Dark Night Reviews

Story: Robert Venditti

Art: Billy Tan, Mark Irwin

Published: 9/2/15

In Green Lantern 44, Hal and Trapper are attacked by Thanagarian bandits while they attempt to save Virgo’s life. As the premise suggests, it’s a standalone issue that ends the minor stand-alone arc that began last issue in Green Lantern 43. While I wish the issue had some more of an effect on the major plot points (Black Hand with his piece of “the wall”, Relic’s reappearance, and the Green Lantern Corps’ disappearance), it manages to be a lot like 43 in that it is a fun issue. The character development continues and the characters are really starting to come together and become a team. Even Trapper is becoming a part of the team (albeit under duress) and gets some character development. While the recent arc has had a somewhat slow pacing overall, Venditti has done a great job fleshing out the new characters. He’s managed to make all three of them likeable with their own specific personalities and traits. The main fight scene in the issue may feel a bit rushed, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and it has a few extremely cool moments as Hal shows off the power he and the power gauntlet command. The art, unfortunately, is a drawback to the issue mainly due to the random switch in the middle of the issue between Irwin and Tan. It feels sudden and they really contrast with each other.

Overall: While I was hoping to see some more relating to the main plot of the arc and the art was somewhat off, “Green Lantern 42” still manages to be a fun issue with good character development.

Story: Bryan Hitch

Art: Daniel Henriques

Published: 8/26/15

While "Justice League of America (2015)"  has been pretty interesting so far, and I did enjoy the first two issues, this one is just fluff and really doesn't move the plot forward. It does show the situations of Wonder Woman, Flash, and Green Lantern and gives details about what happened to them and their predicaments, but it drags on a bit and Hitch could have just as easily shown that in half an issue and advanced the plot more. While it might've been a bit better if the plot progressed, it actually is still done well and it's not a bad, or even boring, read whatsoever despite dragging a bit. A few more questions are introduced in this issue, and the mystery continues to build as to what's really going on. It also leaves off with quite a few cliffhangers so next month's issue is being set up to be a really interesting issue. The art for most of the issue is good but nothing really special. There are a few panels, however, where Henriques really shines and draws some really beautiful stuff.

To summarize: Although "JLA 3" feels somewhat like filler and drags a bit, it's still an interesting enough read that's not bad at all and sets up the next issue really well.

Grayson #11 “Nemesis Part 3″

Tom King & Tim Seeley - Writers

Mikel Janín - Artist

Emanuela Lupacchino - Variant Cover 

The issue that killed everyone the end that’s all that happened.

But, uhm.  The art was spectacular, I’ve loved the artist since the first issue and it was especially engaging in this comic.  Lots of spirals.  Or spyrals I suppose.

Spyrals everywhere.

The plot was spectacular, with multiple subtle hints as to the impersonator is without giving it away until the reveal.

There’s not really much to say as most of the issue is fight and banter. It references a lot of characters, which I like, but it went on a bit and we never got to see Tiger really fight.

The ending is a perfect spy ending however, setting us up with enough of a cliffhanger to be curious but also feeling very final at the same time.

Story: Rob Williams

Art: Eddy Barrows

Published: 8/19/15

"Martian Manhunter 3" is another great issue in a series that has actually been very good so far. “Martian Manhunter” has been a really unique series that's extremely different than any other that DC is putting out and it pulls it off just so well. The pacing has been amazing so far by not explaining everything yet and leaving readers in the dark on so many things about the plot while still keeping it extremely interesting. It’s a very weird series where we still don’t know what’s going on, but it does all this so well that it just adds to the intrigue. J'onn J'onnz is finally getting the series he's needed and deserved with its own incredibly unique style where nobody will be able to say he's a "Superman rip-off". Even those I've seen who weren't Martian Manhunter fans until now have admitted that this series is really good. 

My only concern is that with all the different elements being introduced the plot will get a bit bloated or the writers will try to make it too crazy, but so far neither of those things have happened. “Martian Manhunter 3″ is mostly about establishing Agent Wessel and Pearl as important characters and it does it extremely well. The art is is also incredible and J'onnz's different transformations are especially awesome. To Summarize: A very good issue that introduces some interesting characters and keeps me loving the series. Can't wait for the next issue.

