Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #1 - DC Comics

BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE No. 1, March 2023

Featuring a solid, straightforward storyline which enthrallingly follows the Muscle’s eventual escape from Blackgate Penitentiary and potential opportunity for some semblance of redemption, Alan Burnett and Paul Dini’s “return once more to the world of Batman: The Animated Series” is surely something of a success. Indeed, with all its well-penned twists and turns, it was probably hard for many in this comic’s audience not to hear composer Danny Elfman’s highly iconic theme music playing in their head throughout the action-packed adventure.

Quite possibly foremost of these triumphs is the writing team’s ability to underline the high level of organised crime which exists within Gotham City, courtesy of a brief visit to Esther Valestra’s kitchen and the Crime Lady’s familiarity with the likes of Oswald Cobblepot, Roman Sionis and Rupert Thorne. Chillingly understated as the elegantly-dressed hostess dines alongside her nefarious guests on a course of homemade Pasta A La Valestra and Calamari Fritti, this scene illustrates just how cold-hearted the killers around the dining table are as they nonchalantly discuss how best to murderously ‘tie and skewer’ Mama’s former top underworld assassin.

Of course, the meat of this twenty-page periodical’s plot lies in the Muscle’s double-dealing with the prison’s priest, and the subsequent shenanigans which occur in a deserted factory when the hired gun suddenly realises he’s been played for a fool by the clergyman the entire time. So obvious a twist probably didn’t come as much of a surprise to many a perusing bibliophile, however, the way the actual action then plays out is rather exhilarating, especially when the sturdy-looking Lock-Up actually manages to temporarily incapacitate Batman himself; “Looks like I’ve wrapped up a great big bonus on this job. Signorina Valestra will gladly pay extra for your carcass.”

Helping to make this particular publication appear as if it had literally just stepped from out of the small screen cartoon programme are Jordan Gibson’s pencils and Monica Kubina’s colours. Together, the creative team genuinely do a first-rate job of replicating both the look and feel of “Fox Kids” hit show from the early Nineties, with their ability to have the Dark Knight’s punches pack a truly impressive wallop being just one of several visual treats.

The regular cover of "BATMAN: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE SEASON THREE" #1 by Kevin Nowlan

Dune: House Harkonnen #1 - BOOM! Studios

DUNE: HOUSE HARKONNEN No. 1, January 2023

For those readers unacquainted with Frank Herbert’s Dune Universe and hoping to use Issue One of “Dune: House Harkonnen” as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the late Science Fiction Hall of Famer’s franchise, this “brand new” twelve-part comic book series is probably not the best of starting points. Indeed, considering that the twenty-two-page periodical bewilderingly throws its audience to almost every corner of the Padishah Emperor’s interstellar empire, it is arguably difficult to imagine even those fans who are well versed in the fictional universe’s “rich mythology” easily following so huge a web of colourful characters, political manoeuvrings, Machiavellian machinations and geological explorations.

To begin with, whilst Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s narrative undeniably does contain plenty to do with Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, interest in the titular Great House is debatably soon swallowed up by all the numerous insights into other worlds, such as the Imperial Planetologist’s investigation into the cataclysmic storms of Arrakis and a burgeoning rebellion brewing on the Tleilaxu-conquered planet of Ix. Coupled with artist Michael Shelfer prodigiously pencilling some serious shenanigans occurring during a supposedly peaceful party at Count Hasimir Fenring’s Arakeen residency, as well as a somewhat sedentary sojourn to the Mother School complex of the Bene Gesserit to witness Jessica practicing her Prana Bindu training, and it’s hard to imagine many bibliophiles managing to keep their eyes fixed upon quite so many spinning plates.

Perhaps this novel adaption’s biggest disappointment, however, lies in the comic’s sudden and rather undramatic conclusion on the planet of Caladan. Admittedly, the authors’ try their very best to add an element of impending doom to poor Duncan Idaho’s final words as the youth receives a valuable blade from Duke Leto Atriedes prior to departing to become “a worthy trainee for the famed Swordmaster school.” But it comes so out of the blue and with so little context that it sadly smacks of the writers simply crowbarring the scene into this opening instalment just so it doesn’t end on a whimper; “I will study hard on Ginaz, my Lord. I will become the best Swordmaster ever… For all our sakes.”

