Detective Comics 934-950

This is it…I am returning to DC after a 5 year absence. Now that DC Rebirth has brought back the original continuity without throwing the New 52…will these characters be the same as the ones I loved. Most of all, for this book, I care about Cassandra Cain. She is my favorite comic book character and in my opinion the one true Batgirl. AND she is finally a regular in a book again. Will this be the same Cassandra I know and love? I know she got reintroduced but is she really just the same character with the memories of her time as Batgirl erased by the evil Dan Didio…I mean Doctor Manhattan. Let’s find out as I explore Detective Comics Rebirth.

Detective Comics #934
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Eddy Barrows

This was a great jumping back on point for old/new readers. I did not miss a beat. Batman discovers someone is targeting Gotham’s vigilantes and has recruited Batwoman to “train” them. (I do cringe at the idea that Cassandra needs training from Batwoman.) He finally reveals his secret identity to her and they are cousins. I always was annoyed the the Wayne-Kane connection was never explored pre-Flashpoint so I loved this moment. The first of the team we meet is Stephanie Brown former Batgirl and Robin but now back to her Spoiler idenity. The identity she should have remained. I like her, don’t get me wrong, but she should never have been allowed to take the mantle of Batgirl from Cassandra Cain.

After Steph, we see Tim Drake in a new Red Robin costume that evokes his classic Robin costume. Man it is good to see him look like that again. That was an amazing costume.

Finally, we get Cassandra and I love that her new costume evokes her original Batgirl costume but I am sorry it is not enough….she needs to have a bat emblem and be a real Batgirl again someday. As fan, we can’t just give up on that. She now calls herself Orphan. As cool as it is to have her full mask back, I still would prefer her pre-Flashpoint Black Bat identity than “Orphan.” Now besides this, Tynion IV writes her perfectly as the bad ass scary fighter she is but I just wish she could be that way in a Bat costume.

The final member of the team is Clayface which is an odd choice but okay we will see where it goes. Eddy Barrows’s art was beautiful…he has truly stepped up his game in five years and seems perfect for this book.

So ya….CASS IS BACK!

Detective Comics #935
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Eddy Barrows

In this issue, Batwoman continues the training of the younger vigilantes. Meanwhile, Batman tells Tim he has always been Robin to him. So in this continuity was Tim never officillay Robin? If so, will he remember his time as Robin whenever the missing ten years gets restored or whatever? I sure hope so. I hope the same with the other characters too.

Cassandra is bad ass in this. I love how Steph says he just shows up and gets blood on the floor and is almost never home. We truly are getting old school Cassandra Cain back and I could not be happier…except if she was Batgirl again. That would be better.

Beautiful story and beautiful art. I feel Tynion IV truly gets these characters.

Stephanie Brown 20-24

Batgirl (Volume 3) #20
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Ramon Bachs

Reviewing this series always made me a little queazy because I wish it was the real Batgirl Cassandra Cain and not Stephanie Brown who really should be the Spoiler but here we go…this issue was decent. The art was good and fit the title well. I am a tad but confused by the ending although it could be because I did not go back and re-read the last issue. I hated the annoying talk between Oracle and Steph confirming once again that Stephanie is Batgirl now. Gross.

Batgirl (Volume 3) #21
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Dustin Nguyen

Batgirl fights Harmony in this issue, another operative of the Order of the Scythe. It was rather uninteresting. The side story of Wendy Harris deciding to go to Nanda Parbat was interesting though. I wonder if this ever gets resolved or if Wendy is just MIA after this. I have to note that the cover of this issue has the wrong artist on it. Come on DC.

 

 

Batgirl (Volume 3) #22
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

In this issue Stephanie travels to London on Batman Inc orders and fights a a villain with the Squire. The whole thing was okay I guess as Stephanie realizes unlike the squire, she really is not a sidekick. Whatever. I miss Cassandra Cain as Batgirl and this issue would have been so much more fun to read if she teamed up with the Squire. Anyways, this issue ends with a cliffhanger said to be continued in Batman Inc #9…which never came out. DC clearly had no idea they were going to do the New 52 till the last second and it was horrible decision.

