Book Review: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular #5

Book: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular #5 cover by Cully Hamner

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In “Hell’s Bells,” Batman’s latest altercation with the Gotham City Police Department forces him to improvise, when they converge on a suspect – and the police try to take him out instead. Plus two other stories featuring the Dark Knight Detective!

Book Review: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular #4

Book: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular #4 cover art by Aaron Lopresti

Edition: Paperback

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

There are three very well-written stories with artwork that compliments each one that has Batman going up against a gruesome version of himself to trying to stop The Riddler.

Book Review: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectacular #3

Book: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #3 cover art by Jason Shawn Alexander

(This book can also be found in the trade edition Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight volume #4)

Edition: Print

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I enjoyed reading this, there are four very different yet interesting stories in this book. Although these stories were dark and sometimes grime, the third story Elements of Crime had a bit of humor injected into it.


Story #1: "The Beautiful Ugly" by Derek Fridolfs and Kenneth Elliott Jones, illustrations by Jason Shawn Alexander, colors by Sherard Jackson and letters by Deron Bennett

This story is three parts chaos with one part heartbreak with Gotham City in chaos over the latest incident of someone gassing subway stations. In the middle of all that, Two-Face has taken it upon himself to bring to "trial" a thief who he would have gotten convicted when he was still District Attorney Harvey Dent. This is a story that will leave you wondering if people really can change. However, what about the crimes they once committed in the past, how should they and their crimes be dealt with?



Story #2: "Break the Mold” by Shane Davis and Brandon Montclare, illustrations by Shane Davis, inks by Sandra Hope with Michelle Delecki (on one page), colors by Wendy Broome and letters by Saida Temofonte

Time seems to be running out for Batman as he tries to track down Clayface but are things what they appear to be in this story. I noticed that as Batman goes from one lead to another his tactics and approach became more violent. It didn't really seem like his usual style which is why I found the twist to this story be very interesting.



Story #3: "Elements of Crime” by Mike W. Barr, illustrations by Tom Lyle, colors by Sebastien Lamirand and letters by Saida Temofonte

Batman and Robin (Tim Drake) go up against their newest villain, Element Queen and she's way more deadlier than their old foe Element King. As the dynamic duo try to stop the new villain can they piece together her plan before it's too late.

This story had the feel of the old 1960s Batman TV series with the way Batman and Robin were written but with a more intense yet at times humorous story.   



Story #4: "The Echo of Pearls” by Jim Krueger, illustrations by Tom Raney, color by Wendy Broome and letters by Saida Temofonte

Okay this last story, is told from a very different and unique point of view, believe it or not it's told from the cave that would eventually become the Bat Cave. Yeah, I know but stay with me, the story begins with Bruce as a child falling threw a hole into a cave. At that moment the cave seemed to have come alive as it saw both the excitement and curiosity that Bruce expressed.

He was in awe of his new discovery unfortunately his experience was cut short with him leaving which left the cave with the distinct feeling of being disappointed by his departure. Bruce did return, however, his second visit to the cave was not a happy occasion, it was right after his parents were murdered. The traumatic experience coupled with the cave setting put into place for Bruce to one day become the person who will protect Gotham City. But that wasn't the end of the cave's involvement, it gave Bruce that one last push which helped him find a symbol and image important to his cause.

You would think this would be a strange read but the cave narrating the story surprisingly worked well.


I like reading these Legend of The Dark Knight 100-Page Super Spectaculars because you get a wide range of stories that expand the Batman universe that don't necessary fit into the main continuity.

Book Review: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #2

Book: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #2 cover art by Ed Benes

(This book can also be found in the trade edition Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight volume #4)

Edition: Print

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

If you're looking for a good group of Batman stories then I think you might enjoy reading this. I found the stories and the writing to be rather exceptional. This book contains five stories with the last three connecting. I thought this was even better than Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #1. 