Written by: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, and Illustrated by: Michael Shelfer

DC Vs. Vampires #12 - DC Comics

DC VS. VAMPIRES No. 12, February 2023

Bringing most of its planet wide sub-plots to a semi-satisfying ending James Tynion IV and Matthew Rosenberg’s “cataclysmic final issue of the bestselling series” quite surprisingly does actually end with both the promised “bang and a whimper!” Indeed, despite the highly anticipated confrontation taking place between the blood-drinker’s King and Barbara Gordon’s costumed alter ego, many of this twenty-three-page periodical’s readers will almost certainly be clamouring for a thirteenth instalment; “The war is over. I was the last casualty. And when I died so did the last thing Humanity had left to cling to… Hope.”

Foremost of these ‘dangling threads’ is that despite the heroic demises of Duke Thomas, Captain Cold and numerous unnamed prisoners at the Smallville blood farm, the Vampire’s domination of Earth arguably appears to be as formidably strong as ever. True, the narrative to “Dawn” does contain the grisly death of the aforementioned food farm’s supposedly immortal “real big one”, as well as the successful resurrection of Supergirl following Leonard Snart’s creation of “a sort of polar vortex in the upper atmosphere.” But what will actually come of these enthralling events has clearly been bookmarked for another day and potentially, a second mini-series.

Likewise, the last gasp efforts of Black Canary, Frankenstein and Damian Wayne battling a small army of sharp-fanged fiends in the streets of Gotham City disconcertingly disappears from sight once Signal has sacrificed himself so that Batgirl can make her way to Dick Grayson’s throne room reasonably unmolested. So sudden a departure is perhaps understandable given that the comic’s main focus primarily shifts across to Nightwing’s attempt to have the late Commissioner Gordon’s daughter join his side. However, like Green Arrow’s success in Superman’s hometown, nothing is actually finalised and is simply left up in the air for a subsequent publication.

Perhaps this book’s most agreeable asset therefore lies in the art and colours of Otto Schmidt, Francesco Mortarino and Pierluigi Casolino, who together deliver all the savage violence and depressing darkness of a DC Universe ruled by murderous vampires. Furthermore, the creative team do an excellent job of imbuing the smart-mouthed Harley Quinn with some incredibly funny moments, such as when the high-spirited fighter is evidently intimidated by the presence of an all-powerful Wonder Woman, and later traumatised by Barbara’s suggestion that Dick drink her blood.

The regular cover art of "DC VS. VAMPIRES" #12 by Guillem March

Batman: Urban Legends #18 [Part Two] - DC Comics

BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS No. 18, October 2022

Helping to establish this anthology comic’s second half with a genuinely enthralling experience, Chris Burnham’s “The Fall Of The Scales” provides an intriguing insight into Alfred Pennyworth’s own deductive capabilities, whilst simultaneously conjuring up all manner of Lovecraftian Mythos-based mummery. Indeed, many bibliophiles, understandably mesmerised by the elderly servant’s deadly investigation into the robbery of a well-stocked bazaar, were doubtless half expecting the butler to actually make his way to the “decrepit town of Innsmouth, Massachusetts” before the ten-page plot played out.

Similarly as beguiling is the Connecticut-born creator’s pencilling for this aptly named ‘Pennyworth File’, with the American artist producing some fascinating panels absolutely packed full of gloriously-detailed trinkets, shady side-glances, and the obligatory fish-faced antagonist. Furthermore, there’s a lot of fun to be had with Burnham’s decision to include some significant humour into his tale, with the out-of-town Batman’s reaction to his friend’s repeated phone-calls for advice causing quite the guffaw whenever they appear; “I’m not certain how to ensure his safety. Master Bruce, are you there?! Blast it all.”

Focusing far more upon the Dark Knight and the costumed vigilante’s significant demons following the death of Jason Todd, Tini and Blake Howard’s “Night Terrors” provides a truly traumatic depiction of Tim Drake’s early days alongside the Caped Crusader. In fact, the story is cleverly written from the latest Robin’s perspective and resultantly hooks the audience in with the adolescent’s understandable fears for his mentor when Gotham City’s “King Maniac” momentarily gives way to Doctor John Dee’s terrifying, sleep-based psychosis.

