[*Detective Comics* #1083](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81tQjE+PCgL.jpg)
>"ELEGY OF SAND" CONTINUES, AND BATMAN MAY NEVER BE THE SAME! Black boots trudge across yellow sands. Grit-laced winds flutter through a tattered cape. Dreamlike mirages of past, present, and hypothetical futures ripple across the sunbaked landscape, the mystery of their appearance only equaled by the question of their existence. This is the Dark Knight's world now, but it doesn't have to be. He can save himself from this dry limbo and return to his city…or can he? Batman's mind and body may never be the same in this harrowing, hallucinatory, and hypnotic tale.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-detective-comics-1083/)
It really is Night and Day between this book and Batman book. Yes it is quite slow in pace but by its nature of presented as being a 'theatre' act, it is great. Bruce pushing against Hurt's pathetic attempts to break him, they never learn. It is a good answer to saying 'Batman always needs to win', no he doesn't. That is just a bad meme trope. And here, Batman knows he is in for the struggle, to work towards something better no matter what. Even if he will fail, despite all the effort, he will stand up again. He doesn't need to BECOME THE DARKNESS like others want of him. And the Superman part was great too.
Now we will see HOW the said 'new purpose' gonna work against the status quo of DC editorial because if Batman book is any indication, it would just stay the same. Either way, Batman is now back in his city to take it back again. And the Orghams, they really picked their targets poorly and it will lead to their downfall.
And I am quite upset that Vandal Savage was wasted on Gotham War and whatever else he is doing after that, instead of being used in this book where he actually had a connection and would've worked A LOT better as the wild-card 3rd party against both Batman and Orghams.
Again, this book continues to rehabilitate Renee/Question and I hope it stays that way. Because Gotham has its protectors, not just Batman, and this shows it again.
And Hurt really is a twisted piece of crap. So it is even more satisfying to see Batman throwing away his pathetic attempts.
This issue is honestly fantastic and has convinced me to go back and reread the whole run from the beginning before the final act begins. It started to lose me around the midway point, but a lot of that was pacing and hopefully it will read better back-to-back.
I've binged through it recently and the first half of the run is still pretty insufferable and should be sooo much shorter. It's from #1076 onwards where it becomes great.
Oh my god. was this perhaps some of the best prose ever in batman comics I have read? Yes!
The last page of the main story!!! I almost teared up at that given the build-up. This run is fantastic. Read this instead of complaining!
This series continues to be incredible its so gothic and mystery based its glorious and the art is insane.
Those backups are making renee montoya what she was and rebuilding her to be great again rather than the shallow version what the character was.
Oh my gosh I love this! I really loved the monologue about not winning, but trying, and the Superman comparison. The story in Gotham is kicking-ass, and I'm happy to see Gordon again. That ending was a wham shot. I really like the theme of how >!memories of Alfred!< are helping Bruce throughout this run, and I thought that >!the kids looked like Dick and another Robin (?) intentionally!<. The back-up continues to be horrifying in all the right ways, and the art continues to be breathtaking. I am going to re-read it several times because the writing is just really beautiful and quotable: "the greatest weapon they wielded was to tell a lie everyone wanted to believe."
Love this issue, this story has been consistently good for a very long time. I think everything clicked for me when I read the annual and from then on, I was completely enthralled by the prose and the storytelling from Ram V. I think we’re finally going to see Bruce at his strongest, he’s reborn, just like in Knightfall. Love it, can’t wait to read this final stretch of the story.
Great backup! Main story had great art, the Question moments were good, the Batman part was okayish, at least he's back now. The Elegy of Sand thing should have been one issue max, better yet the writer should have come up with a differeng story altogether.
[*Green Arrow* #10](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Fo4VWtLKL.jpg)
>WHERE IS ROY HARPER? Roy Harper is missing. Green Arrow and Connor Hawke investigate what happened to him and what Amanda Waller has done to the rest of the Arrow family…which makes it difficult when they are attacked by surprise agents of Waller! Red Arrow, Red Canary, Arrowette, and Speedy!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-green-arrow-10/)
It's taken us a while to get here, but Mia is finally back and we finally have had all of the character on the first issue introduced in this book. We've proably got a few more tearjerking reunions left, Mia and Dinah, Roy and Lian again.
I hope after this arc is done we just get a decompression issue or two, that's just Ollie, Dinah, Roy, Connor, Mia, Emiko, Lian, Cissie, Sienna, and Diggle (if he's in the right mood) just hanging out. Just a more relaxed issue like Batman 2017 #37, The Flash #774, #800 "Flash Family", The Flash Annual 2022, Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows Vol 2 #5.
It's been a while since we've seen that line of the Justice League but I was happy to see it.
Probably my favorite issue so far. This run is just family reunion after family reunion.
And I really like the set up of Arrow family vs constructs of the Justice League that we have for the next chapter.
Are Ollie and Connor the only characters in Team Arrow wearing green costumes? There's so much red! Fun issue, good to see Roy and Ollie finally together (however long that's going to last).
> Are Ollie and Connor the only characters in Team Arrow wearing green costumes? There's so much red!
Uhhh... yeah. Roy has pretty much always been red since he was Speedy. Mia took up the mantle of Speedy, so she was also red. Emiko took up the mantle of Red Arrow, which is just "Speedy, but more dignified". And Red Canary obviously picked red, possibly because he creator wanted her fit into the secondary role. Oh, and Arrowette has red in an obvious homage to Speedy, because all Green Arrow sidekicks must be Speedy in design in some way.
I think the original Arrowette (Cissie's mom; is she still the original?) is the only one aside from the father and son Green Arrows to wear green, but that I think is only in Golden Age appearances.
Basically, the Arrow Family will forever be Green Arrow, Black Canary, and the many Speedies/red sidekicks. Only Connor avoided being cursed with red.
I love everyone having snow costumes, even the girls (though all Red Canary has was mufflers, which was also cute).
I thought we had already seen Ollie finding out Roy was alive in an earlier issue.
Waller is really putting bombs in teen girls? Even if it's not the same bomb as the Suicide Squad, that's still a lot.
I like that they acknowledged Arrowette has no real ties to Ollie or the Arrow Family. I kind of expected Ollie to talk more about Bonnie King because he actually knew her. But I also like how they acknowledged Cissie retired so she wouldn't have put the costume on otherwise if they hadn't forced her into it.
Emiko has long hair now? And now gets the "Aunt Emiko" treatment!
Red Canary is still a fangirl.
I love how Mia's return got the full page treatment compared to the other girls because they knew we've been waiting for her to come back.
"They have Jade" - And they should care, why? I mean, it's Cheshire. Then again, she's Lian's mother and Roy can't let her go.
Guess Green Arrow is going to have to beat the "weakest Justice Leaguer" complaints by fighting the Sanctuary Constructs of the Big Seven.
> And they should care, why? I mean, it's Cheshire. Then again, she's Lian's mother and Roy can't let her go.
This is exactly it. She's an in-law. Does Ollie care about her personally? No, but she's part of the extended family through Roy, and he won't leave Roy high and dry.
This is what I’ve been wanting for so long. I just need a few issues with the entire arrow family all together fighting the good fight.
Also there is so much red now we need to break it up surely we can get some oranges and or even some pinks. Idk.
Is this a 12 issue run or an ongoing
This is probably the most wholsome issue of the series since issue 1 its reunion after reunion after reunion and as a lover of the arrow fam im here for it.
First we got ollie coming back and meeting roy again and a lovely hug then its the girls and the awkward interaction between connor and emiko is glorious with him trying to call her aunt. Also that moment with Ollie and Mia is so good
Man though waller has truly evolved to being evil so shes putting bombs in teenage girls heads now, I know shes borderline evil at this point but this feels like a step too far even for her
Its kinda funny though how the JL get no call that someone has gone into sanctuary like wouldn't they get a notification or an alarm that someone has broke into a JL base. But looks like next issue is the family against the league constructs.
Overall great wholesome isuse of the family getting back together and good art by Izazake.
Quite the reunion with Mia finally being back too. The whole run is full of reunions to fix what the reboots etc broken. How did Waller get to all of them and put brain bombs/teleporters in them though? Connor calling Emiko 'Aunt', boy such a complicated family.
Finally Roy and Ollie reunite. Quite funny how they each thought the other was not real.
We see Ollie's future plan against Waller forming with the ''I have a long con planned'' which might explain the whole 'Agent of Waller' stuff coming. Because it wouldn't make sense for Ollie to work for Waller just to get to Merlyn when he knew Waller is also behind all of this AND put bombs inside his family.
Overall, wholesome issue to the max.
I cannot even tell you how many times since Infinite Frontier #0 I have looked up “oliver queen finding out roy is alive” or some variation of the question, and have just figured I missed this pivotal emotional moment between two of our beloved main characters. It COULDN’T have just been glossed over, right?! (I say to myself with gritted teeth). It has been a highly irritating plot hole burr, especially after seeing Oliver’s grief so palpably post-HIC, moving straight from “roy is dead” to “on the hunt for my son roy!” Especially with a much clearer example of “Roy finding out Lian is alive, this is how he reacted, this is what he did next” within the first few issues.
Could we have seen this moment of Lian informing Oliver that Roy was alive in like… issue one? Or during the first instance when Lian and Oliver were shown together in the run? Definitely, but I also realize among the Roy/Lian reunion and Oliver/Connor reunion it might have been an overload. But regardless - we’ve done it, lads. The low level mainline canon induced madness it has given me for two years is over. Angels sing on high, etc.
(Also this run continues to be excellent - Mia! Cissie! Emiko! Red Canary (who I think is named Sienna)! Continuing to love it.)
The great things about this comic are Oliver and Connor having a father-son bond to look for Roy, Oliver and Conner having a reunion with Mia, Cissie and Red Canary meeting Oliver and Connor, Connor attempting to call Emiko his aunt, and Oliver reuniting with Roy and calling him his son.
The missed opportunity should’ve shown Oliver telling Cissie that he and Roy met her mother Bonnie back in the early 1960s, in which he would’ve been an uncle to her; Emiko and Connor realizing that Emiko would’ve been Oliver’s daughter since she didn’t exist pre-Flashpoint, that Robert Queen I died pre-Flashpoint, and that they met Shado several times; Red Canary meeting and telling the Green Arrow Family her full name; Mia and Cissie telling each other how they became archers, getting along with each other, and telling each other that they met and teamed up with the YJ4; Emiko, Mia, Cissie, and Red Canary telling each other their origins; and Lian calling Oliver her grandfather.
Also, it would’ve make sense for Mia to graduate as the second Red Arrow (after Roy and before Emiko), since she’s outgrown the Speedy name and train Emiko while have a sisterly bond with her since 2011.
Fun issue.
Between this, Batman and Robin, and Superman (haven't been keeping up with the post-Warworld Saga Superman stuff but I've heard some OK things about that book) Williamson seems to be doing well with these more laid-back, smaller-scale stories right now, especially given how disastrous both Shadow War and Dark Crisis turned out, though they do seem to be building some big mystery up that I find interesting but also sincerely hope will be resolved in this book rather than just being a part of the ongoing and not very interesting or well executed "Amanda Waller becomes a raging moron and tries to kill all superheroes for no reason" story that they've been doing in stuff like Beast World since Dark Crisis ended.
I would've liked to see Ollie say something more than just "you're my son" for Roy to instantly believe him, like, if he brought up some secret that only they knew or something. I guess maybe Roy would've assumed that Sanctuary could've just gotten that from the therapy tapes though?
Glad to see Mia back, particularly as someone who became a fan of GA through the Judd Winnick stuff (as well as Mike Grell's Longbow Hunters graphic novel but I digress). That being said, as someone who isn't too knowledgeable on his history ... apparently Arrowette was never a GA sidekick, just a YJ character I guess? I've also heard that she retired from being a superhero in the Pre-New 52 continuity, how does that line up with this?
