Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #17 - A Review

A mysterious plague threatens the lives of every man in Gotham City. The Birds of Prey have gathered the rest of the city's heroines - and even The Sirens - to help them keep the peace and find a cure. Can they thwart the plans of Patient Zero - the super-genius behind the viral attack - and her followers in The Daughters of Gotham?


The story comes to a satisfying conclusion under the pens of The Benson Sisters. Despite the large cast of characters, nearly everyone gets a moment to shine. All of the characters sound like themselves, even special guests Wonder Woman and Lois Lane.

Unfortunately, the artwork continues to be an ordeal to work through. There's no consistency to Roge Antonio's work, with differing levels of detail being provided to different characters in the same panel. Patient Zero, for instance, is rendered in a more realistic style than the cartoonish, streamlined superheroines she's taken hostage. A larger problem is the colors of Marcelo Maiolo, which leave everything looking washed out or orange-tinted to the point that all the white heroines are the same shade as Harley Quinn!

 The Final Analysis: 5 out of 10.

Injustice 2 #36 - A Review

Breaking into The Fortress of Solitude in search of a working Phantom Zone Projector, Batman and the new Justice League Task Force were not expecting to run into an army of angry Superman robots. What they find inside The Fortress proves even more surprising!


Injustice 2 #36 is largely devoted to one humdinger of an epic action-sequence. Despite this, the best moments of the issue come in the quiet conversations our heroes have later on. Good as he is at writing superheroic battles, Tom Taylor's bread and butter are these quieter character-driven moments and these scenes are what keep me reading this series.

Xermanico excels at depicting both the active and static scenes, though some of the panels in the action-filled half of the story are a tad rough. The majority of the comic still looks fantastic, with J. Nanjan's finishes and Wes Abbott's letters proving as spectacular as usual.

The Final Analysis: 9 out of 10. A few oddly posed panels put this one just short of perfection.

Batgirl And The Birds of Prey #16 - A Review

The Birds of Prey have picked up some unexpected back-up in dealing with the plague that is slowly killing the men of Gotham City. Not only have Batwoman, Orphan and The Spoiler offered their aid but Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Catwoman have joined them along with Wonder Woman! Even with such formidable assistance, the battle ahead of them will not be easy - particularly once they learn of the new organization that stands against them!


(Click On The Image Above To See The Full Two-Page Spread!)
My comments and complaints about Batgirl And The Birds Of Prey #15 remain the same in considering this issue. The script by The Benson Sisters is fantastic and does a wonderful job of capturing the personalities of all the heroes and villains involved. The artwork by Roge Antonio is lazy and ill-defined, with a coloring job by Marcelo Maiolo that leaves all the characters save Huntess with the same washed-out white skin-tone as Harley Quinn. Read it for the story. Suffer through the artwork.

The Final Analysis: 5 out of 10. Again, that's purely for the story.

Batgirl And The Birds of Prey #15 - A Review

The mother of all flu bugs seems to have hit Gotham City and it only seems to be infecting men. With Commissioner Gordon in his death-bed, half of Helena Bertinelli's class out-sick and Oliver Queen having just come into town, all the men closest to the Birds of Prey are endangered. Can they get to the bottom of things or will ace reporter Lois Lane beat them to the punch? And what other unlikely allies might join them in their fight?


Batgirl And The Birds of Prey #15 is a prime example of how terrible artwork can sink a great story. Not only does Roge Antonio seem to have rushed his pencil work and barely inked the artwork but there are numerous examples of figures being retraced throughout the book. Throw in some weird facial expressions and a coloring job by Marcelo Maiolo that leaves Lois Lane and Barbara Gordon as pale as Harley Quinn and there's not a single page of this book that looks good!


This is doubly unfortunate because The Benson Sisters have outdone themselves on the script for this issue. Bringing Lois Lane into the action adds a whole new level to things and the guest stars are perfectly handled. The final page offers up an honest surprise that I dare not spoil but it is well worth fighting through the rest of the issue to get to it.

The Final Analysis: 5 out of 10. Great story. Terrible artwork. 

Batgirl And The Birds Of Prey #13 - A Review

The Birds of Prey wind up in the thick of things, as the criminal past of Gus (a.k.a. the new Oracle) comes back to haunt him. Tangled in a plot involving a corrupt bio-engineering firm and the machinations of both The Calculator and Catwoman, things become even more complicated when Poison Ivy launches her own attack on the company's headquarters. Even if they survive with their lives and integrity intact, will Gus still have a place with the team?


The conclusion of Source Code is an enjoyable if somewhat rushed spectacle. Julie Benson and Shawna Benson's scripts are as strong as ever, but I wish they'd had a bit more time to let this story unfold at a more leisurely pace. If nothing else, I'd like to have seen a flashback tale detailing The Calculator's past encounters with the team in the Rebirth reality rather than the quick montage we got in the last issue.

