Dark Ride #9, the latest installment of Skybound’s gripping horror series, marks the beginning of its third story arc, and it does not disappoint. The creative team, led by the powerhouse duo of writer Joshua Williamson and artist Andrei Bressan, delivers another spine-chilling chapter in the tale of the Creepiest Place on Earth.
In this issue, readers are treated to remarkable character development as they delve into the troubled past of Halloween, the Princess of Devil Land. The exploration of her childhood struggles adds depth to her character and takes the concept of “daddy issues” to a whole new level. The writing is compelling, and it keeps the audience engaged in Halloween’s journey.
What sets Dark Ride #9 apart is the introduction of a stalker character who ingeniously contributes to Halloween’s character progression. This psychological element weaves seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the adversities she faces. It provides a sense of foreshadowing while still keeping the story unpredictable, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Andre Bressan’s art is nothing short of incredible. The illustrations are graphic and bloody, creating an atmosphere of fear and disgust that perfectly complements the horror theme. The attention to detail and crisp line work contribute to the overall high-quality visual experience.
Adriano Lucas’s coloring work deserves special mention. The colors excellently convey the emotions and dark tone of the story, intensifying the readers’ connection with Halloween and her struggles. The colors truly shine in the action scenes, adding depth and excitement to the storytelling.
Dark Ride #9 strikes an impressive balance between action and character development, making it a must-read for fans of the series. It continues to deliver the high standards that readers have come to expect from this creative team. I’m absolutely thrilled to dive into the next installment and witness the evolution of this story arc!
Overall Grade 8.75 out of 10
Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what comics you’re reading and hit me up on Twitter. Till next time…
Mech Cadets#4 by BOOM! Studios continues to be a delightful addition to the mecha genre, and it’s evident that co-creators Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa have struck a winning formula. This issue, takes readers on an exciting journey with its engaging storytelling and stunning visuals.
One of the standout aspects of Mech Cadets is its ability to appeal to a broad audience, making it an excellent choice for both kids and adults alike. The theme of teamwork and camaraderie remains a central element, which adds depth and warmth to the story. It’s a perfect choice for some quality father-daughter storytime.
The storyline, while simple, is incredibly fun and has a universal appeal. It’s a testament to the creative team’s skill that they can craft a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
Mech Cadets #4 by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa, Ian Herring, and Simon Bowland. (credit Boom! Studios)
Takeshi Miyazawa’s art is a highlight, with character designs that are not only visually appealing but also reflect the essence of the Sharg, the crustacean-like beings, in a fascinating way. The attention to detail is praiseworthy, and it enhances the overall experience.
One of the intriguing aspects of this issue is the revelation that the Sharg are more intelligent than initially perceived, which adds depth to the conflict. It sets the stage for an impending war with the Sharg, and readers can’t help but anticipate the all-out battle that is on the horizon. The creative team skillfully builds the tension and leaves us eager to see how the Mech Cadets will strategize to overcome this formidable enemy.
Final Thoughts:
Mech Cadets #4 is another stellar addition to this series, and it continues to excel in storytelling, character development, and artistry. The impending showdown with the Sharg promises to be a highlight, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Overall Grade: 8 out of 10
Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what comics you’re reading and hit me up on Twitter. Till next time…
Story by: David Dastmalchian; Art & Standard Cover: Lukas Ketner; Colors: Lauren Affe; Letters: Frank Cvetkovic; Variant Cover: Francesco Francavilla
Count Crowley Mediocre Midnight Monster Hunter, from Dark Horse Comics, Issue 1
This is the third miniseries volume of the Count Crowley horror series. The previous two are Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter, and Count Crowley: Amateur Midnight Monster Hunter. If you haven’t read the previous series (or it’s been awhile), do not fret, as the opening to Mediocre Midnight Hunter, kicks off with a fun little rhyme by our body-less host, to get the reader caught up. Then the story of Jerri Bartman’s sad life continues in this “next murderous chapter.” As the titles suggest, our monster hunter, who has put on the Count Crowley cape, has now moved up from amateur status to mediocre.
All images by Dark Horse Comics.
The Story for Issue #1
After our host catches us up, we’re quickly thrown into the story. Jerri, our main character, is fighting a metaphorical monster while simultaneously fighting real monsters. Jerri struggles with alcoholism, and she just walked in to see her monster hunting predecessor, killing her AA sponsor, who also just happens to be a werewolf. Some monsters aren’t all bad.