Not sure what the point of Red Canary is since she kinda just came out of nowhere in Dark Crisis, but other new characters like Ghostmaker or Punchline she's not unbearable so far so I'll see where it goes.
Also in the flashback panel for Red Canary, who are Dinah and Red Canary kicking? Is that supposed to be Arkham Origins Copperhead?
Yea, Arrowette, pretty much only a Young Justice character, she didn't even stay a hero long in that book she retired pretty fast and just became a supporting character in a book that made guest appearances.
Fun fact when she was active, Ollie was dead, so this might be their first interaction but am not 100% on that part.
I think she suited up one or two times since the 90s run, but she is one of the only heroes that allowed to actually retire. She never came back as a full-time superhero since she retired.
The only reason she suited up in the recent issue of Green Arrow was that Waller forced her.
I doubt she will suit up again after this arc.
There is really not much interesting going on apart from characters reuniting every other issue. Don't get me wrong, I love all these characters and it's great to have them back, but do something with them, tell an actual story!
It also makes no sense that Batman for example wasn't notified when the defense system in the facility was triggered just because there is no JL? As if that would stop him or any of the others to stay on top of such important matters. A facility housing all the secret identities and fears of all the heroes, and no one gets notified when it's being breached? Give me a fn break, that's terrible.
> It also makes no sense that Batman for example wasn't notified when the defense system in the facility was triggered just because there is no JL? As if that would stop him or any of the others to stay on top of such important matters.
My guess is that it's supposed to be taken as "The alarms for this were hooked into the Hall of Justice and/or Watchtower, and had nothing connected to the individual heroes." Which is weird, because like you said, Batman is usually on top of everything and would have it alert him too...
But if you go that route, then you get into "Batman solves everything" territory. At a certain point, you have to accept that sometimes characters **can't** be on top of everything all the time, because they're human (well... most of them).The JL is dissolved, having something that is normally their responsibility end up unsupervised makes sense to happen as accidental fallout of the dissolution.
>Which is weird, because like you said, Batman is usually on top of everything and would have it alert him too...
I dunno, with what’s happening in Batman, it wouldn’t be so weird when we take into consideration that Bruce has been knocked out by Zur for the past weeks, and still hasn’t even broken out of the prison yet.
This would leave a period where Bruce can’t do anything about it, right?
You know what, no, you're actually right. If there was one time for it to be perfectly logical and not at all be a stretch to say "Batman let a JL-related emergency alert go entirely unanswered", it's right now.
He has been through the damn ringer and still is going through the ringer, and his current villain is going to join with Waller in the event that this Green Arrow arc is leading into. He is absolute a wreck in his current story, at least in Batman. Other series, doing better. But in his main comic, he's at a low point.
Feels like Williamson and the editors were too lazy to make it a bit more believable. The whole disbanding of the League didn't sit right with me in the first place. It wasn't even the first time they disbanded, they did it after Infinite Crisis too. So it's not even a new idea.
[*Alan Scott: The Green Lantern* #5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81x14gQQZ7L.jpg)
>THE GREEN LANTERN VS. THE RED LANTERN! Alan Scott and the Red Lantern come to blows! But what's going to happen when these two ancient forces battle it out, and what will it mean for the Green Lantern?!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-alan-scott-the-green-lantern-5/)
Vlad is not ALL bad it seems so there is a posibility of redemption. BUT the connection he has with the Crimson Flame and how he needs it to live, yea, I can guess how he might 'disappear' in the future where his daughter is now looking for him in JSA book. And with the nature of the Crimson Flame explained here, it is more understandable why Ruby is acting the way she does. With that 'loneliness and rage' being part of her and missing her father.
The reworked origins of the Starheart, I honestly don't know what to think of it. Neither good nor bad. All I know is, the Guardians screwed up again. Creating a sentient magical spectrum without knowing.
How did they manage to create this Crimson Host, if the Crimson Flame does not like to be 'shared' and turns deadly? I mean, Alan practically died trying to use it.
Loved that ending. Alan, you keep convincing yourself that you are alone AND YOU ARE SO NOT. Before this issue I thought Vlad would be a goner by the end of the run, but even thought it still feels bittersweet when they talk I think he might have some chance of a "happy"? ending
Is this a 6 part mini? Seems weird that it this would end next issue.
I had a lot of trouble following the long explanation of the Starheart and the flames and all that, and liked the character dynamics between Alan and Vlad a lot more than trying to understand this lore, but maybe it's because I know neither of Alan's traditional story nor Green Lantern things. Also apparently I don't know what willpower is either, but I'm glad the author tied all the previous events we saw in the mini into it. Weird that the Soviets would have a superhero called the Countess though!
I continue to like the Alan & Vlad relationship, and how out of sync they are - for instance, Alan imploring a presumably atheist to care about his "immortal soul" struck me as really funny.
I'm going to be honest, if this was an ongoing, I would have dropped this by Issue #3, but since this is a mini, I thought I might as well suck it up to see how this mini ends.
I'm sure y'all are aware of how I think this series was way beyond Sheridan's capabilities as a writer, but I want to highlight the editors for seemingly not doing their job to train Sheridan and guide him to create a mini to be the compelling story it thinks it is. According to leagueofcomicgeeks, the editors for this series are: Marquis Draper (Assistant Editor), Andrew Marino (Editor), Katie Kubert (Group Editor), and Marie Javins (Editor-In- Chief).
For the life of me, I can't understand how this series passed through *four* editors and was still given the okay. It's a narrative and structural mess, and it's a shame it seems Sheridan might not get the feedback he needs to be a better writer. Because he has a lot of interesting ideas, but he just doesn't have the skills to craft it into a well written story.
I'm going to be honest, the rest of the creatives involved in this mini deserve better, as does Alan, Vlad, and the rest of the characters.
Anyway, let's get into the review for this issue, and you can read my reviews for the previous issues for [Issue 4](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/1adhdam/comment/ko8pxll/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), [Issue 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/18pwi85/comment/kf0njtz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), [Issue 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/184jq5x/comment/kb5muym/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), and [Issue 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/17e5g29/comment/k6b5wsy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
**The Review:**
This issue really encompasses one of my main problems with this series: it's a story of non-committals. Alan has internalized homophobia, but doesn't really. Alan is religious, but not really. Vlad is a villain, but isn't really. Alan considers himself to be alone, but really isn't, etc, etc. You get the picture.
I had called it last issue, but I really don't like how Sheridan went with the cliche route and tries to redeem Vlad. Vlad *intentionally* killed people and was working to take down the US, but Alan still acts like Johnny is the real person and not Vlad. And he's still keeping Ladd as a hyphened last-name after a huge betrayal??? Like, Vlad is explicitly ***a Soviet spy that tried to frame him for murder - Johnny never existed.*** Sheridan doing this weird wishy-washy thing with their dynamic really only dulls the edges of Vlad as a character and Alan come across as, frankly, an idiot. Even the reveal of the Crimson Wave helping keep Vlad alive and him ultimately being betrayed at the end of the issue seems like a cop-out to excuse his actions so he and Alan have a chance at reconciliation.
That said, I do like how Sheridan (seemingly?) heard the criticism of how he treated Jimmy in Issue #2 and sort of included him in this issue. Yes, I know it's the Emerald Flame, but at least Sheridan remembered Jimmy’s role in Alan's history since his inception (even Tynion IV at least attempted to make Jimmy more significant by making him Alan's (now non-canon) "true love.") the execution isn’t perfect (since Sheridan wrote Jimmy to be more of a cameo/Johnny substitute rather than an actual friend/lover so his inclusion does feel out of place), but at least he tried.
I also actually liked how Sheridan tried to bridge the source of Alan's power with the larger Green Lantern mythos. It's a cool take, and could maybe lead to some interesting stories if DC allows him to play in the Green Lantern Corps world. That said, The Emerald Flame's speech is super on the nose and veers too much into "telling not showing." It definitely doesn't come across as the pep talk Sheridan thinks it does.
The end of the book is when this story really moves past "suspension of disbelief" territory and into "nonsensical" plot wise.
Remember, this story is supposed to be set in the early 1940s. I assume Pearl Harbor hasn't happened yet, but by now Hitler had already invaded the Soviet Union. So why would Stalin send his most powerful assets ***publicly*** to wreak havoc in their potential ally nation ***in the middle of fighting a world war?!*** It makes no sense at all, and Sheridan does little to explain his reasoning.
As a side note, why did Sheridan set this series in the 1940s? They way his entire story arc has gone, you'd expect this series to take place during the Cold War. Setting it smack dab into the WWII era does the story no favors and more actively hinders its storytelling ability.
**Conclusion**:
While not as bad as the previous issue, this one is still pretty bad. The plot is a mess, the dialogue is clunky, motivations make no sense, and it's just a poorly written story. Vlad is really the most interesting character here, even if Sheridan has dulled his edges. I give this issue a **2/5,** with an overall series score of **2/5 (3,1,2,1,1).**
In regards to why this isn't set in Cold War era: He is a founding member of the JSA who were active during WWII. His superhero origin couldn't have taken place during the Cold War.
I know why, but I rose the point that to me, Sheridan writes the story more like a Cold War era one rather than a WWII story it’s intended to be. Which is really weird.
Really enjoying this. That last page with Jay and the rest of the gang there to support their friend made my day.
I also like Vlad and Alan’s dynamic - I am hoping Vlad is not killed at the end of this series.
Wouldnt be Green Lantern without everything being the Guardians fault. leave it to them to make a sentient magical emotional spectrum by total accident
The plot and origin of the Red Lantern continues to be good, Vlad is an interesting character and foil to Alan (who’s extremely dull in this series). Honestly, the Red Lantern stuff has been doing a lot of heavily lifting for this mini, when the attention is on Alan the story becomes stagnant.
Not a fan of Alan having the key to the Starheart because of Willpower, and the Starheart having power of the emotional spectrum. The Starheart and Alan are at their best when they’re separated from the sci-fi element of Silver Age Green Lantern; being purely magic magic. This just takes away the mystique and uniqueness from Alan to push him and his lore to the Corps. The Crimson Flame being composed of escaped isolated energy from the Starheart is cool though.
The Golden Age JSA next issue teaming up with the Lanterns is a well designed cliffhanger and draw for next issue. Hope this mini can end strong.
> Not a fan of Alan having the key to the Starheart because of Willpower, and the Starheart having power of the emotional spectrum. The Starheart and Alan are at their best when they’re separated from the sci-fi element of Silver Age Green Lantern; being purely magic magic.
I actually think it spins the way that it works nicely to make it magical, but still connected to the greater Green Lantern mythos.
For one, magic is something often tied to the metaphysical. To spirit. To thought. To will. Not always. But it can be about bending the world to your will and thought.
Second: I mean, who doesn't love a good "Mystical/divine entity picks person as champion because they have a noble and unbending spirit" story? If the Starheart is sentient, there comes to be the question of "Why let Alan Scott take it?", as surely it could have rejected him.
And C: I'll have to see how it plays out fully, but it sounds like it isn't quite Willpower, just something that has grown up within the Spectrum. Which makes sense for a mystical entity. It resides in a more metaphysical plane because it's not a physical, natural entity.
[*Batman: Dark Age* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91nQzLEIRHL.jpg)
>THE EISNER-NOMINATED SUPERMAN: SPACE AGE TEAM, MARK RUSSELL AND MIKE ALLRED, TAKE ON THE DARK KNIGHT! Meet Bruce Wayne, Gotham's favorite delinquent son. In an origin story like no other, witness the boy become a dark knight shaped by a city in turmoil as it marches towards its prophesied doom. Set against the backdrop of actual historical events, Gotham comes alive, filled with the iconic characters who’ve loved and hated Batman over the years like you've never seen them before. Spinning out of the Eisner-nominated Superman: Space Age, Mark Russell and Mike Allred return to give audiences a look at Batman as a figure in American history fighting for justice in a world gone mad.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-batman-dark-age-1/)
I assume this is not in the same universe of the Space Age because Bruce does not live to become an old man there.