Batgirl (Volume 3) #23
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

Stephanie goes into the middle of a riot at Blackgate in order to find out who is behind the Order of the Scythe if I understood this issue correctly. She is helped out by Miss Martian, Bombshell, Supergirl, and Stargirl because she is not Cassandra Cain the real Batgirl and therefore could not pull this off herself. The cliffhanger was something I did not expect – the mystery is revealed to be Steph’s Dad, the Cluemaster!

 

Batgirl (Volume 3) #24
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez

This is the final issue of this Stephanie Brown Batgirl series. I can’t say I am sorry to see it go because this is the series that broke my heart and gave the mantle of Batgirl to someone other than DC’s greatest character, Cassandra Cain (who doesn’t even make it on this cover!). Cassandra actually does appear in costume as Batgirl in a one panel where she is shown as part of Stephanie Black Mercy effected hallucination where all the Batgirls are working with the Blackhawks. It is such a shame we never go to see her team up with the Black Bat since they used to be best friends. Anyways, this was a decent issue.

Detective Comics 875 – 881

Detective Comics #875
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Francisco Francavilla

This was very good. I was very impressed. Snyder is making sure that the stories here in Detective Comics are true detective stories as Commissioner Gordon tries to solve an old case involving missing children while at the same time thinking back on his young son’s possible murder of a teenage girl. It is dark but that is always fine in the Batman corner of the DC Universe. I wonder if this idea that James Gordon Jr. was a tad nutty is ever referenced in a comic before. You would think Oracle would have mentioned her friend going missing.

Detective Comics #876
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Jock

Snyder switches from Commissioner Gordon to Dick Grayson Batman for this issue when a dead killer whale shows up in a Gotham City bank one morning with a girl inside. One cant help but wonder are they bringing back the villain Orca? I always liked Orca but I am pretty sure she is dead. Anyways it was a really creepy murder. Snyder also mines continuity by referencing the murder of Dick’s parents; the bank owner is the daughter of Boss Zucco. Anyways, more Batman comics should be as cool as this.

Detective Comics #877
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Jock

Scott Snyder pulls a  Paul Dini this issue and creates two new Batman villains; the Roadrunner and Tiger Shark. I like when writes understand the world they are writing and don’t try to change it into something else. Batman fight comic book villains and Snyder get that. Jock’s art was incredible as well. You really feel the scale of Gotham City in his art.

Detective Comics #878
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Jock

The Tiger Shark is truly a classic villain. He wears the skin of endangered animals, has henchmen, and Killer Whales. It is awesome. Dick meets with James Gordon Jr. in this issue as well and realizes that Boss Zucco’s daughter may have been using him.I called it in my head that James Jr would go after Ben Wolff otherwise this was a great issue.

 

Detective Comics #879
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Art by Francisco Francavilla

Commissioner Gordon meets with Oracle to discuss her brother as they both want to find out if he truly has reformed. The shocking truth is that James Jr has created a pill that will turn people into psychopaths and is planning on giving it to Gotham’s Children. Francavilla’s art make the story doubly creepy – especially a scene with the Joker. The final scene brings things full circle and I won’t spoil it but it’s just good writing.

Detective Comics #880
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Art by Jock

After he escapes from Arkham, Barbara Gordon Sr. is brutally attacked with Joker venom. This issue ends with the shocker that it wasn’t the Joker at all (who Snyder writes perfectly) but James Jr. I hope Snyder doesn’t make Oracle a damsel-in-distress the next issue because we all know she can hold her own. Otherwise this was an amazing Batman story. I look forward to the finale.

Detective Comics #881
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Art by Francisco Francavilla and Jock

This is the last issue before the New 52 reboot but this series is not ending as the original numbering is coming back this month. Yay! I won’t be reviewing crap New 52 issues though and will skip ahead to Rebirth. Anyways creeper James Jr puts knives into Oracle’s arteries. I can’t help but wonder why the Birds of Prey aren’t in on this case. I love that Snyder chooses to have Red Robin help Batman here instead of Damian. Tim is the real Robin in my book. This was a tremendous finale to what has been a tremendous run on Detective Comics.

