Book Review: Batman: Streets of Gotham vol #3

Book: Batman: Streets of Gotham volume #3: The House of Hush (issues #12-14 and #16-21) by Paul Dini with illustrations by Dustin Nguyen, ink by Derek Fridolfs, color by John Kalisz and letters by Steve Wands and Sal Cipriano

Cover by Dustin Nguyen

Edition: Trade Hardcover

Description:

Cracking under the strain of living as 'Bruce Wayne,' Tommy Elliot plans his final, murderous revenge on Dick Grayson, Selina Kyle and other members of Wayne's extended network of friends and allies. Will Dick and Damian be enough to thwart Tommy's plan--or will the end of Hush require the return of Bruce Wayne?

Book Review: Worlds' Finest vol #2 (New 52)

Book: Worlds' Finest volume #2: Hunt and Be Hunted (issues #6-12) by Paul Levitz

Cover Art by Ryan Sook

Illustrations and Ink by Kevin Maguire, George Perez, Sandra Hope Cafu, Cliff Richards, Yildiray Cinar, Phil Jimenez, Ken Lashley, Barry Kitson, Robson Rocha, Wayne Faucher, Geraldo Borges and JP Mayer

Color by Rosemary Cheetham, Hi-Fi and Matt Yackey

Letters by Carlos M. Mangual and Dezi Sienty

Edition: Trade Paperback

Book Review: Batman: Streets of Gotham vol #2: Leviathan

Book: Batman: Streets of Gotham volume #2: Leviathan (issues #5-11) by Chris Yost (issues #5-6), Paul Dini (issues #7, 10-11) and Mike Benson (issues #8-9)

Illustrations by Dustin Nguyen, ink by Derek Fridolfs, color by John Kalisz and letters by Sal Cipriano (issues #5 and #8), Steve Wands (issues #6, #9-11) and John J. Hill (issue #7)

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

GOTHAM CITY CAN BE A BEAST.

Batman's home town is a monster, and its veins flow with crime -- including a rampaging Man-Bat, the murderous Mr. Zsasz and a twisted "Santa Claus", among many others.

But the world's most dangerous city is not without hope, thanks to the Dark Knight Detective and his network of operatives -- Robin, Huntress, Oracle and Abuse, the new vigilante with a startling secret identity -- whose tireless work keeps the population safe.

But when Robin and Abuse get caught up in the web of Mr. Zsaz's attack on Gotham's children, will Batman be able to save them -- or will they end up being swallowed whole by the concrete and steel monster he has sworn to protect?

Illustration of the Day: Damian Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth

Illustration: Batgirl issue #17

Poor Alfred, Damian must be rather tiring at times. Hanging upside down from the ceiling is not a good way to greet someone in the morning, Alfred nearly dropped the tray of food from fright.

Art of the Day: Batgirl (Stephanie Brown) and Robin (Damian Wayne)

Artwork: READY by Colours07

Illustration of the Day: Batgirl, Robin and Nell Little

Illustration: Batgirl issue #17

DVD Tuesday: Batman: Bad Blood

Even though I will be picking this up, I'm disappointed that Tim Drake is not in this. He continues to be left out of these animated movies. I don't understand why?

Batman: Bad Blood

Description:

During their investigation into Bruce Wayne's disappearance, even Alfred goes undercover to assist, and soon they all become involved with the mysterious Batwoman, who may have been the last to see Batman alive. But as the "Bat Family" continues to track him down, they come to the inescapable conclusion that the Dark Knight has gone over to the dark side, becoming Gotham's newest and most deadly crime boss.

Book Review: Batman: Streets of Gotham vol #1: Hush Money

Book: Batman: Streets of Gotham volume #1: Hush Money (Detective Comics #852, Batman #685 and Batman: Streets of Gotham issues #1-4) by Paul Dini

Illustrations by Dustin Nguyen, inks by Derek Fridolfs and color by John Kalisz and Guy Major

Edition: Trade Paperback

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Streets of Gotham series takes place during a time when Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman was presumed dead following the aftermath of the Final Crisis. With Batman gone Dick Grayson eventually took over as Batman and made Damian Wayne his new Robin.

The book opens with Detective Comics issue #852 and Batman issue #685 focusing on Dr. Tommy Elliot a.k.a. Hush gambling on his newly surgical appearance of looking like his former good friend Bruce Wayne (who he also knows is Batman) getting him back on his feet. His new look follows his defeat from Batman as well as having all his money stolen by Catwoman.

