Detective Comics #27 – Review

by John Layman, Scott Snyder, Paul Dini, Brad Meltzer, Gregg Hurwitz, Peter J. Tomasi, Jason Fabok, Neal Adams, Dustin Nguyen, Guillem March, Bryan Hitch, and Sean Murphy

The Bat-Man, a mysterious and adventurous figure, fighting for righteousness and apprehending the wrong doer, in his lone battle against the evil forces of society…

Giant anniversary issues like this are always interesting to dissect. What’s the best use of all those pages? Will it connect to current storylines, or should it serve as a celebration of the character’s history? This behemoth issue tries to have its cake and eat it too, but that’s only a problem if it fails. So the question is: did it?

Let’s start at the very beginning, as I hear that that’s a very good place to start. The issue opens with a story from Brad Meltzer and Brian Hitch that goes by the highly appropriate title, “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate.” This iteration of “Chemical Syndicate” is a clever retelling of the 1939 original. Though it has been updated, it is a remarkably faithful adaptation. The major difference is the addition of Batman’s later character traits and a running commentary from the Dark Knight, himself, which would not have been possible in the original story without spoiling the surprise ending.

Though Meltzer displays an impressively economic writing style, cramming a lot into a short fifteen pages without overcluttering his story, the real meat of this story is in the narration. Basic Batman caption boxes do a fine job of showing up a mysterious and yet inexperienced version of the Caped Crusader. Meanwhile, a series of journal entries posit a number of answers to the question “why does Batman do it?” The answers are a master class in Batman, neither overglorifying the vigilante, nor digging too deep into his neuroses to appear heroic. Particularly over the last few days, I’ve been growing tired of a Batman too damaged to inspire us to anything healthy. Perhaps I’m biased by my recent musings, but I think this story navigated these dangerous waters very well.

Creepy #10 – Review

By: Doug Moench, Dan Braun, Peter Bagge, Matt Weinhold, Jim & Ruth Keegan, Bob Jenney & John Arcudi (writers), Kelley Jones, Bagge, Darick Robertson, Richard P. Clark, the Keegans, Jenney and Richard Corban (art), Nate Piekos, Bagge & Keegans (letters)

The Story: Creepy goes all Lovecraftian

Review: There is a segment of the comic readership that goes ga-ga over Lovecraft.  Personally, I’ve never really gotten it; I’ve read some Lovecraft recently and just thought it was “okay”–not “bad”, not “great”–just “okay and I never need to read more of that.”  The other thing I’ve observed about Lovecraft as an outsider is that his fans have the most hardcore fringe that I can think of online.  Seriously, these people put comic fans who fight about old versions of the Captain America uniform to shame.  They put Republicans and Democrats fighting about gay marriage to shame.  They put sports fans to shame.  So, I will candidly say that when I open Creepy #10 and see that it is an all-Lovecraft issue, my brain says, “SHIELDS UP!  ARM PHOTON TORPEDOES AND READY THE PHASER BANKS!”

Creepy #8 – Review

By: Jeff Parker, Doug Moench, Rick Geary, Dan Braun & Bruce Jones (writers), Colleen Coover, Kelley Jones, Geary, Kyle Baker, Bernie Wrightson (artists) and Coover, Geary & Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: Another horror anthology guided by Uncle Creepy.

Review: I had mixed feelings on this issue. One one hand, we got a pretty nifty little story from Jeff Parker and Colleen Coover.  Seriously…I don’t think I ever would have imagined that Coover’s breezy and light-hearted style would find its way into the pages of Creepy. But there it is…  And it works so well.  It just goes to show that we shouldn’t assume limitations for creators just because we haven’t seem them do “it” before.  We also got some mighty fine artwork by Kelley Jones and that’s always good.  Jones is an artist who really understands what Creepy is all about and ups his already gothic style to a whole new level.

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #12 – Review

By Steve Niles (Writer), Kelley Jones (Artist), and Michelle Madsen (Colorist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: The crazy artwork by Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen is what got me to check out Gotham After Midnight. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the same thing that has kept me reading the series. While the story by Steve Niles isn’t really bad or anything, it’s not exactly memorable or all that exciting. I’m glad to see the story come to an end…I’m not so glad to see that I won’t be getting a dose of Kelley Jones’ work for a while.