Jerri now has to deal with the death of her werewolf sponsor, while not having him to support her. She then begins to spiral a bit. However, if she knew what else was coming, she may be spiraling even more. Bodies are missing from morgues, and a rich dying guy is in contract negotiations in order to obtain eternal life, by becoming a monster (although, I would guess he was already as much of a monster as a human can be). What the monsters benefit from in the contract, will most likely make Jerri’s actual job, and her County Crowley monster job, a smidge bit more difficult. I won’t spoil what happens at the very end, but I will offer a warning…clowns.
Page 1 of Count Crowley: Mediocre Monster Hunter by Dark Horse Comics.
The Art
The cover alone sucked me right in. The art does a great job of combining the feel of old school monsters, with a current day comic book. Every page is beautifully detailed with colors that help show where and when we are in the story. Jerri is struggling with a lot at the moment, and that can be hard to see in such a short story, as a comic book. Nevertheless, you can always see her emotions being conveyed perfectly. This helps you feel for her. Whether she’s grieving her friend with lycanthrope tendencies, or just being a smartass to the douchey misogynist.
If you’ve read some of my other reviews, or listened to our podcast, Hops GEEK News, you know I’m a sucker for a monster hunting story, thanks to the very underrated show: Supernatural. I’m also a sucker for knowing some monsters can be good, and some humans can be monsters.
Who really is worse, the nice werewolf, or the human who hunts monsters, yet can’t seem to say anything to Jerri that isn’t dripping with misogyny? I think I’d rather risk being murdered every full moon, than deal with Jerri’s fellow monster hunting colleagues. Nevertheless I loved this touch. I felt it helped show that anyone can be a monster, while also making a nod to old school movies, where talking down to woman was simply the norm. These other hunters are a bit too old school. Overall, this story has mystery, monsters, modern day issues, and old school cheesy horror feels. I will definitely be tuning in for the next “FRIGHTFUL SHOW!”
Check out another comic review by Lauren. She is half of Hops GEEK News: a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.
Rain has begun to fall as the battle rages on. We see Clementine and crew arrive at a cabin only to be ambushed and gunned down leaving Clementine wounded and on the run. Meanwhile Enfield and the gang have been cornered with no place left to run. As the Sheriff gets more info on the real murderers it may just be too late.
Overall Thoughts:
Issue four brings about a sense of dread and sorrow. Chris does a beautiful job making you feel for Enfield and his crew as the story takes a dramatic turn leaving you sensing that at any moment they will be overcome. Meanwhile, he has done a great job making you hate the Union cavalry and “fill in Sheriff” giving us a real sense of good Vs evil and who truly are the bad guys?
The Enfield Gang Massacre #4 by Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips. Credit Image Comics. Cover by Jacob Phillips.
Phillips compliments the sense of dread as we build up to our gangs final moments. Capturing the action in a wash of blues and making the bloody battle stand out amongst the deep, dark colors. His art continues to be a stand out painting a portrait of this fateful story. Every page feels as though we are walking through a museum reading about this epic tale.
If you continue to sleep on this mini series I feel bad because, it is perhaps Image Comics strongest run currently on going. The duo are bringing back the desire for a great Western tale while making us feel real emotions for everyone involved.
Dead Lucky #10 delivers a heart-pounding installment in Bibi’s journey as she navigates a city on the brink of chaos. Melissa Flores weaves a gripping narrative, pushing Bibi to her limits and introducing a game-changing revelation that leaves readers on edge. The activation of lethal force by droids adds an extra layer of tension to the story.
French Carlomagno’s art skillfully complements the story, using dark colors to set the mood and build suspense. Pyre’s fire whip fighting techniques add an exciting dimension to the action sequences, keeping readers immersed in the fast-paced narrative.
As the battle rages on, tensions between Morrow and the city of San Francisco reach a boiling point, setting the stage for a climactic showdown. Melissa Flores masterfully weaves multiple conflicts into the storyline, creating a tapestry of character developments that promise a broader impact in future issues.
Amidst the chaos, there are beautifully executed touching moments between Bibi and Maria, offering a well-placed respite from the relentless action. Becca Carey’s lettering adds an immersive touch, giving the robots a distinctive, robotic voice through square speech balloons.
Final Thoughts:
Dead Lucky 10 is a non-stop rollercoaster of action, keeping the pedal to the floor and leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next issue. Melissa Flores, French Carlomagno, Mattia Iacono, and Becca Carey have come together to create a must-read comic that’s bound to leave you craving more.