Story #1: "I Hate It When He Does That." by Joshua Williamson with illustrations by Wes Craig and color by Lee Loughridge and letters by Saida Temofonte

Even though I enjoyed all the stories in this book, this first story may be my favorite. In this story, a museum robbery has Batman reflecting on his time when young Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth were traveling in Thailand. That experience allowed him to meet a new friend and learn a new skill as they evaded a crooked police force. I really like this story it had the perfect blend of drama, humor and action with a touch of mystery. I love that you see Alfred's point of view and how it pertains to everything that both he and Bruce are going through.

Reading this story made me really wish there was a series that followed young Bruce and Alfred as they traveled around the world. Most of the stories that focus on Bruce's travels overseas is when he's a little older and traveling on his own. 



Story #2: "Riddler In The Dark" by Charles Soule with illustrations and color by Dennis Calero and letters by Deron Bennett

Oh, this was a very interesting story, The Riddler showed up at the police station and stabbed one of his henchmen in the leg. And of course he was immediately arrested. But what was his purpose in doing all of that? Well, that's what Batman intended to find out. A riddle sent him chasing down clues until he could piece together the mystery. Nightwing made an unexpected appearance in this story.

There was something about Batman's look that I couldn't place at first. But it dawned on me that he was drawn very retro inspired, his appearance is some what similar to when he was first introduced in Detective Comics #27 (see image below).

Story #3: "The Pain Cellar" by Frank Hannah with illustrations by Marco Turini and color by Leo Paciarotti and letters by Saida Temofonte

In this story, Bruce's excruciating back pain sent him to a very unique specialist, Mei Zhen. Mei was able to remove the pain but also brought out a memory Bruce had long forgotten about. In a backstory that took place some time before Bruce's parents were killed, Bruce remembered a friend who had gone missing and tried to find him. It was a nerve-racking ordeal for Bruce while searching for his friend especially when he did everything he could to find him.



Story #4: "Arm-Candy" by Frank Hannah with illustrations by Drew Edward Johnson and color by Kathryn Lano and letters by Saida Temofonte

This story follows Bruce as he tried to track down who murdered someone close to him. The clues led Batman back to someone he never thought could have committed the crime. Instead of Batman confronting the villain, Bruce went because he needed to try to make some kind of sense out of this horrific crime.



Story #5: "Reporter's Notebook" by Frank Hannah with illustrations and color by Dexter Soy and letters by Saida Temofonte

In this last story, Bruce allowed a reporter to follow a day in his life for a story. But it certainly wasn't for the publicity, no there was something that the reporter knew and it connected all three of these last stories. Selina Kyle has a nice cameo in this story.


These were a very well-written group of stories with a lot of drama and suspense. The writers did a good job showcasing how moments in Bruce's past help shape things in the present. I'm not in favor of a Batman who is ultra violent, I prefer when he uses his brain and his advanced detective skills. There is a reason why he's considered the World's Greatest Detective and these stories show that.

Book Review: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #1

Book: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #1 cover art by David Williams

(This book can also be found in the trade edition Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight volume #3.)

Edition: Print

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

There were two very well-written stories in this book:

Story #1: Without Sin by Dan Mishkin with illustrations by Tom Mandrake and color by Wendy Broome

In this first story, a priest was found murdered at the site where new apartment buildings were going to be built. Evidence pointed towards Two-Face but Batman had his doubts and his investigation had him looking at both the church and the politicians. If the project continues, it would put the residents out of their homes and leave them unable to afford the newly built apartments.

He received help from Father Paul Tenney, who may hold more insight to what is going on. Is Batman barking up the wrong tree or is Two-Face who has become more unstable the one really responsible for the murder? Will Batman be able to find the murderer and the motive behind the killing?

What I found interesting about this story was that Batman doesn't consider himself to be a religious person but I think delving into that world may have given him at least a new perspective.



