Comic Book Review: Batman #700

Batman created by Bob Kane

Literary and Artistic Credits

Author: Grant Morrison

Pencillers: Tony Daniel, Frank Quietly, Andy Kubert, David Finch

Colorists: Ian Hannin, Alex Sinclair, Tony Avina, Brad Anderson, Richard Friend, Peter Steogerwald

Letterers: Jared K. Fletcher, Janelle Siegel, Mike Marts

Cover: David Finch

Variant Cover: Mike Mignola

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

It has happened, Batman turns 700 years old! (Or at least that’s what I heard a little kid scream in the comic book shop when I picked this issue up, very cute.) And what better way to celebrate this glorious occasion by hiking the price tag up to the $4.99 mark, spewing almost 25% of the book as unnecessary documentative (is that a word?) Batcave information, and putting the story in the hands of my least favorite writer.  #700 finds itself wandering around the time vortex in the same manner as Hansel and Gretel, aimlessly combing the forest without a real purpose or goal.  Maybe I’m just a simple minded peasant, but when it comes to stories dealing in time travel or some time paradox, you have to be extra careful so nothing becomes confusing or silly, and I’m not sure Morrison was able to accomplish this.

The issue starts off with Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson and works its way through all the way to Terry McGinnis and a robot-like boy wonder.  Professor Nichols is at the center of this mystery which spans in all three timelines.  We of course discover that it is Nichols himself who goes back in time to murders himself, causing this incredible and vicious cycle to continually rotate throughout time.

I wasn’t sure I understood why Professor Nichols needed to go back in time to kill himself.  So the Joker took away his dignity and embarrassed him as a man of science, ok I get the motivation, some men can’t take a joke right?  But Batman stopped the Joker and the rest of his cohorts, I would have assumed from that event Nichols need for revenge would be quenched.  Along with this tirade of mine, for the life of me I can’t figure out how the three timelines mesh together to help this mystery make sense.  I won’t go into the details, you should pick up the issue to find out, but I felt there were some major problems with tying all three periods together.  There really was no explanation as to why Nichols was 20 years older than he should have been, nor was there any reason about his future self being younger.  The paradox of time in this story is all very confusing to me, and I’m a guy who loves Star Trek, it shouldn’t matter so much!  It’s a very creative idea, and points should be awarded to Morrison for that very fact, but he tried WAY TOO HARD.

There’s no need for me to say it, but I’m going to anyway…the art drove me NUTS!  For those of you who read my blog regularly, I’m sure you know by now that artist toggling aspect of many comics recently is not my favorite thing in the world.  I’ve been known to mark the art down for that, even if every artist is good.  I am faced with this problem in #700, every artist in this book is fantastic.  Who can complain about Andy Kubert right?  But I prefer to have one artist complete an entire book rather than DC divvying up the artistic duties, but everyone did so well.  I understand the reasoning for doing this, but it becomes way too much of a distraction for me within the story.  SO!  Instead marking down the art for making my head explode, I decided to grade each artist by themselves rather than as one cohesive unit.  And it’s #700 right?  It should be held to a higher standard.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I could have done without the whole Batcave section at the end, but I’m sure fans will eat it up. This book is creative in its approach, but it came off more as random incoherent jargon than a well rounded story.  And what’s worse, Morrison will be returning for #701 and on.  I certainly hope the end line “To 700 More” doesn’t speak to Morison’s immortality, because that would just kill me!

Writing: 4

Themes: 6

Art: Tony Daniel – 10

        Frank Quietly – 10

       Andy Kubert – 10

       David Finch – 8

Overall: 8 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Batman #699

Book Information

Written by Tony Daniel

Penciled by Guillem March

Colored by Tomeu Morey

Lettered by Jared K. Flectcher

Cover by Tony Daniel

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

I feel a tad bit sorry for Tony Daniel.  With issue #700 right around the corner, and Mr. Grant Morrison taking over as writer, Daniels must wrap up his ever so interesting story arc a lot sooner than should have been.  The story gives us further background on why Blackspell wants Edward Nigma to suffer and die.  Batman, like always, figures things out in the nick of time to defeat Blackspell.  But in this defeat of one villain, he may have regained another.