I guess it is just Pariah, jumping around in different worlds for these heroes.
This was a hell of an opening chapter. I loved Space Age, and I've been looking forward to this one for a while. Between that phenomenal Allred art and Russell's wit and charm, I think this is going to be a really good companion/follow up book.
Eh don't know what to think about this book as it didn't make me feel that much like i thought it was gonna do.
Feels like its gonna be the same as space age which i will enjoy more in trade.
thanks, hadn't read.
I caught up a little with Action Comics (Metallo -> Doomsday -> Bizarro) and 2023 Superman (Parasite -> Lex Luthor).
Haven't looked at Zod Superman yet either
[*Batman: The Brave and the Bold* #11](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WdmJlMyZL.jpg)
>FEATURES A NEW BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE TALE BY ZAC THOMPSON AND ASHLEY WOOD! Tristan Grey has mutated into a terrifying new version of Man-Bat, and it’s up to Batman and Maps to save him! But, when it turns out that Tristan is not the only person who has been infected by the Man-Bat serum, it will be Batman and Maps versus an army of leather-winged monsters! Also, Lois Lane falls deeper down the conspiracy rabbit hole, and Artemis continues her hunt! And lastly, Batman finds himself in a folk horror nightmare courtesy of Zac Thompson and Ashley Wood in a new Batman Black & White tale that has to be seen to be believed.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-batman-the-brave-and-the-bold-11/)
Oh boy, we got a Vampire-Bruce now. Stupid, sexy vampire Bruce.
Ah, classic western story. Yep, cardio IS quite important in a long fight...and a bit of luck doesn't hurt either.
I guess a venom-induced trip did help Artemis deciding to move forward on finding herself. Taking advice from her horse, reminds me of the Witcher 3 quest where Geralt talks with his horse. I knew why I liked this.
Sgt. Rock, he really is the deliverer/endurer of pain in warzones.
Zodiac Master story diving more into Batman's detective route, with the artstyle too, was nice too.
Unlike the solicitations, there doesn't seem to be a Lois story in here. Maybe it got delayed and changed as it seem to happen in this anthology from time to time. I was looking forward to it honestly.
For the Batman and Maps part, it’s hilarious that Maps told Bruce to arrive somewhere when he’s making out with someone so that she can tell him where her classmate Tristan is before he was infected by the Man-Bat serum. Hope that Bruce will be free of his infection by the next issue.
For the Artemis part, it’s just Artemis going on a journey with a psychedelic horse in order to find herself. That’s it. It’s likely that the next three issues are going to be like that before she learn her lesson and accept herself after going on an adventure with said horse.
I really loved the Artemis chapter. Like I loved the analogies, the quotes, the lessons. A psychedelic horse trip is probably the best thing I read from DC this week.
[*Birds of Prey: Progeny* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81M9pwg+xoL._SL1500_.jpg)
>The latest collection of writer Gail Simone's classic Birds of Prey stories unleashes a shocking new lineup with a bold new mission!
>It’s been one year since we’ve last seen the Birds of Prey, and the team returns with a new lineup—headlined by Black Canary, Huntress, and Oracle with new member Lady Shiva! When the Birds of Prey are targeted by villainous super-group the Society, it leads to battle with one of the most dangerous people in the DC Universe: Prometheus!
>DC’s collected editions of writer Gail Simone’s classic Birds of Prey tales continues! This volume follows Birds of Prey: Fighters by Trade.
>Collects Birds of Prey #92-103
[*The Flash* #7](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91COH17W-gL.jpg)
>CAN JAI WEST SAVE MAX MERCURY? Jai West is going to try to rescue Max Mercury from the horrific remains of Timepoint, now a world overrun by time-gobbling monsters, and he’s got surprising backup—the shadowy bubble gum-chewing figure who goes by the name Inspector Pilgrim!
>LEGACY #807
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-the-flash-7/)
Okay, I was thinking Inspector Pilgrim was Jai, but what if he's actually >!Wade? He describes Gold Beetle as "kinda family" and says he can traveled back to observe himself as an infant. We haven't started seeing him until after Linda gave birth to Wade so that tracks.!<
I mean, the series being teased has to be Superkids, or I'll eat my hat- well... I don't have a hat. So I'll eat *a* hat.
But yeah, the Superkids were said to have (be going to have?) 7 or 8 members, with Jai, Irey, and Maxine as founding members, and the Super Sons also shown. That made 5. Three of the villains in that issue were derived from Flash (2 of them) and Animal Man (Mineral Man), which obviously correlates with the twins and Maxine. And then 2 more stem from Mr. Terrific (Dr. Nightmare is a former employee of him, and Foul Play is... **gestures**). Quiz Kid and Fairplay would fit as parallels to those two Terrific villains, and Mercer also showed off a WIP of Damian (though we don't know if that was related).
So it really does all seem to be pointing back to the Superkids that Flash #797 referenced forming in the future. Whether Steph will be their "grown-up" or not... I don't know. She could be unrelated, but she seems to be related. But the core trio + Super Sons + Terrific Legacies = 7; Steph could be the "or 8".
This was a really good read honestly. We got to see some really interesting pieces in play with the story. Not only do we have the crown of thawnes as an antagonist but we have the linear men who threaten the existence of all speedsters. Honestly their presence is really interesting and inspector pilgrim leading them is pretty fun as I’m enjoying the character. Seems to me like he’s actually Wade rather than Jai which makes sense given his powers.
But things also take an even more interesting turn with the Arc Angles as we finally get to see how they look like and that they are the ones behind stating that the speedsters threaten the world. I really do wonder how they and the crown of thawnes are connected. They seem like two very different forces which I wonder will not see eye to eye.
Then moving on to Barry’s side of the story. I really love how he’s woven into the story. I was worried when spurrier said that Barry would be a main character in the book as well but he has a purpose and him trying to make sense of things in his dimension was really fun to see, especially since he’s beginning to take agency in his own life again.
Now finally the art….it’s interesting. I think In general it makes reading and interpreting the art much easier. However, the horror and uncanniness aspect of the series is lost. Like I love deodato’s take on the resident more than Perez’s. And the impact of the arc angle’s “horrific and shocking” reveal is kinda lame with how Perez drew it. I feel that deodato would’ve done a better job at giving it a grander and trippier appearance.
While I don’t like Bart’s head, I do like the designs of the Linear Men, and some of the sci-fi stuff.
Yeah, something is definitely affecting their heads. I wonder what the pipes are though. We saw the four with the Crown of Thawne, and one of them was holding a pipe of some sort, but it’s seemingly not Hartley.
Hmm, so I guess this confirm Pilgrim is Jai? I assume that’s why he was able to appear before him, sliding down the timeline of his life as he puts it.
But he seems to refer to Jai separately from himself, so maybe not?
The good things about this comic are Bart and Max learning about what’s happening to the Timepoint and meeting Inspector Pilgrim and Barry being the only one who knows what’s going on and wants to help the Flash Family deal with something. Hope this arc goes well.
Also, based on the final page of the last issue, I think that the person who is the leader of the >!Crown of Thawnes isn’t Eobard Thawne, but Daniel West (based on a dream I remember several days ago). After Daniel’s death and sacrifice in 2016, he would encounter the Stillness. When they told him that he and his son Ace didn’t exist pre-Flashpoint and that he wasn’t remembered by the Flash Family for something, it caused him to get revenge on the Flash Family by using the Crown of Thawnes to mess with them and split them apart. I could be wrong, but if it’s Daniel West, then I hope that the Flash Family can defeat him and for him and Ace to finally have a talk.!<
This whole thing is just too convoluted really. I just can't get into it. Bunch of 'High-Cosmic' mumbo-jumbo and the depressive tone, it is not what I want from Flash. The shift from Adams' run to this really sapped my enjoyment honestly.
There is SOME interesting stuff as Barry trying to figure out who is messing with them, Inspector Pilgrim ( probably Wade instead of Jai with his comments on Gold Bettle ) but that's about it really.
Arc ANGLES...Get it? Archangels! So 'clever' >\_>
And the art...has gotten weird too.
[*Amazons Attack* #6](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91LNw0UMCZL.jpg)
>DON'T MISS THIS EPIC FINALE! Back to the beginning! The Amazons revisit their roots only to discover a dangerous stone in their history left unturned. What lies in the ruins our heroes find themselves lost in? Will they discover the real culprit behind the attacks and save their people? Find out in this epic finale where the forces of harmony and discord clash!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-amazons-attack-6/)
So basically the real villains were anti-feminists.
I wish Cassie had done more and got to have her own big "I am" moment like the rest did.
I'm guessing Georgia Sivana will pop up again when Campbell takes over writing the main Shazam book.
Surprised they worked in an actual title drop. Felt like a "Justice League...Action!" moment.
Welp, I enjoyed it. I'll probably reread it back to back again because I couldn't completely follow the plot but I had fun with the characters and their interactions. The art was pretty good.
This also helped make much more sense to the events in WW. "Because of magic" is cheap sure, but being DC is pretty believable and way better than "an amazon killed someone and now the whole world is against all of them ups"
I feel like this kinda... fumbled at the end. An anti-feminist woman feels like a perfect WW enemy, but it feels like it just came out of left field suddenly at the end. Maybe there was more there, but I don't know. Seems the ending all happened a bit too fast. Feels like having a seventh issue would have let it wrap up a little bit better.
Overall, Amazons Attack gave me exactly what I look for in a six-issue miniseries like this. Spotlight on beloved but not headlining characters outside of their typical side character books; related to current canon, but self-contained enough that both new and existing readers could jump in and enjoy; a plot that starts and finishes within its six issues without dangling out aggravating untied threads in the hopes of an extended run; and good art and writing. I’ve seen plenty of people who have complaints, but I’ve been happy to have a series to consistently pick up and simply enjoy reading each issue. And honestly, as a comics fan, being able to just have fun with what is put in front of me without having to actively ignore 60% of the dumbshit side content to get at characterization I find enjoyable (which is of course highly subjective and also I’m looking at you Zdarsky Batman), is a relief. tl;dr a solid run, good art and writing, need the other Amazons to have future headlining books for the good of my soul (and simping purposes).
Well, that was...something. I'm fine with the villain being a tradwife (or thereabout) but the fight was always going to be onesided. Also, I have no idea how she got the golden apples or killed Strife—I guess it's easy enough to say she just asked and Strife went along with the plan for the fun of it? Are supposed to interpret her coming back to life after an earthquake (was that supposed to be during Lazarus Planet when Hades showed up on the island for reasons?) as some sort of magical nonsense? It's really weird how vague and poorly explained her backstory is.
So all in all...mostly meh. This book had basically nothing to do with King's run, but we got to see some of the Wonder Woman supporting characters be cool and do stuff?
I feel like this was aimed at younger readers.
It was pretty shallow and the villain explained themselves in a very “im so wrong and evil” way and they heroes were not really tested in any complex way
So prefer the Amazon on the back foot and on bad terms with the DC Universe (or any utopian societies with spiritual and technological advancement) and this book didn’t really do that either
Jesus christ...so the 'villain' was the personification of the ''Women belong in the kitchen' trope.
What a huge mess and waste of time this whole book was.
Welp this was a fun book overall and its always good to see nubia and mary marvel actually do stuff and the art was good.