The artwork, unfortunately, remains the series' weak point. Roge Antonio's individual panels look fine but the flow of action between them is a bit odd at times. Allen Passalaqua's colors look decent enough, though there is a coloring mistake in this issue where Canary is given Barbara Gordon's hair and skin tone in a close-up that the editors really should have caught.

The Final Analysis: 7 Out of 10. Enjoyable in spite of its flaws.

Injustice: Ground Zero #15 - A Review

Back under the spell of Mistah J (albeit one from a parallel Earth), Harley Quinn is unable to help Batman and his otherworldly allies from the parallel Justice League in their raid on Stryker's Island. But Harley isn't entirely helpless and a twist of fate and a little magic may help her save her army... if not herself.


If ever a comic proved that a good inker can make or break a book, it is this latest volume of Injustice: Ground Zero. The difference between the two inkers who worked on this issue is like night and day. One uses a light touch that enhances the original pencils of Derlis Santacruz. The other uses thick lines to outline everything, leaving the finished artwork looking like a coloring book page. Granted, it's a fantastically colored page thanks to Rex Lokus, but it's still distracting and amateurish.


Christopher Sebela's script remains the high point of the series. There's little he can do fight the repetitive feeling within the sections of the story which replicate the action from the original video game Injustice: Gods Among Us. His take on Harley Quinn, however, is pitch perfect, presenting a Harley who only acts dumb and is crazy like a fox.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #39 - A Review

The war between Superman's Regime and Batman's Insurgency has cost both sides many lives. In a desperate bid to end the fighting and save the man she loves, Catwoman offers to reveal the location of Batman's final hideout to Superman in exchange for his life. Little do they all realize that Batman and Lex Luthor are moments away from their own master-stroke to end the war...


This is a powerful penultimate issue for what has always been an enjoyable series. While there is little sense of suspense at this point, Brian Buccellato still wrings every bit of emotion he can from the proceedings. And Mike S. Miller and J. Nanjan bring that emotion forth in every panel of this book - from the tears in Catwoman's eyes as she betrays the only man she ever loved in a bid to save him to the determination in Batman's face as he faces his former friend in battle one more time.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #24 - A Review

Alfred Pennyworth is dead and serial-killer Victor Zsasz has been revealed as the culprit. The question of just how Zasaz escaped from Superman's super-prison has yet to be answered. More pressing is the concern that an enraged Batman may expose himself to a wrathful Superman... or maybe even go over the edge in dealing with Zsasz.


The artwork for this issue is astonishing. Marco Santucci's visuals are amazing and the Gothic architecture of Gotham City has rarely seemed so foreboding. Rex Lokus completes the art perfectly with a muted palette of purples and grays.


Brian Buccellato's script proves equally enjoyable. Buccellato is known for his witty dialogue but this issue - largely taken up by a silent sequence in which Batman pursues Zsasz - shows that Buccellato is equally capable of telling a story without words. The whole story is amazing well paced, leading up to a tense cliffhanger in its conclusion.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #16 - A Review

Fresh from confirming that Catwoman is well and truly done with The Insurgency, Batwoman and Harley crash a meeting of the so-called Joker Underground. An army of people willing to stand up to Superman no matter what would be a boon to Batman's resistance. Unfortunately, Superman just learned where they are meeting...


This issue of Injustice is relative light on action. Thankfully, Brian Buccellato writes a quiet character-building scene like few others can. There's some great bits of drama here, with a clearly conflicted Harley struggling with her own conflicted feelings about The Joker in talking down a group of people whose anger at Superman has prompted them to hold elevate The Clown Prince of Crime into a saint - something that would no doubt amuse The Joker to no end.


The artwork is as great as the script. Since this series started, Bruno Redondo has become one of my favorite artists and this issue shows precisely why. His characters have a wonderful sense of definition and there's some poster-worth scenes here, such as the above image of Harley on a playing card backing. The inks of Juan Albarran and Rex Lokus's color art perfectly complete the picture.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #13 - A Review

Damien Wayne returns home to Gotham City. Partly to confront Alfred on the reasons for his loyalties in the battle to come. But also to protect the city his father once called home from criminals. Criminals like Catwoman and Harley Quinn, who have seemingly abandoned Batman's Insurgency in order to return to their wicked ways.


One wonders how Alfred can still be at liberty in Gotham City, given his known association with Bruce Wayne. Could Superman not yet be so far gone as to go after someone he sees as an innocent or does he just remember the sound thrashing that Alfred gave him when the playing field between them was even by in Injustice: Year One?

