This graphic novel is another retelling / re-imaging of Superman’s origin story. From the collapse of Krypton, to the Kent farm in Kansas, from the military, to the depths of the ocean, and becoming a superhero in Metropolis.
The artwork is gorgeous, very impressive and dynamic. The artists go back to the classic look of Diana Prince / Wonder Woman which, for me, is a big plus. Not that I dislike the bubbly DC artwork, but it just wouldn’t work here.
The author tells the story in a vivid manner, with self-introspection and analysis which makes the book worth reading.
Seven Batmen appear from the Dark Multiverse, The Red Death, The Devastator, The Merciless, The Murder Machine, The Drowned, The Dawnbreaker, and the Man Who Laughs all of them are a twisted take on the Dark Knight. The seven Batmen have only one thing in mind for Earth-0, total destruction.
Dick Grayson sent out an SOS to Robin, which promptly returned to the transformed Gotham City, full of magic and doom. Robin puts together a team of heroes and anti-heroes included Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Black Canary and Green Arrow which work their way through a maze of madness, where the prize for second place is death.
About: Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 8: On the Outside by Bryan Hill & Michael Moreci (illustrated by Miguel Mendonca, Phillip Briones, and Sebastian Fiumara) is a graphic novel which continues the story of the aftermath of the events which led to the Gotham Knights team take down the monster they helped create. This graphic novel collects issues #982-986. 144 pages Publisher: DC Comics Language: English ISBN-10: 1401285287 My rating for Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 8: On the Outside — 4 Buy Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 8: On the Outside from Amazon.com* More Books by Bryan Hill* More Books by Michael Moreci* Thoughts: The ideas which drive Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 8: On the Outside by Bryan Hill & Michael Moreci (illustrated by Miguel Mendonca, Phil Briones, and Sebastian Fiumara) aren’t new, Batman’s past actions come back to haunt him. However the writers do execute them in a different way, making Bruce very protective as he realizes that he is doing no favors to the people who trust him. The new villain, Karma, is very interesting with dark origins, a well done villain and a very good opponent for the Gotham Knights. The interaction of Black Lightning with the team really speeds up the story. I’m…
World War II is becoming larger and the heroines find themselves fighting across the globe, while protecting the home front. Wonder Woman faces the undead in Greece, Stargirl and Supergirl are in London following a family secret.Mera finds that she can’t control everything in the sea, while Zatanna uses her powers to fight eveil magic. Batwoman has been caught by Lex Luthor and the Nazis, but no need to worry.
About: The Flash, Vol. 3: Rogues Reloaded by Joshua Williamson (illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico) is a graphic novel where The Flash is fighting a litany of villains, or is he helping them? This graphic novel collects The Flash #14 – 20. My rating for The Flash, Vol. 3: Rogues Reloaded – 4 Buy The Flash, Vol. 3: Rogues Reloaded from Amazon.com* More Books by Joshua Williamson* Thoughts: Frankly I did not expect this graphic novel to be this good. The Flash, Vol. 3: Rogues Reloaded by Joshua Williamson (illustrated by Carmine Di GIandomenico) combines great visuals and character driven story in one fantastic package. Even though the main story line focuses on Thee Rogues and their issue, there are several short, but to the point, stories focusing on Barry Allen’s relationship with his girlfriend, Iris West, and Wally West (Kid Flash). The main story line adds some vagueness to the question of whether The Rogues are good or bad. The best villains are ones that do bad things for good reasons. The writers seem to have a problem though, what to do with Iris West? She’s supposed to be an ace reporter, yet can’t figure out that Barry Allen is The Flash? Is she waiting…
About: The Flash, Volume 2: Speed of Darkness by Joshua Williamson (with the creative team of Felipe Watanabe, Oclair Albert, Chris Sotomayor, Steve Wands, , Jorge Corona, and Ivan Plascencia) is a graphic novel continuing the story of Barry Allen and the trouble in Central City. This graphic novel collects The Flash #9-13. 128 pages Publisher: DC Comics Language: English ISBN-10: 1401268935 My rating for The Flash, Volume 2: Speed of Darkness – 3 Buy The Flash, Volume 2: Speed of Darkness from Amazon.com* More Books by Joshua Williamson* Thoughts: This graphic novel was Kid Flash (Wally West) heavy, and more than one version to boot. I’m not a big fan of Kid Flash, or kids saving the day and such, but I still enjoyed The Flash, Volume 2: Speed of Darkness by Joshua Williamson (with the creative team of Felipe Watanabe, Oclair Albert, Chris Sotomayor, Steve Wands, , Jorge Corona, and Ivan Plascencia). This whole graphic novel, from the values it presents to the look and feel are feel good and do away with the darker side of DC (contrary to the title). The plot itself is a bit weak and seems to be a vehicle to show off a new villain…
About: Supergirl Vol. 5: Red Daughter of Krypton by Michael Alan Nelson (illustrated by Chad Hardin, Diogenes Neves, Various, and Paulo Siqueira) is a graphic novel featuring it’s title heroine who joined the Red Lantern Corps. This graphic novel collects Supergirl #21-25, and Action Comics #23. My rating for Supergirl Vol. 5: Red Daughter of Krypton – 5 Buy Supergirl Vol. 5: Red Daughter of Krypton from Amazon.com* More Books by Michael Alan Nelson* Thoughts: I didn’t read the previous Supergirl books, so I have no idea why Kara Zor-El is so angry. Frankly though, I don’t care since it’s not really necessary to know all the details, which, in true comic book form, I’m sure are convoluted and contrived. All I know is that she is in full rage mode until she finally snaps and becomes a Red Lantern, and it seems like that’s all I needed to know. The writers introduce Lobo into the graphic novel Supergirl Vol. 5: Red Daughter of Krypton by Michael Alan Nelson (illustrated by Chad Hardin, Diogenes Neves, and Paulo Siqueira), a fascinating story which really moves the story forward and not just a cheap trick to use a popular character. The Lobo…