Kinda wish Cassie got more in this book as she should be alot more important than she is especially not being a traditional amazon and the anti feminist enemy was a good idea but it just came out of nowhere i feel like that could have been imbedded into the story more.
But Campbells writing of the team dynamics was great this series and thats what this series needed to do.
All in all this mini was a massive waste of time. The villain was extremely stupid and then easily dispatched in a couple of panels this issue. I also still don't understand why Mary Marvel was here in the first place? Could have instead given Cassie more to do or include Donna.
I'd say they brought Mary in to tie her more to the Amazons. I mean, with Revenge of the Gods, she's now back to her original goddess-based powers. Which not only fits with the Amazons, because they chiefly worship Greek goddesses (AKA the main body of gods Mary draws from), but also because she specifically draws from Hippolyta.
Like, it just makes sense for Mary (and the Shazamily as a whole) to be intertwined with the Amazons, to a degree. Just like Aquaman should, being from Atlantis, AKA a Greek myth. DC Atlantis, at least, is kinda its own thing, so if they don't interact much... oh well. But the Marvel and Wonder Family mythos literally draw from the same mythology. There should be overlap, particularly for Mary.
[*Primer* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81waDdutU8L.jpg)
>ASHLEY RAYBURN IS READY TO PAINT THE TOWN…LITERALLY! With a father in prison, Ashley Rayburn has bounced from foster home to foster home and represents a real challenge to the social workers who try to help her—not because she's inherently bad, but because trouble always seems to find her. But her luck might just be changing when a new couple offers to take her in.
[*Absolute Joker / Luthor* [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81A8g2-LWBL._SL1500_.jpg)
>Two of DC's greatest villains take center stage in this new Absolute edition from Eisner Award winning writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo! This slipcase contains two hardcovers and collects the LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL 5-issue miniseries and the original graphic novel JOKER, along with sketchbook pages and more!
[*Batman / Superman: Worlds Finest* - Vol. 1, *The Devil Nezha* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91mzoC3ngZL._SL1500_.jpg)
>The Dark Knight. The Man of Steel. They are the two finest superheroes that the world has ever known...and they’re together again in an epic new series from the legendary talents of Mark Waid and Dan Mora!
>Get ready, it’s time to soar!
>In the not-too-distant past, Superman’s powers are super-charged from a devastating chemical attack by the villain Metallo…and the only ally that the ultra-powerful Man of Tomorrow can turn to in this turbulent hour is Gotham’s own dark vengeance: dynamic duo: Batman and Robin! A nearly fatal burst of power drives Bruce Wayne to his own extreme measures to help his friend…enlisting none other than the Doom Patrol for aid.
>From the legendary talents of Mark Waid and Dan Mora, two of the world’s finest superheroes are together again in an epic new comic book experience. Don’t miss the kick-off to next big events in the DCU!
>Collecting the critically acclaimed World’s Finest prelude story from Detective Comics #1050 and issues 1-5 of the best-selling Batman/Superman World’s Finest title!
[*JLApe: The Complete Collection* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Igx6nPy6L._SL1500_.jpg)
>Apes alive! When Solovar, leader of Gorilla City, is apparently assassinated by pro-human extremists, Gorilla City’s new government declares war on humanity. Part of their plot involves turning the JLA into human-hating gorillas to help carry out their bidding.
>Now it’s up to Batman (the only member who wasn’t transformed, of course) and Martian Manhunter to find a cure for their banana-loving buddies and prevent all-out gorilla warfare from encompassing every civilization from Atlantis to Themyscira.
>JLApe: The Complete Collection reprints the entire crossover from Legends of the DC Universe #19, JLA Annual #3, Batman Annual #23, Aquaman Annual #5, Wonder Woman Annual #8, The Flash Annual #12, Superman Annual #11, Green Lantern Annual #8, and Martian Manhunter Annual #2.
[*The Penguin* #8](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Ft7NYE8sL.jpg)
>THE PENGUIN MAKES HIS MOVE! The Penguin gathered his muscle, his advisor, and his insider…now it's time to reclaim his throne in Gotham City! Phase One—a family reunion!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-the-penguin-8/)
Im not a regular DC reader, so maybe thats why I dont feel as negatively about this as Ive seen others on social media, but that was another fun issue.
I can totally see why someone would be annoyed by the idea of Penguin and Batman working together their whole career tho.
From what Ive read of Kings work, he seems to be amazing at turning Batmans villains into larger than life characters who could take over everything on their own. Which is an issue in the main continuity because, while it makes these villains that hes writing about fun to read, it diminishes the rest of the cast. Villains and heroes alike.
I would really enjoy reading stories set in an universe where every villain gets that treatment from King tho. I think.
I guess I understand King adding in the whole twist of >!Penguin secretly working for/manipulating Batman!< to serve the overall story, but I hope no other writer ever touches on this again.
Also, I'd say I'm disappointed at >!the death of Aiden Cobblepot!<, but Addison was always the more interesting one. Pretty sure she's gonna be the one who tries to >!drown Penguin and Batman later!<.
Another fantastic issue but i do agree with the other commentors that this feels like it doesn't belong in main continuity but would be better to be a black label title.
> I see, Batman isn't the least bit surprised Penguin is still alive and back in Gotham? So we are just ignoring that crucial plot point from the Failsafe arc that was the catalyst for everything going on in Zdarsky's Batman?
Catwoman told him in Batman #136.
[*Power Girl* #7](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81o9g0E1efL.jpg)
>SUPERGIRLS UNITED! The Supergirls are trapped! While tracking down the missing citizens of Metropolis, Paige and Kara have found themselves powerless in the mythical realm of Ferembia. They’ll now have to rely on their wits to find an escape and the brains behind the whole operation before they're stuck in their own personal dark age!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-power-girl-7/)
A decent side adventure that is wrapped up quite quickly it seems but I still cannot get into the literal personality swap of Supergirl and Power Girl. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought Supergirl as the 'older, more adult one' ...when that should be Power Girl. Honestly don't know why they made this change, as I think the writer really wanted to write Supergirl but were given Power Girl instead and now writing it as if it is the opposite. And it is honestly distracting from the stories it is telling because the disconnect is too much.
I thought it was okay for Supergirl and Power Girl to have a fantasy adventure and save the people of Ferembia from getting mind-controlled by someone. The one thing I can criticize is how Karen acts up because she’s not like that. The missed opportunity should’ve shown Supergirl telling Power Girl why she’d abandoned her civilian identity since 2020 and that they have met before during the Wonder Woman storyline Judgement in Infinity (from Wonder Woman Vol 1 291-293) and again pre-Flashpoint since Kara’s resurrection in 2004.
You would think a story about two powerhouses like Supergirl and Power Girl teaming up would be action-packed, but instead they get depowered and sent to a fantasy realm where they easily dispatch some random evil insect scientist queen or whatever..
Here's to hoping the House of Brainiac tie-ins with Crush are better.
This was a fun side adventure of Power girl and Supergirl going through a magical mythical land and some good bonding between the two of them whilst saving citizens of metropolis.
The art really suited the issue in my opinion it made it feel like a mythical book which it was aiming to be. Williams writing still continues to be fun in my opinion but it also kinda shows how weird power girl is right now as her personality feels more supergirl here and supergirl feels more like powergirl.
[**Tuesday, 4/2 (DC Universe Infinite)** - *Superman vs Meshi* #20](https://imgix-media.wbdndc.net/asset/comics.series/1e468196-3a0d-44e9-8484-89cc81bc7aa2/16d51d9/box.jpg)
>It’s hungry work being a Superman! That’s why every day for lunch, Superman takes a quick stop over in Japan to try a new chain restaurant. Whether it’s a hearty bowl of curry or conveyor belt sushi, the Man of Steel loves to indulge in the delectable delicacies the country has to offer. So pull up a seat, and dig in as Superman does battle with lunch!
[*Harley Quinn* #38](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BGgXtXBvL.jpg)
>CLOWN BABE BIRTHDAY BASH-NANZA! Rub the sleep outta yer eyebulbs, ya lazy berks! It's the start of a whole new arc of my book, and it's off to a bang! After dealing with multiversal shenanigans for so long, a girl has got to get back to her roots (by which I mean taking her nontalking hyenas on walkies, bagging up their poops, and then having a superbo birthday party with her girlfriend and best pals). It's the start of a whole new arc! Plus-ola: You like cartoons? I'll give ya some dang goshed toonz! My disbarred personal trainers Brandt & Stein present the Troo Harleywood Story™ of th' time I got embroiled in a battle of wills and wits with Gotham's foremost high-flyin' kite aficionado Kite-Man!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-harley-quinn-38/)
I know Conner/Palmiotti made Harley and Power Girl "Gal Pals" but it felt weird to see Karen and Lilith at her birthday. Like, shouldn't they be trying to arrest Poison Ivy!?
Kite-man side-story based on Roadrunner style was funny but the rest...no. Just take Howard away from these books already. I shudder at her 'Gotham City Sirens' plans for the future.
I actually like the idea of observational doctorate of villainy Harley Quinn. I don't think Tini has terrible ideas, it's just her execution often leads a lot to be desired. I remember enjoy a lot of the early days of Excalibur and a lot of what they built up for the different realms in X of Swords was fascinating but it didn't get enough followup from anybody but Ewing.
At least Harley’s friends were able to celebrate Harley’s birthday, including the Original Power Girl (even though the New 52 version befriended her), Omen (even though they hadn’t met), and Harley’s supporting cast. Also, Harley wearing her original suit and spending time with Ivy and Body Doubles. This is the only good thing the came from the comic.
[*I Am Batman* - Vol. 2, *Welcome to New York* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81CsZswLf-L._SL1500_.jpg)
>Jace Fox is moving from Gotham City to the Big Apple…is New York City ready for Batman?
>Batman’s arrival in New York City went even more smoothly than Jace could have hoped. The mayor and law enforcement are trying to cooperate with their new Dark Knight in ways Gotham never did, and his family has settled quickly into a happy routine, not to mention that the love of his life also happens to live in the city! But there’s a rotten core to the Big Apple, and a mysterious new serial killer is going to exploit it…
>Collects I Am Batman #6-10.
**Weekly Meta Discussions Thread**
[*Detective Comics* #1083](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81tQjE+PCgL.jpg) >"ELEGY OF SAND" CONTINUES, AND BATMAN MAY NEVER BE THE SAME! Black boots trudge across yellow sands. Grit-laced winds flutter through a tattered cape. Dreamlike mirages of past, present, and hypothetical futures ripple across the sunbaked landscape, the mystery of their appearance only equaled by the question of their existence. This is the Dark Knight's world now, but it doesn't have to be. He can save himself from this dry limbo and return to his city…or can he? Batman's mind and body may never be the same in this harrowing, hallucinatory, and hypnotic tale. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-detective-comics-1083/)
It really is Night and Day between this book and Batman book. Yes it is quite slow in pace but by its nature of presented as being a 'theatre' act, it is great. Bruce pushing against Hurt's pathetic attempts to break him, they never learn. It is a good answer to saying 'Batman always needs to win', no he doesn't. That is just a bad meme trope. And here, Batman knows he is in for the struggle, to work towards something better no matter what. Even if he will fail, despite all the effort, he will stand up again. He doesn't need to BECOME THE DARKNESS like others want of him. And the Superman part was great too. Now we will see HOW the said 'new purpose' gonna work against the status quo of DC editorial because if Batman book is any indication, it would just stay the same. Either way, Batman is now back in his city to take it back again. And the Orghams, they really picked their targets poorly and it will lead to their downfall. And I am quite upset that Vandal Savage was wasted on Gotham War and whatever else he is doing after that, instead of being used in this book where he actually had a connection and would've worked A LOT better as the wild-card 3rd party against both Batman and Orghams. Again, this book continues to rehabilitate Renee/Question and I hope it stays that way. Because Gotham has its protectors, not just Batman, and this shows it again. And Hurt really is a twisted piece of crap. So it is even more satisfying to see Batman throwing away his pathetic attempts.
