100 Days of Batman, Day 36

Fear of Faith Part One: Fanning the Flames is the second arc to Batman: No Man's Land written by Devin K. Greyson and art by Dale Eaglesham. Scarecrow has joined a group of survivors led by a minister who is simply trying to bring the people of Gotham together in order to help each other survive. Huntress finds out that Scarecrow has joined them and immediately attempts to capture him, but is thwarted by the group of survivors who claim he has changed. Will Huntress be able to convince these survivors that Scarecrow can not be trusted or will they continue to ignore her warning?

I am not sure if I am simply tired from a long day of work or just lack the motivation but I can not figure out exactly how I feel about Fear of Faith Part One: Fanning the Flames. I think the book was good but I do not know why. It may be simply because it features Huntress, a character I have always found intriguing, and the villain is Scarecrow, who I believe has some of the greatest potential to be one of Batman's best villains. I just can not put my finger on what made this a good read. Despite not knowing what made me enjoy this book I still have to say it is WORTH YOUR TIME. I am certainly excited to read the next three issues and learn more about Huntress.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 35

It is the finale of No Law and A New Order, the first part of the Batman: No Man's Land story arc. In Part 4: Language Batman has returned to a now very different Gotham than the one he left. The city is essentially dead having been cut off from the rest of the world. It has dissolved into a almost feudal state, with different factions claiming different portions of the city for themselves. Now Batman must learn the new "language" of the city if he is going to impose any law, order, or justice.

Batman: No Man's Land, No Law and A New Order Part 4: Language almost a "year one" for the caped crusader in way. Forced to learn the ways in which the city now functions, he decides to take over a district that is ruled by the Ventriloquist. Now it is not entirely a new thing for him as he knows how to be Batman all ready but simply needs to change his methods some. It is done well and is believable. I have come to the conclusion that both writer Bob Gale and artist Alex Maleev understand Batman very well. It is not the best Batman book or my favorite, yet it is extremely good and well WORTH YOUR TIME.  I am excited to move on to the next part of the series entitled Fear of Faith but I am a little worried that the quality may suffer as the writer and artist are both different. In my experience having to many authors can harm a great story. I hope it does not turn out that way.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 34

In part 3 of No Law and A New Order, Commissioner Gordon and the G.C.P.D have successfully managed to start a war between two controlling gangs. This of course weakened them enough so that the G.C.P.D. were able to take back a portion of the city the gangs controlled with very little resistance. How far is Gordon willing to go in order to keep control of a city the world has all but given up on? It honestly appears that he may just go too far in order to keep the peace.

Bob Gale's writing continues to impress me. He knows how to move a story forward while not forcing the plot to move too fast. He manages to cover just enough ground to keep the reader interested. Gotham is a grim place to be, post apocalyptic Gotham is even worse. Despite the absolute desolation and horrible day to day life the remaining populace has been forced to endure a light in the darkness has returned. Batman has returned to his city and has every intention of taking it back. No Mans Land, No Law and A New Order Part 3: Tactics is, like the issues before it, WORTH YOUR TIME. 

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 33

Batman: No Mans Land, No Law A New Order Part 2: Strategy by Bob Gale and art by Alax Maleev picks up exactly where part one ended. While Commissioner Gordon and the G.C.P.D make plans to start a gang war between two rival gangs a female figure dressed as a bat arrives to stop the criminals of Gotham. Who is this woman claiming to be the Batman?

I'm lost at what to say in regards to tonight's issue. It has nothing to do with the comics quality but rather a bit of a writing funk I have fallen into. That being said No Law A New Order Part 2: Strategy  is most definitely worth your time. The huge amount of potential this story is at its strongest. I like the direction it is going and reminds me in a lot of ways of the video game Batman: Arkham City. My favorite moments of the issue were the three interludes about a punk with an empty gun trying to service in a dying city.

I have to admit that for some reason it has been a struggle writing today. Even this short post has been difficult. My thoughts feel jumbled and nothing seems to be translating from my brain to paper. Do all writers have moments like this? They must, I can't be the only one. Hopefully tomorrow it will be easier.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 32

The story arc I chose to read next is Barman: No Mans Land. It is a five volume series that was suggested to me by my friend Chuck. The story begins with No Law and A New Order part 1: Values by Bob Gale and Art by Alex Maleev. The City of Gotham has suffered a major earthquake that has turned the city into virtually rubble. The U.S. Government as a result decided to close off the city given the residence a finite amount of time to evacuate before the city is closed off for good trapping hundreds if not thousands in a wasteland controlled by the villains of Gotham.

