Since DC Comics seems to be flooding the market with nothing Batman titles these days, it’s impossible not to have to review one or two. Don’t believe me, of the 11 titles released this week, 9 of them are Bat-Family related (23 if you count variant covers!) ! So join me friends as we tune into a certain Caped Crusader.
BATMAN & SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERIES #10 DC COMICS
This one goes straight into the action, not even bothering with a listing of the creative team (which is Cohen, Brizuela, and Riesco by the way). Bigfoot is attacking and it’s up to Mystery Inc. and the Question(!) to solve the mystery. With Batman’s help, of course! With some great DC Universe cameos including Blockbuster and Maxie Zeus and a Wonder Woman shout out, this one continues the old school feel while recreating the ridiculous plot points of a 1970’s episode of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?. As well as a cover homage to the 1970’s live action Sea World Water Show! Nostagic as heck, I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
DON’T BELIEVE ME …
DETECTIVE COMICS #1048 DC COMICS
Remember when I said building a Tower version of Arkham was a bad idea? Who’s idea was it to make the head guy, a doctor who’s mother tried to kill him (and other bad things)? Does no one in Gotham understand the concept of backround checks? Mariko Tamaki’s story clues us in as to just how bad this guy is as the Bat Family infiltrate the facility. Is that why we are pumping through this story weekly? Because the suspence is not there? This idea has no chance of succeeding and no self-respecting comic fan is going to bet on this one. Add in a few awkward moments of Batwoman (undercover) trying to pump the good Dr. Wear for his backround and this is a bust. (Not subtle at all!) I give it a 5 out of 10 Grahams.
JOKER #11 DC COMICS
While James Tynion IV’s story still gives us a very interesting look at what makes James Gordon tick, his involvement takes a back seat to all the crazy going-ons. Even the Joker seems to be taking a back seat in his own title. But it is no wonder with everything (including the kitchen sink!) being thrown into this story. Texan serial killers (Holy Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Batman!) with unlimited cash and influence? Human BBQ’s? Barbara taking charge! And the Joker spending most of the issue off page and in a Friday the 13th white sack over his head! This is an interesting over the top detective story but not a Joker story. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
