Review: Forever Evil #1

It's finally time for the New 52's first Universe-Wide event, Forever Evil, but was the first issue worth all the hype? Check out my review of Forever Evil #1 below! But a bit of a warning here, there will be spoilers for the series below...

 

 

 

 

I have to say, just before I start the main review, I'm a little bit confused as to why DC Comics had trailer Trinity War for so long as their next massive event, when it was simply a set-up event for Forever Evil, and they couldn't have just focused on the current event that I'm talking about here, but I won't let that get in the way of what I thought about this issue...

 

Anyway, I did really enjoy this issue, which is an odd thing to say considering it's very bad for the heroes of the DC Universe, but still, a great issue, and the Crime Syndicate seem like a really interesting group of villains for the series.

I always love reading how Geoff Johns' starts these big event comics, this one begins with a rather sinister business deal being made by Lex Luthor, and it really shows you how evil and self-obsessed he is as a character, that he's perfectly happy to threaten and ruin people's lives just to expand on his empire. I think this scene is deliberately used as an example of how vile a character Luthor is, since we know this series will feature him leading a group of his fellow villains to attempt to save the planet, and I think what Johns wanted to do was demonstrate how desperate the people of Earth are that somebody this evil will have to save them, and the scene is a clever way to show this.

 

I think the method that the Secret Society use to broadcast their message to the world is interesting, and provides a good way to show reactions from characters all around the world, but I do think it's a bit too similar to the how General Zod spoke to the people of Earth, both ways including taking over every device that with a screen or a speaker, such as a phone, an earpiece, televisions...

 

Now, I think the most important part of this issue is what happens to Nightwing, and while I won't spoil what actually happened in this post, I can say that it's massive for the character, and a major change in the status quo, I hope it has an immediate effect on his solo series, which would make Forever Evil really feel like a major event. I am glad this was put in the first issue of the series, because I'm not too keen on events that take months to have a major happening, or a shocking moment, I feel like this kicks off the story well ( obviously not for Dick Grayson, though... ).

 

One problem I do have with the issue though is how annoying Power Ring is, I feel like Johns is forcing the concept that he's the opposite of Green Lantern because he's so cowardly and afraid on us, and it got a bit tedious for me...

 

Now onto the art, and I really can't seem to find any problems with the art at all; I've looked over the issue several times now and there's no fault that springs to mind with it, David Finch's pencils work brilliantly with Richard Friend's inks and Sonia Oback's colours.

 

My favourite sections of the art throughout the entire issue were the four page fold out, showing what I'm almost certain is around one-hundred DC Universe villains ( with three from the Teen Titans animated series, which made me really happy ), and the final page, featuring Lex Luthor, which sums up how lost the world seems at this point, Finch along with Friend and Oback, is a great fit for this series.

 

In conclusion, I think this was a brilliant issue, and it shows you just how powerful the villains are, reading the ways that make the Secret Society the opposites of the Justice League was really interesting. Great writing,  great art, my only real complaint is that I got a little bit bored of Power Ring, apart from that, I really enjoyed it. I definitely suggest picking up this series, a major event for the DC Universe, and a must read for all DC fans.

 

Rating: 9/10

 

 

Review: Batman, Incorporated #13

There will be some major spoilers for the conclusion of Batman, inc. below.

Well, we've finally reached the end. This is the finale of Grant Morrison's Batman story. A lot has happened in this run; Dick Grayson becoming the Batman; the founding of Batman, inc.; The arrival and death of Batman's son, Damian Wayne and much more, but was this a fitting ending? I guess that's what I have to say here...

This was another fast-paced, exciting issue of Batman, inc. and it showed me how much I'm going to miss this series now that it's over. The writing of the issue is brilliant ( as you would expect from Morrison ). What Morrison does to Batman in this issue is very clever, that after years and years of building him up to his peak, he knocks him straight back down.

 I feel like you have to read this issue again to spot some of the interesting symbolic things that happen in the issue, one that I'll point out is that despite all of the travelling around the world, building up an empire, advancing his resources, Batman's final battle against Talia takes place in the Batcave, the home of Batman. Another is that one of the people he couldn't get to in time to save their life, rescues Batman. There are a few more, and I think you'll probably have to read it more than once to get them, but I find them really interesting.

