BATMAN AND ROBIN # 23.2 - COURT OF OWLS Review

Quick review for BATMAN AND ROBIN # 23.2 featuring the Court of Owls by James Tynion IV and Jorge Lucas.

The Court is back or rather retreating in the midst of the chaos that the Crime Syndicate has unleashed in FOREVER EVIL. This issue stands as both a way to introduce us to follow the Court of Owls and at the same time show us their dark and sordid history. 

In this issue we find out how they take out their enemies, how they effectively coerce their pawns and shows us how deep the relationship is between the Court and their Talons. Tynion writes some grim and gritty scenery splattered throughout the book and raises reader curiosity. 

But while the art works fine in this tale of tragedy and resilience it still rubs us as a bad version of Howard Chaykin. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure Mr. Lucas can do great stuff given a happier mood but the pairing of the story with the artist just went too far for. Too perfect in fact, that it started to look weird. Not bad, just weird. 

There's also the opening pages which harkens back to the good old classic suspense/ horror movies of old where the characters turn around and the killer is already behind them, draped in darkness and ready to kill for whatever nefarious reasons. Tynion IV excelled in those particular scenes, heck the little kid reciting the Court's classic poem added more 'creep' factor IMHO.

Reader/ buyer beware as there's just a lot of bloodletting in this issue. Just letting you know. 

The premise was concise and clear and shock of the climax for this issue proves us that just because the members of the Court of Owls are mere mortals and rich people wearing creepy masks; they also have the penchant to murder and maim when the chance presents itself. Finally the mystery behind "the first Talon" is definitely something I want to get back too especially since I think TALON is such an underrated Bat-book. 

Batman # 22 Review

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo continue to create a definitive origin for the New 52 Batman in Batman # 22, part 2 of "Zero Year". Review powered by Castle Geek and Comicx Hub.

It's the first encounter between Bruce Wayne and his other rogues in the midst of his war against the Red Hood gang. Other writers could've taken a backseat and write a contrived story beat but Snyder impresses us with something that's got more meat. 

I still don't like pre-Justice League # 1 Batman/Bruce Wayne. He just scratches me the wrong way. Then again, there are dozens of portrayals of  Batman in the New 52 that rubs me the wrong way. The redeeming factor for young Bruce is that he's slowly crawling out of the slump that he's currently in now. That and the fact that it's fun to see hims screw up and come up with bizaare ideas to get out of that mess.

There's a good drama bit between Alfred and Bruce here in this issue which was very deep. It's what we've all been waiting for Alfred to give to his young master ever since he returned to Gotham City. It's very "The Dark Knight Rises"-ish. And just like TDKR, it ends really bad not just for Bruce but for his entire bunker. Something I look forward to see dealt with next issue.

The encounter between Edward Nygma (The Riddler) and Bruce Wayne was also entertaining. The design of the panels was even better.It's like a quite taste of what these will be doing in a few more months (or a maybe a year or so given that the New 52 Universe's timeline as confusing as hell itself).  On the other hand, things really didn't start great for Bruce Wayne and Oswald Cobblepott who later becomes the Penguin. 

The back-up bit written by Snyder and Tynion together with Rafael Albuquerque's art is impressive. It's about beating and beating the impossible and ties neatly to the current storyline. Problem is, I'm having a hard time connecting the Bruce Wayne from the backup with the Wayne that's in the main story. After all, he did learn that sometimes winning will require you to do the impossible. And that's obviously not the case for the Gotham Bruce.

Still, for it's cover price, I'd say Batman # 22 is a decent book to pick up. Nothing mindblowing in this issue though. Just enough to whet your appetite for much more in this book's future.

Get your copy from Castle Geek branches in The Collective and Glorietta; or get yours online through Comicx Hub (click on this link HERE)

Batman # 21 Review

Reviewing Batman # 21 from DC Comics written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo in partnership with Comicx Hub and Castle Geek!

Some spoilers here and there in this review guys. The book is still available in Castle Geek The Collective and Glorietta and online through Comicx Hub! Check out the review after the break.

Talon # 0 Spoilers

Spoilers up for Talon # 0 by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV and Guillem March.

Batman # 0 Spoilers - The Red Hood Gang

Spoilers up for Batman # 0 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo.

The issue was provided by Comicx Hub!

Batman Annual # 1 Spoilers

Spoilers for Batman Annual # 1 by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV

In this issue we get to see the origin of Batman rogue Mr. Freeze. Its also a tie-in to Night of the Owls happening in all the Bat-books.

So in a nutshell, Mr. Freeze goes and makes his grand escape from Arkham Asylum. During the escape he comes in contact with The Penguin and takes back his guns. He also goes and tries to end his vendetta with Bruce Wayne.

Before he reaches Wayne however he went through these guys...

Yest that is Nightwing and Robin

Of course since they're not the star of this book, they get their asses handed to them.