Story: Scott Lobdell

Art: Denis Medri

Published: 8/12/15

While “Red Hood/Arsenal #3″ is an improvement on #'s 1 and 2 (which isn’t saying very much) it’s still just alright. There actually are a few funny parts and what seems to be the main plot and the main villain are finally introduced here. It also cuts down some on the narration that plague Scott Lobdell comics. There still are some and they’re still clunky but it’s not nearly as bad as others. Unfortunately though, it is still a Scott Lobdell comic which means there are quite a few attempts at humor that aren’t funny, clunky dialogue in some places, and a lot of parts that just make no sense whatsoever. The aforementioned main plot and villain are actually somewhat interesting in theory but just feel dumb in the actual panels. The only real appeal to this series is the relationship between and antics of Jason and Roy and this is honestly the one issue in the series so far where the conversations between them and a few of the jokes are good enough to overcome all the other aspects which are lacking. The art is actually pretty good but nothing special.

To summarize: With a few genuinely funny moments, “Red Hood/Arsenal 3″ is an alright read if you enjoy the characters and is the best in the series so far but don’t expect much.

Robin: Son of Batman #3 “Year of Blood part 3″

Patrick Gleason - Writer/Artist

Published August 19th 2015 by DC Comics • 32 pages • 4$

Very nice issue.  The art was lovely and the story is really picking up.  I wasn’t too sure about Patrick Gleason as a writer, but I like how it’s turning out.

The first part of the story was rather rushed and I didn’t understand it but once it calmed down more it was much easier to follow.  I do like the character of NoBody II though.  She’s almost like the female version of Damian when he was fresh off the writing board but less lethal.

There is also a nice scene that forces them to work together and shows the team they could potentially be, which is where I hope this story is going.  We get a nice heart to heart and some backstory for NoBody.

Next we establish a cult that looks like the new version of Red Hood and the Outlaws’ The Untitled.  Not as excited for them but they’re certainly an important piece of the story.

And the ending... oh that ending was very nice!  Before this issue I didn’t feel like I needed the next issue right away.  Now?  I can’t wait for next month.

8/10

Story: Robert Venditti                      

Art: Ethan van Sciver                                                                   

Published: 8/5/15

After being disappointed by “Green Lantern 42”, 43 really bounces back and is extremely enjoyable. The “Renegade” arc overall has been quite interesting in theory so far but fell kind of flat with issues 41 and 42 both being a bit lacking. 43 however is actually a lot of fun so it’ll be interesting to see how Venditti does on future issues. 

43 itself is a very entertaining read that does a lot of things well including developing the new supporting characters (Virgo, Darlene, and Trapper) subtlety though surely. Of all the new characters, the computer A.I. for Hal’s ship, Darlene, has to be my favorite and her conversations with Hal are especially great in this issue with some genuinely hilarious moments. Hal’s conversation with Virgo is also superb and is actually kinda touching. All the new characters seem to have the potential to become great so hopefully their development will continue in future issues to fully flesh them out and keep them from fading into just plot conveniences. It also sets up the next issue well, moves at a nice pace, keeps every panel interesting and relevant, and has some great moments. While the fight at the end has a somewhat abrupt ending it’s not too disappointing and is done well. The small Black Hand section is also really good and you can practically feel his utter despair through the pages. I actually almost felt bad for him (but then I remembered Blackest Night and that feeling ended quickly). Even though the issue offers a small break from the main plot, its individual plot with the return of Relic is very good. While the art has been great for the entire series, this issue’s is exceptionally good. Van Sciver does a phenomenal job and the whole issue just looks fantastic. 

Examples: 

To summarize: A really good read that offers some nice character development, a fun plot, and beautiful art in an arc that may finally be hitting its stride.

Starfire #3  “By Land and By Sea”

Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti - Writers

Emanuela Lupacchino - Artist

Published August 16th 2015 by DC Comics • 32 pages • 3$

Mild spoilers!

I was pleasantly surprised at this issue since I had hated the first one so much.  I actually wouldn’t have continued the series if I hadn’t needed to purchase over a certain amount of money at the comic store today.

I’ve liked the art for this series since I first saw it. The colors and art style goes wonderfully together and are extremely breathtaking at times.

Now the actual story.  The issue starts off with some mysterious dude named Soren.  Should I know this guy?  Am I missing something from the last comic?  I don’t know!  Anyways he’s certainly something to think about and looks to be a future foe.

Then we cut to... Starfire not understanding earths customs.  Because she’s an alien.  Get it?  It’s funny, because she doesn’t understand anything!  Yeah I don’t either, honestly it’s demeaning.  She goes inside with Sol, apparently she’s staying in a smaller house across from the place he’s living. (this probably happened in the last issue)  We establish that Sol has a deep dark secret then cut to people getting swallowed by the sand.  Of course no one notices because it’s totally normal in Florida for people to be swallowed by sand!

