Tag: Jim Lee

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“Superman Unchained: Deluxe Edition (The New 52)” Review

 

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Superman: Unchained (2014). DC Comics.

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One of the best Superman stories of the New 52. Gift this comic to your family and friends on the occasions of Comic-Cons and festivals. Available on Amazon.

Click on the Amazon product image below to buy the Hardcover comic.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Decades before the Last Son of Krypton became Earth’s champion, another being of incredible power fell from the sky. His role in humanity’s deadliest conflict became America’s darkest secret. 
  
Now the secret is out. And this super soldier has been unchained once more. 
  
The Man of Steel. His arch-enemy, Lex Luthor. His close confidant, Lois Lane. Her ruthless father, General Sam Lane. Techno-terrorists with a shocking link to the past. All of them will vie for control of this hidden engine of destruction. 
  
And when the smoke clears, only the real superman will survive… 
  
From the mind of superstar writer Scott Snyder (BATMAN: ZERO YEAR) and legendary artist Jim Lee (JUSTICE LEAGUE) comes SUPERMAN UNCHAINED—a widescreen, cutting-edge take on the hero who started it all! Collects SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1-9 and material from SUPERMAN UNCHAINED DIRECTORS CUT #1.

Critically, Superman Unchained (2014) is the best Superman story of the New 52. Importantly, a secret about the U.S. Army and alien contact arises that threatens Earth. And a mysterious ally rises who questions Superman’s humanity.

Together, writer Scott Snyder and superstar artists Jim Lee and Dustin Nguyen collaborate on the story. Though grounded and deconstructionist, the writing shines on the menace of alien invasions. Nevertheless, the art in the book is characteristic of the New 52: big, bold, fun. Moreover, Superman vs Wraith!

Indeed, share this Deluxe Edition to fans of Superman, at comic clubs and Comic-Cons. Definitely, it is worth its price and will leave you wanting for more Superman! And Lois Lane!

Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com >>>

 

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PRODUCT FEATURE #1

This comic showcases Superman Unchained: Deluxe Edition (The New 52). One good feature of this comic is that it is available in Hardcover format. It is published by DC Comics.

PRODUCT FEATURE #2

This comic has another feature. One good feature of this comic is that it is available in Kindle and Comixology formats. It is published by DC Comics.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

  • Publisher: DC Comics.
  • Language: English.
  • Print Length: 352 pages.
  • Hardcover format available.
  • Kindle and Comixology formats available.
  • Publication Date: December 16, 2014.

Get further details and buy now on Amazon.com >>>

CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND SCORES

To begin, Superman Unchained questions the place of Superman in the world. Importantly, a new villain appears who questions Clark’s humanity. Dangerously, the U.S. Army and a mysterious alien army threaten Earth. And Superman must choose between Earth and his Kryptonian heritage.

The comic is excellent for your collection. You will definitely love Jim Lee’s realistic pencils, the characters’ muscular physiques and the color palette. This is the comic to own in order to build your New 52 collection.

This product has 268 global ratings with a customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5.

The customer review said: “An exiting action packed adventure. the art is excellent, from one of today’s top artist in the media. the story is OK. Well written. Very enjoyable.

My favorite parts where Superman’s inner dialogues, They make him brave and really smart. Shows it takes more than super-powers to be super-hero. Also Batman and Superman NOT being rivals and actually trusting each other. And Clark acting like a reporter and not just being a cover up for the world’s greatest hero.

What I dislike was having the army considering Superman a threat…Again. Its been so overused lately (Superman:Birthright, Superman: Earth One, Superman: Secret Origin, the Man of Steel movie, etc).”

There are two negative reviews. One negative review pointed Superman not acting in character: “Superman was acting like batman did not really felt the story it was meh.”

Overall, this comic was great.

CONCLUSION

POSITIVE:

  • Hardcover format available.
  • Kindle and Comixology formats available.
  • Great writing.
  • Great art.

NEGATIVE:

  • Repetitive superhero tropes.