Story #2: Dr. Quinn's Diagnosis by Jim Zubkavich with illustrations by Neil Googe and color by Kathryn Layno

This second story had Batman looking for Harley Quinn in hopes of her leading him to the Joker. However, Harley won't help him unless he subjects himself to her psychiatric diagnosis. But can he really trust that Harley Quinn will keep her word? 

I thought Harley Quinn was as wacky as ever in this story which has a very funny and interesting twist at the end. This was fun to read.


I enjoyed reading both stories, the first felt like one of those old mysteries. It had a very dark and serious tone while the second was zany and crazy. This has been sitting on my shelf for almost three years, I really must start reading my books sooner. Because other wise I'm simply missing out on reading really good stories.

Books of Interest: Legends of The Dark Knight Spectacular #2 and A Vision in Velvet

Why do these book cost so much? I totally want this but with all the other books on my list for Comic Book Wednesday it's going to be a splurge. I'll see when I go to the comic book store if I will get this.

Book: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #2  $9.99

Description:

In 'I Hate When He Does That,' Bruce wonders if his youthful tour of Thailand with Alfred might be coming back to haunt him. Then, in 'Riddler in the Dark,' can the Dark Knight solve a trail of E. Nigma's riddles before it's too late? Finally, Frank Hannah contributes a trio of stories of how a trauma in Bruce Wayne's past impacts his present and the future of Gotham City's criminal set, illustrated by some of comics' hottest artists.

I absolutely love this series it's dark and mysterious but it's also funny. Can't wait to get this.

Book: A Vision in Velvet (A Witchcraft Mystery book #6)

Publication: July 1, 2014

Description:

Lily Ivory hopes to score some great vintage fashions when she buys an antique trunk full of old clothes. But she may have gotten more than she bargained for.…

As soon as Lily opens the trunk, she feels strange vibrations emanating from a mysterious velvet cloak. When she tries it on, Lily sees awful visions from the past. And when the antiques dealer who sold her the cape is killed, Lily suspects a supernatural force might be behind his death.

Then Lily’s familiar, Oscar the potbellied pig, disappears. Lily will do anything to get him back—including battling the spirit of a powerful witch reaching out from the past. But even with the aid of her grandmother, unmasking a killer and saving Oscar might be more than one well-intentioned sorceress can handle.

Book Review: Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight vol #1 (New 52)

Book: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight volume #1 (issues #1-5) written and illustrated by various authors and illustrators

Edition: I'm reading the single issues


Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

Although these stories technically are not part of the New 52, I only included the New 52 (in parenthesis) so as not to confuse them with the older version with the same title. They are a part of the digital first series which usually don't having anything to do with what's happening over in the main universe.

Anyway on with the review:

Issue #1 "The Butler Did It" written by Damon Lindelof with illustrations by Jeff Lemire and color by Jose Villarrubia

The story had Batman out on patrol, seeing a family (a mother, father and son) being held at gun point but it turned out to be a trap. The family were not want they seemed, in fact they were villains. Someone, knows his deepest darkest secret and is exploiting it. But who? It was someone he wouldn't have suspected but I think it taught him a much needed lesson on humility.



Issue #2 "Crisis in Identity" written by B. Clay Moore with illustrations by Ben Templesmith

What's the reason for several of the city's social and political elite men going out dressed as Batman and subsequent being murdered by Killer Croc? Why are these some what normal guys out there? With the media focusing negative attention on Batman's possible involvement and the police being unable to figure out what's going on, will the caped crusader be able to solve the mystery? 

He did figure it out but it nearly resulted in him revealing his secret in the process.



Issue #3 "Letters to Batman" written by Steve Niles with illustrations by Trevor Hairsine and color by Antonio Fabela

The story opened with the Joker trying to blow up a school but thanks to Batman he was able to stop him. After handing the Joker over to the police, Batman headed back to the cave but only to hear from Alfred that the Joker escaped from Arkham, again. Bruce started to feel like nothing he's doing out there matters especially after he opened a gift and read a note that were both from the Joker.