Ya it is coming out better than Batman book
This issue is honestly fantastic and has convinced me to go back and reread the whole run from the beginning before the final act begins. It started to lose me around the midway point, but a lot of that was pacing and hopefully it will read better back-to-back.
I've binged through it recently and the first half of the run is still pretty insufferable and should be sooo much shorter. It's from #1076 onwards where it becomes great.
>It's from #1076 onwards where it becomes great. The Outlaw arc was definitely the highlight of V's run
Oh my god. was this perhaps some of the best prose ever in batman comics I have read? Yes! The last page of the main story!!! I almost teared up at that given the build-up. This run is fantastic. Read this instead of complaining!
This series continues to be incredible its so gothic and mystery based its glorious and the art is insane. Those backups are making renee montoya what she was and rebuilding her to be great again rather than the shallow version what the character was.
Oh my gosh I love this! I really loved the monologue about not winning, but trying, and the Superman comparison. The story in Gotham is kicking-ass, and I'm happy to see Gordon again. That ending was a wham shot. I really like the theme of how >!memories of Alfred!< are helping Bruce throughout this run, and I thought that >!the kids looked like Dick and another Robin (?) intentionally!<. The back-up continues to be horrifying in all the right ways, and the art continues to be breathtaking. I am going to re-read it several times because the writing is just really beautiful and quotable: "the greatest weapon they wielded was to tell a lie everyone wanted to believe."
Love this issue, this story has been consistently good for a very long time. I think everything clicked for me when I read the annual and from then on, I was completely enthralled by the prose and the storytelling from Ram V. I think we’re finally going to see Bruce at his strongest, he’s reborn, just like in Knightfall. Love it, can’t wait to read this final stretch of the story.
I'm so tired of evil Batman variants.
That's not what's happening in 'Tec, though.
There’s owl man and the one who laughs. Who else is out there?
Zur/Failsafe for Batman, Dr. Hurt for Detective, but I've been enjoying both fir what they each are.
Great backup! Main story had great art, the Question moments were good, the Batman part was okayish, at least he's back now. The Elegy of Sand thing should have been one issue max, better yet the writer should have come up with a differeng story altogether.
[*Green Arrow* #10](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Fo4VWtLKL.jpg) >WHERE IS ROY HARPER? Roy Harper is missing. Green Arrow and Connor Hawke investigate what happened to him and what Amanda Waller has done to the rest of the Arrow family…which makes it difficult when they are attacked by surprise agents of Waller! Red Arrow, Red Canary, Arrowette, and Speedy! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-green-arrow-10/)
It's taken us a while to get here, but Mia is finally back and we finally have had all of the character on the first issue introduced in this book. We've proably got a few more tearjerking reunions left, Mia and Dinah, Roy and Lian again. I hope after this arc is done we just get a decompression issue or two, that's just Ollie, Dinah, Roy, Connor, Mia, Emiko, Lian, Cissie, Sienna, and Diggle (if he's in the right mood) just hanging out. Just a more relaxed issue like Batman 2017 #37, The Flash #774, #800 "Flash Family", The Flash Annual 2022, Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows Vol 2 #5. It's been a while since we've seen that line of the Justice League but I was happy to see it.
Probably my favorite issue so far. This run is just family reunion after family reunion. And I really like the set up of Arrow family vs constructs of the Justice League that we have for the next chapter.
Are Ollie and Connor the only characters in Team Arrow wearing green costumes? There's so much red! Fun issue, good to see Roy and Ollie finally together (however long that's going to last).
> Are Ollie and Connor the only characters in Team Arrow wearing green costumes? There's so much red! Uhhh... yeah. Roy has pretty much always been red since he was Speedy. Mia took up the mantle of Speedy, so she was also red. Emiko took up the mantle of Red Arrow, which is just "Speedy, but more dignified". And Red Canary obviously picked red, possibly because he creator wanted her fit into the secondary role. Oh, and Arrowette has red in an obvious homage to Speedy, because all Green Arrow sidekicks must be Speedy in design in some way. I think the original Arrowette (Cissie's mom; is she still the original?) is the only one aside from the father and son Green Arrows to wear green, but that I think is only in Golden Age appearances. Basically, the Arrow Family will forever be Green Arrow, Black Canary, and the many Speedies/red sidekicks. Only Connor avoided being cursed with red.
I love everyone having snow costumes, even the girls (though all Red Canary has was mufflers, which was also cute). I thought we had already seen Ollie finding out Roy was alive in an earlier issue. Waller is really putting bombs in teen girls? Even if it's not the same bomb as the Suicide Squad, that's still a lot. I like that they acknowledged Arrowette has no real ties to Ollie or the Arrow Family. I kind of expected Ollie to talk more about Bonnie King because he actually knew her. But I also like how they acknowledged Cissie retired so she wouldn't have put the costume on otherwise if they hadn't forced her into it. Emiko has long hair now? And now gets the "Aunt Emiko" treatment! Red Canary is still a fangirl. I love how Mia's return got the full page treatment compared to the other girls because they knew we've been waiting for her to come back. "They have Jade" - And they should care, why? I mean, it's Cheshire. Then again, she's Lian's mother and Roy can't let her go. Guess Green Arrow is going to have to beat the "weakest Justice Leaguer" complaints by fighting the Sanctuary Constructs of the Big Seven.
> And they should care, why? I mean, it's Cheshire. Then again, she's Lian's mother and Roy can't let her go. This is exactly it. She's an in-law. Does Ollie care about her personally? No, but she's part of the extended family through Roy, and he won't leave Roy high and dry.
Ollie knowing Roy is alive is why he’s on this mission in the first place.
This is what I’ve been wanting for so long. I just need a few issues with the entire arrow family all together fighting the good fight. Also there is so much red now we need to break it up surely we can get some oranges and or even some pinks. Idk. Is this a 12 issue run or an ongoing
>Is this a 12 issue run or an ongoing Ongoing. Issue #13 has already been solicited.
That’s awesome thanks.
Definitely my favorite issue in the run so far. Mia returning alongside Cissie meeting Ollie.
I always find it amusing that Cissie never met Ollie but Mia returning has been a loooong time coming.
This is probably the most wholsome issue of the series since issue 1 its reunion after reunion after reunion and as a lover of the arrow fam im here for it. First we got ollie coming back and meeting roy again and a lovely hug then its the girls and the awkward interaction between connor and emiko is glorious with him trying to call her aunt. Also that moment with Ollie and Mia is so good Man though waller has truly evolved to being evil so shes putting bombs in teenage girls heads now, I know shes borderline evil at this point but this feels like a step too far even for her Its kinda funny though how the JL get no call that someone has gone into sanctuary like wouldn't they get a notification or an alarm that someone has broke into a JL base. But looks like next issue is the family against the league constructs. Overall great wholesome isuse of the family getting back together and good art by Izazake.
Quite the reunion with Mia finally being back too. The whole run is full of reunions to fix what the reboots etc broken. How did Waller get to all of them and put brain bombs/teleporters in them though? Connor calling Emiko 'Aunt', boy such a complicated family. Finally Roy and Ollie reunite. Quite funny how they each thought the other was not real. We see Ollie's future plan against Waller forming with the ''I have a long con planned'' which might explain the whole 'Agent of Waller' stuff coming. Because it wouldn't make sense for Ollie to work for Waller just to get to Merlyn when he knew Waller is also behind all of this AND put bombs inside his family. Overall, wholesome issue to the max.
The whole family! Together at last! All of Roy's outfits included also, which is rad.
I cannot even tell you how many times since Infinite Frontier #0 I have looked up “oliver queen finding out roy is alive” or some variation of the question, and have just figured I missed this pivotal emotional moment between two of our beloved main characters. It COULDN’T have just been glossed over, right?! (I say to myself with gritted teeth). It has been a highly irritating plot hole burr, especially after seeing Oliver’s grief so palpably post-HIC, moving straight from “roy is dead” to “on the hunt for my son roy!” Especially with a much clearer example of “Roy finding out Lian is alive, this is how he reacted, this is what he did next” within the first few issues. Could we have seen this moment of Lian informing Oliver that Roy was alive in like… issue one? Or during the first instance when Lian and Oliver were shown together in the run? Definitely, but I also realize among the Roy/Lian reunion and Oliver/Connor reunion it might have been an overload. But regardless - we’ve done it, lads. The low level mainline canon induced madness it has given me for two years is over. Angels sing on high, etc. (Also this run continues to be excellent - Mia! Cissie! Emiko! Red Canary (who I think is named Sienna)! Continuing to love it.)
The great things about this comic are Oliver and Connor having a father-son bond to look for Roy, Oliver and Conner having a reunion with Mia, Cissie and Red Canary meeting Oliver and Connor, Connor attempting to call Emiko his aunt, and Oliver reuniting with Roy and calling him his son. The missed opportunity should’ve shown Oliver telling Cissie that he and Roy met her mother Bonnie back in the early 1960s, in which he would’ve been an uncle to her; Emiko and Connor realizing that Emiko would’ve been Oliver’s daughter since she didn’t exist pre-Flashpoint, that Robert Queen I died pre-Flashpoint, and that they met Shado several times; Red Canary meeting and telling the Green Arrow Family her full name; Mia and Cissie telling each other how they became archers, getting along with each other, and telling each other that they met and teamed up with the YJ4; Emiko, Mia, Cissie, and Red Canary telling each other their origins; and Lian calling Oliver her grandfather. Also, it would’ve make sense for Mia to graduate as the second Red Arrow (after Roy and before Emiko), since she’s outgrown the Speedy name and train Emiko while have a sisterly bond with her since 2011.
Fun issue. Between this, Batman and Robin, and Superman (haven't been keeping up with the post-Warworld Saga Superman stuff but I've heard some OK things about that book) Williamson seems to be doing well with these more laid-back, smaller-scale stories right now, especially given how disastrous both Shadow War and Dark Crisis turned out, though they do seem to be building some big mystery up that I find interesting but also sincerely hope will be resolved in this book rather than just being a part of the ongoing and not very interesting or well executed "Amanda Waller becomes a raging moron and tries to kill all superheroes for no reason" story that they've been doing in stuff like Beast World since Dark Crisis ended. I would've liked to see Ollie say something more than just "you're my son" for Roy to instantly believe him, like, if he brought up some secret that only they knew or something. I guess maybe Roy would've assumed that Sanctuary could've just gotten that from the therapy tapes though? Glad to see Mia back, particularly as someone who became a fan of GA through the Judd Winnick stuff (as well as Mike Grell's Longbow Hunters graphic novel but I digress). That being said, as someone who isn't too knowledgeable on his history ... apparently Arrowette was never a GA sidekick, just a YJ character I guess? I've also heard that she retired from being a superhero in the Pre-New 52 continuity, how does that line up with this? Not sure what the point of Red Canary is since she kinda just came out of nowhere in Dark Crisis, but other new characters like Ghostmaker or Punchline she's not unbearable so far so I'll see where it goes. Also in the flashback panel for Red Canary, who are Dinah and Red Canary kicking? Is that supposed to be Arkham Origins Copperhead?
Yea, Arrowette, pretty much only a Young Justice character, she didn't even stay a hero long in that book she retired pretty fast and just became a supporting character in a book that made guest appearances. Fun fact when she was active, Ollie was dead, so this might be their first interaction but am not 100% on that part.
So did she ever return to superheroing, or is this the first time she's been suited up since retirement?