The Story: With Midnight seemingly caught in the blaze that destroyed the old Gotham Windmill, Batman must look to the past to solve the mystery of Midnight. So just who is Batman’s latest foe? The answer to that question may surprise you…

What’s Good: As with the rest of Gotham After Midnight, the highlight of issue twelve is the artwork. Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen once again make After Midnight a trippy, surreal reading experience in every way. As for the story, the fairly surprising twist doesn’t make up for the fact that the plodding twelve issue plot could have easily been told within eight issues, but at least it caps things off in a fairly interesting manner. Also worth mentioning is that the twist does allow Kelley Jones to show off more of Batman’s crazy computer, which, in my opinion, is a very good thing.

What’s Not So Good: An interesting twist does little to change the fact that Midnight, as a character, isn’t all that interesting or compelling. And since the entire story pretty much hinged on how well Midnight works, it leaves the conclusion of Gotham After Midnight feeling rather weak overall. Another negative about the book is that Batman’s inner monologues tend to feel both forced and somewhat overdramatic. It makes the reading experience worth a roll of the eyes or two.

Conclusion: For both good and bad, Batman: Gotham After Midnight #12 is…well…a lot more of the same. The art rocks and the storytelling is mediocre…just like in the other eleven issues.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #11 – Review

By Steve Niles (Writer), Kelly Jones (Art), and Michelle Madsen (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’ve been enjoying the Gotham After Midnight series almost entirely because of the ridiculously unique artwork provided by Kelly Jones and Michelle Madsen. While the story isn’t necessarily bad or anything, it’s definitely overshadowed by the art. It helps make even the most basic or generic elements of the story into something incredibly fun to look at. That said, the length of the series is definitely starting to wear on me.

The Story: The penultimate chapter of Gotham After Midnight features Batman facing off against some of his greatest foes as he tries to bring down Midnight. The catch is that all the foes are being controlled by Midnight. But worry not, Batman has a plan…

What’s Good: The latest issue of Gotham After Midnight is very much like the others. If you have been enjoying the series so far, then I see no reason why you’d feel any different about #11. As usual, the crazy visuals and striking (slightly trippy) colors take center stage while the story sets up situations for the art team to go wild. Sure the Midnight story is pretty mindless and downright hokey at times, but it’s pretty hard to care when everything is so much fun to look at. I mean c’mon, how can you not dig a Batman branded Man-Bat catcher?!

What’s Not So Good: Simply put, Gotham After Midnight isn’t a series for everyone. The visuals, the “Adam West” (to steal a term from a colleague) style gadgets, and the generic, predictable storyline will inevitably (and understandably) turn people off. Considering that (thankfully) there is only one issue left, I’m sure you know by now if Midnight is right for you.

Conclusion: What more can I say other than that Gotham After Midnight #11 maintains the status quo. The story remains below average, the visuals remain the highlight, and the series as a whole still feels like it has gone on for too long.

Grade:  C

-Kyle Posluszny

Batman Gotham After Midnight #8 – Review

By Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (art and cover), Michelle Madsen (colors)

The Story: Batman/Bruce Wayne continues his relationship woes with Detective Clarkson. While love is a welcome change in Bruce’s life, it’s distracting him from the job at hand. Midnight continues his reign of terror as he picks off the police officers working his case one by one. Batman’s focus takes a major hit when things get personal —  Midnight sets his sights on Detective Clarkson.

What’s Good: As up and down as this series has been, when it’s up, it’s great. I still think the arc is going to be twice as long as it should be, but that’s something only noticeable on the bad weeks. Very few writers can give Batman lots of dialogue and have it come off sounding great and intimidating. Steve Niles’ version of Batman isn’t one who can, so in this issue Batman is at his best. He doesn’t say much but when he does (especially around Clarkson) it counts.

You think by now I’d be tired of writing “Kelly Jones is awesome.” You’re wrong. When it stops being true, I’ll get tired of it. I promise. I love how quickly the Joker’s face changes in each panel. It’s like moment to moment plastic surgery. Each panel shows a new emotion on almost a new face as if The Joker is feeling each emotion for the first time. It may be the first time on whatever sedative he’s on, but it’s awesome. I think my favorite is his look as Batman’s gag gadget is applied. It’s this odd combination of surprise and joy that Batman’s outdone himself and a slight “tip of the hat” to his adversary.