After being rescued by a couple of fishermen and finding his way to an exclusive club which Bruce is a member of, it didn't take him long to get back to his old ways of murder and mayhem. Keeping a low profile following the murder of a rich socialite, he took advantage of his resemblance to Bruce by getting money from some of Bruce's businesses. One con attempt in Vietnam had him being snared in a trap by none other than Catwoman.

Selina knowing he's not Bruce, enjoyed a little bit of pleasure in seeing Tommy slightly tortured. However his capture by Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne who were in disguise (and part of Catwoman's plan) really caught him by surprise.

Now back in Gotham, Dick and Damian not sure what to do with Tommy, have him locked up in the penthouse in Wayne Tower. Being imprisoned will not keep Tommy from thinking of a way to escape which leads to the first four issues of Streets of Gotham.

As Commissioner Gordon was heading to a hostage situation you get a good sense that the city is still in turmoil with many of the worst criminals roaming free after the destruction of Arkham Asylum. Rumors about Batman are floating around from whether he's gone or that the Bat just seems different. Once Gordon shows up you find out the hostage situation was a total misunderstanding, Harley Quinn had only gone into the store for some legitimate shopping and was in no way robbing the place. Harley unlike many of the other criminals running free had actually been released from Arkham. Poor Harley after dealing with the police then she had to deal with Batman and Robin.

Black Mask was trying to take over the city and doling out money to his minions to let them try out their worst fantasies but Firefly has other plans. The fire bug no longer wants to play by Black Mask's rules and has set in motion a plan that has mysteriously caused people to spontaneously catch fire. While Batman and Robin try to stop Firefly, they were getting some unwanted help from Abuse, a vigilante stopping criminals throughout the city and leaving his calling card upon his targets.

With Dick and Damian away, Alfred Pennyworth was left with the responsibility of monitoring Hush who unfortunately tricked Pennyworth into setting him free. After Black Mask was double crossed and nearly killed by Firefly, he took on a new associate Zsasz.

Now that Hush had escaped, the Batfamily was left wondering what he would do next. But they didn't have to wait long because Hush posing as Bruce was making a huge announcement to the press. He planned to help restore the city by making large monetary donations around the city. His plan was to bankrupt Bruce but the Batfamily had other plans for him. Although they did like the idea of helping the city, they were not going to stand by and let Hush destroy everything Bruce had built. To drive this point home, Dick called in some help from the Justice League. They were going to help keep an eye on Hush and make sure he only gives out approved amounts of money.

Meanwhile, Black Mask was giving Zsasz the money to take his chance at bringing chaos to the city. Not to be overshadowed, there is someone preying on runaways. The last part of this story focused on The Broker, an underground realtor who helps villains find their perfect lair. He had never had a problem doing business with criminals before but his meeting with Zsasz caused a shift to his conscience. So when Batman stopped by for a "little chat" he had no problem handing over his information.

What I love about this book is the writing, the author blends the right amount of dark and gritty with all the drama and suspense coupled with humor and action. I also love how the characters are shown and it doesn't hurt that you have an author who actually understands what motivates them. 

There were a lot of interesting cameos in this and you can see that Batman and Robin will have a lot to do in trying to get Gotham back from this state of chaos. I can't wait to read the second volume, Huntress (Helena Bertinelli) will be in it.

Currently Reading: Batman: Streets of Gotham vol #1: Hush Money

I can't believe all three volumes of the Batman: Streets of Gotham series had been sitting on my shelf for four years. This was a short lived series that had Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne as the dynamic duo. 

Reading all the issues of Batman and Detective Comic where Dick and Damian were Batman and Robin was fun. I had ordered all three volumes of Streets of Gotham a few years back and I'm just now getting around to reading the first volume.


Book: Batman: Streets of Gotham volume #1: Hush Money (Detective Comics #852, Batman #685 and Batman: Streets of Gotham issues #1-4) by Paul Dini

Illustrations by Dustin Nguyen, inks by Derek Fridolfs and color by John Kalisz and Guy Major

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

Though the original Dark Knight has fallen, Gotham City is not undefended. Bruce Wayne's first partner and adopted son and his long-lost son -- Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne -- have taken over as the new Batman and Robin.

But while these freshly minted Caped Crusaders know that Bruce is dead, the rest of the world does not -- and that provides a terrible opportunity for Dr. Tommy Elliot, also known as the villain Hush. Thanks to plastic surgery, Hush has become the spitting image of Bruce Wayne -- and now the identity of Gotham City's most famous bachelor playboy is his for the taking.

Hush will go to any lengths to destroy Bruce Wayne's legacy. the question is, how far will Gotham's new protectors go to stop him?