Starfire tries baking soda, which I’ll admit was genuinely funny and it’s taking a great deal to resist putting those panels here.

But I can’t resist these panels

I love that bit very much.

Then begins again the extreme “dumb blonde” stereotyping that makes Starfire an “independent, strong, female character”.  Oh!  Did I mention she doesn’t get any of this because she’s alien?  Classic aliens!

Honestly, some of these are almost as bad as the “three big ones” we got in the first issue.

Anyways, Sheriff Gomez is running to a crime scene because of plot!  Kori gives her a lift and is brought along on the investigation.  Because that was a great-OH LOOK BLOOD!  Time for her to go, byebye!  But we might call you back for unknown reasons.

Enter the totally non suspicious Grant, who somehow survived.  Not fishy at all!

Starfire goes to a bar and it bought multiple drinks from drooling men, women, and... a cat?

Anyways the bar tender is totally cool and guides Kori through earth dating customs.

Wow, she’s really calm for talking to an alien. Then unexpectedly, enter sand muncher!  Actually he’s a Chida, thanks strangely knowledgeable bar tending girl...  who can also fly!  Turns out her name is Atlee, she’s somehow responsible for this monster and she would like Kori’s help.

Overall I liked this issue in all but Starfire’s personality.  The supporting cast was decent and I’m planning on grabbing next months issue to find out about Atlee.

Rating:  5/10

Story: Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV Art: Ming Doyle, Vanessa Del Ray Published: 8/12/2015

"Constantine: The Hellblazer" tells a dark story about a man named John Constantine who wields the supernatural to fight demons, spirits, and other otherworldly beings. John himself is not really a good person, and makes a lot of bad decisions which is one of his main personality traits. The ghosts of those killed by said bad decisions haunt him including the ghost of his best friend, Gary Lester, often referred to as Gaz. The plot of the current arc is that something is killing his ghosts and John needs to find out what it is and stop it before it kills any more of them. In this issue, John seeks help from Georgiana Snow, someone he knows from when he was younger and hates more than anything he's ever faced or encountered. While he goes back to his birthplace, London, to talk to her, flashbacks are shown of when he was younger and just starting out on his fight against the supernatural.

"Constantine: The Hellblazer: #3" is a very good, though not great, issue in a series that I've enjoyed a lot so far. While some of the issue feels unimportant and doesn't really advance the overall plot much, its a very good look into John's past and his relationship with Georgiana as well as others from his past who appear in the flashbacks. The flashbacks themselves are one of the best parts of the issue as they offer a great look into the backgrounds of when he was first beginning the path he's now on and some of the people who were there with him at the beginning. The introduction of Georgiana to the series is done well and she herself seems like someone who could become a great recurring character so it'll be interesting to see what the writers do with her from now on. The only thing I'm not really a fan of is the art that's been used throughout the entire series. The style did change from numbers 1 and 2 to 3 but not in any way that made it better for me. While it may just be a style that I don't appreciate since I know that a lot of the series' fans love it, I don't really care for it. Luckily, though, I've never cared about art too much and the plot is good enough that it overshadows the art.

To Summarize: A very good issue that offers a great look into John's relationships with others and introduces some new interesting characters into the story, including a possible recurring one with its only downsides being not advancing the actual plot very much and, for me at least, the art style.

Batgirl Annual #3  “The Gladius Objective”

Cameron Stewart & Brenden Fletcher - Writers

Bengal (pgs 1-18) David Lafuente (pgs 19-23) Ming Doyle (pgs 24-29) Mingjue Helen Chen (pgs 30-36) - Artists

Published July 29th 2015 by DC comics 48 pages, 5$

While I haven’t liked what I’ve seen, which is admittedly not a lot, of the Batgirl of Burnside I enjoyed this comic greatly.  The art was amazing, with the colors just popping off the page, and the plot was stunning.

Oh and this bit was intense

Only one thing really stood out to me as being off, the portrayal of Stephanie Brown.  From her personality to her speech it all seemed off.  Which would be more understandable if this was straight on the streets Spoiler, but she’s been out for a while now after the events of Batman Eternal.

But besides that, Batwoman was cool. though her bit didn’t contribute much to the story, and I found the Gotham Academy part to be adorable while staying intelligent and focused.

Also the return of the bat-a-rang Damian gave to Maps in Gotham Academy #7.  Always love a good reference.

So strong art, great plot, mostly good characters, and a few great bits of humor.

Overall:  6/10