The fast pacing of this Batman story might have detracted from the arc’s overall appeal.  I understand that Edward Nigma is beginning to readopt his Riddler persona, that much was clear a couple of months ago, but I was confused as to why Batman felt Nigma had planed this from the start when this was clearly not the case.  Blackspell did in fact kidnap Nigma and was ready administer a chemical dosage that would turn the former inquisitive Bat villain into a tree.  Batman’s detective skills weren’t quite at their best, but I blame that on the hurried nature of this issue since Daniel’s had little time to wrap things up.  I suspect there was more to the story that Daniels was unable to delve into, therefore some important plot devices had to be left out.

And speaking of trees, I did find it a little odd that as payment for what Nigma did to Blackspell all those years ago, he felt changing Nigma into a lifeless tree would work.  When Blackspell was accidentally exposed to this chemical, his tree-like state made him stronger, more powerful and menacing, almost defeating the Dark Knight.  Blackspell was still mobile and could extend his branch-like arms far enough to catch Nigma before getting away.  I’m not sure I see the logic behind this concluding and epic battle. 

The poetic nature of Batman’s inner monologues from were very well written and executed.  Daniels was definitely the right pick in transitioning Dick Grayson into the Dark Knight.  I no longer have to wonder if it’s Bruce Wayne and the Boy Wonder wearing the cape and cowl.

Guillem March, teamed with a new colorist, again delivers some of the most impressive artwork on the pages of comics.  Why so many critiques disapprove of his artistic approach is beyond me as I find his artwork visually appealing and quite expressive.  The transition from panel to panel and the layout of this book was quite well done and varied with every page turn. 

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

So has Nigma begun the trip back into his Riddler persona or was this just a failed attempt at murder on the part of Blackspell?  I know The Riddler is coming back, but how and why, that’s questions I’m looking to answer.  Overall, this issue was fun, but seemed a little too compacted and rushed, making the ending a little less satisfactory than I would have wanted it to be.  Once again, another reason for me to curse the name of Grant Morrison!

Ratings

Writing: 6.5

Themes: 6

Art: 10

Overall: 7.5 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Batman #698

Book Information

Written by Tony Daniel

Art by Guillem March

Plot

A series of hits are played out by the Falcone crime family, taking full advantage of the Black Mask being gone.  However, something isn’t quite right.  A deeper, more sinister player is involved and no one, not even Batman can figure out who it is.  Is it the Riddler?  If it Blackspell?  Or could it be someone else with a sinister smile?

My Thoughts

Honestly, I love Tony Daniel and his work on Batman as of late.  He’s improved so much as a writer over the last few years, something I could model my own writing style after.  And the addition of Guillem March on art was a stroke of genius! 

Writing

Tony Daniel has this uncanny ability to write incredible mysteries that are both engaging and thrilling.  The series of events that occur made me guess the identity of the perpetrator without really having much evidence to make those conclusions, but I still do it none the less!  The watermark of a great mystery is being able to keep your readers guessing, yet frustrated at the fact that they know they are probably wrong.  I’m one of those fans who will jump to the last page of the book to find out what the ending will be like, so it’s frustrating for me to do that only to discover I have to wait another month!

I wasn’t complete sure why Blackspell came into the picture at the last minute only to get away with no real answers being revealed, but I’m sure his connection in the story will come to light next month.

Rating: 9

Themes

The opening dream sequence was fantastic.  I have full confidence that Dick Grayson has finally been establish as THE Batman where he no longer has to worry about the opinions of others, but that doesn’t mean the worrisome thoughts and dreams won’t continually linger in his mind. 

The first few pages show us a much younger Dick Grayson, still a part of the circus and the Flying Graysons.  First being tossed by his father to the loving arms of his mom, only to be surprised it isn’t actually Mrs. Grayson, but Catwoman!  As he is tossed from one past memory to the next, the scenery around him becomes more dark and dismal, as if nothing truly exists on this plane of reality.  The ones he is closest too continually throw him out as being unworthy of carrying the Batman mantle.  I wonder how this little tid-bit will play out in the overarching theme of the story

As for the bad guy…I think it could be the joker!  Here’s why….

Rating: 8

Art

Guillem March, how I love thee!  I was wondering if he could do anything else but draw an incredibly hot Poison Ivy, and he doesn’t disappoint.  His ever so clean lines have become a hallmark of artistic endeavors.  His range of facial expressions is limitless and he has a real knack for utilizing the different positions the human body can take.  Every known person in this book walks and stands all in character, never straying away from who they are.  As an artist myself, I can fully attest to the fact that maintaining a player’s most known visual characteristics is not an easy task to maintain in a comic book story.

March’s’ attention to detail also come into play here.  The fire coming from the Bat-bike, the wrinkles in the bed sheets as Dick wakes up, the rain drop bouncing of the stone buildings, and the light beaming off of Batman back all portray the level of quality in March’s art, giving off the best emotional effects comics could ask for.

Rating: 10

Other Aspects

I can’t figure out if the Riddler is returning to his evil ways or if he truly is remaining straight.  Either way, something very strange is happening with the Riddler and I’m guessing it’s going to be a doozy next month!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming May 12, 2010

Only one month until BATMAN #700! As the anniversary issue nears, Dick Grayson's life as the Dark Knight inches dangerously closer to the edge! With the Falcone crime family and The Riddler creating havoc in Gotham City, Batman is completely occupied with no idea what shocking surprise awaits him in the near future!

Bat News: Batman, Batman And More Batman

Superman/Batman Annual #4
I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty excited about this comic coming in June.  If nothing else, I'll be getting the book for the cover alone!  Staley Lau has always been a great artist in the comic book realm, but I have to be honest and say this cover, from the Superman/Batman Annual #4, is by far his best piece of work.

Batman Beyond Returns
Along with this June release of the book, another series, which I'm sure will be well received, will come a few weeks later.  Batman Beyond returns as a limited six issue miniseries with Terry McGinnis returning to the Dark Knight singlet.  I remember watching this Cartoon show when I was younger and loving it and it's comic book inspiration.  But now DC has decided to move away from the campy art and story telling style and give Batman Beyond a proper, more mature approach.

Adam Beechen, of whom I'm not familiar with, will be writing futuristic storyline and bringing back some old characters, Bruce Wayne being one of them. Ryan Benjamin takes over the artistic side of things, hopefully giving McGinnis that much needed revival of mature artwork.  I probably wont pick up this miniseries, but might buy it in the trade depending on how well it's received by fans.

Batman #700

I'm looking forward to the climactic 700th issue of Batman, but I just now realized Grant Morrison is returning to the said title.  SERIOUSLY?!?!  I have to suffer through another story arc by Morrison?  Why can't they just keep Tony Daniel on the title, he's been doing wonders for Batman.

It will be interesting how Morrison decides to bring back Bruce Wayne to the DC Universe.  I certainly hope it makes more sense than his shitty R.I.P. storyline.  But if nothing else, Tony Daniel will stay on as the artist and deliver what I'm sure will be top notch artwork.

Comic Book Review: Batman #697

Book Information

Written by Tony Daniel

Art by Tony Daniel

Plot

The Identity of Black Mask is finally unveiled in this penultimate issue.  What will this revelation mean for Batman and his future as Gotham City’s caped avenger?  With so many of Arkham’s former and present employees turning all loony toony, can Batman continue his quest to keep Gotham safe without loosing himself?

My Thoughts

What makes Batman the best conflicted and dark hero in comics to date?  Is it his terrifying bat-like image, his muscular persona, the sharp and piercing white eyes, the villains he fights, his tormented past, or the relentless vigilance that Batman brings to the moonlit streets of Gotham?  I certainly have asked this question on numerous occasions coming to no finite conclusion, until now.  I’m sure all of the said features help make Batman such a gothic character, but these are not what holds his interest for me…it’s Tony Daniel.

Daniel just might have declared himself comic’s best gothic writer, portraying images (through his art and writing) not only within the darkness of Gotham city and its people, but within the characters surrounding the story.  The best imagery of this concept was greatly displayed when Batman revealed who the reaper was, Dr. Gruener.  Daniel shows off his artistry and literary mastery with Dr. Gruener’s decaying and rotting face, almost skull like.  Likewise with Black Mask’s henchwoman, Fright, as she plays possum until the right moment where she unleashes her inner demon, burrowing the toxins deep into Batman’s mind.  But the “darkness within” theme is displayed no better than with the revelation of the Black Mask.

As I’m sure those who are knowledgeable of such nerdy trivia, Arkham Asylum is almost a breeding ground for the insane.  First Hugo Strange, then Harley Quin and Jonathon Crane, and now our very own Jeremiah Arkham has joined the “I was once a sane employee of Arkham Asylum, now I’m a raging and murdering bastard” club.  (I’m sure sooner or later; someone will make a Facebook group with a similar title.)  The start of the book shows Arkham struggling with the evil inside of him and later pleading for death as Batman brings Jeremiah down amidst the burning building.  Jeremiah longed for death only to be free of the darkness looming inside of him.

Alongside this theme of “comic noir” that permeates throughout this book is with Gotham City itself.  In the end, Batman recaps, via inner monologue, all the events that have led up to now.  His conclusion is that this is a city tearing itself apart, fighting against the evil contained within it.  The Penguin is still in power and growing so every month, Valcone and his business still thrives despite the wrench thrown in by Batman, and many more, all with a desire to control what is not rightfully theirs.  The only individual who has maintained control of himself is Dick Grayson.  But the city of Gotham truly is the darkest and most evil city in comic book folklore, and Tony Daniel shows this brilliantly through his writing and artwork.  And with the Riddler making his come back, things certainly are going to get worse before they get better.

Almost since the beginning of his reign as Batman, Dick Grayson has maintained control of himself and dealt maturely with the death of Bruce Wayne.  I would argue that, at this point, he is a better Batman than Bruce Wayne ever was.  Grayson has just as much of a battered past as Wayne, but he is handling it maturely and humanely.  I can still see how conflicted and torn up he is by his parents and mentors death, but Dick seems to have found a way to approach his inner demons and become the Batman Gotham has needed for a long time.

Overall

You can argue all you want about how disappointed you are with the identity of Black Mask, but you cannot deny that this issue honed in on a deeper theme than I’ve ever seen within the Batman title.  This was undeniably one of the best issues of Batman since Neil Gaiman’s “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?”

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming April 14, 2010

Only two months until BATMAN #700! As the landmark issue nears, Dick Grayson's life as The Dark Knight heats up in a big way. With Black Mask out of the way for good, the Falcone crime family attempts to fill that void – with no regard for the safety of Gotham City's citizens! And what's going on with the Riddler?

Comic Book Review: Batman #696

Book Information

Written by Tony Daniel

Art by Tony Daniel and Sandra Florea

Plot

Batman is under the dictatorship of the Black Mask who is forcing him to seek out other innocent Gothamites and make them apart of Black Mask’s army.  However, Batman has a few tricks up his sleeve that the Black Mask hasn’t thought of.  But will the Dark Knight be able to escape his captor’s clutches in time to save Gotham from the evil toxin meant to enslave the city?  Also, will Batman discover the identity of the Black Mask?

My Thoughts

I’m always trying to determine my dream team for specific titles.  For Green Lantern, Geoff Johns and Ed Benes.  For Superman, Sterling Gates and Gary Frank.  For Wonder Woman, the already existing team of Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti.  My dream team for Batman however consists of one man, Tony Daniel.  Daniel has done enough Batman in the past to really bring it to life. 

This issue contains everything from a dark, twisted story to incredibly gothic art.  The story itself is nothing new.  It’s filled with the typical comic book plot devices associated with Batman.  Poisonous toxins, scientific resolutions, fist fights with idiotic goons in league with the main villain, some random dialogue, and of course Batman over coming the odds.  It’s the same old story that fills the pages of Batman on a monthly basis, but it’s still a lot of fun.  While this issue does not forget about the bigger mystery, this issue’s focus was geared towards minion hitting and brawling action.

Sandra Florea does an excellent job with the colors and complimenting Daniel’s new artistic direction.  I’ve always enjoyed Daniel’s art, but recently he seems to have grown as an artist as time progresses forward.  There seems to be a significant difference even between last month and this month’s issue.  The texture of the characters and the landscaping has a purity to them that creates for an even more engaging storyline.  And honestly, I think Daniel’s might be the best, or one of the best, creepy artists in comics today.  I don’t think I’ve ever been more terrified of the Penguin than I have with Daniel’s sketching.

Overall

A lot of fun and engaging with every page turn.  The story is nothing new so this issue doesn’t get any marks for originality, but the art sure gives it a boost in the rankings.  Now, I leave you the question of the month…Who is the Black Mask?  (Cause I can’t figure it out, and it’s driving me crazy!!!)

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming March 17, 2010

Who wears the Black Mask? The true identity of Gotham City's new crimelord is finally revealed and that identity will surprise everybody – especially Batman! And after the final showdown between Black Mask and The Dark Knight, will things ever be the same for Kittyhawk and the Reaper?

Comic Book Review: Batman #695

Book Information

Written & Drawn by Tony Daniel

Inks by Sandu Florea

Plot

Both Batman and the Penguin must fight as allies in order to defeat their newest and biggest problem, the Black Mask.  His slow rise to power and control over the city of Gotham is throwing Batman for a loop, but he will stop at nothing to bring the murderer to justice.  However, an old adversary returns to stop the Caped Crusader and finally have his revenge.  Will Batman defeat his powerful nemesis or will his blade pierce the heart of Batman causing a chorus of cheers from every crook and murderer in Gotham to echo throughout the dark city streets?

My Thoughts

Finally!  Dick Grayson finally takes his rightfully earned place as the heir to the cape and cowl.  I had my doubts as whether or not Dick Grayson could ever live up to Wayne’s legacy of merciless and unrelenting crime fighting.  He’s hanging criminals by their ankles from ropes, burning down crime lord’s houses, chucking himself head first into the villains, Grayson is holding nothing back and doing all he can to bring Black Mask behind bars.  Tony Daniels did a bang up job with this issue and I applaud his masterful storytelling skills in the way he progressed through this book.

Daniel’s artwork has been continually growing on me, but this book locked me in as a Daniels fan.  The lines are crisp and clear and have incredible shadows following every character.  I usually hate it when a hired freelancer does both the writing and the artwork, typically because it’s too much of a daunting task to put on one person.  But Daniels is not disappointing me and I certainly hope fans realize that Daniels is “bringing it” with this issue.

Of course, every great story has to have one tiny flaw.  With this issue, it’s the idiotic choice Grayson makes in entering the house of mirrors.  Now aside from the fact that the house of mirrors is an overused plot device in the world of Batman, to knowingly enter into such a confusing and brain twisting place feels like a bad choice to make since I’m sure Grayson knew the bad guy would have the upper hand.  It was in this moment where Grayson deviated from his training and acted the fool.  “Someone ran into the fun house.  No doubt they’re expecting me to follow…I won’t disappoint.”  That quote made me slap myself in the face in embarrassment for Batman.  And it makes me wonder why, in that moment, I’ve suddenly become smarter than the Dark Knight.  But really, if that’s the only faulty aspect of the story, I can accept it as a needed twist in the plot.

Overall

A fantastic issue, best comic I’ve read this month so far.  It was nice to see the Riddler back in action.  Sometimes these newer villains get too much panel time and DC forgets to keep the classic villains alive and fresh.  The Falcone family struggle and mystery is increasingly getting better and Dick Grayson as Batman is getting more intense as the months push forward.  Tony Daniel can keep writing for Batman as far as I’m concerned.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 17^th, 2010

Batman at the mercy of Black Mask! While trapped in the crime lord's headquarters, The Dark Knight must find a way to escape before all of Gotham City falls prey to the Mask's lethal toxins. Guest-starring Catwoman, Penguin, Robin and the Reaper!