Batgirl

Friday, February 22, 2013

Justice League 17 :: Throne of Atlantis V

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Batwoman 17 :: World's Finest VI

Writers: J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman

Artist: J.H. Williams III

She swore she would bring them home... that she would soldier on, and the time has come at last for Batwoman to honor that promise in the final chapter of "World's Finest." The past year and a half worth of stories, sorrows, and losses, comes down to a colossal conclusion where there is nothing but the good guys -girls actually- finally reaping the much deserved reward of their sacrifice and brave acts of heroism.

Batwoman and Wonder Woman cementing their camaraderie, Bette rising above her fears, Chase getting schooled on heroics, and the history-making development for Maggie Sawyer, make of this issue the best one in the series to date. J.H. Williams III and Dave Stewart kill it with their art; every single panel teems with details and color. Staying in the fringes of the bat-verse has paid off for this title, because it's been able to grow and evolve without depending at every turn on whatever is happening to Batman and company. Then there is that last couple of pages... holy mother of crap!

Hawkfire and Wonder Woman by J.H. Williams III and Dave Stewart

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Ame-Comi Girls #24

Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray

Artist: Steven Cummings

Queen Mera of Atlantis makes her first appearance in Ame-Comi continuity. The issue successfully builds another corner of this alternate universe by establishing the current state of affairs between the surface world and the underwater kingdom, as well as defining the role Mera plays as a daughter of both. Little details like turning Seattle into "Little Atlantis" make of the story a fun discovery ride, just like the fight that later ensues between the Queen and the mysterious Black Manta.

Palmiotti and Gray write an exciting confrontation that is not only entertaining, but also revealing, as dark secrets of the Royal family of Atlantis come out in the open. Despite the limitations of this series' format, this self-contained adventure is rich and eventful. Steven Cummings and Randy Mayor capture the beauty of the Mera PVC figure that inspired this tale. Enough ends are let loose to revisit these characters in future issues of this digital title.

Mera vs. Black Manta by Steven Cummings and Randy Mayor

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Batgirl 17 :: Endure the Flame

Writer: Ray Fawkes

Artist: Daniel Sampere

Given the hard task of dealing with the aftermath of Joker's attack, and moving forward James Gordon Junior's rampage on his own family, writer Ray Fawkes takes the helm for a couple of issues during Gail Simone's forced non-vacation from the title. The most significant change in this temporary hand-off is observed in the narrative, which instead of coming from Batgirl's inner monologue, originates from a third party; an almost jolting transition.

Part of the clean up process after the business with Joker, is capturing his gang members, and for Batgirl, this is not just a matter of catching them, she wants the GCPD to be seen by the public doing it, not only because it's important for the citizens to believe in the authorities, but also because it's cathartic to the cops who lost so many of their peers. This is a nice element of the story, and so is the intriguing choice of villain. Obscure bat-rogue Firebug (not Firefly) debuts in The New 52. Back in the day he was a soldier gone nuts; here, he might be a GCPD cop seeking revenge, but that remains to be seen. Not a bad issue, but Simone needs to return.