OUR PRODUCT REVIEW RATING:

I recommend this comic as the best Superman comic of the New 52.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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Reviews: “Batman: Hush” (Graphic Novel)

In 'Batman' (2002) #608, Batman has to fight Killer Croc in order to save Edward Lamont IV and recover the ransom money.
 

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REVIEWS
Batman (2002) #608. DC Comics

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STAR RATINGS:

Best: 5 to 4.5 stars.

Good: 4 to 3 stars.

Bad: 2.5 to 2 stars.

Worst: 1.5 to 0 stars.

Batman Day is September 17th. Let’s celebrate our superhero!

BEST: BATMAN: HUSH (2002-2003)

Collects Batman #608-619


























Rating: 5 out of 5.

Dialogue: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Art: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

In Batman: Hush, the Dark Knight must recover the Lamont ransom. To this end, the comic features a who is who of Batman’s rogues. And the Dark Knight races to uncover the identity of the masked villain who threatens the Bat-family.

Together, collect issues #608-619 in Batman: Hush (New Edition) (Batman (1940-2011)).

Perhaps, one of the most popular Batman story arcs in recent memory. With superstar talent from writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee, Hush is one of the greatest Batman graphic novels. In addition, Superman appears in issues #611 and #612. Also, witness Batman vs Killer Croc.

 

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DIALOGUE

To sum, the dialogue serves the ambiance of mystery and thriller characteristic of the best detective stories. In part cryptic, and in part terrifying, the dialogue heightens the comic.

Certainly, it is a strong part of the comic and the narration helps point important moments and their urgency.

PLOT

Generally, Hush has a stellar plot though with some great themes. Indeed, the central theme in the graphic novel is Batman’s failure to protect Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Though the first part of the arc is its strongest, the big reveal of the masked villain at the end may feel contrived. In addition, the resolution leaves some plot holes unanswered. Overall, the plot is focused and brilliant as a detective story.

CHARACTERIZATION

Perhaps, the most faithful aspect of the comic. Really, Jeph Loeb’s characterization is top-notch. For the most part, heroes and villains act in character.

In addition, Batman’s budding romance with Catwoman is left unresolved though with an indication the villain may know more than she seemed. However, other rogues only appear for fan service. Notably, Joker is not fully developed in the story.

ART

When the series debuted in 2002, the creative team was its strongest selling point. As matter of fact, Jim Lee’s art is legendary in this comic. In Superman: For Tomorrow, the artist continued on the work started here.

Really, Batman: Hush has been one of the most successful Batman comics in years.

VERDICT

With action, mystery and romance, comic collectors love this story. Definitely, this storyline is one of the greatest Batman stories.

RECOMMENDATION:

Definitely, collect the story arc in single issues or graphic novel in paperback format.

ARE YOU A NEW OR RETURNING VISITOR? WRITE A REVIEW.










LINKS

Batman: Hush in DC Database.
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DC Day Series: The Best DC Comics Artists

 

DC DAY
Database Comics

IN READING GUIDES, LISTS, REVIEWS

In our first video, we list our Top 5 Best DC Comics Artists. Over the years, DC has been a perennial staple of great and innovative artists and writers, willing to inspire millions of fans. Today, DC Comics continues its tradition of hiring the top talent willing to take comic art to new heights.

In our series, we list the best DC comics artists with additional honorable mentions. Also, you can watch our video above.

5. JIM LEE

At the present, DC Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee is among the most popular artists in comics. Recently, he raised $800000 for his 60 in 60 charity work for comic shops. Now, pay attention to the Batman #608 cover: With his anatomical precision, the musculature in his character designs, and his attention to detail and scenery, the Korean American artist’s panels give lessons on medicine and still-lives.

Positives: DC Chief Creative Officer, Jim Lee’s almost medical manual on human anatomy, clair-obscur and very realistic landscapes.

Negatives: Repetitive poses, facial expressions and non-distinctive characters.