Also adding an extra element of vulnerability to Batman’s usually impenetrable psyche are Max Raynor’s adrenalin-charged layouts, which one minute show the intimidating scale of an eerily quiet Arkham Asylum, and in the next adds some incredible pace to the proceedings via half a dozen small-sized panels depicting the Dynamic Duo rushing to help an unconscious nurse. This technique proves particularly powerful towards the yarn’s end, when the audience are given access to a 'frozen' Wayne reliving how horribly he believes Jason died at the hands of the Joker, and subsequently superimposes that distressing mental picture upon his new companion’s present predicament.

The regular cover art of "BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS" #18 by Liam Sharp

Batman: Urban Legends #18 [Part One] - DC Comics

BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS No. 18, October 2022

For those readers of Brandon Thomas’ “Signal And The Outsiders” who weren’t familiar with “the events of The Caretaker and The Fearful”, this opening tale to Issue Eighteen of “Batman: Urban Legends” probably wouldn’t have made too much sense until the twenty-two page plot is at least half-way finished. Sure, the narrative eventually suggests that Duke and his team-mates are primarily fighting for the planet’s future in some sort of three-battle competition against Vogel the Lord and his Subterranean Forces. But these scraps of context are only fed to the audience in a piecemeal fashion as the main narrative focuses upon the teenage vigilante’s obsession in finding his dead mother and difficulty in getting enough sleep.

Happily however, despite this uncertainty as to what is actually going on, Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque’s artwork more than manages to hold the attention until the adventure is played out, courtesy of some particularly well-pencilled set-pieces and wonderfully dynamic splash pages. Indeed, quite possibly this yarn’s best moment comes when the Spanish illustrator draws an adrenalin-charged chase through the streets of Gotham City as Batman tackles the evidently ‘mad as a March hare’ Wonderland Gang.

Far more straightforward, though a tale which simply doesn’t stop in its relentless drive to reach a somewhat succinct conclusion after only ten pages, is “Blood In And Blood Out” by Henry Barajas. Crammed full of depictions of the Caped Crusader battering away at a great mystical eye whilst the demon Etrigan confronts his adopted brother Lord Scapegoat, the pulse-pounding pace of the ensuing carnage begins just as soon as the “Latinx author from Tucson” quickly establishes that Bruce Wayne has bought the haunted Huitzilopochtli Statue so as to return it “back to Mexico’s Museum of Anthropology.”

Sketching all this chaos and insanely fast shenanigans is Serg Acuna, who does an excellent job of drawing both the Dark Knight in his prime, always one step ahead of his foe no matter how bizarre they may be, and the joy had by Jason Blood’s yellow-hued alter ego as he repeatedly batters his goat-headed sibling at the foot of a truly unholy-looking altar. Furthermore, the graphic designer impressively shows that there is much more to the character of Randhir Singh than just being a psychic-skilled ally of Etrigan; “This makes him your half-brother!”

The regular cover art of "BATMAN: URBAN LEGENDS" #18 by Liam Sharp

DC Horror Presents: Sgt. Rock Vs. The Army Of The Dead #4 - DC Comics

DC HORROR PRESENTS: SGT. ROCK VS. THE ARMY OF THE DEAD No. 4, February 2023

Pausing simply to allow Easy Company to reload their arsenal of heavy weapons, Bruce Campbell’s script for Issue Four of “DC Horror Presents: Sergeant Rock Verses The Army Of The Dead” is arguably an absolute rollercoaster of a ride for its readers, as Frank momentarily disguises himself by wearing a German uniform and causes even more chaos behind enemy lines. Indeed, it’s difficult to calculate the Axis death count within this twenty-two-page periodical due to the Allies mercilessly mowing down all manner of Nazi soldiers with a mixture of small arms fire, flamethrowers and bazooka blasts; “Short Round, ditch the bunker on my signal.”