What’s Not So Good: Whether The Joker is lying or not remains to be seen. But Midnight apparently duping him doesn’t sit right with me. Then again, him working with Midnight in the first place didn’t either. I’m sure that’s mostly my inner Joker fan talking, but it’s still bothersome. Batman’s relationship with Detective Clarkson feels a little forced. No more than two issues ago, she was hitting him, and cursing his name for insinuating that her partner was Midnight. Now they’re all under the mistletoe? It’s not that their chemistry is bad it just feels like the middle chunk where she went from hate to love wasn’t ever shown.

Midnight remains the book’s weakest link. Frankly, he’s too much like The Joker without any of the cool. His sing-songy dialogue is just grating and cliche — not taunting, puzzling, creepy, or crazy.

Conclusion: Since the series has been hit or miss as of late, it’s hard to get too excited about this being a good issue. That inconsistency makes it most frustrating for fans because there’s so much potential that isn’t being capitalized on consistently. Still, Kelly Jones remains a hero and the art of this book should be admired by all.

Grade: C+

-Ben Berger

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #7 (of 12) – Review

By Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (art and cover), Michelle Madsen (colors)

The Story: Bruce Wayne wrestles with his feelings for Detective Clarkson, while Batman tries to find her missing partner. Detective Lucas’ disappearance at the hands of Killer Croc clears him of being Midnight, but the harder Batman looks for Lucas’ body the further he gets from the truth about Midnight.

What’s Good: Taking a break from Midnight is good. It’s not that he isn’t interesting, he’s just too much at once. His plan is so intricate, it’s cumbersome. Through seven of twelve issues I still don’t know what he wants aside from giving Batman the runaround. So moving away from him gives us a nice breather. Still, I can’t say enough about Kelley Jones’ art. Cover to cover, the tone of Niles’ writing is captured perfectly. The liquid-looking skull on the ground of a crime scene, and Croc’s character designs stick out in particular. Michelle Madsen proves once again why she was the prefect choice to color this book. The aforementioned crime scene is a good example of that. The white background shows how bleak the case looks, and the skull design indicates death. These simple, but unique choices help Madsen keep pace with Jones’ pencils and help give the book’s visuals an added flair.

What’s Not So Good: The idea that the book needed to step away from Midnight in the first place. Why introduce a villain to Batman’s Rogue’s Gallery and then avoid any clear explanation of intent. The book is about him, but it’s only really good when he’s not around. This is never a good sign. There also seems to be something a little off with the character work here. Batman’s dialogue continues to bug me in this issue. I understand he’s the world’s greatest fighter, and his movements are instinctual, so he can actually think while fighting. But that’s the sort of thing that only makes sense when he’s fighting a common thug. Fighting someone like Croc, who is a much more formidable foe is more of a challenge that should require more attention.

Conclusion: People who love unique, detailed artwork should definitely stick to reading this series. If you’re just in it for the story, it might be a little tougher to keep following. Niles’ depiction of Batman is spotty at best, with his writing showing the characters duality to an annoying degree. Too much genius one week, too much fighter the next, this is a balance he’s yet to find throughout the series’ run. It’s not a good sign when a comic is most enjoyable without it’s two main characters. Still, the artwork is amazing and in my opinion worth the price of the book.

Grade C+

-Ben Berger

Batman Gotham After Midnight #6 (of 12) – Review

By Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (art and cover), Michelle Madsen (colors), Pat Brosseau (letters)

The Story: Bruce Wayne tries to make nice with Detective Clarkson, while Batman’s frustration grows as he can’t seem to find a method to Midnight’s madness. To make things worse, the Joker returns and further complicates things as he holds a busload of children hostage at a haunted house somewhere in Gotham. It’s another Halloween in Gotham and this one might be the worst yet!

What’s Good? In another issue where it seems like Steve Niles took a lunch break, Kelly Jones comes through as a hero once again. These are truly some of the creepiest Joker pencils I’ve ever seen. It’s as if his insanity has literally deformed him. Michelle Madsen’s colors are a real treat to see as well, such as her use of red lines on Batman’s cowl, where the color paints the character enraged.