4. DAN JURGENS

Indeed, Dan Jurgens is a fan-favorite at DC Comics. And with Death of Superman we can see why. Jurgens is the epitome of the comic artist: His pages are full-blown action-oriented panels that create excitement! With his curvy lines and his creative character designs, Jurgens has mastered the DC powerhouses! And we can’t commend him enough on his work with Booster Gold. Recently, he worked on Blue & Gold, about Booster Gold’s and Blue Beetle’s new business venture after Infinite Frontier.

Positives: Creative, literary and artistic genius, kinetic panels and action-oriented, distinctive characters.

Negatives: Under-developed villains, penchant for the dramatic.

3. GEORGE PEREZ

For all his glory, the late George Perez deserves to be more well known. Really, his body of work speaks for itself. Though Crisis On Infinite Earths and Wonder Woman are mythic masterpieces, we will remember his revamp of The New Teen Titans! Truly the stuff of legend! And let’s not forget the true sequel to Crisis On Infinite Earths: Infinite Crisis.

Positives: Mythic status, oversaw DC revamps and crises, commended for his attention to detail in covers and movement in panels.

Negatives: Not enough recognition for his monumental work.

2. ALEX ROSS

At DC Comics, Alex Ross’ work is very cryptic. His magnum opus, Kingdom Come, is an Elseworld of biblical proportions! Born in Portland, OR but raised in Texas, Ross is quite the intellectual as he graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago at the age of 20. Really, his work betrays his classical training and his appreciation for universal themes and idealism.

Positives: Paintings are photo-realistic, novelization and story-telling, universal themes.

Negatives: Suitable only for mini-series, Elseworlds and graphic novels.

1. JACK KIRBY

It is the consensus among comic critics that the late Jack Kirby is the King of comics! Certainly, everything he touches turns to gold: Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, and at DC Comics the franchise he created with the New Gods. In many respects, Kirby’s art is quintessential comic book art. With his wacky designs, sci-fi concepts and space-faring adventure, Kirby’s panels are ingenuity and creativity come to life. When Kirby worked at DC, he completely changed the direction of the multiverse with the creation of his godly metaphysical beings. Ever since Darkseid stepped into the pages of Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134, nothing has been the same.

Positives: Creative genius, universe-builder, sci-fi concepts. Negatives: Incomplete volumes at DC Comics.

Honorable mentions: Frank Quitely, Doug Mahnke, Ivan Reis, Carlos Pacheco, Mikel Janin, Gary Frank.

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LINKS

Jim Lee in DC Database.
Jim Lee raises over $800,000 for comic shops with his 60 in 60 original art sketches in GamesRadar+.
Batman Vol 1 608 in DC Database.
Dan Jurgens in DC Database.
Death of Superman in DC Database.
George Pérez in DC Database.
Alex Ross in DC Database.
Jack Kirby : A Life In Comics in Jack Kirby Museum.
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Reviews: ’00s The Authority Storylines, Ranked From Best To Worst

 
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‘The Authority: Revolution’ (2005) #7. AP Photo/DC Comics.

IN Reading Guides, Lists, Reviews

2000s THE AUTHORITY STORYLINES RANKED FROM BEST TO BAD

STAR RATINGS:

Best: 5 to 4.5 stars.

Good: 4 to 3 stars.

Bad: 2.5 to 2 stars.

Worst: 1.5 to 0 stars.

BEST: “THE AUTHORITY: THE NATIVITY” (2004)

Collects ‘The Authority’ #13-16.


























Rating: 5 out of 5.

Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Art: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

When ‘The Authority’ (2000) #14 was released, it generated immediate controversy. As a critically-acclaimed writer, Mark Millar has been known to go against social conventions and mores. If anything, his run on ‘The Authority’ delivers the thrills, wanton violence and the social commentary. But, Frank Quitely’s art elevates the subject matter.

