Review: Nightwing #16

Review: Nightwing #16
Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer
5 March 2017

"Nightwing Must Die: Part One," by Tim Seeley and artist Javier Fernandez, is a comic that I have enjoyed more than the rest these past few weeks. Being that I am a fan of Nightwing, it does make me a bit biased, but I think others will agree with me that it is a great comic. Even though I get a bad vibe from Shawn, it is always nice to see the hero with someone that makes him or her happy. One of my favorite parts is Robin looking at his Twitter feed about Nightwing and himself. I wasn't expecting Robin to be a main part of this comic, but it was a good surprise. He didn't come off as that kid that Dick thinks he is. When he comes to find Dick, he wants to help and thinks that he can help.

One thing that makes me really like a comic is a cliffhanger. The ending that this comic has is going to lead to another great comic. There are a lot of unanswered questions that come from this comic, which I hope to get answered in the next one (when it comes to a new comic I'm not the most patient person). I'm sure that even if the next comic gives us the answers to these questions, there will be more questions that need answers in the next one.

The Verdict: I did enjoy this comic and would recommend it to anyone that likes Nightwing and or is looking for a new comic to read. There are questions that need to be answered and I am looking forward to finding out those answers (even if those answers might lead to a death of a character).

Be sure to follow Theresa on Twitter @Smallville0628 and @Geektified for the latest comic reviews!

Review: Titans #4

Review: Titans #4

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

27 October 2016

“Return of Wally West Now You See Her: Part Four,” by Dan Abnett and artist Brett Booth, starts off with my complete interest. Even though it's clique, taking the women that the hero loves, it's still makes a great concept. The way that comics are these days too, you really never know if the hero's girl is going to survive or not. It doesn't matter anymore if the character is a main character or not. No one is safe when it comes to being killed off anymore.

This comic also makes me hope that one day, we'll see Kadabra on The Flash. I feel like he would be a great character to see come to life. I've always been a fan of Dick Grayson, so seeing him as a leader and making sure everyone on his team is calm and in a mind set to get Linda back is great to see. Bruce would be proud to see him like this. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next comic brings, if Wally can save Linda or if he will be too late. Kadabra is definitely not making it easy on him, not that anyone would think that he would go easy on Wally.

The Verdict: This is a great comic that has a little bit of everything. It has action, team work, and a great villain that likes to play mind games. I am looking forward to the next issue and seeing what is going to happen to all the characters in this comic, especially Linda (considering the circumstances she's in at the moment). 

 

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Review: Batgirl #4

Review: Batgirl #4

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

27 October 2016

“Beyond Burnside: Part Four,” by Hope Larson and artist Rafael Albuquerque, is not what I was expecting. I have not read the first three comics in this series, so I'm used to Batgirl being in Gotham and working with Bruce (sometimes Nightwing). The storyline is different than the Batgirl comics I am used to reading, not just because of the absence of Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne. I felt like it wasn't as dark as some of these comics are and I felt it was more towards young teen girl readers. This, of course, is just my opinion.

It does have multiple pages where Batgirl is involved in some action. However, I was expecting a bit more than what there was. Even though this comic wasn't for me, it wasn't a bad comic. Albuquerque sketches are great and it really does bring Batgirl to life. I hope, in the next issue, we see Batgirl back fighting in Gotham and or teaming up with Batman or Nightwing. I feel like the additions will make this storyline more appealing, at least for me. As much as I love strong female characters, which Batgirl definitely is, I do enjoy seeing the team work as well.

The Verdict: This comic wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean that it's not a good comic. It's just a bit different than Batgirl comics I have read in the past. Batgirl is drawn well and the colors are definitely eye catching. I hope to see Batman or Nightwing in the next issue. 

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Review: Batman #8

Review: Batman #8

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

5 October 2016

“Night of the Monster Men: Part 4,” by Tom King, Steve Orlando, and artist Riley Rossmo, takes place right after the latest Detective Series. Nightwing and Gotham Girl are still monsters and now Batman, Batwoman, and the others are trying to get them back to their normal selves. They, obviously, don't want any harm to come to them. Batman has figured out the cause of the monsters, it's Venom from Bane. It seems like there may not be a way to change these monsters back to people, until Duke discovered that they could use Dr. Strange's technology against him and inject new cells into the people infected (therefore destroying the mutation).