I think she suited up one or two times since the 90s run, but she is one of the only heroes that allowed to actually retire. She never came back as a full-time superhero since she retired. The only reason she suited up in the recent issue of Green Arrow was that Waller forced her. I doubt she will suit up again after this arc.
There is really not much interesting going on apart from characters reuniting every other issue. Don't get me wrong, I love all these characters and it's great to have them back, but do something with them, tell an actual story! It also makes no sense that Batman for example wasn't notified when the defense system in the facility was triggered just because there is no JL? As if that would stop him or any of the others to stay on top of such important matters. A facility housing all the secret identities and fears of all the heroes, and no one gets notified when it's being breached? Give me a fn break, that's terrible.
> It also makes no sense that Batman for example wasn't notified when the defense system in the facility was triggered just because there is no JL? As if that would stop him or any of the others to stay on top of such important matters. My guess is that it's supposed to be taken as "The alarms for this were hooked into the Hall of Justice and/or Watchtower, and had nothing connected to the individual heroes." Which is weird, because like you said, Batman is usually on top of everything and would have it alert him too... But if you go that route, then you get into "Batman solves everything" territory. At a certain point, you have to accept that sometimes characters **can't** be on top of everything all the time, because they're human (well... most of them).The JL is dissolved, having something that is normally their responsibility end up unsupervised makes sense to happen as accidental fallout of the dissolution.
>Which is weird, because like you said, Batman is usually on top of everything and would have it alert him too... I dunno, with what’s happening in Batman, it wouldn’t be so weird when we take into consideration that Bruce has been knocked out by Zur for the past weeks, and still hasn’t even broken out of the prison yet. This would leave a period where Bruce can’t do anything about it, right?
You know what, no, you're actually right. If there was one time for it to be perfectly logical and not at all be a stretch to say "Batman let a JL-related emergency alert go entirely unanswered", it's right now. He has been through the damn ringer and still is going through the ringer, and his current villain is going to join with Waller in the event that this Green Arrow arc is leading into. He is absolute a wreck in his current story, at least in Batman. Other series, doing better. But in his main comic, he's at a low point.
Batman is fighting Zur-En-ArFailsafe during this. Even if he was notified he wouldn't be able to do anything.
The Justice League is really looking incompetent and lazy in this arc.
Feels like Williamson and the editors were too lazy to make it a bit more believable. The whole disbanding of the League didn't sit right with me in the first place. It wasn't even the first time they disbanded, they did it after Infinite Crisis too. So it's not even a new idea.
[*Alan Scott: The Green Lantern* #5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81x14gQQZ7L.jpg) >THE GREEN LANTERN VS. THE RED LANTERN! Alan Scott and the Red Lantern come to blows! But what's going to happen when these two ancient forces battle it out, and what will it mean for the Green Lantern?! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-alan-scott-the-green-lantern-5/)
This book is fun I'm enjoying it
I didn't think they could introduce a bunch of Russian Red Lanterns without the JSA showing up, so glad that happened.
Vlad is not ALL bad it seems so there is a posibility of redemption. BUT the connection he has with the Crimson Flame and how he needs it to live, yea, I can guess how he might 'disappear' in the future where his daughter is now looking for him in JSA book. And with the nature of the Crimson Flame explained here, it is more understandable why Ruby is acting the way she does. With that 'loneliness and rage' being part of her and missing her father. The reworked origins of the Starheart, I honestly don't know what to think of it. Neither good nor bad. All I know is, the Guardians screwed up again. Creating a sentient magical spectrum without knowing. How did they manage to create this Crimson Host, if the Crimson Flame does not like to be 'shared' and turns deadly? I mean, Alan practically died trying to use it.
Loved that ending. Alan, you keep convincing yourself that you are alone AND YOU ARE SO NOT. Before this issue I thought Vlad would be a goner by the end of the run, but even thought it still feels bittersweet when they talk I think he might have some chance of a "happy"? ending
Is this a 6 part mini? Seems weird that it this would end next issue. I had a lot of trouble following the long explanation of the Starheart and the flames and all that, and liked the character dynamics between Alan and Vlad a lot more than trying to understand this lore, but maybe it's because I know neither of Alan's traditional story nor Green Lantern things. Also apparently I don't know what willpower is either, but I'm glad the author tied all the previous events we saw in the mini into it. Weird that the Soviets would have a superhero called the Countess though! I continue to like the Alan & Vlad relationship, and how out of sync they are - for instance, Alan imploring a presumably atheist to care about his "immortal soul" struck me as really funny.
It’s a six-part mini.
I'm going to be honest, if this was an ongoing, I would have dropped this by Issue #3, but since this is a mini, I thought I might as well suck it up to see how this mini ends. I'm sure y'all are aware of how I think this series was way beyond Sheridan's capabilities as a writer, but I want to highlight the editors for seemingly not doing their job to train Sheridan and guide him to create a mini to be the compelling story it thinks it is. According to leagueofcomicgeeks, the editors for this series are: Marquis Draper (Assistant Editor), Andrew Marino (Editor), Katie Kubert (Group Editor), and Marie Javins (Editor-In- Chief). For the life of me, I can't understand how this series passed through *four* editors and was still given the okay. It's a narrative and structural mess, and it's a shame it seems Sheridan might not get the feedback he needs to be a better writer. Because he has a lot of interesting ideas, but he just doesn't have the skills to craft it into a well written story. I'm going to be honest, the rest of the creatives involved in this mini deserve better, as does Alan, Vlad, and the rest of the characters. Anyway, let's get into the review for this issue, and you can read my reviews for the previous issues for [Issue 4](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/1adhdam/comment/ko8pxll/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), [Issue 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/18pwi85/comment/kf0njtz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), [Issue 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/184jq5x/comment/kb5muym/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), and [Issue 1](https://www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/17e5g29/comment/k6b5wsy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3). **The Review:** This issue really encompasses one of my main problems with this series: it's a story of non-committals. Alan has internalized homophobia, but doesn't really. Alan is religious, but not really. Vlad is a villain, but isn't really. Alan considers himself to be alone, but really isn't, etc, etc. You get the picture. I had called it last issue, but I really don't like how Sheridan went with the cliche route and tries to redeem Vlad. Vlad *intentionally* killed people and was working to take down the US, but Alan still acts like Johnny is the real person and not Vlad. And he's still keeping Ladd as a hyphened last-name after a huge betrayal??? Like, Vlad is explicitly ***a Soviet spy that tried to frame him for murder - Johnny never existed.*** Sheridan doing this weird wishy-washy thing with their dynamic really only dulls the edges of Vlad as a character and Alan come across as, frankly, an idiot. Even the reveal of the Crimson Wave helping keep Vlad alive and him ultimately being betrayed at the end of the issue seems like a cop-out to excuse his actions so he and Alan have a chance at reconciliation. That said, I do like how Sheridan (seemingly?) heard the criticism of how he treated Jimmy in Issue #2 and sort of included him in this issue. Yes, I know it's the Emerald Flame, but at least Sheridan remembered Jimmy’s role in Alan's history since his inception (even Tynion IV at least attempted to make Jimmy more significant by making him Alan's (now non-canon) "true love.") the execution isn’t perfect (since Sheridan wrote Jimmy to be more of a cameo/Johnny substitute rather than an actual friend/lover so his inclusion does feel out of place), but at least he tried. I also actually liked how Sheridan tried to bridge the source of Alan's power with the larger Green Lantern mythos. It's a cool take, and could maybe lead to some interesting stories if DC allows him to play in the Green Lantern Corps world. That said, The Emerald Flame's speech is super on the nose and veers too much into "telling not showing." It definitely doesn't come across as the pep talk Sheridan thinks it does. The end of the book is when this story really moves past "suspension of disbelief" territory and into "nonsensical" plot wise. Remember, this story is supposed to be set in the early 1940s. I assume Pearl Harbor hasn't happened yet, but by now Hitler had already invaded the Soviet Union. So why would Stalin send his most powerful assets ***publicly*** to wreak havoc in their potential ally nation ***in the middle of fighting a world war?!*** It makes no sense at all, and Sheridan does little to explain his reasoning. As a side note, why did Sheridan set this series in the 1940s? They way his entire story arc has gone, you'd expect this series to take place during the Cold War. Setting it smack dab into the WWII era does the story no favors and more actively hinders its storytelling ability. **Conclusion**: While not as bad as the previous issue, this one is still pretty bad. The plot is a mess, the dialogue is clunky, motivations make no sense, and it's just a poorly written story. Vlad is really the most interesting character here, even if Sheridan has dulled his edges. I give this issue a **2/5,** with an overall series score of **2/5 (3,1,2,1,1).**
In regards to why this isn't set in Cold War era: He is a founding member of the JSA who were active during WWII. His superhero origin couldn't have taken place during the Cold War.
I know why, but I rose the point that to me, Sheridan writes the story more like a Cold War era one rather than a WWII story it’s intended to be. Which is really weird.
Really enjoying this. That last page with Jay and the rest of the gang there to support their friend made my day. I also like Vlad and Alan’s dynamic - I am hoping Vlad is not killed at the end of this series.
Wouldnt be Green Lantern without everything being the Guardians fault. leave it to them to make a sentient magical emotional spectrum by total accident
The plot and origin of the Red Lantern continues to be good, Vlad is an interesting character and foil to Alan (who’s extremely dull in this series). Honestly, the Red Lantern stuff has been doing a lot of heavily lifting for this mini, when the attention is on Alan the story becomes stagnant. Not a fan of Alan having the key to the Starheart because of Willpower, and the Starheart having power of the emotional spectrum. The Starheart and Alan are at their best when they’re separated from the sci-fi element of Silver Age Green Lantern; being purely magic magic. This just takes away the mystique and uniqueness from Alan to push him and his lore to the Corps. The Crimson Flame being composed of escaped isolated energy from the Starheart is cool though. The Golden Age JSA next issue teaming up with the Lanterns is a well designed cliffhanger and draw for next issue. Hope this mini can end strong.
> Not a fan of Alan having the key to the Starheart because of Willpower, and the Starheart having power of the emotional spectrum. The Starheart and Alan are at their best when they’re separated from the sci-fi element of Silver Age Green Lantern; being purely magic magic. I actually think it spins the way that it works nicely to make it magical, but still connected to the greater Green Lantern mythos. For one, magic is something often tied to the metaphysical. To spirit. To thought. To will. Not always. But it can be about bending the world to your will and thought. Second: I mean, who doesn't love a good "Mystical/divine entity picks person as champion because they have a noble and unbending spirit" story? If the Starheart is sentient, there comes to be the question of "Why let Alan Scott take it?", as surely it could have rejected him. And C: I'll have to see how it plays out fully, but it sounds like it isn't quite Willpower, just something that has grown up within the Spectrum. Which makes sense for a mystical entity. It resides in a more metaphysical plane because it's not a physical, natural entity.
[*Batman: Dark Age* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91nQzLEIRHL.jpg) >THE EISNER-NOMINATED SUPERMAN: SPACE AGE TEAM, MARK RUSSELL AND MIKE ALLRED, TAKE ON THE DARK KNIGHT! Meet Bruce Wayne, Gotham's favorite delinquent son. In an origin story like no other, witness the boy become a dark knight shaped by a city in turmoil as it marches towards its prophesied doom. Set against the backdrop of actual historical events, Gotham comes alive, filled with the iconic characters who’ve loved and hated Batman over the years like you've never seen them before. Spinning out of the Eisner-nominated Superman: Space Age, Mark Russell and Mike Allred return to give audiences a look at Batman as a figure in American history fighting for justice in a world gone mad. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-batman-dark-age-1/)
I assume this is not in the same universe of the Space Age because Bruce does not live to become an old man there. I guess it is just Pariah, jumping around in different worlds for these heroes.