What’s Not So Good? The pacing of the series as a whole has proven to be a consistent weakness. Some issues are all action, some all story, and others feel unconnected. This issue falls into the third category. The introduction of the Joker is fine, but he’s out of the action pretty quickly, making this issue feel like a throwaway. There’s no movement on the Midnight story-line aside from learning he’s frustrating Batman (shocker). It’s frustrating to have such potential in such a moment to moment book. Things started off so well, but inconsistency is killing the story.

Conclusion: Every comic will have it’s problems, but each issue in this series seems to have a new one. Whether it’s too much action or story, it’s pretty clear that twelve issues is way too many for this arc. I’d be much more lenient if it was an ongoing series, or even a bunch of one-shots but I shouldn’t be reading a different take on Batman each month within the same title. The big picture Niles portrays is good, but all the remaining filler is becoming more and more cumbersome.

Grade: C

-Ben Berger

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #5 – Review

By Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (art and cover), Michelle Madsen (colors), Pat Brosseau (letters)

Things take a sinister turn in Gotham and the inevitable clash between Batman and Midnight looms ever closer. Man-Bat and a Midnight imposter crash Bruce’s party and the body count rises. After an issue or two where the quality suffered with Clayface, Niles returns to form with a real page-turner that refuses to let up. It looks like we’re about to see a huge turn in the story with the reintroduction of a familiar face who I’ve wanted to see for a long time.

Niles and Batman are back and the long-winded responses are gone, replaced with the dark brooding dialogue we all know and love. This issue does an excellent job of starting the transition to move things away from Midnight. Long term, it’s probably his arc, but the introduction of The Joker guarantees a bit of focus on him and his plan to play Midnight and Batman off each other. In addition to Niles’ focus on Batman’s rogues, he also does a good job illustrating the Batman “without the mask.” In this issue, Bruce Wayne ditches the drunken playboy act and risks his identity to save Henderson. We’ve seen this before, where Wayne often disappears and comes back in cape and cowl, but in this story, we are reminded that there is no Bruce Wayne, it’s all Batman with and without the mask.

Kelley Jones has an excellent visual fake-out in the final panels of the issue. Since we saw the fake Midnight at the party earlier, we’re expecting to see him at the end. “Mr Blagueur” has the same creepy shadowed face and eyes, we’ve been shown panel by panel of Midnight. To my surprise (and relief) it’s our friend the clown prince of crime. The final frame of his face is my favorite in the book. The horror tone to his face really suits the character. He’s drawn and written as disturbingly as his actions, haunting the readers.

Steve Niles, has answered my wishes, and the Joker appears to be the focus of the next few issues. Expectations are high for me, and I think he can pull it off. I’ve been interested in his take on the character since he was seen in Arkham, and now I’ll get my wish. Best of all, some of the focus will be taken from the villain I’m assuming everyone isn’t interested in. Niles’ Batman is definitely worth checking, and it’s not too far in. (Grade: B+)

– Ben Berger

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #4 – Review

By Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (art), Michelle Madsen (colors)

Since its debut, this has been one of my favorites titles by DC. What makes it so much fun for me is that it’s a brilliant and different take on the Dark Knight. Unfortunately, I’m troubled by how issue #4 reads. I’m not sure what happened, but I hope it’s a story hiccup and not a new direction.

Something is really off with Steve Niles’ dialogue this issue. For starters, Batman talks too much. I don’t mean too many lines, I mean each line is too long. It’s like a long winded Oscar speech, but nobody gave him the signal to “wrap it up”. I’m also turning on Midnight. The more he talks, the less I like him. I was unclear about his plan when he was a puppet-master and now that he’s become a heart stealing psycho I’m more lost. This isn’t to say it’s all bad, it isn’t. Batman’s scene in the cemetery with Gordon is executed really well; Niles depicts them as both peers and partners. The duo seek council from one another and Gordon isn’t just locking up Batman’s captives.

Kelley Jones’ artistic excellency is, thankfully, never ending. I’m not sure how his style would feel on another title, but here he truly shines. My favorite panel shows Mightnight’s silhouette on a brick wall after he’s killed Van Ark. The heart in the foreground and the details of the bricks within the lines of the silhouette is really great. What’s tough to follow, however, is how Midnight is drawn from panel to panel. Maybe it’s conveying something about the character or maybe it’s a stylistic choice – either way, he looks different shot to shot – sometimes very detailed, sometimes not. On a side note he’s starting to look like a horror version of Slash (from Guns N Roses fame) with the top-hat and stringy hair.