To begin, the Authority was set up after Stormwatch in order to make the world better, no matter what it takes. Story-wise, “The Nativity” centers on a conflict between the Authority and a government-sanctioned team of Super Powered Beings (SPBs) called the Americans. Namely, the conflict is over the newborn Jenny Quantum, whom they believe to be the Spirit of the 21st Century. Terribly, disaster and mayhem follow when a team of Ubermensch with its draconian measures faces against government conspiracy from the Americans.

In a sense, ‘The Nativity’ is both a pastiche and a commentary on America’s patriotism at the beginning of the century. As a pastiche, it is a meta message on the superhero team the Avengers and its alliance with a corrupt government. Certainly, the commentary is about America’s muscular and military patriotism. In fact, these are reflected in the muscular and chiseled physiques of Frank Quitely’s figures. And when the Commander beats down and rapes Apollo, all hell breaks loose!

Definitely, this story is quintessential The Authority and belongs in your Kindle collection.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “The Authority (1999-2002) (2 book series)” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE KINDLE COMIC ON AMAZON.


BEST: ‘THE AUTHORITY: REVOLUTION’ (2004-2005)

Collects ‘The Authority: Revolution’ #1-12.


























Rating: 5 out of 5.

Dialogue: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Plot: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Characterization: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Art: 3.5 out of 5.0 stars.

In 2004, Eisner-winning writer Ed Brubaker and artist Dustin Nguyen collaborated on ‘The Authority: Revolution’. Brilliantly, the work is a masterful distillation of the Authority, as the great super-powered team of the 21st century.

At the beginning, the Authority is fresh off the events of ‘Coup d’Etat.’ Forcefully, the Authority have taken over the U.S. government. However, their daily lives are mired in bureaucracy and a growing resistance to their regime. When a catastrophic event occurs in front of the White House in Washington D.C., the Authority uncover a conspiracy that threatens the team’s cohesion.

In some sense, the series can be divided into two parts. In the first half, the team investigates Henry Bendix’s conspiracy. For the second half, the story focuses on the emergence of the new Jenny Quantum, the Spirit of the 21st Century. For its part, Nguyen’s art captures the urgency of the moment. To this end, the characters are drawn with little expressiveness on a blue, black and red palette. In fact, Nguyen’s art features both gore and more revealing panels.

To sum, what makes ‘The Authority: Revolution’ work is the maturity of both its characters and the subject matter. In addition, it was significant for the remarkable emergence of Jenny Quantum and her fantastic travels to Infinite City. Moreover, Midnighter’s farewell speech stands out.

Definitely, this graphic novel is a classic The Authority story. Indeed, fans of Ed Brubaker will love the political intrigue as well as the advanced sci-fi concepts.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “The Authority by Ed Brubaker & Dustin Nguyen (The Authority: Revolution)“ BELOW TO BUY THE KINDLE & COMIXOLOGY COMIC ON AMAZON.

GOOD: ‘COUP D’ETAT‘(2004)

Collects ‘Coup D’Etat’ #1-4.


























Rating: 4 out of 5.

Dialogue: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Plot: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Characterization: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Art: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

In “Coup d’Etat: Sleeper,” Matt Martin forcefully argues ‘Coup d’Etat’ is a poor commentary on American politics during the Bush administration. In fact, the argument focuses on not mingling comics and politics.

To this end, ‘Coup d’Etat,’ largely plays like political commentary. In some respects, the Authority’s takeover of the U.S. government parallels the Bush administration’s Iraq war and its subsequent overthrow of the Iraqi government. Here, the Authority figures as the U.S. government overthrow the Iraqi government.

What makes ‘Coup d’Etat’ work, are the routine deliberations between the different factions about the fate of the world. In parallel, Spartan and Grifter argue. Also, Spartan and the Authority debate. Originally, the Authority were founded after Stormwatch and WildC.A.T.s. To this end, their mission was to make the world a better place no matter the cost. When Apollo kills the President at the end, political power has been passed over.

A few words about the art. For his part, Jim Lee’s art is certainly acceptable but not in-character. In fact, it appears to suffer from the subject matter of the political thriller. Nevertheless, the work itself is non-stop action as the Authority goes on missions to take control of the U.S. government. In the final issue, the Authority must flex their muscles and stop an alien invasion.

Definitely, the series is certainly a must-have for your comic collection, with a blend of adventure, action, plenty of dark humor and sci-fi themes.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “Coup D’etat by Ed Brubaker (2004-11-01)” BELOW TO BUY THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

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WORST: ‘THE AUTHORITY: PRIME’ (2007-2008)

Collects ‘The Authority: Prime’ #1-6.


























Rating: 1.5 out of 5.

Dialogue: 1.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Plot: 1.0 out of 5.0 stars.

Characterization: 1.5 out of 5.0 stars.

Art: 2.0 out of 5.0 stars.

In many respects, ‘The Authority: Prime’ is a missed opportunity. Certainly, it provides an important backstory on Henry Bendix. Previously, he was the mastermind behind Stormwatch and the Authority. In effect, his importance to the Authority cannot be denied. In fact, writer Christos N. Gage fails to give the subject matter the serious treatment it demands. Instead, it proves the occasion for three-issue futile fisticuffs between the Authority and Stormwatch.

To sum, Weatherman, Henry Bendix’s son, cracks his father’s “memory tower.”1 When he locates Bendix’s bunker to the Southwest desert, the Authority and Stormwatch come to a clash to uncover it first. Though, the battles are spectacle. However, they are told in three issues and do not move the story forward.

On this list, this series is one of the bad ‘The Authority’ story arcs.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “Authority: Prime (Authority (Graphic Novels))” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

RESOURCES

VISIT THE WILDSTORM UNIVERSE READING ORDERS:

Comic Book Herald: Wildstorm Universe Reading Order!

SOURCES

The Authority: Revolution #1 in Comic Vine.
The Authority #14 in Comic Vine.
The Authority #13 in Comic Vine.
Coup d’État: Sleeper in Sequart Organization.
Coup D’etat in Comic Vine.
The Authority: Prime in Comic Vine.

FOOTNOTES

  1. The Authority: Prime #1.

FEEDBACK










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Reviews: 00s Batman Graphic Novels Ranked From Best To Good

In 'Batman' (2002) #608, Batman faces the beastly villain Killer Croc.
 

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In 'Batman' (2002) #608, Batman faces the beastly villain Killer Croc.

In ‘Batman’ (2002) #608, Batman faces the beastly villain Killer Croc. AP Photo/DC Comics.

IN Reading Guides, Lists, Reviews

00s BATMAN GRAPHIC NOVELS RANKED BEST TO WORST

*This list is not exhaustive. For more information, refer to the Batman Reading Order and Timeline from The Gotham Archives.

STAR RATINGS:

Best: 5 to 4.5 stars.

Good: 4 to 3 stars.

Bad: 2.5 to 2 stars.

Worst: 1.5 to 0 stars.

BEST: “BATMAN: HUSH.” (2002).

Collects ‘Batman’ #608-619.


























Rating: 5 out of 5.

“Batman: Hush” is a Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee storyline. The storyline is certainly one of the most celebrated Batman stories of the 2000s. What makes the story stand-out is the mystery surrounding Lamont’s Ransom and Bruce Wayne’s relationship with childhood friend Thomas Elliott.

“Batman: Hush” includes art by Jim Lee which has stood the test of time and a plot by writer Jeph Loeb. The first half of the storyline is action-packed and is concerned with recovering Lamont’s Ransom. The second half seems to be less unified story-wise and features a major Batman rogue every issue. The second half is concerned with finding out the mysterious mastermind behind the recent attacks on Batman and Gotham City. It is Batman’s attempt at tying up loose ends and uncovering the mysterious masked villain who has been observing him on the rooftops.

There are lots of dialogue, descriptions and splash action pages. There is seriousness typical of Batman’s stories though after Poison Ivy is captured, the story kicks into high gear as the different attacks on Batman and the Bat-Family involve the villains exploiting Batman’s weaknesses. The storyline is masterful though the intrigue can at times be obvious. Batman and the Bat-family shine. One disappointment is the fact that the Batman-Catwoman relationship is not resolved at the end, but ends abruptly.