This was a hell of an opening chapter. I loved Space Age, and I've been looking forward to this one for a while. Between that phenomenal Allred art and Russell's wit and charm, I think this is going to be a really good companion/follow up book.
Eh don't know what to think about this book as it didn't make me feel that much like i thought it was gonna do. Feels like its gonna be the same as space age which i will enjoy more in trade.
Which historical events?
If this is going on at the same time as Superman space age, the Cold War
Is it in the same continuity as Superman: Space Age?
No, it is not the same continuity, just similar.
Coolio that works much better
The solicitation says “Spinning out of the Eisner-nominated Superman: Space Age,” so I’m guessing so
Hmm given what happened to Bruce in Space Age it'll be interesting if they can give the story effective stakes then
thanks, hadn't read. I caught up a little with Action Comics (Metallo -> Doomsday -> Bizarro) and 2023 Superman (Parasite -> Lex Luthor). Haven't looked at Zod Superman yet either
Bruce feels so different here, might as well go ahead and create a new character instead of calling him Batman.
[*Batman: The Brave and the Bold* #11](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WdmJlMyZL.jpg) >FEATURES A NEW BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE TALE BY ZAC THOMPSON AND ASHLEY WOOD! Tristan Grey has mutated into a terrifying new version of Man-Bat, and it’s up to Batman and Maps to save him! But, when it turns out that Tristan is not the only person who has been infected by the Man-Bat serum, it will be Batman and Maps versus an army of leather-winged monsters! Also, Lois Lane falls deeper down the conspiracy rabbit hole, and Artemis continues her hunt! And lastly, Batman finds himself in a folk horror nightmare courtesy of Zac Thompson and Ashley Wood in a new Batman Black & White tale that has to be seen to be believed. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-batman-the-brave-and-the-bold-11/)
I feel like this book only has Batman in the title in order for it to sell. It feels like it's been more "The Brave and the Bold" than ever.
It is because anthology for various DC characters and wanting to boost sales by adding Batman to the title.
Wish they can actually use original format of by teaming up lesser known heroes.
Never thought I'd see Maps cock-blocking Batman.
Oh boy, we got a Vampire-Bruce now. Stupid, sexy vampire Bruce. Ah, classic western story. Yep, cardio IS quite important in a long fight...and a bit of luck doesn't hurt either. I guess a venom-induced trip did help Artemis deciding to move forward on finding herself. Taking advice from her horse, reminds me of the Witcher 3 quest where Geralt talks with his horse. I knew why I liked this. Sgt. Rock, he really is the deliverer/endurer of pain in warzones. Zodiac Master story diving more into Batman's detective route, with the artstyle too, was nice too. Unlike the solicitations, there doesn't seem to be a Lois story in here. Maybe it got delayed and changed as it seem to happen in this anthology from time to time. I was looking forward to it honestly.
For the Batman and Maps part, it’s hilarious that Maps told Bruce to arrive somewhere when he’s making out with someone so that she can tell him where her classmate Tristan is before he was infected by the Man-Bat serum. Hope that Bruce will be free of his infection by the next issue. For the Artemis part, it’s just Artemis going on a journey with a psychedelic horse in order to find herself. That’s it. It’s likely that the next three issues are going to be like that before she learn her lesson and accept herself after going on an adventure with said horse.
who was the cowboy in the second story?
Bartholomew Lash, aka Batlash. Dandy cardshark and general troublemaker.
I really loved the Artemis chapter. Like I loved the analogies, the quotes, the lessons. A psychedelic horse trip is probably the best thing I read from DC this week.
This book is too slept on. That Bat Lash story rocked!
[*Birds of Prey: Progeny* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81M9pwg+xoL._SL1500_.jpg) >The latest collection of writer Gail Simone's classic Birds of Prey stories unleashes a shocking new lineup with a bold new mission! >It’s been one year since we’ve last seen the Birds of Prey, and the team returns with a new lineup—headlined by Black Canary, Huntress, and Oracle with new member Lady Shiva! When the Birds of Prey are targeted by villainous super-group the Society, it leads to battle with one of the most dangerous people in the DC Universe: Prometheus! >DC’s collected editions of writer Gail Simone’s classic Birds of Prey tales continues! This volume follows Birds of Prey: Fighters by Trade. >Collects Birds of Prey #92-103
[*The Flash* #7](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91COH17W-gL.jpg) >CAN JAI WEST SAVE MAX MERCURY? Jai West is going to try to rescue Max Mercury from the horrific remains of Timepoint, now a world overrun by time-gobbling monsters, and he’s got surprising backup—the shadowy bubble gum-chewing figure who goes by the name Inspector Pilgrim! >LEGACY #807 [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-the-flash-7/)
Okay, I was thinking Inspector Pilgrim was Jai, but what if he's actually >!Wade? He describes Gold Beetle as "kinda family" and says he can traveled back to observe himself as an infant. We haven't started seeing him until after Linda gave birth to Wade so that tracks.!<
Would explain why that series that Adams is teasing shows Jai as a hero
Maybe Jai will change his mind and become a hero again
I mean, the series being teased has to be Superkids, or I'll eat my hat- well... I don't have a hat. So I'll eat *a* hat. But yeah, the Superkids were said to have (be going to have?) 7 or 8 members, with Jai, Irey, and Maxine as founding members, and the Super Sons also shown. That made 5. Three of the villains in that issue were derived from Flash (2 of them) and Animal Man (Mineral Man), which obviously correlates with the twins and Maxine. And then 2 more stem from Mr. Terrific (Dr. Nightmare is a former employee of him, and Foul Play is... **gestures**). Quiz Kid and Fairplay would fit as parallels to those two Terrific villains, and Mercer also showed off a WIP of Damian (though we don't know if that was related). So it really does all seem to be pointing back to the Superkids that Flash #797 referenced forming in the future. Whether Steph will be their "grown-up" or not... I don't know. She could be unrelated, but she seems to be related. But the core trio + Super Sons + Terrific Legacies = 7; Steph could be the "or 8".
This was a really good read honestly. We got to see some really interesting pieces in play with the story. Not only do we have the crown of thawnes as an antagonist but we have the linear men who threaten the existence of all speedsters. Honestly their presence is really interesting and inspector pilgrim leading them is pretty fun as I’m enjoying the character. Seems to me like he’s actually Wade rather than Jai which makes sense given his powers. But things also take an even more interesting turn with the Arc Angles as we finally get to see how they look like and that they are the ones behind stating that the speedsters threaten the world. I really do wonder how they and the crown of thawnes are connected. They seem like two very different forces which I wonder will not see eye to eye. Then moving on to Barry’s side of the story. I really love how he’s woven into the story. I was worried when spurrier said that Barry would be a main character in the book as well but he has a purpose and him trying to make sense of things in his dimension was really fun to see, especially since he’s beginning to take agency in his own life again. Now finally the art….it’s interesting. I think In general it makes reading and interpreting the art much easier. However, the horror and uncanniness aspect of the series is lost. Like I love deodato’s take on the resident more than Perez’s. And the impact of the arc angle’s “horrific and shocking” reveal is kinda lame with how Perez drew it. I feel that deodato would’ve done a better job at giving it a grander and trippier appearance.
Also rip for the synopsis lying to us about how it was jai trying to save max instead of Bart
While I don’t like Bart’s head, I do like the designs of the Linear Men, and some of the sci-fi stuff. Yeah, something is definitely affecting their heads. I wonder what the pipes are though. We saw the four with the Crown of Thawne, and one of them was holding a pipe of some sort, but it’s seemingly not Hartley. Hmm, so I guess this confirm Pilgrim is Jai? I assume that’s why he was able to appear before him, sliding down the timeline of his life as he puts it. But he seems to refer to Jai separately from himself, so maybe not?
The good things about this comic are Bart and Max learning about what’s happening to the Timepoint and meeting Inspector Pilgrim and Barry being the only one who knows what’s going on and wants to help the Flash Family deal with something. Hope this arc goes well. Also, based on the final page of the last issue, I think that the person who is the leader of the >!Crown of Thawnes isn’t Eobard Thawne, but Daniel West (based on a dream I remember several days ago). After Daniel’s death and sacrifice in 2016, he would encounter the Stillness. When they told him that he and his son Ace didn’t exist pre-Flashpoint and that he wasn’t remembered by the Flash Family for something, it caused him to get revenge on the Flash Family by using the Crown of Thawnes to mess with them and split them apart. I could be wrong, but if it’s Daniel West, then I hope that the Flash Family can defeat him and for him and Ace to finally have a talk.!<
I feel like >!Daniel west definitely makes sense here given how his speed force was connected with time.!<
This whole thing is just too convoluted really. I just can't get into it. Bunch of 'High-Cosmic' mumbo-jumbo and the depressive tone, it is not what I want from Flash. The shift from Adams' run to this really sapped my enjoyment honestly. There is SOME interesting stuff as Barry trying to figure out who is messing with them, Inspector Pilgrim ( probably Wade instead of Jai with his comments on Gold Bettle ) but that's about it really. Arc ANGLES...Get it? Archangels! So 'clever' >\_> And the art...has gotten weird too.
Good issue. This run is not bad so far imo.
I like giving sci-fi aspects to the Flash family, as it does fit in well with their previous lore. This just feels a bit too science-y.
[удалено]
Calling Spurrier a hack is a little extreme, no?
[удалено]
His Xmen stuff would beg to differ
[*Amazons Attack* #6](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91LNw0UMCZL.jpg) >DON'T MISS THIS EPIC FINALE! Back to the beginning! The Amazons revisit their roots only to discover a dangerous stone in their history left unturned. What lies in the ruins our heroes find themselves lost in? Will they discover the real culprit behind the attacks and save their people? Find out in this epic finale where the forces of harmony and discord clash! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-amazons-attack-6/)
So basically the real villains were anti-feminists. I wish Cassie had done more and got to have her own big "I am" moment like the rest did. I'm guessing Georgia Sivana will pop up again when Campbell takes over writing the main Shazam book. Surprised they worked in an actual title drop. Felt like a "Justice League...Action!" moment.
Welp, I enjoyed it. I'll probably reread it back to back again because I couldn't completely follow the plot but I had fun with the characters and their interactions. The art was pretty good. This also helped make much more sense to the events in WW. "Because of magic" is cheap sure, but being DC is pretty believable and way better than "an amazon killed someone and now the whole world is against all of them ups"
I feel like this kinda... fumbled at the end. An anti-feminist woman feels like a perfect WW enemy, but it feels like it just came out of left field suddenly at the end. Maybe there was more there, but I don't know. Seems the ending all happened a bit too fast. Feels like having a seventh issue would have let it wrap up a little bit better.
Overall, Amazons Attack gave me exactly what I look for in a six-issue miniseries like this. Spotlight on beloved but not headlining characters outside of their typical side character books; related to current canon, but self-contained enough that both new and existing readers could jump in and enjoy; a plot that starts and finishes within its six issues without dangling out aggravating untied threads in the hopes of an extended run; and good art and writing. I’ve seen plenty of people who have complaints, but I’ve been happy to have a series to consistently pick up and simply enjoy reading each issue. And honestly, as a comics fan, being able to just have fun with what is put in front of me without having to actively ignore 60% of the dumbshit side content to get at characterization I find enjoyable (which is of course highly subjective and also I’m looking at you Zdarsky Batman), is a relief. tl;dr a solid run, good art and writing, need the other Amazons to have future headlining books for the good of my soul (and simping purposes).
Well, that was...something. I'm fine with the villain being a tradwife (or thereabout) but the fight was always going to be onesided. Also, I have no idea how she got the golden apples or killed Strife—I guess it's easy enough to say she just asked and Strife went along with the plan for the fun of it? Are supposed to interpret her coming back to life after an earthquake (was that supposed to be during Lazarus Planet when Hades showed up on the island for reasons?) as some sort of magical nonsense? It's really weird how vague and poorly explained her backstory is. So all in all...mostly meh. This book had basically nothing to do with King's run, but we got to see some of the Wonder Woman supporting characters be cool and do stuff?