I must say I am super intrigued with the direction this story is heading. I enjoy post apocalyptic type stories and having Batman in that type of setting is exciting. While the first issue is simply setting up for future issues it does a great job building the world for the coming issues. I look forward to reading No Law And A New Order Part Two. This first issue doesn't have any appearance from our favorite caped vigilante, who apparently has been absent since the quake, so now I'm very interested to find out where he has been and why he's been gone. This first issue is definitely WORTH YOUR TIME. Thanks Chuck for the suggestion and lending me your copy.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 31

Today is another one shot story entitled Original Sin When is a Door by Neil Gaimen. A story that was originally in Secret Origins Vol. 2. The story centers around a news crew that is going around Gothem interviewing any of Batman's villains that are willing to talk with them. It for the most part entirely focuses on the Riddler with a cameo by both Batman and the Joker.


In short it's not very good. The idea of the book was obviously to give a inside look into the villains of Gothem, in this case the Riddler, but ultimately just ends up being a mediocre story with no real purpose. Batman shows up at the beginning of the book warning the news reporter to not pursue the story but is ultimately ignored. As for the Riddler he is simply the focus and is given lots of meaningless dialogue that really does nothing for the overall plot. In the end the reporter is killed by the Joker while airing the final segment of the show. In short nothing happens and the end was predictable. Honestly I'm not sure if the book is compelling or not worth your time, but considering I'm debating between those two options I'm going to say don't bother with this one it's NOT WORTH YOUR TIME.

I'm glad to be done with this tact on stories from the Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader collection. They have been mediocre at best and in the end you should just skip them. I'm not sure what I'm going to read for tomorrow yet so any suggestions or ideas would be great. Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 30.

Today I read two short Batman comics. The first was Batman: A Black and White World by Neil Gaiman and art by Simon Bisley. It is only 11 pages and is about the people who play Batman and the Joker in a comic or movie or show, I'm not really sure. The second title is Pavane also by Neil Gaimen. Clocking in at 14 pages it explores both the back story and weather or not Poison Ivy would make a valid member of the Suicide Squad.

A Black and White World is A WASTE OF TIME, do not bother with this story. The only reason I read it was because it was bundled together with Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader. If you do pick up the collection skip this story and move onto Pavane. Pavane is WORTH YOUR TIME. It is a fun little look into the crazy mind of Poison Ivy and what makes her tick. if you decide to forgo reading it your not missing anything amazing but it certainly is worth your time if you do.

Time for an update on how I feel after 31 days of blogging. Overall I feel accomplished. When I started writing this blog I thought at best it would be a place I could practice my writing that may one or two people may occasionally read out of pity and feeling like they should because I am a friend or relative. However I have had far more views in 31 days than I thought I would get in a year. I think this is a good thing.

Occasionally I do still feel as if I am talking to myself. Which can be a bit depressing. Mostly I feel this way because a part of me wanted this blog to explode and be some kind of new craze that people could not live without. A high expectation or wish I know but it does force its way into my thoughts every now and then. In reality however I know it will never be that and I am ok with that, Comics are great but only a small percentage of the world actually read them.

I love writing this blog. It gives me a reason to practice a skill I always enjoyed but never truly loved, and now I love it. I can't imagine a day where I do not write something. I enjoy it so much I am toying with the idea of starting a second blog. It has also increased my love for comics. I always have loved them but never gave them the attention and meditation on the story and art they deserve. When you write about something it forces you to really think about it.

Thanks to all of you that have been following along with me. I really appreciate it. Also please give me any feed back you have. I want to continue to improve and I love to have opinions and ideas to help me along the way. Sorry for the extra long post (even though the Batman part of it was super short). Just wanted to let everyone in on what this blog is doing for me.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 29

The second half of Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader takes place in Detective Comics #853. Batman greatest foes and friends are all at his funeral talking about their final moments with the Dark Knigh. Something however is not right, Batman is watching all this happen in front of him but things are not happening they way he remembers. Is he truly dead or is there something more sinister at work?

I have to say this book caused me to feel sad. I realized what was happening about a third of the way through and it made so much sense but I got sad. This was Batman's life or I should say lives flashing before his eyes. Batman truly does die in this book, and as he lay dying he is shown the many different lives he has lived weather it was the same soul or simple multiple parallel worlds I am not exactly sure. I think this half of the story could stand alone and is certainly A MUST READ. The story is essentially about that in the end Batman's story ends with his death, no matter how significant a death it may be. It is a fact that I think all fans of Batman know but don't necessarily think about it, and why would we? Batman always manages to service.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 28

After finishing up with Batman: Made of Wood, I decided I wanted to give Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader by Neil Gaiman and art by Andy Kubert a try. Batman is dead, and all his "friends" and enemies are at his funeral. They each take turns telling a story about their time with the Dark Knight and how he was ultimately killed. Strangely enough  they all have very different stories about his demise. So he who is telling the truth and who is lying?

Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader is a two part story that begins with Batman #686 and ends in Detective Comics #853. The first half of the tale sets up a strange funeral and features borh Selena  Kyle, aka Catwom, and Alfred. They both tell different tales featuring the demise of the Dark Knight with both being equally strange. Alfred's tale is far more interesting and I could see it having an entire mini-series using its theme. I am very intrigued to see which characters tell their tales about Batman in part two. The book is not a must read but it is definitely entertaining if not a little strange. It is definitely however WORTH YOUR TIME. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to read it but you will likely enjoy it if you do.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 27

Tonight's issue of Detective Comics #786 is the conclusion of Ed Brubaker's Made of Wood story arc. Former commissioner Gordon has gone missing while questioning a suspect of the "made of wood" crimes. His daughter, Barbara, fearing for his safety contacts Batman who must double his efforts if he is going to save Gordon before he becomes the next victim.

Detective Comics #786 is a great ending to a great fun story. Brubaker does a good job giving the illusion of urgency with the disappearance of Gordon even though as a Batman fan I knew Gordon was never truly in any danger of being killed. The book is most definitely at it strongest when it shows the difference in the two heroes. Batman is at his strongest in his detective work yet Green Lantern shines with his faith that even deranged killers still have good left in them. I have to say this is A MUST READ book. Now I need to go figure out what story I'm going to read tomorrow.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 26

Wow, has it really been 26 days all ready? Time seriously flies by and I can not believe I have managed to make it to day 26 without missing a post. I have always enjoyed writing but with writing this blog I have found a new appreciation for it. At first it simply felt like a chore but now I can't imagine not writing some every day. I don't write huge posts and sometimes I wonder if my blog suffers for it or that I am just not proficient enough at writing to write long posts on a comic that is usually no more than 30 pages long. Yet I enjoy it. Maybe these posts are perfectly fine only being a few short paragraphs, perhaps they are not. Only time will tell how my writing style will grow and I will learn how to make my writing more interesting and enjoyable for the reader. Anyways enough about that lets get into tonight's Batman comic.

Detective Comics #785 is part two of the Made of Wood story written by Ed Brubaker. Batman is on the trail of the only lead he has on the "made of wood" killing. Will he find the killer before he kills again? Meanwhile retired police commissioner James Gordon has started an investigation into the murders as well, using his connections with the D.A.  he manages to narrow the 1940s killings down to three possible suspects.

This is another great issue, certainly A MUST READ. Batman is a great character, a character that I love to read about but what I think makes the best Bat-stories great is when they are creepy but, also when they spend just as much time on a character other than the caped crusader. I like batman being that mysterious figure that always seems to save the day but if you blink you miss him. Brubaker I think has perfectly blended the creepy to Batman to side character ratio. The Gordon portion of this book stood out for me. It shows that he is just as a capable detective as batman as he is currently ahead of him on this case. It is also great to see Batman interact with a guest hero, you never really know how he is going to react. I got the feeling that Batman truly respects Alan Scott, a emotion I do not often see Batman showing another hero. This is a great book with a lot of depth and I really think you should give it try. I'm confident you will not be disappointed.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 25

Tonight I read the first of a three issue story entitled Made of Wood by Ed Brubaker with art by Patrick Zircher. The story begins in Detective Comics #784. A retired Commissioner Gordon went out on an early morning walk and discovers a body. He finds the body at the base of Green Lantern's , aka Alan Scott, statue with the words "made of wood" carved into its chest. Now Batman with the help of Green Lantern must hunt down a killer that apparently dates back to the 1940s.

Brubaker is awesome. This is only the second book I have read by him and I can confidently say that he knows Batman just as well as Scott Snyder. He has crafted a very interesting story in Detective Comics #748 having Batman team up with another  iconic hero, Green Lantern. I'm very excited to read the next two issues and watch the interaction between Alan Scott and Batman. It's a team up I've never seen before. The myster of the "made of wood" killer also has me super intrigued as to how it links to Alan Scott and the crimes from the 1940s.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 24

For tonight's adventure into the world of Batman I have picked up the collected edition of Batman: The Man Who Laughs by Ed Brubaker. The Man Who Laughs story is a one shot but the collected edition also includes Detective Comics #784-786. Batman is perhaps into his second year fighting crime when a mad man dressed like a clown appears on tv predicting the death of some of Gothams rich and famous. This will mark the first time that Batman and his most dangerous and iconic enemy will ever face off.

What, can I say about Ed Brubaker's The Man Who Laughs? Well I suppose I would say if nothing else that it is great. Certainly A MUST READ. After the disappointment of last nights journey into Arkham Asylem this story is super refreshing. The art by Doug Mahnke isn't the best I have ever seen but it is good and does the story justice. Brubaker impressed me with this book. He managed to tell a perfectly passed intense Batman story in just 66 pages, essentially two regular sized issues. Batman: The Man Who Laughs is great for new and old fans alike. It is hands down an amazing book and can not recommend it enough.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 23

For tonight's batbook I ultimately decided to read Arkahm Asylem: A Series House on Serious Earth. Ultimately, I decided to because it was sitting on my bookshelf having never been read. Also I decided to read the entire graphic novel in a single sitting as it did not have any natural stopping points. Arkham Asylum written by Grant Morrison and Illistrated by Dave Mckean explores the psyche of Batman. Joker has taken over Arkham Asylem and is holding the staff hostage demanding Batman come alone. Will Batman be able to survive in a house that is full of criminals that want to kill him?

I do not even know where to begin with this book. Simply I did not like it. Which disappoints me. This is supposed to be one of the best Batman books and for me it just fell flat. Frankly this book is compelling at its best and not worth your time at its worst. The concept of the story is great with Joker ultimately wanting to prove to Batman he is just as insane as the inmates he has locked away, but it falters from being to short and trying to pack to much content in. The art is perhaps the worst part of the entire reading experience and for it alone I want to tell you to avoiding this book. It's just so messy and distracts from the story, oh and the way they depict Jokers speach bubbles is honestly criminal. I want to be able to read the text not try and interpret another language. I'm disappointed, I really wanted to like this book but I just don't. An opinion I'm sure most do not agree with. Sadly I have to rate this book as COMPELLING. The only thing saving it from be a waste of time is the basic idea behind the story.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman Day 22. August 17, 2016

Detective Comics #881 is the last issue in the Batman: Black Mirror story and it is a good one. Having found and taken care of the Joker, Batman shifts his attention to locating James Gordon Jr. Who used the Joker as a distraction so he could abduct his half sister Barbara. Will Batman be able to find Commissioner Gordon's son before he kills again or will he arrive too late?

Well another story arc is finished and I think I can say of the arcs I have read so far Batman: Black Mirror has been my favorite. That being said Detective Comics #881 is certainly A MUST READ. Scott Snyder and the rest of the creative team bring all the story elements together in a logical and clean manor. I am honestly kind of sad that the story is over and I will be moving on, it was just so creepy and disturbing making for one great Batman tale. Obviously Batman: Black Mirror as a whole is A MUST READ. I loved it and I think new and old fans alike will not be disappointed by it. If you have not all ready you definitely should pick up a copy and read it for yourself.

So what bat story should I read next? I'm thinking about diving into Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison. I believe it was written as a graphic novel however and not as separate issues so I will be dividing it up into a few different sessions. The other arc I am considering is the Batman: A Death in the Family run which spanned from Batman #426-429, 440-442, New Teen Titans 60-61 and Batman Annual 25. That is provided I can find a copy by tomorrow.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman Day 21, August 16th 2016

Detective Comics #880 by Scott Snyder is the second to last issue in the Batman: Black Mirror story arc. The Joker has escaped Arkham Asylum. Commissioner Gordon receiving this news rushes to his family knowing that Joker loves to target them. Batman knowing the carnage and mayhem that the Joker causes begins his search for the mad man. Meanwhile James Gordon Jr. is preparing a heinous crime.

