the suffering of the poor unfortunates left in the city.
I guess Azrael has forgotten about Nicholas Scratch. Either that or the writers want to drag out his story line for a long as possible. I guess I can be thankful because I really don't care about Nicholas Scratch. That being said, the sooner Azrael finds Scratch and kicks his butt, the sooner the whole story can be over. Instead we have some edgy new psycho for Azrael to deal with.
Azrael: Agent of the Bat #55 is written by Dennis O'Neil and illustrated by Roger Robinson. The Death Dancer sets his sights on Oracle as his next victim, so it comes down to Azrael to save the day.
I'm starting to think that all of Azrael's original villains are pretty lame. The ones that aren't borrowed from Batman, I mean. I have gone on enough times about how I dislike Nicholas Scratch. Calibax sucked and the Death Dancer is beyond ridiculous. He has blades attached to dancing shoes and kills people by prancing about and kicking them in the throat! If there was any highlight in these two issues then it was probably Jean-Paul Valley and Barbara Gordon just hanging out.
This collection was a bit of a mixed bag. I am rapidly getting fed-up of surrounding Nicholas Scratch. I just wish that somebody would hurry up and kick his head in already. The Black Mask story was so grim and edgy that it was ridiculous. The other stories were mostly fine though. The story with Montoya and Two-Face and Azrael's confrontation with the Joker were particularly fun.
My rating: 3 stars.
Next time: Avengers- The Legacy of Thanos
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 77 x 120px
File Size 16.6 kB
Comments