They were able to change Gotham Girl back to her normal self, but so far they haven't been close enough to inject Nightwing with this serum. The comic ends with Batwoman in danger, due to her trying to get Nightwing to stand down. Even though there are many comics where a main character dies, I think Batwoman is going to be safe in the next issue. It would be too soon after Robin's “death” for her to die. Although, it wouldn't be the first time a comic surprised me if they did kill Batwoman off.

The Verdict: I'm glad that they found a cure (which I knew they would eventually) to reverse the mutation. I'm curious to read the next issue, to see what happens to Batwoman. I'm sure she's going to be fine, but I also know that it wouldn't be the first time that a main character was killed. We just have to wait and see what the next issue brings! 

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Review: Detective Comics #941

Review: Detective Comics #941

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

28 September 2016

“Night of the Monster Men: Part Three,” by  Steve Orlando, James Tynion, and artist Andy Macdonald, is a bit gory. There are a lot of pages where Gotham Girl, or someone else, tears one of the monsters apart. It seems though that each time the blood of these monsters land on someone, that person becomes one of them (which of course is never a good thing). I'm curious to see how this is going to turn, considering that now Nightwing and Gotham Girl are one of these monsters (thanks to Gotham Girl going a little crazy and destroying one of the monsters). I'm excited, yet a little nervous, to see what is going to happen in the next issue.

Hopefully, they won't have to get hurt (or worse) in the process of being turned back into their normal selves. I'm pretty sure, Bruce or someone else will find a cure to change them back without having to kill them (at least I hope so). Even though, sometimes when a comic has more than just a few characters it can be confusing, this comic doesn't run into that problem. It's formatted well, where you don't feel like the stories are just thrown onto the page.

The Verdict: This is not a comic for someone who might be a little squeamish. This comic is going to be setting something up big for the next issue, so you're going to want to read this one before the next one comes out. I am curious to see what that big something is. 

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Review: DC Rebirth: Batman #7 “Night of the Monster Men-Part One”

Submitted: Ken Trickey, Comic News Writer

23 September 16

Plot: Steve Orlando and Tom King

Pencils and Inks: Riley Rossmo

A looming nor’easter hurricane threatens Gotham in the first Rebirth crossover. Batman, Batgirl, and Nightwing converge to evacuate the city under Batman’s leadership. Clayface, Orphan, and Spoiler also join the team in a smaller capacity. Before the plan can get underway however, a monstrous, grotesque zombie resembling the giants from Attack on Titan crashes through Gotham’s cityscape wreaking havoc and threatening lives. Determined not to let another life be lost while on duty, Batman launches towards the creature without fear. Using some cool new high tech gadgets and his wits, Batman fights a behemoth that may look more at home in a series like Superman or Green Lantern, proving that it’s not the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog, or in this case, bat. If you enjoy a good Batman story, this is a great issue for you.

This story feels well fleshed out. The history between the characters is palpable. The loss and regret Batman feels following Tim Drake’s death is pushing him to his limits. He jumps in front of danger without any thought to self-preservation. It’s clear he blames himself for what happened, and this makes him feel more human to the reader. Batman is frequently cast as a stoic character without much in the way of emotion, but this time around it’s quite obvious the Dark Knight has been wounded beneath his armor.

Even though Batman has to fight a monster over two stories tall, the authors didn't neglect the fact that Batman’s greatest asset is his ability to investigate. Where did this creature come from? Are there more of them? What weaknesses can be exploited so they can be dispatched quickly? The team launches their investigation while simultaneously trying to evacuate vulnerable people in areas susceptible to flooding, as previously planned.

The Verdict: This is an enjoyable Batman story. If you're a Batfan, I would recommend picking it up. It doesn't change the character in some drastic way or add anything new, but that's okay. Sometimes you just want to sit back and read a good story.

Review: Teen Titans #24

Review: Teen Titans #24

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

14 September 2016

“Red Robin Remembrance,” by Tony Bedard and artist Ian Churchill, is one of those comics that are needed after Detective Comics #940.  We know, after reading Detective Comics #940, that Tim isn’t dead. However, his friends believe that he is. They all take a trip down memory lane, sharing their best memories of moments that they had with Tim, all great in their own right. My favorite memory was Miguel’s, though. It depicted the fun side of both Miguel and Tim, showing a side of these heroes that you might not think they have. You don’t picture Tim not knowing what to wear to a reunion. After all, his mentor was Bruce Wayne and he’s one of the best dressed men in Gotham!

These flashback comics are always nice to read, especially after a comic with a cliffhanger or a death. Even though the readers are curious as to where Tim is and who has him captive, this was needed. You need one comic that expresses the loss of Tim and what his friends (not just Bruce and Steph) are going through. I do hope, when it’s revealed that Tim is still alive, that The Titans come back together. Needing time is understandable, but when a team breaks up, it is never a happy moment.