He was still feeling a little dejected when he left for his meeting with Commissioner Gordon as well as when he returned back to the cave with three large bags of letters all addressed to him. Thankfully, Alfred decided to read one of those letters because it was a wonderful letter thanking Batman.

Bruce finally read the letters and they were exactly what he needed and they were also the key to helping him figure out where the Joker was.



Issue #4 includes three stories:

Story #1: "A Game To Die For" by TJ Fixman with illustrations by Christopher Mitten and colors by David Lopez and Santi Casas

The first story had Batman racing to try to stop the superhero Paetorian from trying to kill the Joker but as the story reveals it's not at all what the reader is seeing. This was pretty interesting you get to see the Joker's mind games working at their best.


Story #2: "Batman: The Movie" by Andrew Dabb with illustrations by Giorgio Pontrelli and colors by Antonio Fabela

Like filming a Batman movie in Gotham is not going to lead to trouble. Especially when the Joker and Harley Quinn show up planning  to bomb the movie set for no apparent reason but to have some fun.


Story #3: "Together" by Jonathan Larsen with illustrations by Tan Eng Huat with colors by David Lopez and Santi Casas

Story three opens with the police investigating the abduction of two children (on separate accounts). Both children had recently had surgery and the surgeries had been performed by the same doctor. Tracking down the doctor lead to finding out he had been abducted as well. With an inkling to who may be behind everything, Batman set out to find them and stop what he believe is the motive to everything.



Issue #5 "A Slam Bradley Mystery..." by Joshua Hale Fialkov with illustrations by Phil Hester, inks by Eric Gapstur and colors by Jim Charalampidis

This reminded me of one of those old detective movies where someone was framed for murder and no one will believe them. That's exactly what happened, when private detective (and former cop) Slam Bradley finds himself the prime suspect in the murder of a young woman. He had been following the husband of his client to provide proof that the husband had been cheating. Slam was right in the process of photographing the husband with his mistress when the couple started fighting. Slam kicked into police mode and went to go stop it but once he got there the woman was dead and the guy was gone. Despite Slam doing the right thing and calling the police and also leaving the flash drive with photos of the incident somehow he became the prime suspect. Which had Batman on his trail, so how can he prove he didn't do it when the police are looking for him along with Batman.


I really enjoyed reading all five issues, they were all really good. It's so nice to read one issue stories again. You don't have to read four or more issues to complete a story. It was interesting to read the  take on Batman from different writers. To read the next group of issues or volume two, I'm actually going to have to buy the trade edition, since I'm not sure I will be able to find them all at the comic book store. Well, that's what I get for letting these issues sit around on my shelf before I finally got around to reading them. Anyway, I'm really looking forward to reading the second volume.

Currently Reading: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight vol #1 (New 52)

Like I'm not already reading two other books (I'm almost finished with one and will have my review up tomorrow).

Book: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight volume #1 (issues #1-5) written and illustrated by various authors and illustrators

Edition: I'm reading the single issues

Description:

These new tales of Batman from writers including Damon Lindelof (Lost, Prometheus), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) Andrew Dabb (Supernatural), and others explore unusual sides of The Dark Knight, including his relationship with Alfred during his early years as a crime fighter, his method of dealing with super-powered foes, and more.

Book of Interest: Legends of The Dark Knight Spectacular #1

I love reading Legends of The Dark Knight and I really want to read this. But that $9.99 price tag makes me wonder how many will be flying off the shelves today at the comic book store.


Book: Legends of The Dark Knight 100 page Super Spectacular #1 $9.99

Description:

In “Without Sin,” when the disfigured body of a priest is uncovered at a Gotham City demolition site, all clues lead Batman to suspect one of his old foes. But in Gotham City, not everything is as it appears. Plus: In “Dr. Quinn’s Diagnosis,” Batman interrogates Harley Quinn, who might reveal her puddin’s secrets…if Batman agrees to one strange demand.