Overall Grade: 9.25 out of 10
Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what comics you’re reading and hit me up on Twitter. Till next time…
That is the question posed to Ruben Kwan in the pages of an engaging new series from Image Comics that challenges the thoughts of defying age in the superhero world.
MIDLIFE (OR HOW TO HERO AT FIFTY) #2 picks up where the 50 year old firefighter has discovered he is anything but ordinary. Being someone who’s doubted himself and lives in the shadow of a legend, destiny has opened a door for Ruben which looks to give him something he’s always wanted: a sense of purpose.
The series has been a big hit with the N.I. Bullpen. There really isn’t anything like this on the market right now. It’s a testament to the creative team who are giving readers something fresh in the 80+ years of superheroes. That’s why for this review, it’s a N.I. Bullpen group discussion with Marty Stoked, and yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/NI Comics EIC) breaking down this chapter (Possible Spoiler Warning):
Marty: Midlife (or How to Hero at Fifty) delivers an engaging narrative that explores the complexities of a middle-aged man discovering newfound superpowers and the implications they carry.
With a talented creative team, including writer Brian Buccellato, artist Stefano Simeone, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, this comic continues to offer readers a fresh take on the superhero genre.
One of the standout features of this comic is the seamless use of flashbacks, which skillfully build the character of Ruben, our protagonist.
The choice of a bright color palette with soft undertones not only adds a visually stunning aspect to the comic but also foreshadows the excitement and challenges that await. It’s a refreshing and vibrant visual treat.
The lettering in the comic is praiseworthy, with big, bold years that aid in the narrative flow. They create clear breaks between storylines, making it easy for readers to follow the plot and immerse themselves in the story. This approach enhances the overall reading experience.
The dynamic between Ruben, Shaun, and Robert, the trio of friends, stands out as one of the comic’s strengths. The genuine and relatable interactions between these characters draw readers into their world, making it easy to feel like you’re right there hanging out with them.
The fiery action scenes are beautifully drawn and colored, injecting heart-pounding emotions and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. They add a layer of excitement and intensity to the storyline.
What’s particularly intriguing is the presence of multiple storylines that are beginning to unfold. The promise of these narratives intertwining creates a sense of anticipation, and readers can’t wait to see how everything will come together.
Midlife (or How to Hero at Fifty) is a must-pull for comic enthusiasts. It offers a fresh perspective on the superhero genre with its relatable characters, stunning visuals, and the promise of an intriguing narrative web. This comic deserves the attention of anyone looking for a captivating and immersive superhero story.
Ken: Buccellato redefines the typical origin story with this latest chapter. Starting the issue off with flashback ties Ruben’s story back to his core group of friends. Everyone growing up has moments like this where trying to figure out where life is going to lead is a normal conversation. It connects the protagonist to the readers and amplifies when Ruben gets his chance to be greater.
Fast forwarding to present time, Ruben’s life has signs of promise but the true test is balancing his “new norm” with his responsibilities to his family and job. The conversations vary but keep the same theme of discovering what’s next. It feels as almost a full circle moment as how they tie back to the original moments in 1998.
The first “mission” flows easily as it’s filled with natural reactions and sensing how far the powers reach. Seeing how he reacts to running into another legacy firefighter is a fantastic character moment. The closing events add more mystery to what is the true secret of Ruben. This book has a strong foundation built that will only expand to new heights with every chapter.
Simeone and Otsmane-Elhaou give a nice balance of heroics and homelife to Ruben’s next phase. The flashback sequence stands out with giving readers an insight to what has made Ruben’s character. Once things shift back to present, The mood becomes one of self-discovery as Ruben’s body language reflects the new path his life has taken. The interactions with his family cover a wide range but tie back to Ruben trying to be his best.
Once the heroics come into play, the strongest visual pops off the page. There is a full page shot with panels appearing like a rising flame. This announces Ruben as a hero right before he steps into action. It’s amazing work.
The pace speeds up to give readers a sense of the hectic situation Ruben has now entered with no training involving his powers. This is reflected in a spectacular two-page spread elevating the stakes. The issue closes with a shroud of suspense behind it as Ruben’s story is far from over when the smoke clears.
FINAL POINT: 9 out of 10
“You never slow down, you never grow old” keeps the latest chapter of Ruben Kwan’s life evolving with a can’t miss issue. Buccellato’s depiction of the heroic chapter of Ruben’s life is an easy win for fans looking to re-ignite their love of superheroes.