Part of why I like this series was how different it is. It’s possible that Steve Niles is trying to say or do too much with this issue. Either way, the writing feels off. I’m all for Midnight’s agenda – it seems like he has a good plan – I just wish we could get a better sense of what it is. Even though I’m left wondering what happened, Gotham After Midnight is still some of the best Batman reading out today. (Grade: C)

-Ben Berger

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #3 – Review

By Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (art and cover), Michelle Madsen (colors), Pat Brosseau (letters)

Steve Niles and Kelley Jones are truly a gifted creative team. Not only are they putting out a very engaging story, but they also compliment each other very well. I was skeptical of a Batman horror comic, but each month they shut me up, and I couldn’t be happier.

For me the writing takes a slight step back this week. I enoyed the book as a whole, but there are a few lines and character choices referring to Clayface that bug me. It’s not a particular attachment to the character, but more of a belief. One of the things that I like so much about Batman’s villains is how different they are. He has a handful of dumb villains and I’ve never thought of Clayface as one. I’ve also never seen Clayface as an environmentalist. With all of his “return to the Earth” lines he sounds like a brown, ugly Poison Ivy. It just didn’t work for me. That said, my favorite lines come from The Joker. He has no more than three, but Niles makes them count. I don’t know if he plans to use The Joker after this issue, but I’m dying to see his take on the character.

Jones continues to impress me each issue. His pencils of Clayface make me smile, which is an odd thing to say. I think it’s because each panel shows movement, he’s constantly dripping and remolding. It reminds me of Pizza The Hutt from Spaceballs (that’s where the smile comes from). My favorite panel show’s Gordon smoking his pipe. He’s just informed Clarkson that Batman is long gone, and the smoke is literally the shape of Batman in the wind. Great stuff.

If you’ve ever wanted to see a Batman horror movie, this is as close as you’ll get outside of a vampire or alien cross over. We should all be so lucky to have a creative team so in synch. We’re nine issues away from the conclusion, and while it’s too early to tell how things will end I’m excited to find out. All I need is a few Joker issues and I’ll be set. (Grade: A-)

– Ben Berger

Batman: Gotham After Midnight #2 (of 12) – Review

Steve Niles (writer), Kelley Jones (pencils), Michelle Madsen (colors), Pat Brosseau (letter)

Simply put: This book rules. Steve Niles’ take on Batman and his world is unique, and it really plays up on Batman’s boogeyman persona. In the comic, Batman investigates a series of occult-related crimes going on in Gotham. Scarecrow was in issue one, Manbat in issue two, and Clayface is set for issue three. Niles seems to be working with the horror section of Batman’s Rogues Gallery.

The writing highlight for me is definitely the fact that Niles gets Batman back to his roots.  Unlike a lot of the recent DC appearances, Batman isn’t smiling or joking – he’s the dark character we’re all used to. Niles’ use of Batman’s narrative is fantastic as he could easily be talking to the audience or giving a seminar to heroes in training. It’s both bleak and informative. Every action he takes, is explained in a very simplistic way, it’s a “how-to” of kick ass and fear.

As great as Nile’s writing is in the book, Kelley Jones’ artwork is that much better. It’s incredibly rare to have an artist nail the tone of a book so hard. I’m usually a big fan of realistic looking artwork, but Jones is making me a believer for sure. Batman is drawn more like a monster than man, with his cape almost appearing to be alive in certain panels.

Chapter three is my favorite. When the light comes in through the blinds while Batman visits Detective Clarkson, he’s drawn with black and white stripes. It accomplishes a number of things. First, it makes Batman look huge and elemental. Second, it’s a good visual tool to show both Batman’s view of right and wrong and his relationship with the law.

Jones and Niles as a duo compliment each other better than most I’ve seen in a long while. I’m interested in seeing where this is all goes, as it has loads of potential. The run being 12 issues makes me a little nervous that it may start to drag, but if they can keep the pace of book two we’re in for a wild ride. Their dark and creepy take on The Dark Knight will definitely be a fun read. (Grade: B+)

-Ben Berger