This storyline is probably the best Batman story of the 2000s because of the superstar talent involved and the amount of characters appearing in the plot. However, the resolution of the plot may seem anti-climactic and the Hush villain is not given enough emotional resonance in the final battle with Batman. Also, Batman’s rogues only serve to plant clues to the mystery but do not serve any characterizations.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “BATMAN: HUSH” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

BEST: “BATMAN: THE MAN WHO LAUGHS.” (2005).

Collects ‘Batman: The Man Who Laughs’ #1 One-shot.


























Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

“Batman: The Man Who Laughs” (2005) is Ed Brubaker’s and Doug Mahnke’s one-shot set within the “Batman: Year One” continuity. It sets up a turning-point in Batman’s crime-fighting career as he encounters the chaotic menace of Joker for the first time.

“Batman: The Man Who Laughs” is one of the very few origin stories on Joker. What makes Ed Brubaker’s story stand out is the focus on Joker’s crime spree in Gotham City instead of focusing primarily on his origin story. Joker works best here as the one that moves the story forward and whose genius mind always seems two steps ahead of Batman’s. Indeed, the definition of a criminal mastermind.

Batman definitely grows from his experience with the Clown Prince of Crime. A serious and disciplined mind, Batman’s training excels with the murderers, rapists and muggers. However, he is ill-prepared for psychotic killers of Joker’s ilk. What is Joker’s motive and what is his modus operandi? To see Gotham City burn and to have every Gothamite die laughing!

This is certainly a worthy addition to your Batman collection, with a blend of suspense, action, intrigue and gore. The comic is not for the faint of heart and is destined for a more mature audience.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “BATMAN: THE MAN WHO LAUGHS” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

BEST: “BATMAN AND THE MONSTER MEN (2006).

Collects ‘Batman and The Monster Men’ #1-6.


























Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

“Batman and the Monster Men” (2006) is Matt Wagner’s six-issue mini-series as part of his Dark Moon Rising series. Another mini-series created by Wagner is “Batman and The Mad Monk.” The purpose of the series was to tell the story of Batman transitioning from fighting organized crime to fighting supervillains.

In an interview with CBR.com, Wagner revealed his inspirations were two Golden Age stories about the Caped Crusader. Wagner sees the Batman stories as re-inventing classic tales from Batman’s rich history. And it fits. For fans of the Golden Age Batman stories and “Batman Year One”, the mini-series has kept many of the classic elements: Batman’s cape and cowl remain the same following the “Year One” storyline – though he upgrades the Batmobile -, the lettering and inking are maintained throughout the different series, and the emphasis on storytelling as opposed to social commentary and action is maintained. The transition from vigilante to superhero is not immediately evident, but the beginning is there.

Some words about the storyline. In the “Year One” continuity, “Batman and the Monster Men” takes place after Year One but before the Man Who Laughs. Batman definitely seems to be learning on the job and the inclusion of Hugo Strange seems a marked difference from the usual Arkham Asylum rogues. In fact, Batman faces superpowered foes in the vein of mutated cannibalistic monsters twice. The story is tight and progresses at a satisfying pace. The art fits the storyline and the darkness that envelopes the panels forebodes the monstrosities of Hugo Strange’s experiments. There is horror and blood, characteristic of Batman’s crime cases. What Wagner shows is that Batmn is first and foremost a detective, whose dedication to solving crime cases jeopardizes hi personal and his love life.

Wagner succeeds in crafting a tale with classic elements that is sure to satisfy Batman fans. Definitely pick this comic if you want to see the evolution of Batman after “Batman: Year One”.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “BATMAN AND THE MONSTER MEN” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

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Comicbook Database is a great site if you are a comic book fan! The Battles of the Week a great way to learn about the different power levels of the heroes, and a fun way to fancast some of the most wanted battles across comics.