Simeone and Otsmane-Elhaou provide superb imagery to take readers along for the ride. This series has something for new and old superhero fans alike and needs to become a pull-list staple.
Thanks for reading this special N.I. Comics review of Midlife #2. Make sure to like and follow the NI social media accounts for more weekly coverage on New Comic Book Day!
After the system failed him, Frank Castle took on an impossible war to win. In nearly 50 years since he debuted in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man #129 by Marvel Comics, Castle’s deadly crusade on injustice has gone in many different directions.
One motive has always stayed the same.
Justice must be dealt with extreme fury.
The body count has been high. Public opinion have varied on stances. Castle has become the literal face (or in this case, Skull) of the anti-hero. With no super powers and only his unrelenting will to punisher evil, Castle has held his own in the ranks of the Marvel Comics Universe.
Granted, his story has taken some unique twists (see “FrankenCastle”) but whenever Pop Culture fans hear the name “Punisher”, there is a distinct reaction that few other characters receive.
After the results of a limited series by Jason Aaron, Frank Castle’s tenure as the Punisher has ended. Now with a new figure stepping into the role courtesy of David Pepose, Dave Wachter, Dan Brown and Cory Petit, all eyes are on a new figure wearing the skull. Will they live up and forge their own legacy or crumble under the weight of their predecessor?
That’s why for this review, it’s a N.I. Bullpen group discussion! Matt from Hops Geek News, Marty Stoked, and yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/NI Comics EIC) are breaking down this debut chapter of the legendary Marvel character:
PUNISHER #1 by David Pepose, Dave Wachter, Dan Brown and Cory Petit (Credit: Marvel entertainment – cover: SALVADOR LAROCCA)
The Writing:
Matt: This has long been a character that Pepose has been dying to write and his love and understanding of who the punisher is to his core no matter who dons the moniker stands out in a big way. Giving us Joe Garrison is perhaps the best way they could bring about a new punisher story and introducing an epic battle with Hyde of all characters is not something I would have ever expected to see
Marty: The comic weaves an engaging narrative that beckons fans and newcomers alike into the enigmatic world of the Punisher. This was my first Punisher comic and it did not disappoint! It was easy to follow and understand and a good entry point to the Punisher’s Universe. It successfully introduces the main characters, piquing readers’ curiosity to learn more, particularly about the intriguing Triple-A.
One notable aspect of the comic is the masterful use of split narratives, telling two stories simultaneously on the same page. This narrative device enhances the reading experience, keeping readers engaged and intrigued.
The flashback scenes are effectively presented with distinct, yellowed coloration, providing a cinematic quality to the storytelling. It effortlessly transports readers back in time, immersing them in the narrative.
The well-crafted dialogue and Punisher’s banter add a layer of enjoyment to the story, bringing a smile to the reader’s face. The balance between action and character introductions and development is commendable, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging.
Lastly, the use of spy-like technology adds a fun and interesting element to the storyline, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Ken: With taking over a role with nearly 50 years logged in, this is a difficult challenge. Luckily for Marvel, they couldn’t have picked better than David Pepose. With a strength for driving big action with engaging plots, Joe Garrison’s first venture hits the marks. There are classic Punisher themes but one notable difference is Garrison isn’t letting the rage guide his skill. It is easy to see after this issue’s conclusion, he is more comfortable in this new role than anyone might admit.
Pacing helps to give a needed break to the non-stop action. The back story of what happened to his family will be one to watch develop. After what happened in the final act, Pepose drives home the point that there is no coming back to a “normal life”. This IS now Garrison’s life and that’s a huge win for readers.
The Art, colors and design:
PUNISHER #1 by David Pepose, Dave Wachter, Dan Brown and Cory Petit (Credit: Marvel entertainment – cover: Skottie Young)
Matt: Dave Wachter brings about the violence and viscousness that fans have come to love with a Punisher story. From joes battle with the demon gang to his dual with Hyde the fighting sequences stand out in a cinematic and exciting way.
Marty: The art is intense, and the action scenes exude a John Wick-like vibe, contributing to the comic’s overall entertainment value. The Punisher’s character design is impressive, showcasing his readiness for any situation, complete with an intriguing chest plate with illuminated eyes.
Ken: The title character comes with expectations of brutality. Wachter and Brown play off the calmness of Garrison while sliding in strong imagery showcasing his unique skills. This is featured prominently with the Inner Demon gang. The panels flow fast as Garrison is precise with his shots and attacks.