 

 

 

Selina, It’s Me

Batman: Streets of Gotham #17
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Co-Feature by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Szymon Kudranski

 

The main story continues the House of Hush story arc….which I assumed would feature the fall of Hush before Bruce’s return but I guess not as Bruce reveals himself to Selina as Batman in a great scene at the beginning of this issue. The “Selina, it’s me” moment was just awesome for fans of their relationship and Dini writes their relationship very well. The Bed Bug is another great Gotham villain creation by Dini. How does he keep doing this?! The revelations about The Wayne, Kane, and Elliot families also continue to be interesting. The Ragman backup starts off really well as the art really suits the mood and darkness of Gotham City – especially the underbelly a character like Ragman should explore. I love the theme of Gentrification. Gotham really reminds me of Chicago sometimes. It must be why they set the movies here.

Going Global

Red Robin #16
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Marcus To

 

Nicieza is such a fantastic writer – he really understands the character of Tim Drake and his history. I loved how Brentwood Academy is mentioned in this issue – Tim’s school from the Dixon era of his book. So many writers come on to book and dismiss anything that came before but not Nicieza. I can’t wait till next issue where we are promised Cassandra Cain! And I wonder where Tim’s new home will be – he says Gotham will still be his base but  he is going global? hmm. How cool would it be if Red Robin became the protector of Vanity – Aztek’s city.

Protecting Secrets

Red Robin #15
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Marcus To

 

Tim shows his genius in this fantastic issue where he pulls off a huge stunt to convince Vicki Vale he is not Red Robin and throw her off the Bat-family’s trail. It was great to see Miss Martian helping out and Tim continue to reach out to his connections. This really is the book for the Batfamily as everyone seems to be appearing here (Except for Cass of course, Vicki didn’t seem to know her identity because Cass is too awesome for that!) I like how Tam Fox is being trusted to keep the BatFamily secrets as well. This book rocks!

Red Robin 9 and 10

Red Robin #9
Written by Christopher Yost
Art by Marcus To

 

The end of this issue is the beginning of Batgirl #8. They weren’t the same scene at all though! What the hell is wrong with the editors at DC Comics. If you are going to do a crossover shouldn’t this all be coordinated? Anyways Tim returning to Gotham is really awesome, loved about every panel of this issue. To draws Gotham fantastically.

Red Robin #10
Written by Christopher Yost
Art by Marcus To

 

Former lovers Tim and Steph continue their team-up in their new personas in this issue and I am still annoyed that Tim has not asked what happened to Cassandra! Whatever the art was good and the mystery with Ra’s, Hush, and Vicki Vale is really interesting. I am still loving Tam Fox as a character. Good stuff.

Where The Hell Is She?!

Batgirl (Volume 3) #8
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Talent Caldwell

 

I miss Garbett’s art I think his absence really hurt this issue. It was a sweet story where Tim and Steph finally recouncil sort of but at the same time Steph chooses not to take him back, proving that she is an independent woman now. And because you know I am going to bring it up, they did mention Cassandra in this issue. In one panel and all Tim says is Cassandra? He doesn’t even fucking ask Stephanie where Cassandra Cain is or why she is no longer Batgirl! This pissed me off. Remember that DC Nation where Didio said there were big plans for Cass in 2010, where the hell is she?!

I Want To Hate This Book

Batgirl (Volume 3) #4
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Tim Levins and Lee Garbett

 

I want so much to hate this book! Especially after watching Kyle Rayner died over in Green Lantern Corps, I really want this book to be awful because I love Cassandra Cain so much. Unfortunately, this book is a lot of fun. Stephanie is making for an interesting Batgirl. Can we at least see Cassandra though? Is Babs aware of where she is? Steph’s new costume is cool and make me miss Cassandra less now that we aren’t seeing Cassie’s Batgirl costume on the page.  So this is series is easier to read and less of a reminder that DC continues to disrespect my favorite comic book character. Barbara and Steph’s relationship is a lot of fun and Steph has great one-liners. I have to say that this issue was a definite success. I am not sure that putting Steph against Livewire was such a good idea. Could they not have had a Gotham villain to face? I am glad that I am enjoying this, don’t get me wrong, I know that I would enjoy it more if it was about Cassandra Cain or at least mentioned her.

Cassandra Cain Will Be Back

Batgirl (Volume 3) #1
Written by Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Lee Garbett

You know I should really hate this book. My favorite character – after being disrespected by DC editorial since her series ended and ignored in other bat titles – gives up her role as Batgirl in this issue to Stephanie Brown! But I am actually not that upset, because it is totally in character for her. Cassandra thought the world of Bruce and I do believe Bruce’s death would cause her to not want to wear his symbol anymore. I hope it is only temporary and she comes back to help Steph or goes and helps Tim in his adventures – but I am okay with it for now. Granted though, this would have been a lot better if it starred Cassandra Cain, but Stephanie was someone Cassandra really liked and I understand why she gave Steph the cowl. I like Barbara’s involvement in this as well and I am curious as to where this is all heading. But please bring Cassie back sooner rather then later!

