2018.011 Batman Vol 4: The War Of Jokes And Riddles

Tom King has been doing solid stuff on Batman, but for some reason, I just don't think it's been as good as everyone has been saying.  I've liked it a lot, but his run IS coming off of Scott Snyder's, and that's probably what my issue is.  As good as Tom King's Batman is, it's not Scott Snyder's.  Well, after reading this book, I'm taking that argument and throwing it away.  I was captivated by this story.  It's been a long time since I've read anything that I could not put down.  There was something about the way he wrote this book that clicked with me.  I love that it was a flashback story.  I think that worked wonderfully.  It only strengthened it for me.  It was beautiful to look at.  He did things in this book that made me go "WTF?" but they worked.  I fucking loved Bruce Wayne hosting a dinner for Riddler and Joker.  That was my biggest WTF moment, but the moment I loved the best.

Tom King has set his own personal bar pretty high with this story.  I can't wait to see where he goes next.

Batman Vol 4: The War Of Jokes And Riddles

Written by: Tom King

Illustrated by: Mikel Janin, Clay Mann, Danny Miki, Seth Mann, John Livesay, Hugo Petrus

DC Comics

125 Batman Vol 3: I Am Bane

Tom King is a solid writer and I'm enjoying his Batman run so far, but not as much as Scott Snyder's run.  I think Tom King is a far better fit with Nightwing, but that's just my opinion.

This book feels like it's the point where everything is about to change.  The whole Bane storyline from the last volume gets wrapped up, though the ending left me cold.  It's like "Batman punched out Bane.  Batman wins.  Fade to black."  It was an abrupt finish to the story and it sat funny with me.

This run has been all about reinventing Catwoman again.  I guess the New 52 version was that awful that they decided to go in a new direction.  She's not quite where she was when the Flashpoint hit (that was my favorite era of Catwoman.  The last couple years up to Flashpoint), but it feels like that's the direction they're trying to take her in.  I'm not complaining (much), but I just want it done right, not rushed, not fucked up.  That's my wish.

I love that all the Robins get a chance to pop in and out of this book, too.  I don't know why, but that brings me joy.

Batman Vol 3: I Am Bane

Writer: Tom King

Artist: David Finch, Mitch Gerads, Clay Mann, Trevor Scott, Sandra Hope, Danny Miki, Seth Mann

DC Comics

106 Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together

On paper this is the greatest concept in comics.  Put DC's three biggest, iconic characters together in one book.  What could go wrong?

This book is beautifully illustrated.  I can't say enough nice stuff about how beautiful it is.  But other than that, it left me a little cold.  In a nutshell, it's a rehashing/sequel to Alan Moore's brilliant Black Mercy story a hundred years ago.  This story does nothing to add to it, unfortunately.  It feels like it takes more than it gives.  Been there, done that.  It would have been better if the inclusion of Poison Ivy didn't happen.  I'm still trying to wrap my head around that.  It just does not work for me.

I'm hoping volume 2 gives us a better story.

Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together

Writer: Francis Manapul

Artist: Francis Manapul, Emanuela Lupacchino, Ray McCarthy, Matt Santorelli, Clay Mann, Seth Mann

DC Comics