The flashbacks of Garrison’s family add some layers to his character. The back story will be coming to light but in the meantime, the art team stages it with light coloring to contrast the dark world Garrison now lives in. The closing act provides a great pressure building sequence where readers will feel the moment play out. It’s capped off by a big ending shot cementing Garrision’s story has only just begun.
Final thoughts:
Matt: Overall, this first issue sets the brutal tone for where this story can go and is a big step into bringing the punisher back in a very big way.
Marty: Punisher promises an exciting new chapter in the Punisher legacy, combining compelling storytelling with dynamic artwork and memorable character interactions.
Ken: No Frank Castle, No Problem. Pepose blends the classic Punisher themes with a new character with excellent writing. The action flies off the pages via Wachter and Brown’s vision of unrelenting fury. With the action cranked up to a fever pitch, there is no way you want to miss this book when it drops on New Comic Book Day!
“I initially had an origin for a female character worked out, but when I switched over from Web to Amazing I was asked to make the character male.”
– David Michelinie
“Did You Know?”
Another week, another subject for “Did You Know?”. This week we turn our attention to comic books, a comic book character to be specific. One of Marvels most popular characters, Venom, has become a staple for the comic book and entertainment company. The very humble beginnings of the idea proves that even the smallest drop of black goo can become an unstoppable force in the industries legendary roster of iconic characters.
Did you know that the origins of Venom can be traced all the way back to comic fan by Randy Schueller, who sent in a letter to Marvel Comics suggesting that to prevent the constant damage to Peter Parker’s costume, he should get a black costume from Reed Richards made of unstable molecules. Marvel editor Jim Shooter liked the idea and purchased the rights for $220. Shooter also flirted with the idea of letting Schueller take a shot at writing up a script, but it never came to pass. One year later, the black suit and the symbiote as we know it would show up in Secret Wars.
She-Venom?!
Did you also know that long time Spider-Man writer, David Michelinie, who worked with artist Todd McFarlane to bring about Venom, was slated to write a title for the new character. Michelinie’s original idea was to have Venom be a woman with a seriously dark, tragic origin story. Her husband would die in a car accident that was caused by a driver who was distracted by Spider-Man. The stress of her loss would cause her to have a miscarriage with their child. She would lay all of the blame for her grief on Spider-Man. The recently rejected symbiote would bond with her and Venom would come to be!
Marvel editor Jim Salicrup thought that this wouldn’t work. Why you may ask? Well, he didn’t believe that a woman would be a credible enough threat to go toe to toe with the powerful Spider-Man, so the character was reworked, and as we know, was changed to Eddie Brock, a disgraced journalist who blamed Spider-Man for his career downfall. Brock bonded with the symbiote and became Venom, a powerful villain who sought revenge on Spider-Man.
Wrap It Up!
Venom has since become one of Spider-Man’s most popular villains, and a hero in his own right. The character has appeared in numerous comics, movies, and video games as a fan favorite. Venom has shown the ability to carry his own titles with deep, interesting storylines and really cool visuals! It’s crazy to think the it all started with a letter to the editor and $220.
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this edition, we’re following along the return of one of DC Comics’ most legendary teams. With a brand-new lineup and an impossible mission at hand, the Birds Of Prey have their work cut out for them. The question now is: who will stop them first – the mission or each other?
BIRDS OF PREY #3 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowlestakes readers on a collision course with an immovable object. Let’s see how the team fares as they inch closer to conflict.
Assembled by Black Canary, Zealot, Big Bartha, Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) and Harley Quinn comprise this fromation of the Birds Of Prey. Their mission: Break into the Island of Themyscira and free Sin (Black Canary’s “sister”) from the Amazons before they cause the end of the world. Simple, right?
With the personalities clashing, the team follows a plan by Harley to sneak onto the island. With the help of King Shark, things look to be improving. With the Amazons preparing for what’s next, a possessed voice claims “the vessel is not ready”. Meanwhile the team is outside the island ready to make their entrance.
Sneaking in through the stomach of a Megalodon, the team enters the island. With the team split up, readers see the action unfold. Can they pull this mission off? Things escalate rather quickly as the goal might just be in sight.
However, there is one factor still looming to deal with. The latter half of this chapter sets up for a major collision course which will have readers on the edge of their seats from. No spoilers here, but the final image is going to have fans very excited for what’s next.
