REVIEW: BATMAN FAZE CLAN #1 (ONE SHOT)

Three weeks after a relatively successful release of The Batman movie in theatre, DC Comics attempts to capitalize on that momentum by targeting the Youth Dividend with Batman Faze Clan #1

Story Thus far:

The most popular console is the Nygmabox, and scalpers have been selling them for $1k. But it turns out that the Riddler is behind it and has been using it as a mind control device. Therefore, Batman recruits the Faze Clan, who are based on the real-life Electronic Sports League Team. The Faze clan teams up with member of the Bat Family, to go into the VR world to stop the riddle, but they must be careful because if the y die in the game they die in real life.

Art:

Scot Eaton (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, X-Men: Endangered Species, and X-Men: Messiah Complex). Scot Eason has a great resume and is a good artist. But if you give it the context of what DC was trying to do it fails. The interiors are flawless and have that classic comic book look. But if you’re trying to reel in the next generation, a little more attention to current social media trends would have been nice. Art wise I was expecting more pop- and use of pastel colors. At least some easter-eggs and not another Oculus reference.

Script:

I digress that is the conundrum that Josh Trullio runs into. How do you target the Youth Dividend when their cultural vibes are defined by hashtags that changes minute to minute?

Cultural icons on social media are one way but, the Faze clanat the moment isn’t it. But the biggest miss is not including Kalei Renay.

Of all the real people that he could have done this with these guys are way down the line. I mean what happened to pewdie Pie?

Also since the story was centered around the virtual reality world, probably should have gone with @SadlyItsBradley

Speculation:

Zero interest. I have always theorized that a culmination of media buzz plus timing really helps a book! But this book proves me wrong! It had all the earmarks that should have made this a hot book. Maybe time will tell in about 7 years if the Faze Clan Popularity continues to rise, maybe we will look back at this book and something we should have grabbed.

Covers:

Batman Faze Clan #1: will have an ungodly 6 covers: CVR A Tyler Kirkham Cover; CVR B Jason Badower connecting 1 ;CVR C Jason Badower connecting2 ; CVR D Jason Badower 3 connecting; CVR E Jason Badower 4 connecting; Cover F Incentive Tyler Kirkham Black & White Cover. Frankly Third-party sellers are trying to get rid of their copies selling for about $10.

2.5 stars out of 5

Author(s): Josh Trujillo

Artist(s): Scot Eaton

Colorist(s): Tony Avina

Letterer: Josh Reed

GENRE: Super-Hero, Slice of Life, Crime Fiction, Future Speculation

Publisher: DC Comics