Brian Tudor, ‘The Infamous Podcast’

CHECK OUT THE STORY: IN “HUSH,” BATMAN HAS TO FREE SUPERMAN FROM POISON IVY’S MIND CONTROL AND RECOVER LAMONT’S RANSOM.

GOOD: “BRUCE WAYNE: FUGITIVE” (2002).


























Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

“Bruce Wayne: Fugitive” (2002) is a storyline by Ed Brubaker, Chuck Dixon, Greg Rucka, Devin Grayson, Kelly Puckett, Rick Burchett, Rick Leonardi, Steve Lieber, Trevor McCarthy, Scott McDaniel, Roger Robinson, Damion Scott and Pete Woods.

The storyline centered on Batman facing a personal threat and losing touch with his humanity. After Bruce Wayne and his bodyguard Sasha Bordeaux were framed for the murder of Vesper Fairchild at Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne evades captivity, cuts ties with the Bat-Family and investigates the case as Batman full-time. Concurrently, the Bat-Family carries its own investigation.

This storyline works as an exploration of Batman as a character. What makes this comic good is the fact Batman is presented with a challenge he has hardly faced and with the question of whether Bruce Wayne is the facade and Batman the real persona. Batman does regain touch with his humanity and manages to solve the case, however, at great personal cost to his love life.

What deprives the story of its impact is the lack of consistency in pacing and art since there are different writers and artists involved. The work suffers from uneven pacing and problems with visual story-telling in some issues.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “BRUCE WAYNE: FUGITIVE” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

GOOD: “BATMAN: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT” (2007).

Collects ‘Batman Confidential’ #1-6.


























Rating: 3 out of 5.

“Batman: Rules Of Engagement” (2007) is a six-issue mini-series by Andy Diggle and Whilce Pottacio. The mini-series is set a year into Batman’s crime-fighting career and reveals a war of weaponry between Lexcorp and WayneTech.

The series may not have received good reviews. One review commented on the art, the plot, and on Bat-god. One element of the story that is missing, is the lack of good and a repetitive visual storytelling in the final battle. Pottacio’s lines are dark, daring and violent. Though he does not excel at conveying emotions and telling a story, he is good at ensembles and splash pages.

The series explains the transition to Batman using more hi-tech weaponry, his rivalry with Lexcorp and the formation of the Wayne Foundation. If you want to see a well-executed weaponry battle between Batman and Lex Luthor, this comic should entertain you. It may provide clues to who is the better strategist and prep-planner between two of the smartest men in the DC Universe.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “BATMAN: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

RESOURCES

THE BORG LIFE
Database Comics

VISIT THE CYBORG APPRECIATION PAGE.

SOURCES

Batman Vol 1 608 in DC Database
Batman Timeline – Modern Age Chronology and Reading Order in The Gotham Archives.
Batman: Hush in DC Database.
Batman: Hush – 5 Ways The Comic Aged Well (& 5 Ways It Hasn’t) in CBR.com.
Batman: The Man Who Laughs in DC Database.
Batman: Year One in Batman Wiki.
Batman: The Man Who Laughs Review in IGN.
Batman and the Monster Men Vol 1 in DC Database.
Batman and the Mad Monk Vol 1 in DC Database.
Pulp Fiction: Wagner talks “Batman and the Monster Men” in CBR.com.
Batman: Who Was the Real Killer In Bruce Wayne: Murderer? in CBR.com.
Batman: Rules of Engagement in DC Database.
BATMAN: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT in The Slings & Arrows GRAPHIC NOVEL GUIDE.

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Image Day Series: Divine Right

Many members of WildC.A.T.s. are Kherubim warriors.
 

IMAGE DAY SERIES
The WildC.A.T.s. AP Photo/Image Comics

IN CRISES

‘DIVINE RIGHT’ (1997)

In 1997, Jim Lee published a ground-breaking comic called ‘Divine Right: The Adventures Of Max Faraday’ (1997). Let’s read the summary on the twelve-issue comic:

This is where we meet Max Faraday; 20-year-old computer science major, lovable loser, at home, with older friend Devan Lawless; bored, Dev logged into Icore using his old professor’s access codes. Something starts downloading: a binary code string. Max views it all (barring one file, which he forwarded to his cyber-girlfriend, Susanna Chaste), when the computer blows up as a result of channelling the Equation.