Art of the Day: Batgirl (Stephanie Brown) and Robin (Damian Wayne)

Artwork: Damian and Steph by Mike Maihack

Book of Interest: Robin The Boy Wonder: A Celebration of 75 Years

I really want this book, I just added it to my wish list. It features all the Robins including Stephanie Brown although the New 52 removed her stint as Robin, fans considered her still being one. 

Book: Robin The Boy Wonder: A Celebration of 75 Years by various writers and artists

Description:

Holy anniversary, Batman! Every knight needs to have a squire, and every Sherlock Holmes must have a Watson. So it has been with Batman and his partner in crime, Robin for seventy-five years. The Boy Wonder’s spunk and color balance against the Caped Crusader’s seriousness and gloom to create a perfect partnership, a Dynamic Duo.

Though Batman has always needed a Robin, it hasn’t always been the same Robin. Many different crimefighters have taken up the name and costume, from jovial Dick Grayson to calculating Tim Drake to violent Damian Wayne. Each left his or her mark on the character, and today the Boy Wonder almost as recognizable and beloved as the Dark Knight himself.

Collecting stories from Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Carrie Kelley, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Damian Wayne and more, ROBIN THE BOY WONDER: A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS compiles the best moments from seven decades of the Dynamic Duo. It includes Robin’s first appearance by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, as well as tales from industry legends Jim Mooney, Sheldon Moldoff, Frank Miller, Chuck Dixon, Jeph Loeb, Marv Wolfman, Geoge Pérez, Jim Aparo, Grant Morrison, Andy Kubert and more.

Art of the Day: Damian Wayne, Colin Wilkes and Nell Little

Artwork: Movie Night at the Manor by OnTDre

I wonder whose idea it was to have movie night at Wayne manor, probably not Damian. He doesn't seem to be enjoying himself but Colin and Nell are certainly having fun.

DVD Tuesday: Batman vs Robin

I was disappointed with the first movie, Son of Batman but I do plan to pick this up at some point this week before it goes off sale. I really hope this is better than the first movie because lately the quality of many of the DC Comics animated movies has really dropped.


Batman vs Robin

Description:

While Damian Wayne struggles to cope with Batman's no-killing rule, he soon starts to believe that his destiny lies within a secret society known as, The Court of Owls.

Art of the Day: Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne and Tim Drake

Artwork: DC: Wear a Suit by kitten-chan

Of course, Damian would think outside the box and not wear a traditional suit. He does whatever he wants to.

Illustration of the Day: Red Robin (Tim Drake), Robin (Damian Wayne) and Batman (Dick Grayson)

Illustration: Red Robin issue #13

It's just something about this page that I like, I don't know if it the first three panels where you see their symbols or the fact that the three of them are going to go have some fun.

Illustration of the Day: Tim Drake, Alfred Pennyworth and Damian Wayne

Illustration: Red Robin issue #13

Damian just can't help being snarky, that's who he is. But poor Alfred, he's the one who has to deal with him. And I love how Tim just ignores the little guy.

Movie Review: Son of Batman

Rating: 1 star

I finally found some time to sit down to watch this movie. I knew there was going to be some changes to the story but not so many you could barely even recognize the original story.

I had a hard time choosing which was worse, the story or the voice acting. I really don't understand why they ruined an amazing story and replaced it with this crap. This was very loosely adapted from Batman and Son by Grant Morrison. Why all the unnecessary changes? It truly makes no sense.

The story for this movie follows the League of Assassins being attacked by Deathstroke who was trying to take revenge on Ra's al Ghul. The attack leaves Ra's al Ghul dead and Talia in need of a safe place to take Damian. She decided to take him to Gotham so he can meet his father, Batman.

And in a totally useless subplot Dr. Kirk Langstrom (it was better written in the book) who was working with Ra's al Ghul to create a Man-Bat super serum is now being forced to work for Deathstroke. To make sure Dr. Langstrom complies, his wife and daughter were taken as insurance. Side note: why did they made Dr. Kirk Langstrom's daughter in this movie look like the New 52 Joker's daughter?

So, as Talia tells Bruce about the "conception" of their son, Bruce doesn't seem that angry about the fact that he had been drugged as opposed to the way it was depicted in the book. His response was more in a nonchalant way, like oh well, I was taken advantage of but I still find this woman attractive. He actually enjoyed the fact that he was pretty much raped. Great message you are sending there DC Comics.

Anyway, Talia leaves Damian with Bruce so she can go off on some half-baked plan that of course didn't work out (because other than the opening scene the Talia in the rest of this movie can't do anything besides flirt with Batman and be a damsel-in-distress).