It doesn't really matter in the end, but the interplay between all the characters as written by Brian Buccellato brings such questions to mind. There are some truly great character moments here, with Alfred explaining why he believes Batman will always beat Superman and it has nothing to do with him always having a plan or a piece of Kryptonite. It's a nice bit of metatextual commentary on Batman v. Superman as well.


Alas, Mike S. Miller seems to have phoned it in on this issue.  Individual panels are rendered well enough but some of the actual poses and expressions seem a bit off. Damien Wayne appears to be stoned at one point and Catwoman mysteriously seems to don a black thong over her catsuit. The whole issue just looks odd and off-putting!

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #7 - A Review

The fight continues as Batman and his inner circle face off against Superman, Wonder Woman, Killer Frost and Bane while Batgirl tries to rescue Catwoman. Meanwhile, on another world, Katar Hol returns home to find his wife is missing. And he is not pleased.


There's a lot of action in this issue. Yet Brian Buccellato takes the time to slow things down and allows for the kind of conversations he's famous for writing. The final scene between Bruce and Selina is particularly touching.


The artwork seems a little off this week. Mike S. Miller's pencils are uncharacteristically sloppy and some of his poses (particularly in the fight scene between Killer Croc and Batgirl) seem unnaturally forced. The inks by J. Nanjan are also far too thin in some panels, barely enhancing the original pencils at all.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #6 - A Review

Bane and Killer Frost have captured Catwoman and are using her as bait to lure out Batman on Superman's behalf.  It's an obvious trap but it's also an opportunity for The Resistance. So while Batgirl rescues Selina, the rest of Batman's inner circle move to turn the tables on Bane.


This issue is a riveting read, despite being relatively light on humor and action compared to what is typical for this series. That being said, Brian Buccellato's script entertains while setting up bigger battles in the future. Besides, it's hard not to like any comic where Harley Quinn calls Killer Frost "Ugly Elsa".


The art team have truly outdone themselves on this issue. Bruno Redondo turns in some truly intricate and amazing backgrounds this time around and Juan Albarran's atmospheric inking enhances everything perfectly. The colors by Rex Lokus are also noteworthy, stark greys and blues being utilized heavily to depict the urban hellscape of Gotham.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #5 - A Review

Normally, I start my reviews off with a set-up of the action of the issue. This time, however, I feel compelled to do something different. This time, I'm going to start off singing praises of Bruno Redondo.


I can't recall Redondo indulging in a variety of visual gags before but there's quite a few clever ones in this issue.  From the Lex-Us car adverts to the way Batgirl rolls her eyes as Penguin blatantly lies over how completely innocent he is, there is hilarity aplenty to match Brian Buccellato's script.


It's not all laughs, however. Indeed, the sequence in which Damian Wayne - now officially going by Nightwing - is confronted by League of Assassins members in need of a new leader - may be the most brutal in the series' history. Comedy or drama, the whole issue is one great read and well-paced.


I can't neglect the rest of the art team in all this praise.  Juan Albarran does his usual stellar job on the inks. Rex Lokus continues to impress with his well-chosen colors. And the lettering by Wes Abbott is clear and easily read.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #4 - A Review

As Catwoman begins to approach the super-criminals with codes regarding an alliance with Batman, so too does Superman begin to allow willing villains to work for his Regime. Meanwhile, a Bizzaro clone of Lex Luthor's design is on the loose and confused in Germany, with no clue of who he is or the power he possesses...


Even at this late point in the series, Brian Buccellato still finds ways to surprise the readers. The introduction of Bizzaro in this issue was brilliantly foreshadowed. One wonders where they will go next with the revelation that there is someone who can match Superman physically in play. The cliffhanger at this issue's end proves equally stunning.


What can I say about the art of Mike S. Miller and J. Nanjan that hasn't been said already? Not much, without pulling out a thesaurus to find even more synonyms for 'stupendous', 'wonderful' and 'amazing'. So I think I'll simply say that this book looks as great as ever and leave it at that.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Five #2 - A Review

The sudden escape of every captive super-villain on Earth has led to wide-spread chaos and new opportunities for Batman's Resistance. So as Catwoman and Batman discuss the organization of their new army in a Parisian cafe, Superman faces Doomsday. At the same time, a desperate Hal Jordan calls for back-up in fighting an out-of-control Parasite and only Cyborg is free to help him.


As I noted in my review of the first issue of this series on Kabooooom.com, it seemed certain that this issue would make up for the lack of action in Part One. My prediction proved accurate. Apart from the opening scene with Batman and Catwoman, this issue is all action. And it is great, well-paced action with an honestly surprising final page. Well done, Brian Buccellato!