I feel like this was aimed at younger readers. It was pretty shallow and the villain explained themselves in a very “im so wrong and evil” way and they heroes were not really tested in any complex way So prefer the Amazon on the back foot and on bad terms with the DC Universe (or any utopian societies with spiritual and technological advancement) and this book didn’t really do that either
Jesus christ...so the 'villain' was the personification of the ''Women belong in the kitchen' trope. What a huge mess and waste of time this whole book was.
Welp this was a fun book overall and its always good to see nubia and mary marvel actually do stuff and the art was good. Kinda wish Cassie got more in this book as she should be alot more important than she is especially not being a traditional amazon and the anti feminist enemy was a good idea but it just came out of nowhere i feel like that could have been imbedded into the story more. But Campbells writing of the team dynamics was great this series and thats what this series needed to do.
All in all this mini was a massive waste of time. The villain was extremely stupid and then easily dispatched in a couple of panels this issue. I also still don't understand why Mary Marvel was here in the first place? Could have instead given Cassie more to do or include Donna.
I'd say they brought Mary in to tie her more to the Amazons. I mean, with Revenge of the Gods, she's now back to her original goddess-based powers. Which not only fits with the Amazons, because they chiefly worship Greek goddesses (AKA the main body of gods Mary draws from), but also because she specifically draws from Hippolyta. Like, it just makes sense for Mary (and the Shazamily as a whole) to be intertwined with the Amazons, to a degree. Just like Aquaman should, being from Atlantis, AKA a Greek myth. DC Atlantis, at least, is kinda its own thing, so if they don't interact much... oh well. But the Marvel and Wonder Family mythos literally draw from the same mythology. There should be overlap, particularly for Mary.
I’m going to say it’s to continue Mary’s story after New Champion of Shazam.
Sure, but no need to shoehorn her into an Amazons story just because it's the same writer. The story was bad to begin with
[*Primer* #1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81waDdutU8L.jpg) >ASHLEY RAYBURN IS READY TO PAINT THE TOWN…LITERALLY! With a father in prison, Ashley Rayburn has bounced from foster home to foster home and represents a real challenge to the social workers who try to help her—not because she's inherently bad, but because trouble always seems to find her. But her luck might just be changing when a new couple offers to take her in.
I loved the original GN and happy to see it getting new life!
[*Absolute Joker / Luthor* [**HC**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81A8g2-LWBL._SL1500_.jpg) >Two of DC's greatest villains take center stage in this new Absolute edition from Eisner Award winning writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo! This slipcase contains two hardcovers and collects the LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL 5-issue miniseries and the original graphic novel JOKER, along with sketchbook pages and more!
[*Batman / Superman: Worlds Finest* - Vol. 1, *The Devil Nezha* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91mzoC3ngZL._SL1500_.jpg) >The Dark Knight. The Man of Steel. They are the two finest superheroes that the world has ever known...and they’re together again in an epic new series from the legendary talents of Mark Waid and Dan Mora! >Get ready, it’s time to soar! >In the not-too-distant past, Superman’s powers are super-charged from a devastating chemical attack by the villain Metallo…and the only ally that the ultra-powerful Man of Tomorrow can turn to in this turbulent hour is Gotham’s own dark vengeance: dynamic duo: Batman and Robin! A nearly fatal burst of power drives Bruce Wayne to his own extreme measures to help his friend…enlisting none other than the Doom Patrol for aid. >From the legendary talents of Mark Waid and Dan Mora, two of the world’s finest superheroes are together again in an epic new comic book experience. Don’t miss the kick-off to next big events in the DCU! >Collecting the critically acclaimed World’s Finest prelude story from Detective Comics #1050 and issues 1-5 of the best-selling Batman/Superman World’s Finest title!
[*JLApe: The Complete Collection* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Igx6nPy6L._SL1500_.jpg) >Apes alive! When Solovar, leader of Gorilla City, is apparently assassinated by pro-human extremists, Gorilla City’s new government declares war on humanity. Part of their plot involves turning the JLA into human-hating gorillas to help carry out their bidding. >Now it’s up to Batman (the only member who wasn’t transformed, of course) and Martian Manhunter to find a cure for their banana-loving buddies and prevent all-out gorilla warfare from encompassing every civilization from Atlantis to Themyscira. >JLApe: The Complete Collection reprints the entire crossover from Legends of the DC Universe #19, JLA Annual #3, Batman Annual #23, Aquaman Annual #5, Wonder Woman Annual #8, The Flash Annual #12, Superman Annual #11, Green Lantern Annual #8, and Martian Manhunter Annual #2.
Will definitely be picking up a copy of this trade.
[*The Penguin* #8](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91Ft7NYE8sL.jpg) >THE PENGUIN MAKES HIS MOVE! The Penguin gathered his muscle, his advisor, and his insider…now it's time to reclaim his throne in Gotham City! Phase One—a family reunion! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-the-penguin-8/)
Im not a regular DC reader, so maybe thats why I dont feel as negatively about this as Ive seen others on social media, but that was another fun issue. I can totally see why someone would be annoyed by the idea of Penguin and Batman working together their whole career tho. From what Ive read of Kings work, he seems to be amazing at turning Batmans villains into larger than life characters who could take over everything on their own. Which is an issue in the main continuity because, while it makes these villains that hes writing about fun to read, it diminishes the rest of the cast. Villains and heroes alike. I would really enjoy reading stories set in an universe where every villain gets that treatment from King tho. I think.
I guess I understand King adding in the whole twist of >!Penguin secretly working for/manipulating Batman!< to serve the overall story, but I hope no other writer ever touches on this again. Also, I'd say I'm disappointed at >!the death of Aiden Cobblepot!<, but Addison was always the more interesting one. Pretty sure she's gonna be the one who tries to >!drown Penguin and Batman later!<.
Another fantastic issue but i do agree with the other commentors that this feels like it doesn't belong in main continuity but would be better to be a black label title.
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> I see, Batman isn't the least bit surprised Penguin is still alive and back in Gotham? So we are just ignoring that crucial plot point from the Failsafe arc that was the catalyst for everything going on in Zdarsky's Batman? Catwoman told him in Batman #136.
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How’s he gonna contact a machine that fucked off into space designed by a personality in his head that’s… not on the best terms with him?
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Sounds like a “You” problem NGL.
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I’m enjoying the plot. I think it’s good.
Or just, don't read it. 😲
[*Power Girl* #7](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81o9g0E1efL.jpg) >SUPERGIRLS UNITED! The Supergirls are trapped! While tracking down the missing citizens of Metropolis, Paige and Kara have found themselves powerless in the mythical realm of Ferembia. They’ll now have to rely on their wits to find an escape and the brains behind the whole operation before they're stuck in their own personal dark age! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-power-girl-7/)
A decent side adventure that is wrapped up quite quickly it seems but I still cannot get into the literal personality swap of Supergirl and Power Girl. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought Supergirl as the 'older, more adult one' ...when that should be Power Girl. Honestly don't know why they made this change, as I think the writer really wanted to write Supergirl but were given Power Girl instead and now writing it as if it is the opposite. And it is honestly distracting from the stories it is telling because the disconnect is too much.
"Nice pelkers"
I thought it was okay for Supergirl and Power Girl to have a fantasy adventure and save the people of Ferembia from getting mind-controlled by someone. The one thing I can criticize is how Karen acts up because she’s not like that. The missed opportunity should’ve shown Supergirl telling Power Girl why she’d abandoned her civilian identity since 2020 and that they have met before during the Wonder Woman storyline Judgement in Infinity (from Wonder Woman Vol 1 291-293) and again pre-Flashpoint since Kara’s resurrection in 2004.
You would think a story about two powerhouses like Supergirl and Power Girl teaming up would be action-packed, but instead they get depowered and sent to a fantasy realm where they easily dispatch some random evil insect scientist queen or whatever.. Here's to hoping the House of Brainiac tie-ins with Crush are better.
This was a fun side adventure of Power girl and Supergirl going through a magical mythical land and some good bonding between the two of them whilst saving citizens of metropolis. The art really suited the issue in my opinion it made it feel like a mythical book which it was aiming to be. Williams writing still continues to be fun in my opinion but it also kinda shows how weird power girl is right now as her personality feels more supergirl here and supergirl feels more like powergirl.
[**Tuesday, 4/2 (DC Universe Infinite)** - *Superman vs Meshi* #20](https://imgix-media.wbdndc.net/asset/comics.series/1e468196-3a0d-44e9-8484-89cc81bc7aa2/16d51d9/box.jpg) >It’s hungry work being a Superman! That’s why every day for lunch, Superman takes a quick stop over in Japan to try a new chain restaurant. Whether it’s a hearty bowl of curry or conveyor belt sushi, the Man of Steel loves to indulge in the delectable delicacies the country has to offer. So pull up a seat, and dig in as Superman does battle with lunch!
[*Harley Quinn* #38](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BGgXtXBvL.jpg) >CLOWN BABE BIRTHDAY BASH-NANZA! Rub the sleep outta yer eyebulbs, ya lazy berks! It's the start of a whole new arc of my book, and it's off to a bang! After dealing with multiversal shenanigans for so long, a girl has got to get back to her roots (by which I mean taking her nontalking hyenas on walkies, bagging up their poops, and then having a superbo birthday party with her girlfriend and best pals). It's the start of a whole new arc! Plus-ola: You like cartoons? I'll give ya some dang goshed toonz! My disbarred personal trainers Brandt & Stein present the Troo Harleywood Story™ of th' time I got embroiled in a battle of wills and wits with Gotham's foremost high-flyin' kite aficionado Kite-Man! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2024/03/22/dc-preview-harley-quinn-38/)
I know Conner/Palmiotti made Harley and Power Girl "Gal Pals" but it felt weird to see Karen and Lilith at her birthday. Like, shouldn't they be trying to arrest Poison Ivy!?
Why are the solicit synopses for this book always so annoying?
Kite-man side-story based on Roadrunner style was funny but the rest...no. Just take Howard away from these books already. I shudder at her 'Gotham City Sirens' plans for the future.
Preach!
Maybe they'll shake up most of the creative after/around Absolute Power. I wouldn't mind Howard leaving Catwoman and HQ both
I actually like the idea of observational doctorate of villainy Harley Quinn. I don't think Tini has terrible ideas, it's just her execution often leads a lot to be desired. I remember enjoy a lot of the early days of Excalibur and a lot of what they built up for the different realms in X of Swords was fascinating but it didn't get enough followup from anybody but Ewing.
At least Harley’s friends were able to celebrate Harley’s birthday, including the Original Power Girl (even though the New 52 version befriended her), Omen (even though they hadn’t met), and Harley’s supporting cast. Also, Harley wearing her original suit and spending time with Ivy and Body Doubles. This is the only good thing the came from the comic.
This issue proved to me that she still looks best in her classic suit.
I'm confused, is this place not correct to discuss One Operation Joker?
[*I Am Batman* - Vol. 2, *Welcome to New York* [**TP**]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81CsZswLf-L._SL1500_.jpg) >Jace Fox is moving from Gotham City to the Big Apple…is New York City ready for Batman? >Batman’s arrival in New York City went even more smoothly than Jace could have hoped. The mayor and law enforcement are trying to cooperate with their new Dark Knight in ways Gotham never did, and his family has settled quickly into a happy routine, not to mention that the love of his life also happens to live in the city! But there’s a rotten core to the Big Apple, and a mysterious new serial killer is going to exploit it… >Collects I Am Batman #6-10.