Thompson blends in the personality conflicts with a search and rescue tale that doesn’t miss. Anytime Harley Quinn is involved, nobody knows how things will play out. Thompson presents her as both the ultimate wild-card and team player.
This makes for mixed results with her teammates but gives this story a new dynamic to deal with. However, the breakout character (thus far) has been Zealot.
Thompson keeps a safe distance between her and the team with distinct placement of her actions. it is very noteworthy as the story moves onward.
The latter half of the chapter provides a great deal of action involving two not connected with the team. It re-enforces the importance of the mission and the “final boss” which the team needs to overcome to succeed. The story has been a great read thus far with no signs of slowing down.
Romero and Bellaire provide a high-paced backdrop for what’s unfolding here. The reactions to Harley’s comments make for a subtle break in the tension of the mission. Zealot’s actions also play a role here as the panels set up more of her mystery yet to be told.
The action delivers on showing why this team was assembled. The latter half amplifies that even further. The art reflects the “big fight feel” between two of DC’s well known characters. This all leads to a full page visual that brings this issue to a close with a loud exclamation point!
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
The impossible mission gets more complicated with another strong issue by Thompson, Romero and the team. Solid writing combined with energetic art brings the explosiveness of events to a breaking point within these pages! Make sure you pick this up on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts about Birds Of Prey #3. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd initiative.
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, the smoke has cleared in Gotham City. One is left standing after the war of “The Bat Family”. Now it’s time for DC Comics’ Dark Knight to take center stage with a familiar foe waiting in the wings.
With the fallout of “Knight Terrors”, Batman’s dream of Gotham City has turned into a nightmare. Selina Kyle aka Catwoman has unveiled a new initiative into handling crime. This didn’t sit well with Batman and civil war was declared amongst Gotham’s most notable protectors. The struggle came to a fever pitch when Batman and Catwoman squared off with Vandal Savage, who made a play to make Gotham his during the conflict.
During the conflict, Catwoman and Savage are presumed dead. Batman has also become isolated from the bat-family due to his actions. Now left with only his back-up personality of Zur-En-Arrh, Bruce Wayne has never been more alone or more dangerous.
This new phase opens up with a woman talking with police. She describes an encounter with someone who tried robbing her after winning at the Iceberg Lounge. A scream was documented but it wasn’t from the attack. It was from someone who saw who stopped it. The heroic figure was none other than Batman.
The story shifts to a man returning to his apartment. Bruce Wayne is in disguise and recapping the night’s events. However, readers quickly see there is a name on the board that draws the greatest attention: JOKER.
With a murder of a toy company heir, Batman begins to cypher the clues of the Clown Prince of Crime. What scheme does the Joker have in store now? All roads lead to a confrontation pushing Batman to his limits. Can he stop the Joker or will he even get the chance? The closing moments throw a big X factor into the mix which looks to complicate events even further than Batman can possibly imagine.
Zdarsky sets events in motion for a greatly complex tale. The introduction plays out like a traditional Batman story. It doesn’t take long to switch gears and see how Batman is coping with the Gotham War fallout. Zdarsky paints a picture of fractured and forward thinking. Seeing the influence of Zur-En-Arrh still lingering gives readers a sense of uneasiness when the Bat needs to be his sharpest.
Diving into the crime at hand, the writing reflects a great detective story. Things shift quickly as Batman dives further into the plot. The added layers of Joker’s attack make for the frightening scenario. It is imagery that will stand out with the haunting dialogue. Even with this at play, readers won’t see the closing moments coming, which makes for a great ending sequence of events.
Jiménez and Morey craft excellent imagery throughout this issue. From the introduction, the full page panel credits page pops right off the page. The red coloring heightens the feel as the page makes a bold statement of return for Batman.
The red coloring plays a part in building the initial investigation of Joker’s latest case. It plays as a nice assist to the half page visual of the horrific first crime. Another excellent page is Batman walking into the location of the follow-up clue. It gives an ominous feel as the tension builds up.
The Joker’s personal attacks make an impact with the details involved. Readers bare witness to how things are presented and the chills from the visuals grow the story’s strength even further.
The closing pages throw a great mix into where things were looking to go. The art team makes a great final image before wrapping this initial chapter up, beginning a long wait for what’s next. There’s much to enjoy here for readers.
FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10
Whenever the story involves Batman and The Joker, fan expectations are almost unreachable. That is not the case with this issue. Strong writing and exceptional art builds the foundation for what is sure to be a memorable Batman story for the ages.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Batman #139. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd initiative !