Seemingly fine, Max and Dev head out, only to be pursued by strange creatures, bringing about the first manifestations of his power, and the first meeting with The Fallen, his protectors and mentors. The Fallen are Brande, Tobrukand Exotica; a trio of super-powered beings who have a fraction of Max’s power which bonds them to him.

Hunted for this power he now wields, he is helped notably by The Fallen, Christy Blaze, John Lynch (Gen¹³‘s mentor) and Caitlin Fairchild, the peer leader of Gen¹³.

The ensuing journey sees Max embrace his Divine Right, as he takes control of the situation, and ultimately the universe, only to face off against the WildC.A.T.S., Gen¹³, The Fallen, and even Susanna herself, as he truly tests the limits of what God can do, and how much humanity can be retained.

-Divine Right, Image Comics Database

‘DIVINE INTERVENTION: WILDCATS’ #1 FITS BETWEEN ISSUES #11 AND #12

Click on the Amazon product image below to purchase the comic or click to compare affordable prices with Kindle & Comixology.

Max Faraday has realized his Godly power and attempts to make the world a better place. However, he is out of control and his powers are destroying the world.

In ‘Divine Intervention: Wildcats’ (1999) #1, Max has to face the WILDC.A.T.s., who may have different designs for Max.

  • ‘Divine Right’ #1-12. 
  • ‘Divine Intervention: Wildcats’ #1. 
  • ‘Divine Intervention: Gen13’ #1.

‘Divine Intervention: Wildcats’ (1999) #1, fits between ‘Divine Right’#11 and #12.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: DURING ‘FOREVER EVIL,’ THE METAL MEN GIVE THEIR ALL AND TAKE ON GRID.

WORLD’S END

Max Faraday faced the next crisis called Armageddon. Faced with nuclear annihilation, Max raptured billions of people before relocating the survivors to a preserved St. Louis. Max was discouraged at superheroes and felt the crisis was a negative consequence of their actions. Max and his family then secluded themselves on a tropical island in the South Pacific.

When the terrorist organization known as Tao located Max and his family, Max’s wife Susanna was abducted by Pit Bull. He was forced to reveal the Creation Equation to Tao and ended up losing his powers. Protected and saved by the WildC.A.T.s., Max regained his confidence in superheroes and regained his divine powers. Max then relocated to the Hollow Realm with the survivors and Void.

 

Click on the Amazon product image below to purchase the comic or click to compare affordable prices with Kindle & Comixology.

COLLECT THE FIRST THREE TRADE AMAZON BOOKS WITH “ABSOLUTE WILDC.A.T.s.”

Click on the Amazon product image below to purchase the comic or click to compare affordable prices with Kindle & Comixology.

Collect the first three trade paperbacks in “Absolute WILDC.A.T.s.”

ABSOLUTE WILDC.A.T.S collects WILDC.A.T.s #1-13, 31, 50; CYBERFORCE #1-3, WILDC.A.T.s/X-MEN: THE SILVER AGE #1; WILDCATS ADVENTURES #1 and WILDCATS #1, as well as behind-the-scenes sketches, concept designs and variant covers in an oversize slipcase.

-“Absolute WildC.A.T.S. by Jim Lee”, Amazon
Dave Freeman

PREVIOUS: WHO ARE THE WILDC.A.T.s.? APRIL 8TH.

PREVIOUS: WILDC.A.T.s. FACE THE KHERUBIM/DAEMONITE WAR. MAY 3RD.

SOURCES

Divine Right in Image Comics Database.
Wildcats: Divine Intervention #1 in Comic Vine.
Wildstorm in The Wildstorm Addiction Podcast.
Absolute WildC.A.T.S. by Jim Lee in Amazon.