This is Iban Coello's first issue on Injustice and it's a promising start. Coello's character designs are wonderful, with clear pencils and think inks that enhance the artwork perfectly. The colors by J. Nanjan are up to the usual high level of quality, with the final artwork looking amazing.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #23 - A Review

What remains of Superman's Regime storms Themyscira with one goal in mind - defeat the Greek Gods now laying siege to the world! They receive some unexpected help from Batman's Insurgency. But that will not help them against the nuclear missiles The United Nations have just launched!


Mike S. Miller is a fine artist but this is not his best issue. There are several points where the poses are awkward and the pencils seemed rushed. Still, there are some scenes we see what Miller is truly capable of and J. Nanjan's colors are fantastic throughout.


Brian Buccalleto remains on point with the script. This issue is largely one big action sequence but it proves to be a well-paced one. And the final page will leave you hungry for next week's issue.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #22 - A Review

The battle between Superman and Darkseid threatens to destroy not only the damned world of Apokolips but thousands of worlds around it! As Orion acts to stop the battle and Batman approaches Highfather to warn of the alliance between Ares and Darkseid, both The Regime and The Insurgency regroup. And as The United Nations consider launching a nuclear strike upon The Greek Gods, Harley Quinn gives Billy Batson a ride home.


Quite a lot happens in this episode and it is to Brian Buccellato's credit that he is able to balance all the on-going subplots with the skill of a plate-spinner. Yet despite some truly epic battles and literal world-shaking events, what really sells this story is the brief character moments. From Alfred's pep-talk to those still following Batman to the strange sweetness of Harley's crush on Shazam and her totally platonic (but no less creepy) feelings regarding Billy, there are many scenes that elicit a strong emotional response.


The artwork by Xermanico is similarly varied but more uneven. Largely the artwork looks good, particularly in the slower, more touching moments. But Xermanico's pencils get sloppy during some of the action sequences and there are some moments - particularly the fight with Darkseid - where the inking seems to obscure the details more than they enhance them.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #20 - A Review

As the gods themselves clash in the sea near Themyscira, Batman and his team try to evacuate the Amazon people to safety. But Artemis - general of the Amazons - is not one to run from a fight, even when the enemy is a wave of magical water horses that threaten to engulf her and her elite guard! And unbeknownst to all a greater manipulation than that plotted by Ares, God of War, plays out under their noses...


One of the more gratifying aspects of this series under Brian Buccellato's pen has been his willingness to shift the point-of-view away from the major players of the conflict between Superman and Batman. In this case, we get a wonderful scene of Artemis - the Amazon who briefly replaced Diana as Wonder Woman - reflecting on the battle around her and her responsibilities to her people. It is a brief moment but it is simultaneously powerful and grounding, putting the battle in perspective.


The artwork by Bruno Redondo and Juan Albarran remains as glorious as ever. The action is well-played as Redondo is given a rare chance to show off his skills in pacing a story solo. This issue features a larger number of pages with no dialogue than usual and Redondo does a fine job of letting the art tell the story.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #18 - A Review

Poseidon is determined to save the World of Man from Zeus' control and a massive tidal-wave stands poised to destroy the Amazon island of Themyscria. As Batman and his allies try to evacuate and Lex Luthor monitors the activities of Ares, a new player enters the battle-field. Another sea-king who stands ready to fight the gods themselves to defend the oceans from harm...Aquaman!


Aquaman is probably the most disrespected superhero in popular culture yet serious comic fans know that he's a far cry from his portrayal on Superfriends.  Brian Buccellato's script is a love letter to the awesomeness that is Aquaman.  There's also a respectful amount of equally awesome ass-kicking involving his queen, Mera, as the two of them take on the God of The Seas and more than hold their own.


The artwork is equally entertaining. Mike S. Miller's thin-inked style proves effective in capturing the aquatic environments that dominate this issue. Though the art does appear rushed in a few panels, the fight scenes are incredibly well-blocked and the panel flow works well despite a number of unusual layouts.

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Four #4 - A Review

The battle between Rene Montoya and Superman continues, promising dire consequences for both Superman's Regime and Batman's Resistance. Meanwhile, the gods of Ancient Greece watch the Earth and plot. For the time may be right for the gods of old to return and claim their dominion over the Earth...


Mike S. Miller's artwork for this issue is amazing.  Not only are his action sequences laid out incredibly well but his command of facial expressions is impressive.  The sequence near the end in which Clark and Bruce - not Superman and Batman - face each other seems all the more powerful for the emotion Miller displays so perfectly.


Brian Buccellato's script, too, is worthy of note.  This is an emotional chapter, to put it mildly, yet all of the characters seem true to form despite this being a highly unusual circumstance for all involved. For a brief moment, we see the World's Finest heroes again, as it seems a crack has broken in the wall between them... only for the cement of distrust to plug the hole again.  Powerful stuff!