Getting right into it this issue is WORTH YOUR TIME. It's good but has a couple minor issues that kept it from being great. Where it stumbled was with the artists depiction of the Joker, it was just super rough looking and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book. The bigger issue I had was that In the previous issue Gordon finally discovers the truth about his son and is about to go and stop him from committing a terrible crime yet he apparently completely forgets about it when the Joker escapes. I understand the Joker being free is a big deal but so was what his son was about to do. The author could have addressed this better. With that being said the overall book was very good and has set up the final issue of the arc nicely. As always let me know your thoughts and suggestions.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 20 August 15th 2016

Before I get into Detective Comics #879 I just want to bring back up #878. It has unsettled me, not many things do but that issue did. I have not been able to get the thoughts of that last disturbing panel out of my head. It has haunted my thoughts my entire day. Creeping it's way in whenever I was not preoccupied by work. I think it says something to the skill of a writer, and artist when he or she can implant an image and idea in your mind that you just can not shake.  In this case it was a image that disturbed me to my core. Maybe I'm just weak stomached but I am pretty confident I am feeling the exact emotion this writer and artist meant for me to.

Now on to Detective Comics #879. In this issue we transition back to Comissionor Gordon's point of view. Gordon doesn't trust his son, but he has no proof. On a hunch he goes to the clinic that James Gordon Jr. is employed at and steals one of the pills that are supposed to be giving James a normal life. Commissioner Gordon then takes the pill to Barbara to have her run analysis on it to see if it truly is what his son claims it to be.

All I really can say is, wow. I am loving this story it gets better and better with each passing issue. I don't think it had the shock that the previous issue had but it is bringing things together so neatly I can't help but say this was the better issue. It just had so much tension and it also had the Joker, who I always read with Mark Hamill's voice. I can not overstate that this is absolutely A MUST READ issue.  I am honestly at a loss of what more I should say to convince you just how good it was. Go read Batman: Black Mirror. You will not regret it.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman Day 19. August 14th. 2016

In tonight's issue of Detective Comics questions are answered and mysteries are solved. Batman finds the one responsible for the Killer Whale mystery but is ultimately left in a dangerous situation. Having exscaped what looked to be a watery grave Dick Greyson meets with James Gordon at his fathers request, but will he see a troubled young man or a killer behind those eyes?

Detective Comics #878 finally answers a question I have had since James Gordon, Commissioner Gordon's son, was introduced into this story. I was pretty confident in what the answer was going to be yet it is nice knowing the answer. Don't worry I won't spoil the answer but I wouldn't be surprised if you already know it. All that being said I have to say this is A MUST READ issue. It answers that big question as well as gives answers to the Killer Whale mystery. This issue has hands down been the absolutely creepiest I have read thus far. Do yourself a favor and read Batman: Black Mirror it is so good.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman Say 18, August 13th 2016

In Detective Comics #877 we see Batman continuing his investigation into the Killer Whale in a bank  lobby mystery. He has tracked down the one lead he has but ultimattly receives no clues where to go next. However that all changes when the CEO of the bank comes forward with information to help Batman.

I am going to have to give Detective Comics #877 a WORTH YOUR TIME rating. It's good but doesn't have the same impact as previous issues had. Also there is a scene where batman is under water in a diving suit but is still wearing a cape. This I found to be dumb. In my opinion not even Batman would waste time wearing a cape underwater on purpose. But that is just a minor gripe with an otherwise excellently depicted issue. The story is continuing to progress at a good pace and I am looking forward to the next issue.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman Day 17, Auogust 12th. 2016.

This night we continue on with Detective Comics #876 of the Batman: Black Mirror story.  In this issue we see the story switch back from Comissionor Gordon to Batman. A dead Killer Whale has somehow found its way into the lobby of one of Gothams banks. Gordon has the whales corpse brought to the lab at Wayne Enterprises for examination and also ask Dick Greyson to meet with his son. He needs the opinion of someone who is not emotionally involved.

The comic was a little slow but also creepy and good. It is certainly WORTH YOUR TIME. Don't go into it expecting anything super exciting and keep in mind it is very much an issue used to transition back to Batman. It's strongest point is  with the mystery it provides about the whale which keeps you interested enough to not feel bored. It also is leading into what I think will be a much more action oriented next issue,  as well as answering some questions I have based on how it ended. Is it as good as the previous issues in the arc? No. But it is still well worth your time to read.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman Day 16, August 11th. 2016

Today I am picking back up with the Batman: Black Mirror story arc in issue #875 of Detective Comics. In this issue we see Commissioner Gordon looking to solve an old case while also struggling with the return of his son. Gordon is about to close the Peter Pan Murders case. A case where 8 children were abducted from there homes, with the abducter apparently entering through the window. Closing this case however may reveal just how disturbed his son really is.