I have another question, why was Deathstroke included in this movie? His character was not in the original story and his presence in the movie certainly didn't improve this poorly written story.

Why was Robin (Tim Drake) not even included in this? Why replace him with Nightwing (Dick Grayson) who wasn't in the original story. So all the animosity and rivalry between Tim and Damian has now been applied to Damian and Dick. Which makes no sense what so ever since Dick is the perfect big brother doing his best to keep those two from constantly fighting.

I was so disappointed with this movie. It was not good and with each animated movie that has been released lately it's apparent how much Bruce Timm brought to DC Comics/Warner Brothers because these movies continue to suffer tremendously without his insight.

I also wonder if Voice Director Andrea Romano is just coasting along until she can leave because it doesn't seem like she's even trying any more to cast the right actors for the role. Or perhaps she knows how awful these movies are and doesn't want to put a good voice actor in a bad movie. I can't believe the voice acting continues to be bad, I found with some of the voices they were over acting while others were barely making an effort. The only voice acting I can say was actually good was Alfred Pennyworth who was voiced by David McCallum with second and third going to Nightwing voiced by Sean Maher and Killer Crock voiced by Fred Tatasciore.

I'm a Damian Wayne fan and yet this movie made me despise him. He was such a annoying little brat and they showed him being over skilled. I know Damian was a skilled fighter but there is no way he could have taken on Deathstroke and the only way he could have done that was with this watered down version.

Another thing that irritated me about this ridiculous movie was, while Damian was off fighting Deathstroke, Batman was down by the Lazarus pit making out with Talia. And would have continued if the place was not blowing up around them.

So in the end, the book was so much better than this lackluster film. If you haven't read the book, please read it, the story is very good.

Book Review: Damian: Son of Batman #4

Book: Damian: Son of Batman #4 (of 4) written and illustrated by Andy Kubert with color by Brad Anderson

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

In this action packed finale issue, Damian had to go up against a Joker wannabe and his goons to save his father. It was truly a test to his resolve to not go back to his natural fighting instincts because he didn't want to be a killer.

Something much worse happened when the Joker wannabe abducted Bruce, it brought the return of the real Joker who decided to finish what Damian didn't do.

I like how the ending was left open, sort of in case this miniseries did so well that it might lead to an ongoing series. Which I would actually be willing to read. I liked how Damian was wrestling with trying to figure out the best way to be his own Batman as well as trying to better himself.

As much as I like this, I didn't get the answer to my question from the third issue of who the Father was in the church. Maybe if this will get turned into a series, perhaps I'll get my answer.

Overall, I enjoyed this mini. It had a lot of layers to it which I liked. Too bad this isn't a series because I really like this Elsewhere world.

Book Review: Damian: Son of Batman #3

Book: Damian: Son of Batman #3 (of 4) written and illustrated by Andy Kubert with color by Brad Anderson

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This story is getting even better and better. The story continues where it left off at the end of the last issue with Damian falling into one of Gotham's rivers after his unsuccessful fight with Professor Pyg and his Dollotrons.

Afterwards, Alfred pulled Damian from the water and took him back to the Bat cave to give him medical attention where something tragic happened back in the cave. It was sad because it really was unexpected. But from that experience something rather interesting happened and made Damian's pet cat even more special to him.

Once recuperated, Damian was back to donning the Bat suit and back to taking on the bad guys. First he took on some kidnappers who were going take the kids to Professor Pyg. Then, he stopped by the church for another session of spiritual wisdom but something the Father said struck his curiosity and had Damian wonder just who this man really was. Which also had me wondering who he is as well. Maybe it's Tim Drake or Jason Todd? I do hope this will be answered in the last issue.

Back to the manor, Damian found out his father was missing and found a familiar playing card sitting on the bed. This ended on a cliffhanger with clues leading Damian back to where this story began, the docks with Bruce being held captured as well as meeting the captures face to face.

I'm completely invested in this miniseries and definitely want to know how it ends. Because in this issue Damian is finally heading in the right direction to becoming the hero that he wanted to be. He might not do things as Bruce would have done them but he no doubt becoming a his own version of Batman.

I can't wait to read the last issue.

DVD Pick: Son of Batman

Earlier today, I went out a little before noon to buy "Son of Batman" and by then most of the movies were gone.

I'm not sure when I will get around to watching it, I still haven't watch "The Black Widow & Punisher" animated movie.

I'm really thinking about watching both movies tomorrow. Um, sit down and relax with a some popcorn and watch the movies. That sounds like a fun night in.