The Verdict: This is a nice and needed follow up after Detective Comics #940, even if I am curious to know where Tim is. If you enjoyed Detective Comics #940, this is one that you have to read as well. Even though it’s a somber comic, it is a good read. 

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Review: Detective Comics #940

Review: Detective Comics #940

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

14 September 2016

“Rise of the Batmen: Part Seven, The Red Badge of Courage,” by James Tynion IV and artist Eddy Barrows, is… wow! Whenever a comic deals with a death, or a possible death, the story is always intense. In this comic, it’s Tim Drake. The way Tim sacrifices himself is exactly what a hero would do. It’s also a very Batman thing to do to try to get to Tim in time, so he won’t have to die to save Gotham. What isn’t a very Batman thing to do is show emotion, but Bruce does so while in the suit and talking to Steph. What makes this comic even more “wow” is its ending.

Spoiler: Tim isn’t dead. He’s being held captive, somewhere that hasn’t been revealed to us yet. I’m sure in the next issue, we’re going to find out where exactly Robin is and who is holding him prisoner. I’m also curious to see how long it’s going to take Bruce to figure out that Tim isn’t dead. After all, Bruce is the greatest detective in Gotham. I’m sure once they know that Tim is indeed alive, Bruce, Steph, and the others will be going to find him. Hopefully, these people that have Tim won’t be killing him before the team gets there. However, I don’t think that they are going to kill him. They had their chance to do that before. They have plans for Tim and I’m curious to find out what they are.

The Verdict: This comic is a must-read. There are a few unanswered questions, which I’m hoping we get answers to in the next issue. You definitely don’t want to miss this one! 

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Review: Nightwing #4

Review: Nightwing #4

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer 

7 September 2016

“Better Than Batman: Part 4,” by Tim Seeley and artist Javier Fernadez, is an issue that you do not want to miss. It is filled with action, characters we love, and much more. We see Nightwing and Raptor teaming up, perhaps for the last time, to defeat this mutant creature in the labyrinth. It may be the final time that they are teaming up together, but it will not be the last time that we see Nightwing and Raptor in the same comic. Raptor reveals that he knew Dick's mother, which we can bet Dick is going to want to know more about. Even though Dick cannot find anything on Raptor in the databases, I'm pretty sure that he's going to find a way to locate Raptor and get that information. If not, Raptor might find Dick (but, most likely, for different reasons).

It is nice to see Dick and Bruce together, even if it is Bruce lecturing Dick about how he let Raptor get away. Even though I like Nightwing on his own, I do like Nightwing and Batman teaming up and fighting crime side by side. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Nightwing comic if there weren't jokes thrown in every now and again. I am curious to see what Dick is going to find out about Raptor and how close he's going to get to him, before Dick finds out that he's being deceived. I am also curious to see how Raptor knows Dick's mother and if Dick will find out before or after he finds out that Raptor is tricking him.

The Verdict: This comic has a little bit of everything and has a handful of characters that we know and love. It leaves us with a few unanswered questions, which I hope we will be addressed in the next issue. 

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Review: Titans #2

Review: Titans #2

Submitted by: Theresa Stier, Comic News Writer

24 August 2016

“Return of Wally West: Smoke and Mirrors,” by Dan Abnett and artist Brett Booth, is definitely one of my favorite comics I have read this month. The story, the characters, the colors… everything is great! I'm going to do my best not to reveal too many spoilers because I want you all to read this comic. The Titans are forced to fight younger versions of themselves: Nightwing has Robin, Flash has Wally, etc. One of my favorite parts is when the two Flashes meet. The line that Flash says, about not being sure who he has been the past few days (this is said in a joking matter), is something that The Flash would say.

The issue is very action packed and there's definitely more to come in the next issue, which I would like to have right now to see how The Titans take down their past selves, created by Kadabra. What I would also like to talk about is the cover of this issue. Before reading this, I had no idea why this cover was the cover. It was creepy and something that I haven't seen before on a Titans's comic. After reading, the cover makes sense: it's still creepy, but it makes sense. Please do not judge the cover of this comic and read it! It's definitely worth the read, at least I think so.

The Verdict: I need the next issue ASAP! Everything from the colors to the story line is excellent. If you're a fan of The Titans, you need to read this comic. If you're not a fan of The Titans, you need to read this comic. Bottom line: everyone needs to read this comic!