This was a good issue. Dealing with a Commissioner Gordon who has feared for years his son may be a psychopath and killer but has never had the proof. The strongest moments of the book are certainly the look into the troubled mind of Gordon as he worries about his son and what his return could mean.  Snyder does a great job making a character who is often nothing more than a "side kick" into the hero. You are shown what years of being a good cop in a city of nothing but crime can do to a man. Despite being a very strong issue I have to give it A WORTH YOUR TIME rating. If it had delivered on the overall plot as it appeared it was going to, rather then leaving certain details in the dark it would have been a must read.

100 Days of Batman Day 15, August 10th 2015.

It's day 15 and I'm going to interrupt the Batman: The Black Mirror story arc to instead read All-Star Batman Issue #1 written by Scott Snyder. I have been eagerly anticipating this book since it was announced. Snyder's basic idea in All-Star Batman is to take the villains and reimagine them. The first villain is Harvey Dent aka Two-Face. The name of this arc is My Own Worst Enemy. The basic plot is that Two-Face has dirt on everyone and he's offered to make whoever kills Batman rich or he exposes all the dark secrets he has. Batman is on the run as everyone is after him but he needs to get Two-Face to some house almost 500 miles away.

So what did I think of this first issue? Well it's not creepy or disturbing like Black Mirror, two qualities you know I enjoy in a Batman story if you have been following along, but that doesn't hurt the book. It's just plain fun. I definitely think this is a strong beginning to what is sure to be a great ride. I don't want to say much more about it as it was just released today but I definitely think everyone should give it a try as it is A MUST READ. Not surprising based on the author but perhaps I'm just biased in my opinion of Snyder. Come back tomorrow as I continue with the next issue in Batman: Black Mirror.

100 Days of Batman Day 14, August 9th. 2016

Batman: The Black Mirror continues to be creepy with Detective Comics #874. However, in this issue the focus shifts from Batman to Commissioner Gordon. Having been summoned to the Gotham Aviary by Detective Bullock, Gordan sees video surveillance of his son, James Gorden. A son who has a strange if not disturbing past and has arrived in Gotham claiming to be rehabilitated, but  Commissioner Gordon is not so sure.

We have another creepy yet slightly more disturbing issue with Detective Comics #874. Oh and surprise surprise this is also A MUST READ issue. It has the creepiness factor, great art fitting the tone, and it also introduces me to a character who I didn't know existed. That character being of course James Gordon, son of Commissioner Gordan. Scott Snyder does an excellent job of conveying that something is just not quiet right with this young man. You feel disturbed reading about him from the moment the book starts to the very end. The one thing I find myself asking is: How does this link back to "the dealer"? With several more books before the story ends I am confident Snyder will connect all the dots.

100 Days of Batman Day 13, August 8th 2016.

Detective Comics #873 is weird and creepy but in a good way.  Batman is in trouble, his disguise failed and "the dealer" has known who he was from the start. In the den of the enemy Batman is forced to fight his way out or be torn apart by crazed auctioneers. The book is also the ending to the first part of The Black Mirror and will pick up in Detective Comics #874 focusing on Commissioner Gordan.

If I had a rating that was higher than "a must read" I would give this book it. Alas however I do not so I rate this book as A MUST READ. It is my favorite single issue I have read since beginning this 100 day journey. The art is exceptional, the story is super strange and eerie. It has all the elements I like to see in a Batman book. My favorite part of the book which I won't spoil here was toward the middle and made me go "what the heck" out loud. It was great and fun. Odd and spooky Batman stories are the best. Definitely give this story a read if you haven't all ready.

N.S.

100 Days of Batman Day 12, August 7th. 2016

Detective Comics Issue #872 is a strong follow up to issue #871. In its opening  Batman is following  a new lead on one of the "dealers" auction members. Well it doesn't end well, with the lead accidentally killing himself during a chase. Oracle (Barbara Gorden) manages to recover the information that Batman was after. She even was able to make it look as if the lead did not die. This allows Batman to assume his identity and infiltrate the "mirror house". That is Detective Comics #872 in a nut shell.

This is A MUST READ book. A rating I feel like I have given to more books than have not so far. So either I am easily entertained or I have been picking excellent books to read. Anyways the reason I like this book is definitely the art done by Francesco Francavilla, Jock, as well as the excellent writing of Scott Snyder. Both art and story pair well with each other giving a dark yet fun story. It's no surprise to me that these first couple issues have been nothing less than fantastic with a writer like Scott Snyder. He has given me a reason to look into the Nightwing comics with how he is portraying Dick Greyson as Batman. It's a different feeling having Dick fill in for Bruce and so far I'm loving it. If you have been avoiding this title because it lacks Bruce Wayne stop it and read this book. Also I had no idea this was a Bruce less story before fininishing the first issue in the arc.