I do have a bit of a problem with how the issue is set out, though, at the start you see Bruce Wayne sitting in the police station, talking to Jim Gordon, after his final fight with Talia, and he tells the story to the Commissioner. I feel like this takes away from the suspense of the issue, and even though I knew from the moment I picked up the issue, that Batman wouldn't die; When you're engrossed in a story you don't really remember that, and it puts a bit of a downer on that excitement to see what's happening after the battle as the first thing in the issue.

My answer to the question in the first paragraph is yes. In my eyes, this was a fitting ending, it leaves a bit of a cliffhanger and I wonder if we'll ever get to see that followed up on. I really hope we do get a chance to see what happens next sometime in the future, but knowing it most likely will not be written be Grant if it even happens is a bit of a shame...

Now onto the art: Chris Burnham never fails to impress with the art on this book. He does all of the weird layouts perfectly, and we definitely get a few of those in this issue. The colours by Nathan Fairbairn compliment Burnham's pencils brilliantly, and they both are perfect for this story. I'm going to miss seeing the two of them work together on this book.

Another brilliant issue and a good conclusion to the story, even if it does take away some of it's own suspense, Grant leaves you wondering after the final scene which is exactly what I was hoping for and Burnham and Fairbairn do a great job on the artwork. I think you do need to have read Grant's entire run to appreciate this issue fully, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

Rating: 9/10

Interview: Brett Booth on leaving Nightwing, JLA and the Future!

This is my second interview with Brett Booth, but this is a little shorter than the first as he was very busy drawing Justice League of America. But, anyway, enjoy!

The cover to Nightwing #21,
Booth's final issue

Harry: Brett, thanks for doing a second interview on this blog, It's nice to have you back on!

Brett Booth: How can you type so much so fast?!?!?!? I'll have to be quick, need to get this page done ASAP!

Harry: Straight to the questions on a recent piece of news, your departure, from your current series, Nightwing.

 

I'll just say that I'm definitely going to miss you on the series, how does it feel for you to be leaving after such a short time?

Brett: Unfinished. Things just didn't aline quite right but that's comics, always changing! I do hope to get another chance at some point.

Harry: Do you think you'll miss the book, considering the whole mythos writer Kyle Higgins is building up for the city of Chicago?

Brett: I don't really know... I haven't had much breathing room to really think lately. I will miss drawing Nightwing, he's one of my favorites!

Harry: One of the most important questions, what did you enjoy most from drawing this series?

Brett: Drawing Nightwing dancing over the city...( and the @$$ shots;P) It's different from say Spiderman, NW has a different kind of grace.

Harry: What can you tell us about your final issue of the series?

Brett: DONUTS!!!! And maybe coffee...

Harry: Onto some questions about a book you'll be drawing in the next two months, Justice League of America.

 

We've talked before about the differences between drawing team books and drawing solo books, but are there any certain types of practice you have to do before returning to a team book?

Brett: No, since it's only been a few months since my last team book, it wasn't hard to switch back into it. It was just a tad difficult because of all the new costumes I'm not used to.... especially Seve Trevors, David went crazy with that one!

Interiors of Nightwing #20
by Booth.

Harry: With such a diverse group of characters, how do you make the individual aspects of each character stand out?

Brett: The stand out more easily BECAUSE they are diverse character wise. Hawkman, is the tough guy. Martian Manhunter the stoic father figure, Catwoman is the naughty badgirl ect. Once you zero in on that they are pretty easy to get ahold of;)

Harry: You've drawn a JLA book before, but with a very different team to the current incarnation, does it feel odd drawing a series with the same name of one you've drawn before but with very different characters?

Brett: Not really, teams change all the time. It's fun to get a chance to draw so much of the DC Universe New and Old!

Harry: What's it like to be working with one of DC's top writers, Geoff Johns?

Brett: I'm a huge fan of his, he world builds so well! He's also incredibly nice and helpful. I would love to do a regular book with him at some point!

Harry: Do you feel like you have more control over characters in a series less mainstream rather than one DC is shining their spotlight on?

Brett: As the artist, my control is limited to the look, but as I'm also one of the designers I can get away with tweeks.. I'm only helping out for a few issues so I'm trying to stick to what's already there or what will be there Trinity War wise;)

JLA interiors by Booth, images
from Comic Book Resources

Harry: Are you aloud to tease anything about your issues of JLA?

Brett: I believe the it's the first appearance of a character and watch the jet in that double page spread;) Also, lots of Catwoman and a Bigfoot!

