The Flash comes to Gotham for Zero Year

Over the last two days, DC Comics have been releasing details of the books that will be tying into Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's "Batman: Zero Year" story.  So far, I've posted about them here and here. Now, DC have added to the list of series with a new tie-in, in the form of "The Flash"

The issue takes place in Gotham City, and features Barry Allen before he becomes the Scarlet Speedster that he is today, and it apparently solidifies his decision to become a forensic scientist for the police force.

The Flash #25 will be written by Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul with art by Chris Sprouse and Karl Story, it'll be released sometime this November.

I also think this cover might give some clues to what the key moment in Zero Year that links all of the tie-ins together is, possibly a breakout in Arkham Asylum, or more likely, Blackgate prison?

There's still one more Zero Year tie-in to be revealed sometime soon, but I think this is the last non- Batman related series in the event.

(Source: MTV Geek)

Review: Batman Annual #2

There are a few spoilers for the issue below!

I'm just going to start of the review by saying that this story isn't anything to do with Zero Year despite what the cover says, and even though this was a completely different type of story to what was expected, I loved this issue.

I have to say, Scott Snyder and Marguerite Bennet make one hell of a writing team. I was really impressed by this story, and it had me hooked from the start. The main premise of the issue goes like this, Batman is brought in to test in a new wing of Arkham Asylum, when the Asylum's oldest inmate, the Anchoress breaks out of her cell to attack him. I don't want to say much else and I really don't want to spoil the Anchoress' backstory, because I feel like the motive it provides is interesting and not you're average villain's sort of motivation.

The scene set inside the Mind of Batman is the real highlight in the issue, though. It brings up a character that I've been wanting to see more of, even if it is just a cameo and in the form of a vision. And the next character that shows up in this scene really hits at your emotions, I won't say much about it because I don't want to take away from the impact of it.

The art, now. Honestly, at the start of the issue I wasn't a fan of the art, I felt like the faces that Wes Craig had drawn looked a bit off. However, as the issue got further and further in, it kept growing on me and by the end of the issue, I was really enjoying the art. One thing I do have to say though is that from the beggining, the one aspect of the art that was good and stayed good was Batman, and I guess he's the most important part of the issue. God, Wes Craig draws a good Batman.

I think this issue struck at the heart of what an annual should be, in my opinion: An extra, oversized, self contained and exciting dose of one of your favourite comic book characters. That was definitely achieved here.

Overall, a great, well written issue with a really interesting villain. The premise was brilliant and the art developed the more you saw of it.

Rating: 10/10

SDCC 2013: First look at Forever Evil artwork, featuring Nightwing!

So, San-Diego Comic-Con has begun! Even if you're not there ( like me, even though I wish I could be ) you can still catch up on all of the important news and teasers from the event online! Right now, DC Comics are holding a panel with Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire and more and they've started previewing artwork from upcoming dc issues.

The most important so far, I think is Forever Evil, with Nightwing breaking into Arkham Asylum, check out the page below.

While the page doesn't reveal much, I am interested to see more. And, just quickly, that's got to be Superwoman of the Crime Syndicate of America from Earth 3, right?