100 Days Of Batman Day 11 August 6th. 2016

So I ultimately have decided to move on to Batman:The Black Mirror. The deciding factor was truthfully I was unable to find a copy of Batman and the Mad Monk in a short amount of time. Which leads us to Batman: Black Mirror by Scott Snyder beginning in issue #871 of Detective Comics. In the first issue we learn that Dick Greyson is currently assuming the mantel of the Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne appears to be completely absent from the story working on a mission to establish allies in other parts of the world. This first issue sets up a mystery, which is to be expected in a Batman story. After all he is the worlds greatest detective. From what we know so far there is a man only know as "the dealer" who has been collecting items from super villains and using them to commit brutal murders.

Detective Comics #871 begins strong. The issue contains just the right amount of action for the beginning of a story as well as providing the necessary information you would want in order to become invested. Scott Snyder is a master story teller especially when it comes to the Batman universe. The book is A MUST READ for sure. It has sucked me in and I can not wait to continue reading on to the next issue tomorrow. I am actually super tempted to just read it now but I will hold off. The art is also great making for a dark and disturbing Batman tale. I highly recommend you pick up a copy and read it for yourself. As always I would love to hear your thoughts.

N. S.

Also in order to more efficiently write about the books I am reading I may begin allowing my self to spoil parts of books that are over 5 years in age. If this is something you really would like me to avoid let me know. If it is something you would like let me know that as well. Also thank you to all that are consistently reading. If it wasn't for you few I would likely have given up all ready. But I know being consistent will help bring more readers over time as well as improve my writing skills.

100 Days of Batman, Day 10 August 5th. 2016.

Batman & The Monster Men issue 6 by Matt Wagner is the action packed conclusion to a fun story. Honestly to say anything else will ultimately spoil the ending, at least I can not think of a way to convey what happens in a spoiler free synopsis. After spending ten days reading and writing about comics I've noticed that it becomes increasingly difficulty to talk about later issues without risking spoiling the story. Whether it is just my lack of experience in writing or just a legitimate fact I am not yet sure.

This was a fun read, it had plenty of action and ends the story nicely and in a somewhat unexpected way. Which for those of you have been following along know it was a major concern of mine that the story was going to be just to predicable. Batman & The Monster Men issue 6 is most definitely A MUST READ. For some you may not be thrilled by how it ends but I personally like it.

Now let's talk a little about the story as a whole and my overall rating. This is a fantastic fun Batman tale that is most definitely WORTH YOUR TIME. It does have some issues in the first two books and slows down in issue 5 a little too much for my taste but that does not mean this book is anything less than great. The art is fantastic and the story was super fun once you get into it. I definitely recommend that both new readers and long time fans of Batman should check it out.

I find myself in a dilemma as to what Batman tale I want to read next. I would love to dig into Batman: The Black Mirror. However it has come to my attention that Batman & The Monster men is only the first half of a bigger story called Dark Moon Rising with the second half of the tale entitled Batman and the Mad Monk. This comes as no surprise to me just based on how Batman & The Monster Men ended. I do not know if I want to read on, but at the same time I feel as though I should in order to get the entire story.

100 Days of Batman Day 9. August 4th. 2016

Issue 5 of Batman & The Monster Men by Matt Wagner is an issue with entirely no action. This is slightly disappointing after how much was in the previous issue. It is entirely set up for what will ultimately be the final showdown between Batman and the "monster men". To say anything more about the book will spoil story elements. However I believe I can safely say this is not a damsel in distress story which could not make me happier. Sometimes I love it when I'm wrong and in this case I do.

Now action doesn't necessarily make a comic better than one without but it certainly is fun. Despite there being no action, the book is most definitely A MUST READ. At first I did not think the book deserved "a must read" rating but "worth your time". After thinking it over and letting what the author was going for sink in it made perfect sense that this was a great book and leads up to the finally almost perfectly. Was I disappointed  the book lacked action? Yes. But it sets up the final issue for what I'm sure will be action packed and that has me thrilled. The book does everything right with how it sets up for the final issue. All story threads are neatly brought together and should all be tied up with none being left dangling in the wind. I am super excited to read issue 6 and see just how this story ends. It has turned out to be a pleasant surprise thus far.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman, Day 8, Augusts 3rd. 2016

I have somehow made it through the first 8 days. Well 8 days is not that much of time I was genuinely worried I would have given up in the first 7. My next goal is to make it to day 16. Now on to my thoughts of Batman & The Monster Men issue 4 by Matt Wagner. In this issue Batman comes face to face with the monster men, and they are just that, monster. Not much of a synopsis but trust me when I say that is all you need to know. The book was fun and you should experience it for yourself.