Enjoyably however, this comic isn’t just all action for the sake of it, as the American veterans continually have to reassess and redirect their efforts to successfully follow Doctor Theodor Morell all the way to Adolf Hitler’s secret headquarters. Debatably it would have been all too easy for the “B-Movie Actor” to simply pen for “ol’ sarge” and his men to effortlessly obliterate everything in their path en route to completing their mission. But instead, Campbell pens an enthralling narrative which repeatedly sees Rock having to adapt to a change in circumstances - whether that be a heavily guarded Third Reich checkpoint, a camouflaged enemy bunker or truckload of super-strong Nazi zombies.

In addition, “Where The Rubber Meets The Road” is packed full of humour and some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, such as when the grizzled Sergeant nonchalantly hands a Nazi Guard some torn out papers from an Opel Blitz truck operator’s manual. This comical timing, for what is otherwise an incredibly dark and disconcerting tale, is absolutely spot on and makes it perfectly plausible to imagine many within this publication’s audience quietly chuckling to themselves every few panels, even when a terrified Four Eyes yells out an uncensored expletive upon seeing a still burning German ghoul rushing headlong towards his all-too vulnerable location.

Helping to maintain this dual atmosphere of amusement and sense-shattering war-time shenanigans is illustrator Eduardo Risso, who is able to prodigiously pencil an astonished-looking German sentry or completely dumbfounded member of the Feldgendarmerie with unnerving ease. Furthermore, the Argentine artist is able to manufacture some additional menace to the “Re-Gens” by stretching out their shadows and highlighting Rock’s brooding presence, courtesy of his cigarette end burning red within the darkness of a church tower.

The regular cover art to "DC HORROR PRESENTS: SGT. ROCK VS. THE ARMY OF THE DEAD" #4 by Gary Frank

Shang-Chi And The Ten Rings #6 - Marvel Comics

SHANG-CHI AND THE TEN RINGS No. 6, February 2023

Bringing both the Game of Rings multi-part narrative and “Shang-Chi And The Ten Rings” comic book series to a satisfying end, Gene Luen Yang’s twenty-page plot certainly must have wrong-footed a fair few of its Kung Fu fans, courtesy of some unexpected twists and turns. In fact, it’s probably difficult to decide which of this publication’s surprises is more shocking - Shen Kuei’s stomach-churning decision to scoff down the still-quivering remains of a Wyrmspawn, or the revelation as to just who is the leader of the cyborg-infested criminal organisation known as the Red Dot Collective.

Enjoyably though, these sense-shattering shenanigans aren’t simply crowbarred into the storyline just for the sake of giving its considerably sized cast something to do. But help add an extra dimension to some of the characters concerned, especially the likes of Cat, who demonstrates just how increasingly frustrated he is becoming by being continually outmatched by Commander Hand despite supposedly being the better warrior; “Frankly, it’s infuriating. You’re not stronger or faster or more skilled. Why should victory favour you?”

Similarly as solid is the pulse-pounding pugilism on show throughout this comic, with all the martial artists demonstrating some utterly insane abilities with which to either severely batter or defend against their opponents. Of course, at the centre of all these super-powered devilries lie the “mystical iron rings originating from Ta-Lo”. However, due to all the contestants having access to at least some of the Heavenly Weapons, the actual winner of the deadly tournament is debatably always in doubt – particularly after Kuei turns into a misshapen monstrosity following his disagreeable amalgamation with the spawn of the Wyrm of Desolation.

Unquestionably helping make this magazine a visual masterpiece are both Marcus To’s adrenalin-packed panels and Erick Arciniega’s atmospheric colours. Together the creative team genuinely provide this book with some stunning set-pieces, most notably the insanely fast fistfight between Shang-Chi and Cat, as well as the palpable heft to Red Cannon’s formidable hand-cannon. Indeed, many a perusing bibliophile will doubtless feel a chill of terror when Shen suddenly realises his mistake in aligning himself with a gruesome demon from a pocket dimension and is prodigiously pencilled momentarily showing that comprehension within an all-too human-looking eye.

The regular cover art of "SHANG-CHI AND THE TEN RINGS" #6 by Dike Ruan & Matthew Wilson