Batman Confidential 9 – 21

Batman Confidential #9

Written by Michael Green

Art by Denys Cowan

Okay I really hope this is a joke….I mean there is no way in hell Batman would order a hit on the Joker. Are you kidding me? If it is, this story is crap. I hope not because I do generally like Green as a comic writer. I do think the idea of Joker’s smile being created by the Batarangs to be pretty clever though.

Batman Confidential #10 Written by Michael Green
Art by Denys Cowan

Okay well I am glad that Batman changed his mind at the last second, but it is still hard to swallow that Batman would have ordered the hit in the first place. The joker’s emergence from the waters was a very nice scene, I especially liked the bunny on the moon part haha.

Batman Confidential #11 Written by Michael Green
Art by Denys Cowan

Still don’t understand how this fits in continuity but oh well, let’s just imagine this is another one of the Joker’s retelling of his possible origin. It was okay issue….really the only good parts were the Joker’s lines. Batman’s love for Lorna Shore just seems forced and lame.

Batman Confidential #12 Written by Michael Green
Art by Denys Cowan

So the Joker’s origin concludes with this issue in which Bruce ends it with Lorna and defeats the Joker for the first time. Eh….it was okay. Nothing special.

Batman Confidential #13 Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Rags Morales

Okay Bedard is a great writer and Morales is an amazing artist, but I did not expect this to as good as it was! This is by far the best arc of this series within just one issue. I want to know more about the Wrath and I love how this is not set in Year One but around the time Robin became Nightwing. There are just too many stories set in Year One that this was very refreshing.

Batman Confidential #14 Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Rags Morales

Hmmm…..so is the ending hinting that this Wrath was the original Wrath’s sidekick? I like the Wrath…he is a way cooler anti-Batman then Killer Moth ever was. Why no one has brought him back before this is beyond me. Kudos for Bedard for doing so. Oh and I do not even have to mention since this is Morales but the art is gorgeous in this issue.

Batman Confidential #15
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Rags Morales

The original Wrath’s origin is revealed this issue and it’s anti-Batman to the max. But it is not lame silver agey at all, but really clever. I am really enjoying this arc. And you gotta love the Wrath-mobile.

Batman Confidential #16
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Rags Morales

This concludes the Wrath storyline and we find out the new Wrath’s origin. Very clever stuff. I like that the original Wrath kidnapped these children and most of them got killed. Kinda reminds me of All-Star Batman (:. I highly reccomend everyone pick up with this arc.

Batman Confidential #17
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Kevin Maguire

Haha what an expected turn for the original Batgirl’s first meeting with Catwoman. Barbara has to follow her into a hedonist club – naked times for the Cat and the Bat! Although, I have to say, from what I have seen on TV….nudists are never as attractive as these people. The art here is great since it’s Maguire but some of their facial expressions are too much like they are taking dumps (:

Batman Confidential #18
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Kevin Maguire

This was hilarious….Catwoman and Batman fighting it out naked. It must hurt to get kicked like that hehe. The scene in the junkyard with Catwoman and the dog was fantastic as well. This series has really picked up with the Wrath arc and this.

Batman Confidential #19
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Kevin Maguire

This issue sees Batgirl and Catwoman working together against the Russian mob after they steal the notebook. The banter between Selina and Barbara is hilarious, even though they aren’t fighting anymore. And I love the inner monologues of both characters.

Batman Confidential #20
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Kevin Maguire

Well, I think this is the first time the Narrows has ever been mentioned in Batman comics, I am pretty sure it was only in the movies before….but not totally sure. Anywyas, I look forward to seeing Batgirl take on Arkham’s villains next issue.

Batman Confidential #21 Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Kevin Maguire

For some reason, this issue really got excited for the upcoming Arkham Asylum video game. This was an Arkham story really done well as you feel the creepiness of the place and the villain will get to you at every turn. At the same time, this story retained its light heartedness. What a wonderful surprise this arc was, I hope Fabian’s Robin run is just as good as this.