When compared to the previous issues this one is the standout in both action and fun. For those two reasons I rate Batman & The Monster Men  as A MUST READ. That being said it is not a stand alone issue you should definitely read the first 3 issues prior. The book had a lot of action with Batman going toe to toe with the monster men. I should also mention that I think it may go back to a damsel in distress story based on some other plot points that happened inbetween the action so we shall see. Something else happens that I think will be really fun to watch play out over the next 2 issues. I'm really beginning to enjoy this Batman tale. Even though it still has 2 issues remaining and could still end in an expected way it may become a favorite. 

As a bonus let's talk about Batman: The Telltale Series. Episode 1 of 5 which was released on Tuesday and I stayed up late playing so I could avoid any potential spoilers. Before I talk about what I liked and didn't like I just want to tell you it's great. Let's start with the games issues. As with the majority of Telltale's games it suffers from some slight technical issues. Mainly with frame rate and the engine did stutter a couple times throughout the two hours I spent with it. The story also constantly likes to remind us that Bruce Wayne's Parents are dead. Which is not something it needs to do. 

What makes the game great is first and foremost the story. You spend as much time in the game as Bruce Wayne as you do the caped crusader. It was a lot of fun making choices as both. Personally I enjoyed the action based Batman parts the most especially with having the option to make Batman absolutely brutal in the way he deals with criminals or a much more forgiving Batman. The voice acting was also excellent although it will always be difficult for me to hear a voice other than Kevin Conroy as Batman. It is my opinion that this is A MUST PLAY game. So do your self a favor and pick up the first episode. As always comments and opinions are welcome. 

N. S.

100 Days of Batman Day 7. August 2nd. 2016.

It will be a quick post tonight as its late and I just downloaded Telltale's new Batman game. Having just finished issue 3 of Batman & The Monster Men I'm beginning to think I may be wrong about the direction I thought the author was going with the story. I hope it does surprise me and it doesn't end up being that damsel in distress type of story. I can't think of a way to describe this issue without spoiling past issues as well as this one so I'm not going to even try. So I'll move straight into my review.

Batman & The Monster Men issue 3 is definitely WORTH YOUR TIME. Its good especially with it seemingly straying from what I thought was an obvious plot as I mentioned above. I don't think the book as an individual issue will wow readers but when paired the first two it gives a smooth transition into the rest of the tale. It builds up the drama and gives you a good reason to come back for issue 4, other wise you will be left with a cliffhanger. I definitely recommended you check the book out for yourself, just make sure you read the first two issues before this one. And yes I relieve how obvious a tip that is but you never know. Come back tomorrow and read my thoughts on issue 4 as well as a bonus piece about Telltale's Batman game.

N. S.

100 Days of Batman Day 6, August 1st. 2016

It's day six of my adventure with Batman and issue two of Batman & The Monster Men is in the books. In this issue we see a lot of character building in regards to several of Batman's relationships. He is still wanted as a criminal for being a vigilante by the police, but is now trusted by a not yet Commissioner Gorden. Batman's relationship with his girlfriend is shown to be somewhat strained as he is forced to keep the majority of his life secret while also always being late and usually having to leave their dates early. Professor  Strange's motives have yet to really be established but it is clear he is performing genetic experiments on humans. By the end of the issue Batman has a murder mystery to solve with a strange clue that doesn't quite add up.

Having finished Issue Two I'm pleased to say I'm now hooked and looking forward to the next issue. I still wouldn't rate the book as "a must read" but I would rate it as being WORTH YOUR TIME. Nothing super exciting really happens as it is more set up for the story as a whole but it was definitely enjoyable. I still think it is going to follow the "damsel in distress" theme.  But having that as my expectation has allowed me to look at the book more for the journey to how we get there rather than for the final twist and ending. This book also would make an excellent read for someone who has just started learning who Batman is. Also I should mention the art, it is excellent. Will the story continue to get better and better? Come back tomorrow and I'll let you know my thoughts on Batman & The Monster Men, issue three. As always please comment with your thoughts and suggestions.

N. S.