Titans #23 – Review

By: Eddie Berganza (writer), Scott Clark and Adrian Syaf (pencillers), Dave Beatty and Vicente Cifuentes (inkers)

What’s Good: This is the first time I’ve seen Eddie Berganza in the writer’s chair. He’s been editing Blackest Night, Cry for Justice, Wednesday Comics, and others up to now, but I think he did a fine job as a writer. I don’t know if this is a new direction for him or if he’s just pinch-hitting while they find a replacement for the excellent J.T. Krul who has taken over as writer of Green Arrow. Berganza takes us through the perspectives of three characters (Dick Grayson (now Batman), Wally West (now the third Flash) and Donna Troy) as they reminisce about their early adventures in the 1960 and how Speedy (now maimed and fighting for his life under medical care) touched their lives. Berganza has skillfully made all the narrators unreliable, because although they remember the same events, their individual regrets and bitterness tinge the narrative. It’s very hard to write a character that is fooling themselves or not seeing the big picture and Berganza did a good job. There’s a lot more bitterness and regret in the Titans’ history than I knew about. But, all this would be nothing if Berganza couldn’t tie this to the present and the struggles of now. Berganza does this by showing Dick, Wally and Donna struggling in their new roles (especially Dick) as some of the heavy-hitters in the DCU. Lastly, I really like how Berganza made Speedy/Red Arrow both a sympathetic and unsympathetic by showing his errors and his core humanity as a father, with the added tension that he still doesn’t know his daughter is dead. All in all, Berganza has shown that he is every bit the character writer that Krul is.

Clark, Syaf, Beatty and Cifuentes did some fine work too on the art chores. They separated the past from the present with the shadows and tones of the inking. The scenes set in the past had almost no inking on the characters, even in the dark, which made the scenes effectively moody and even a bit ghostly, which underscored the unreliability of some of the narrators.

Blackest Night: Batman #3

By Peter J. Tomasi (writer), Adrian Syaf (artist), Nei Ruffino (colors), John J. Hill (letterer)

The Story: The Blackest Night in Gotham concludes, as the Flying Graysons are reunited, and it’s identity crisis all over again for the Drake family. As Dick and Tim are confronted by their deceased loved ones and forced to relive their tragic pasts, they must figure out how they can defeat these Black Lanterns. With the help of Deadman and DC’s favorite demon, Etrigan, the Wayne family continues to battle old familiar faces. 

What’s Good: Tomasi gives us a fast-paced, action-packed conclusion that delivers some pretty memorable entertainment. From Batman and Robin fighting off the Black Lanterns with their seemingly endless supply of firepower, to the emotional and haunting iconic moments these heroes have dealt with in the past, there’s just as much action to the moments we’ll always remember with these characters. Furthermore, along with all this excitement, Tomasi finds a way to fit in a logical and awesome team up with Etrigan.

As for the art, I would like to see Adrian Syaf become a regular artist for a Bat title. He provides the necessary cinematic action, through his paneling choice– carefully capturing and fitting the right moments in each frame, whether it be emotional or violent– and the detailed brutal blows our heroes deliver to their enemies. Just like Tomasi’s writing, Syaf’s art delivers in the entertainment and subtext departments. The images thrill and make us remember.

What’s Not So Good: Although Tomasi provides us an entertaining story, I can’t help but feel a little cheated with this series’ ending. It comes off as rushed and thoroughly thought through, as Batman’s discovery to effectively combat the Black Lanterns comes out of nowhere and accidentally. Or even, not exactly explained as to how he thought of that… Also I’m still disappointed that there was nothing in this mini series that spent any memorable amount of time on the possibility of the Wayne sons encountering Bruce. It was nice to see some of the Chris Yost Red Robin in one moment, but that was easily pushed aside as this series continued to turn its focus on Black Lanterns in Gotham. I suppose the Bat-fan in me is waiting a little too anxiously to see the real Batman come back.

Conclusion: Blackest Night: Batman concludes as a decent mini series that adequately accompanies the ongoing blockbuster. However, don’t expect much from this story as it’s no different from the basic Blackest Night side story; where a hero encounters a Black Lantern version of a loved one, and their minds and emotions are challenged and seduced into believing in them.

Grade: C-

-Ray Hilario

Captain Britain & MI:13 #14 – Review

By Paul Cornell (Writer), Leonard Kirk w/Adrian Syaf (Pencils), Jay Leisten w/Craig Yeung (Inks), Brian Reber (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: With only two issues of Captain Britain left, I hope Cornell and his team really make them count… The under-appreciated series deserves to go out with a bang.

The Story: Unfortunately, I really can’t go into much detail about the issue without wading into heavy spoiler territory.

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: Since I really can’t say a whole lot about Captain Britain and MI:13 #14 without ruining things, I will keep things short. Paul Cornell overcomes what is initially a disappointing opening with some great character work, awesome dry humor, and clever use of a past arc to bring make the latest chapter of “Vampire State” a very good read. As for the art, it’s absolutely solid all around as Leonard Kirk and his team do a fine job of delivering action that could easily come across as muddled or confusing.  While some of the artwork looks a bit rushed, there’s enough good stuff to make up for it.

Conclusion: You can rest assure that the creative team behind Captain Britain is in no way half-assing the final issues of a tragically canceled series.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny