This time around, the range of characters include Batman (of course), Nightwing and Batgirl (both out of continuity), Batwoman, Wildcat and The Question amongst others. All told, there are ten stories from existing DC creators and some of the up and coming indie creators. With ten stories to choose from, there is a mix of quality on show;
Batman in “More Than Maybe” (w) Steve Orlando, (a) Greg Smallwood (col) Greg Smallwood (let) Clem Robins
This story features the Golden Age girlfriend of Bruce Wayne, Linda Page. I like that Orlando has done his research in that this Linda shares the same, “Bruce can do better” feeling as the original. However the original had a great interest in Batman; here she actively dislikes Bruce’s alter ego. That said, the same motif is pretty much the same. Orlando uses the Batman Begins trick of repeated speech well. The art from Smallwood, tries to be a mix of Golden Age style with a Year One feel; the latter being one of my favourite eras of Batman.
Writing – 5 Stars; Art – 4 Stars;Â Colors – 4 Stars
Wildcat in “Pulling Punches” (w) Stephanie Philips (a) Riley Rossmo (c) Jordie Bellaire (let) Troy Peteri
Whilst the JSA are effectively sitting in on the bench in the DC Universe, DC aren’t against using members of the team. Thankfully, Wildcat has more to do here than Powergirl in recent guest spots. The story is written by The Butcher of Paris writer Stephanie Philips, who delivers an old school kind of vibe. There is a boxer on the take, a girlfriend in danger and of course a hero to save the day. Rossmo’s art is cartoony, which is fine for this story. Bellaire is her normal excellent self and Peteri uses a font that stand out against the various fight scenes.
Writing – 5 Stars; Art – 4 Stars; Colors – 4 Stars
Batwoman in “Out of the Past” (w) Jordan Clark (a) Kieran McKeown (i) Dexter Vines (c) Adriano Lucas (l) Steve Wands
One of the things that I dislike about the Batwoman books of late is that whomever is writing them always seems to focus on her past girlfriends. Now, I get that Batwoman is a lesbian, but the way that creators treat her, its as if this is the only thing that defines her, that she isn’t a detective in her own right, or isn’t a hero in her own right. Surely there is more to Kate Kane than who she sleeps with? This story goes back to not one, but two past relationships with both Nocturna and Maggie. McKeown’s art, with clean lines, works well and pretty much matches up well against the type of art we expect ollowing the recent Batwoman book.
Writing – 3 Stars; Art – 4 Stars,; Colors – 4 Stars
The Question in “Reflections of the Past” (w) Ram V (a) John Paul Leon (c) John Paul Leon (l) AndWorld Design
The Question is a character that probably fits an indie book feel more than others. It is no surprise then to find new Justice League Dark writer and These Savage Shore creator and writer, Ram V, is on hand to provide narration. Ram is a writer for whom I have a lot of time for. With this type of story, it’s not hard to imagine Ram on a Bat book. The art by Leon has a dirty, grimy feel that matched The Question well, especially given the tone of the recent Black Label book. Throw in AndWorld Design and you have a squad of indie creators on a DC book. About time!
Writing – 5 Stars; Art – 4 Stars; Colors – 4 Stars
As for the other stories; the Plastic Man and Pied Piper didn’t really grab me; the art by Abel on the Catwoman book was a nice change of pace from her current run, though the art in the Green Arrow / Black Canary by Paul Fry needs better camera angles; it looks in a couple of panels that Canary is flying. There is also a panel that looks like a Canary cry panel yet there are a ton of words.
These specials are always a mixed bag, especially given the high price point, Still, it is a great way to sample some of the best indie creators as they take on the more familair characters. From a creator point of view, these specials are a win/win; not only do they get a bigger audience, but may also drive readers to try nooks outside of their comfort zone.
Overall 3.5 Stars
Written by; James TynionIV, Steve Orlando, Sina Grace, Jay Baruchel, Stephanie Phillips, Ram V, Jordan Clark and Others
Art by; Greg Smallwood, Riley Rossmo, Andie Tong, Mike Norton, Anthony Spay, John Paul Leon , Kieran McKeown,Others
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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