This is suppose to be the first part of a major story by acclaimed writer James Robinson. It is also suppose to be the start of a new era for the Batman. And yet, there are so many false notes, it comes off as underwhelming. It opens with the old status quo restored: Gordon as commissioner, Batman and Robin again in the good graces of the police with no signs of residual bitterness. But the tone remains dark, bloody and cynical, you'd think this was the start of "War Games II." Batman is still the arrogant ass who won't shake a friendly policewoman's hand. Poison Ivy attacks a corporate conference and Gordon says he can almost sympathize with her. Huh? Robinson is probably very serious about environmental concerns but this is not the kind of thing a hardened, middle-aged cop would say about a mass murderer. The art further emphasizes the "grim and gritty" atmosphere of this new Batman. So what is so new here? Even the cover is clearly just part of a bigger poster, intended to sell for a lot of money after the comic is published. This is suppose to be "One Year Later" but it looks like a continuation of the "Dark Ages" to me.
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