Harry: After Nightwing and JLA I assume you'll be moving onto another series, presumably for DC Comics again, any clues to what that could be?

Brett: 'll be doing a 5-6 issue arc on another book then I should be hitting a regular series book again... I don't want to ruin the surprise!

Harry: Thanks again, Brett! Nice to get the chance to interview you again! Good luck on your future projects!

Brett: Thanks!!!!!


Brett's final issue of Nightwing comes out on the 12th of June and his two issue run on Justice League of America begins on May 29, starting with #4.

You can follow him on twitter, @Demonpuppy and check out his blog: "Demonpuppy's Wicked Awesome art blog". You can read my first interview with Brett here! 

Review: Nightwing #19

Nightwing #19 cover, by Booth, Rapmund and Dalhouse

some SPOILERS below, be warned!

Let me just start off by saying that I loved this issue, I've enjoyed Kyle Higgins' run from the start, Love Brett Booth's art ( and with Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse, it's even better!) and Dick's one of my favourite characters. So this issue was pretty perfect.

Kyle Higgins' decision to send Nightwing to Chicago was a great idea, it gives the character a chance to shine without being in the shadow of the bat, and it's nice to see Nightwing as the only masked hero and not surrounded by all the other Bat-Characters.

It's also really fun to see Nightwing take easy care of the Chicago Police Department, who definitely seemed a bit unprepared for somebody like Dick Grayson.

Now onto the art, which I loved. This is the same art team as most of the first 16 issues of Teen Titans, which was one of my favourite New 52 books, mostly because of the art. Brett Booth has a really great style, he manages to capture Nighwing's movements just right, and seeing Nighwing's facial expressions in this issue, He also manages to show the emotions of the character well.

The Inks and Colours by Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse really add to Booth's art, they've become a bit of a team in the New 52, with a lot of Booth's work being inked and coloured by the pair.

My only problem with the issue is that the cover is a bit misleading, Nightwing and the Prankster never actually come face to face, and the villain only turns up in the last few pages. But this isn't a major problem.

Score: 9/10 !

Comics Catch up: Nightwing #19

Welcome to comics catch-up! In this feature I'll be getting you up to speed on what you need to know for some of this week's comics!

Today we're talking Nightwing!

Issue 19 of Nightwing hits the stands tomorrow, April 17. Written by Kyle Higgins and Pencilled by Brett Booth ( with inks and colours by Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse ), this issue takes Nightwing to a new enviroment for him, the city of Chicago.

So, here we go!

Dick recently became involved with a project to re-invent Haly's circus, his former home, in one of Gotham's abandoned areas, Amusement mile. He was setting it up with the daughter of the man who murdered his parents, Sonia Branch, who he soon became romantically involved with.

Dick was doing a good job setting up the new Amusement mile when tragedy struck, Tragedy in the form of a maniacal homocidal clown. The Joker.

The Joker burned Dick's plans to the ground, murdered his friend Jimmy, and ex-girlfriend/ traitor, Raya Vestri. He pushed the Bat-family away from eachother.

Dick was hated by some members of the circus and blamed for the death of Raya and Jimmy, as you can guess, he was in a pretty bad mood.

After the events of the Joker attack ( Death of the family), Dick nearly brutalised a group of men scavenging the Haly's corcus grounds for "trophies" from recent events. Dick was stopped by the son of Batman, and former Robin, Damian Wayne.

Dick managed to hunt down the man collecting these "trophies", the Dealer. He'd taken the Flying Graysons outfit of Dick's father, John Grayson. Dick was in the middle of getting the suit back from the Dealer, when a fire broke out in the building. There were people who were bidding for items in the building and they were trapped, Dick managed to save the people, but his father's suit burned.

After all of the tragedies in Dick's life something worse than anything else happened, Damian Wayne, effectively a little brother to Dick, died. Dick was in a terrible state, he felt utterly destroyed.

The final shock in Dick's life was something unvelievable for him. Tony Zucco, the man who killed his parents, was alive. Dick couldn't stay in Gotham any longer. He had to find him.

Dick has now moved to Chicago, a city without masked heroes, and where vigilantism is banned. He has one Nightwing suit and hardly any money.

As you can tell, these are tough times for Dick Grayson.

Nightwing 19 hits stands April 17, by Kyle Higgins and Brett Booth. with inks and colours by Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse.