Absolute Batman #10
Scott Snyder doesn’t want Batman to be happy. If he did, he’d listen to Mia Khalifa and stop putting poor (literally) Bruce Wayne in such diabolical situations. Batman’s eternal war on crime continues — though this time, he’s the criminal. Beaten by Bane and imprisoned in the mysterious ARK-M, is this the end for the Absolute Batman?
The most horrific issue of the series yet, Snyder trades Black Mask’s street gang for tragic Cronenberg abominations. This is just the first glimpse of the Absolute Universe’s Arkham. Nick Dragotta outdoes himself in this issue, creating a sterile fortress where mental health treatment equals forced mutation.
It’s not all bad, though. This issue has a splash page that I’m confident will go down as one of the most iconic in Batman’s history. Beyond that, this story reminds us of the indomitable will of Batman — his refusal to give up, even when it might be smart to. But that’s why he’s the hero Gotham deserves.
Suggested Reading:
Batman: The Court of Owls (compact edition is only $9.99!)
New Gods #8
I don’t believe in filler episodes or issues. We’ve seen the Justice League and the New Gods punch Darkseid in the face a thousand times. Sometimes it’s good to take a break — let the heroes catch their breath, regroup and remind us exactly what they’re fighting for every time they jump Darkseid.
This series makes great use of guest artists, having them depict past eras of the New Gods. It lets the main story keep a uniform look (props to Evan Cagle) while allowing for visual experimentation. Stipan Morian and Pablo M. Collar did a fantastic job on this issue. It’s a quiet chapter in this new New Gods saga — one full of hope and joy — but it’s almost certainly the calm before the storm.
Invincible Universe Presents: Battle Beast #3
Oh, so Battle Beast is evil, huh? I might have overlooked some red flags. In my defense, how are you supposed to see it’s a red flag when the flag is covered in blood?
As our heroes continue their journey, they run afoul of Battle Beast’s enemies — though “victims” might be a more apt description. Will we see the layers of Battle Beast pulled back? Is there something more to the Scourge of the Twin Galaxies, or is he a one-dimensional killing machine?
Ryan Ottley is drawing the best space-based comic out right now. From strange, otherworldly jungles to deep space battles, everything is crafted with the care and detail of a legend — all colored to perfection by Annalisa Leoni. Kirkman leans into the comedy in this issue, creating some refreshing levity amid the chaos. The next issue is sure to have even more action than this one, but here’s hoping we get some insight into Thokk’s motivations — maybe even his emotions (don’t tell Battle Beast I used his government name; I can’t fight).
Absolute Flash #5
So, this may mark me as an uneducated comic fan, but I didn’t really know Barry Allen existed until the CW Flash show. He showed up in Young Justice (2011), but as a young teen, I was too focused on all the teen drama to notice. That’s to say I’ve always been indifferent to Barry Allen. No disrespect — he’s just not the Flash I know.
Wally West, on the other hand — I know Wally! He’s the guy who ran so fast he nearly dipped out from our reality! The guy who ran that fast just to clock Lex Luthor and Brainiac at the same time.
This Wally is not that guy. He’s a scared kid — and that’s OK, until it gets you killed. Wally and Grodd are in for a challenge as they face their super-powered threat. Cold guns and boomerangs don’t count — sorry, not sorry. I won’t spoil the name, but it’s a heated situation, to say the least.
It’s the first official hero moment of a soon-to-be legend. There are big things in store for Wally West, but for now, he’s still the scared kid running from a world he doesn’t really understand. Lucky thing he’s fast.
This Ends Tonight #1 (of 3)
Ancient civilizations, party-girl elves and copious amounts of gore — what’s not to love in this new series from Gerry Duggan and Jae Lee?
This book moves fast, plunging our protagonists into the worst night of their lives with no mercy. The art is top-tier. Lee transitions from nightclub brawls to medieval battles with ease. Jagged panel design makes reading this book feel like looking at a mosaic of a crime scene, adding to the chaos of the story.
It’s Pulp Fiction with fae — and this is only the beginning!
Ghost Pepper #1
Food trucks, apocalypses and robots make the world go round.
What’s this mysterious religion? Who’s the ultra-powerful being who just wants to finish his noodles? And most importantly — how much for a plate?!
Written and drawn by Ludo Lullabi with colors by Adriano Lucas, Ghost Pepper is a stunning book. Streamlined page layouts give the action scenes a lot of energy. The character designs are striking and the faces expressive, which lends to the book’s comedic moments. The world of Ghost Pepper feels alive, with a rich history bubbling under the surface.
Justin:
