Heubert Khan Michael -- TDKPH February 2016 Artist of the Month

Khan--this it the title given to the King of kings during the middle ages. They were considered as the supreme leaders that ruled Central Asia. And it is only fitting that our favorite artist for the month of February has that title in his name. Yes, with his skills and talent, Heubert is the supreme leader of his pencil army. He guides them, directs them, commands them to come up with a masterpiece that is nothing less than perfection.

Growing up, Heubert already knew he wanted to become an artist. Highly influenced by his father who was a painter, he was attracted to the artist career path. Funny Komiks also played an important role in developing Huebert's passion. It was in reading those comics that he wanted to become an artist for Komiks. And it didn't stop there. When he held a foreign comicbook for the first time--Adventures of Superman #425--he started dreaming of becoming an international artist. 

His father knew the struggles of an artist. In their line of work that heavily relies on commissions and projects, Heubert's parents didn't allow him to pursue art courses. The next best thing for him was studying Psychology. It wasn't really a "plan b" for him since he was interested in the course. This interest was born out off reading Arkham Asylum in comics. Studying Psychology, Heubert wanted to understand Batman and his foes.


After graduating, he landed a job as a student counselor in a prestigious school in Makati. Also, during that time, he stopped reading comics. Doing it for six years, he grew fond of the job to the point that he already gave up on his dream of becoming a comicbook artist.

L-R: Heubert, Stephen Segovia, Carlo Pagulayan

Everything changed when Heubert met Carlo Pagulayan, Harvey Tolibao, and Stephen Segovia during DK Collectibles' (formerly known as Druid's Keep) signing event. Seeing these local artists sketch was an instant euphoria. He suddenly realized that drawing comicbook characters is his calling. It was also the thought of "buti pa sila..." (they're fortunate) that made him think that maybe he can still make his dreams come true.

From there on, Heubert would follow the local artists' work. He was trying to become a sponge--absorbing everything he can from these promising artists. He was told to come up with his Deviant Art page so that the whole world can see his art. After months of constantly posting his artwork, he was overwhelmed with the many praises fans gave him.

After a couple of exposure, superstar inker Joe Prado sent Heubert a private message. Joe said that Heubert has A LOT of potential. Heubert was given comicbook scripts where he can practice and develop his artwork. A few months after, Joe sent Heubert's sample to DC Comics. This landed him the Huntress story for DC Holiday Special '09 #1.

Page 3 of Heuber't 4-page Huntress story

When DC Holiday Special '09 was released here, Heubert met artist-rockstar Philip Tan! He showed Philip some of his artwork, and from there he was mentored by Philip. Heubert wanted to learn more. He studied anatomy, shading, and everything else. In the process, Dynamite saw the potential in Heubert so they offered him The Owl.

After a year, Heubert started as a fill-in artist for Vampirella #10. Apparently, Dynamite loved his work that they offered him to become a regular artist for the series. Heubert's run with Vampirella lasted for 18 issues--from #21 to #38.

This month, Filbar's in collaboration with POP! Pinas x Studiogenesis will produce Heubert's Dark Datu Funko Pop design. This will be the very first artist series that Studiogenesis will launch.

Heubert's Batman Mactan was based on the Datus during the pre-Spanish colonial era. He thought it was the equivalent to the Japanese' samurai outfit.

Heubert is also a comicbook creator. In 2009, Heubert launched his own book, "UNSTOPPABLE." Well, that pretty much describes his passion. When he though he already gave up on his dreams, destiny reminded him of of what made him happy when he was a kid. You can never stop Heubert from pursuing his goals in life!

Throughout the years, Heubert handled a lot of titles from Top Cow. He worked on Cyber Force/Artifacts. He was also supposed to fill-in for Witchblade but the current artist during that time was able to come through. With a lot of achievements under his banner, Heubert wishes to work on Batman in the future. With his talent and great attention to detail, that dream can soon become a reality. He's aware of all the talented artists in the business right now. He believes that every artist has a different style to offer. Everyone is talented in their own right. Having said that, Heubert hopes for a longevity in the business.

His only advise to young artists who would want to make it into the industry someday is to draw everyday. He emphasized that drawing everyday works only if you try something different. Drawing everyday without leaving their comfort zone would only make an artist prolific. If young artists would want to grow and develop their skills, experimenting with their artwork is the key.

Ow and by the way, Heubert is a HUGE Batman fan. Just check Unstoppable's mask. It resembles The Dark Knight :D

Happy Birthday, Frank Miller!

Frank Miller, one of DC's most controversial artists, is celebrating his 59th birthday today! Through his early childhood, he was a comicbook fan. He even wrote a fan column to Marvel Comics' The Cat #3:

Early on, he had an affinity towards women empowerment. In fact, he grew up in a family where his mother was the breadwinner working as a nurse.

After moving to New York City, he submitted some of his works to a prominent artist named, Neal Adams. With Adam's recommendations, Miller landed a job with the tv comicbook series, The Twilight Zone. He was later on asked to be a substitute artist for The Spectacular Spider-man. After his short stint with Spidey, he was given the opportunity to write for Daredevil. There, he met his partner-in-crime inker Klaus Janson.

He was later recalled to DC where he drew the short Batman story in DC Special Series #21. From there, the rest was history. Up to date, Miller holds both #1s and #2s in every person's top 10 Batman books--The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One.

Throughout his career, he circled around the industry. From a comicbook artist, he also became a comicbook creator and a movie director for The Spirit. As one of the most highly criticized artist in the industry, Miller shrugs them off by showing them his happy grinning face.

Frank Miller has gone through a lot in his life. He has faced adversaries in the form of criticism, cancer, and divorce. But no matter what people say about him, they can never taint the contributions of this man in the industry.

To the man who brought joy to every Batman fans in the world, HAPPY BIRTHDAY G.O.A.T.! We will always remember you as the one man who beat Superman revolutionized the comicbook industry.

TDKPH book of the week -- Batman #48

BATMAN #48 Superheavy Part 8
Written by: Scott Snyder
Art and cover by: Greg Capullo

Spoiler-free review
TDKPH rating: 9/10

"The city is about to die. Happy Tuesday!" - Mister Bloom

The quote above is the central theme of issue 48. It must be pointed out that Superheavy has at least 3 underlying stories: (1) Bruce's struggle for a normal life; (2) What it means to be Batman; and (3) Duke's mission to make sense of everything. Superheavy part 8 focuses more on the 1 and 2 by making Duke's future uncertain.

Scott Snyder is becoming the writer that we, Batman fans, need and deserve. You have to decipher his dialogues to uncover the story behind the story. Starting off from where Batman 47 ended, we see Bruce Wayne talking to an unnamed person who, logically represents, or is, The Joker. The discussion between the two characters is well though of and is very interesting. There were at least 3 times when the unnamed person implied that he knew that Bruce Wayne is Batman. But there were at least 3 times as well when that person took back what he said. It serves as an anti-climactic and teases the fans of the return of Bruce Wayne as Batman. What interested me more was that this Joker persona is, in a way, begging for Bruce not to go back to his former life. There are a lot of good points in exchange between those two characters but you have to read it for yourself to appreciate it all.

The other story revolves around the concept that BatJim does not stand for what Batman used to be. He claims that his rise was the cause of government oppression through BatJim. You thought The Joker symbolizes chaos? Wait until you read this issue. Mister Bloom has a death plan for Gotham.

Superheavy, in my opinion, is very similar to Endgame. Both are like building a house in a year and bombing it the very next day it gets done. I remember Snyder saying before that they're bringing in the mecha suit for a reason. And in this very issue that we finally understand whats it all about. Their tandem is magical and something that the future generations of Batfans would talk about for ages.

My only complain about Superheavy is that you sort of hear Snyder's voice in the dialogues especially if you watch all his interviews. Since I follow his interviews, his manner of talking is the same as how the characters talk. But hey, thats really not a problem. I guess this is the consequence of following him too much. The art and colors are very constant. I love what Capullo, Miki, and FCO are doing. The art looks fresh and less dark.

Like all the issues for Superheavy, the last panel can cause heart attacks! Make sure to prepare yourself for it!

The Dawn of the Justice League live updates.

Last week CW teased two all-new half-hour specials for January 19 CT. DC Legends of Tomorrow: Their Time is Now will start at 8:00PM CT/9:00PM ET and DC Films Presents: Dawn of the Justice League at 8:30PM CT/9:30 ET. We know that some of us here in the Philippines do not have The CW or Warner TV and that most of us are working right now. If you fall in those categories, do not worry, TDKPH is here to help. We'll post/update this blog for live updates.

DC Legends of Tomorrow: Their Time is Now

DC Films Presents: Dawn of the Justice League

DC special starts with the scoring of Man of Steel. Remember when the trailer for BvS was leaked? Snyder came up with an exclusive screening where attendees were shown an extended version of the trailer? Well, they showed it during the special

Anti climactic commercial -_-

Jared Leto appears in the show. From the news, he usually portrays his Joker character to the public. In this special, well, its just Jared who came. Too bad we didn't see the infamous Joker act. But hey, don't mess with him because there is always a Joker waiting!

Gal Gadot looks freakin HOT! and that Wonder Woman logo is totally off the hook! This is the Wonder Woman we've been waiting for! She's a total bad ass in the movie! GAL GADOT IS AMAZING!

They also showed some clips of Jason Momoa as Aquaman. All I can say is that he's okay. Nothing spectacular, nothing out of the ordinary.

My GOD!! The highlight so far is Ezra Miller as Barry! He did something to his hair so go choke all you haters! He has access to space, time, and continuum! HOW AWESOME IS THAT!?

Ray Fisher as Cyborg is a bit intimidating. He's buff as f! I love how they did not deviate away from the comic-fact that he was built into a cyborg.

GREEN LANTERN! Oh my God! I'm dying right now! In brightest day... in blackest night... THEN COMMECIAL KILLS THE MOOD -_- But no actor was shown. Johns only provided some art concept of Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Johns also added that they intend to bring The Green Lantern and The Green Lantern Corps to the Justice League universe.

"We've been to the bottom of the ocean," Johns said.  "We've been to ancient Greek mythology, we've been to the past and future with the Flash, we've been to the digital world with Cyborg.  We still got to go to space. So the Green Lanterns and the Green Lantern Corps are coming to join the Justice League universe."

On a side note, is that a weird explosion? Or the light spectrum of the lanters? Spotted from the Suicide Squad trailer

After Johns explained the need for a GL movie, the GL logo pops out. And its comic-tastic!

The special also included a new trailer for Batman v. Superman. Johns was able to explain that Batman and Superman are two separate worlds about to collide. It was also emphasized why these two titans are to battle each other.

They come back with the Suicide Squad trailer. Enchantress comes out and she's a hottie! The Joker is also revealed in his classic black tuxedo. This is probably one of the best trailer i've seen in my entire life.

Now its pretty obvious why Will Smith is having some problems with his wife. Or is he divorced now? In any case, Deadshot and Harley are smokin!

Thats a wrap! Kevin Smith says that everything will be available tomorrow (meaning later for us in the Philippines).

Batman Throughout the Years -- Batwoman and Batwing

WB/DC will release a new animated movie in digital HD this January 19 and on DVD and Blu-ray on February 2. They takes a bold move by introducing Batwoman and Batwing to their animated universe. The upcoming animated movie called, "Batman: Bad Blood" seeks to tackle the relationship of the characters of the Batfamily. Batman has been the central voice that commands and instructs the family in their missions. But with Batman gone, how sure are we that the Batfamily will work as a unit?

If you're living under a rock, yes its called Batman: Bad Blood; and no, its not an elseworld story where Taylor Swift dated Bruce Wayne. It is also the sequel to Batman v. Robin. With much anticipation for this new animated movie, it does not help that fans do not know what to expect from it.

But one thing is for sure... Batman Bad Blood intends to expand the animated universe by introducing Batwoman and Batwing into the mix. If you want to know more about Batman: Bad Blood here are some links you can read on:

1. Comicbookresources

2. Comics Alliance

3. DC Comics News

Who is Batwoman? Pre-Crisis, Batwoman is Kathy Kane; Post-Crisis, Batwoman is Kate Kane. In either case, Kate Kane is the Batwoman used in this animated movie. In her childhood years, Kate went through some traumatic experiences. She was kidnapped by terrorists and she witnessed the murder of her mother and her twin sister. To cope with her grief, she joined West Point Academy where she eventually met her lesbian lover Sophie Moore. Eventually she was expelled for her coming out as a lesbian.

During her down times, she encountered Batman trying to stop someone from being mugged. This motivated Kate to ask her cornel father to train her into becoming a masked vigilante. As the heiress of one of Gotham's prominent families, she is more than capable to rival Bruce Wayne's financial capabilities. Kate is known for her advanced hand-to-hand combat skills and her advanced military protocol training.

Now moving on to Batwing. Created by Grant Morrison, Batwing was a legacy created for David Zavimbe. After quitting his role in the New 52 universe, Lucas "Luke" Fox, the son of Lucious Fox, took the role of Batwing.

A fairly new character in the New 52 universe, Luke Fox was interested in joining Batman's crusade against evil. When Bruce Wayne publicly announced his funding for Batman Inc., and for Batwing, Luke tried everything to get Bruce's attention. Despite his valiant efforts, Bruce chose David Zavimbe as Batwing. When he resigned as Batwing, Bruce chose Luke to replace David. Batwing is known for his very keen intellect and his resourcefulness with his heavily filled-with-gadget suit.

With these two characters adding new dynamics to the animated movie universe, WB/DC is sure to claim the title of being the best producers of comicbook animated movies. Kate easily symbolizes women empowerment. Not daunted by her childhood trauma, she reprises the cowl and became a strong woman figure in the comicbook universe. David, on the other hand, is the symbol for hard work and perseverance. He is the epitome of wanting something so bad and not giving up. Despite not being chosen for the role, he never gave up hope in his dreams.

As the premier launch for Batman: Bad Blood comes nearer, fans should be excited for the addition of these characters in the animated movie universe. Batwoman and Batwing are two characters easily relatable. Not only that, but they also provide developments that WB/DC can exploit. They can now branch out to Batwoman movies or Batwing series.

TDKPH books of the week -- Robin War #2,Batman/TMNT #2,Batman/Superman #28

The I'm Today is a big week for Batman comics. Robin War #2 marks the penultimate issue for the series. Batman fans have been eager for this series the moment it was announced 3 months ago. Batman/TMNT #2 continues the exciting crossover between the Dark Knight and the Turtles. They met for the first time at the end of issue #1 and it wouldn't be a surprise if issue #2 starts with them fighting against each other. Last New York Comic Con, DC announced that acclaimed writer Tom Taylor will spearhead Batman/Superman comics. As he explores the early ears of Batman and Superman, expect his run to be nothing less than extraordinary.

ROBIN WAR #2

TDKPH rating: 8/10

Writer: Tom King

Artists: Khary Randolf (1-4, 12, 20, 36); Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez (8, 18-19, 25-26, 37-38); Carmine di Giandomencio (21-24, 27-31); Steve Pugh (9-11, 32-34); and Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens (5-7, 13-17, 35)

Colorists: Chris Sotomayor (8-11, 13-19, 25-26, 32-35, 37-38); Emilio Lopez (1-4, 12, 20, 36); and Mat Lopes (21-24, 27-31)

The title already gives you a preview of what the series is all about. If you're wondering what this book is all about, think of Robin fighting other Robins. Robin War was pitched as an annual story but DC decided to make it into a full blown mini-event. The good thing about making this as a mini-event is the many developments it can bring in. DC made the right choice. The developments in this story leaves a lasting impact on the Batman mythos--or should I say the Robin mythos.

Tom King's writing is getting better. The story has some heavy dialogue, but it doesn't feel like a heavy-read. It felt that every word and every bubble speech had a purpose. It was as if the dialogues itself was developing the entire story. I couldn't say the same for the artwork. Some pages are okay, but others are a bit weird. Storytelling plays a big role in appreciating the book, so some panel transitions made it hard for me to understand what's happening. I guess having many artists for one book is a factor in its poor panel transitions.

Besides the art, another thing I didn't like about this book is it's heavy reliance with the other tie-ins. If you read Robin War #1 and #2 only, you would have a hard time understanding the story. There's a HUGE plot hole between issues. There is a need for you to read the other tie-ins in order to understand whats happening. Issue 1 ends by laying down the conflict of the story. Issue 2 starts with the resolution of the whole event. The climax of the story is found in the tie-ins--Robin: Son of Batman #7 to be more specific.

I highly suggest that Robin War should be read in this order:

1. Robin War #1
2. Grayson #15
3. Gotham Academy #13
4. Detective Comics #47
5. Red Hood/Arsenal #7
6. We Are Robin #7
7. Robin: Son of Batman #7
8. Teen Titans #15
9. Robin War #2

The good part is that Robin War is technically unfinished. There are still some aftermath issues that you should read. And after reading issue #2, it would be hard for you to miss out on the aftermath issues. 

The series is very interesting--pitting the Robins against each other and against the Court of Owls. Not only that but issue #2 gave emphasis on the difference between the many Robins. It tried to draw the line as to their different purposes in the Bat-family. One of the main development in this book is the heirship of the Robins. Without this series, it would be hard to distinguish the different roles of the different Robins.

With everything that happened in this book, it is hard not to say that Robin War, as a whole, is something every Batman fanboy should read. It is definitely a love letter to Robin as a character. Plus, the cliffhanger at the end of the issue is something that can leave a scar in DC history.

Batman/TMNT #2

TDKPH rating: 9/10

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Freddie Williams II

Colorist: Jeremy Colwell

The crossover between the Dark Knight and the Ninja Turtles is something fans never expected to happen because of how big these two titles are in their respective publishers. Usually, a crossover between two colossal franchises is a recipe for disaster--e.g. Batman/Judge Dredd and Superman vs. Terminator. This failure is caused by two great franchises having no chemistry between each other. The fact that they're fighting a team-up between their respective villains doesn't make a great story. But this is not the case for Batman/TMNT. James Tynion IV makes it a point that the turtles are part of Gotham. If IDW did not set the Turtles in the sewers of New York City, their home would probably be Gotham City.

Issue #2 is very similar to issue #1, Michelangelo is still funny and colorful. He brings color to a dark and gritty Gotham City. The writing/dialogue is great because it didn't hog the spotlight to a single character. You have 5 major role players in this series, its very hard to keep the dialogue rolling in a way that each character has something good to say or that they have a dialogue that would help progress the story. The crossover couldn't have found a better writer than Tynion IV. He's the perfect writer for the job! Time and time again, Tynion IV proves to be one of the flexible writers in the business. He can mix and match any characters and come up with a great story.

At first, the artwork seems fine. But it is my opinion that the colors gave life to the artwork. Some of Williams II's anatomy looks weird but the colors made it look normal. The action sequence and panel transitions are top-notch! It is as if watching an action movie.

Here, we get to see Shredder makes his move to eliminate the Turtles. But he cannot do it without the help of Batman's villain--The Penguin. This team-up is similar to a dysfunctional married couple. Somehow, Tynion IV hasn't revealed everything yet so its hard for me why they picked Penguin as the co-main antagonist in the story. And yes, after reaching this point, I came to a conclusion that Williams II has to improve on his anatomy. Going back to his artwork, I have no problems with it. His style compliments the story of the book and the colors made his work more attractive. But if it were a different book/story, I would say that Rob Leifeld has a better anatomy.

The story is very deep. The crossover between these two inter-company franchises makes sense. Issue #2 answers some of the questions we were left with after reading #1. It gives us a better understanding as to why the Turtles and Shredder is in Gotham City. So far, everything is very interesting. Considering that this series will run for 6 issues, the story pacing is just about right. There are some minor plot holes in the story but its barely noticeable.

Again, the perfect mix of colorful comedy and gritty detective work makes this book great. With issue #2 being a great read, I feel very excited for where DC and IDW is going with this story.

Batman/Superman #28

TDKPH rating: 9/10

Writer: Tom Taylor

Artist: Robson Rocha

Colorist: BLOND

One of the highlights during New York Comic Con 2015 was the announcement that Tom Taylor will handle scripts for Batman/Superman. Nothing against Greg Pak and Ardian Syaf, but Batman/Superman is turning out to be a boring book. Tom Taylor may be the person DC needs to bring back the excitement in one of DC's staple series.

Taylor said that his run will explore the early years of the Justice League. If you remember Geoff John's Justice League run, you'll notice that there's a 5-year gap between his first story arc and his second story arc. The timeline of Taylor's run will be set in that 5-year gap wherein Batman and Superman are still trying to get to know each other a little more.

From World's Finest to the Universe's Finest, the chemistry between the two is better compared to their latter team-ups. This only shows the inconsistencies in DC's editorial work. Nothing against the writers, but it is evident that Batman already knows a lot about Superman and vice versa. In Pak's run, there seems to be a discourse between the two characters. It is as if they're still trying to work on their team chemistry. But despite those minor details, Taylor proves to be one of DC's great writers.

Rocha's artwork is amazing. Who is this guy!? And why is it only now that I've heard about him!? I love how detailed his pencils are. Some details, though, feel rushed. But I think the problem is with the colorist. These details are very evident in Batman's cape. I love the batsuit design Rocha originated. It has that armor-ish vibe to it. If I describe the design, it would spoil some plot twists. So, yeah, I'm okay with teasing you guys with some details that would make you buy the book. 

Batman/Superman #28 serves as a great issue #1 for Taylor's run. It clearly lays down the premise of the story without divulging too much details. He definitely knows how to keep the readers interested. There are some lines in the book that throws you off-guard. Who would've thought that Superman has a sense of humor. Those little things that Taylor does shows that he's invested in making Batman/Superman one of DC's top books. With a great story yet to be unfold, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for everyone

DCAU Review: Batman Unlimited; Monster Mayhem

A Fun Movie that makes you want to buy Toys

TDKPH rating 3 out of 5

Synopsis:

It's Halloween and the Joker (voice of Troy Baker)is on the loose. What will the clown prince of crime do? Go trick or treating? No, instead he launches his latest campaign of terror. With the help of monstrous villains such as Silver Banshee (voice of Kari Wuhrer), Solomon Grundy (voice of Fred Tatasciore), Scarecrow (voice of Brian T. Delaney), and Clayface (voice of Dave B. Mitchell), the Joker turns all of the city's technology against its citizens and declares himself supreme ruler. Thankfully, Batman (voice of Roger Craig Smith) together with Nightwing (voice of Will Friedle), Red Robin (voice of Yuri Lowenthal), and Green Arrow (voice of Chris Diamantopoulos)are there to give the Joker and his gang their brand of treat...JUSTICE.

Monster Mayhem is a fun toy inspired movie that is intentionally made for kids and parent's wallets. Adult watchers may find themselves bored with the formulaic treatment of bad guy teaming up with other bad guys to defeat a group of good guys. This is a pretty straight forward movie. You will not find yourself thinking about the deep gravity of emotions between Joker and Batman or Batman and Robin.

What set this apart from other movies are the insane situations. Batman riding Grimlock?!!! Basically a computer generated dinosaur but that scene alone made me an instant fan. There are many scenes with outragous vehicles it almost make me want to buy the toyline. Voice acting is very good, with veteran actors lending their voice on an otherwise crazy plot.

I recommend that you watch it with your kids. As an adult, watch it while doing something else, so you can just look up now and then. Wait for the dinosaur scene.

TDKPH villain of the month -- Abattoir

What better way to celebrate the New Year by leaving the past behind. Some people leave all those bad memories behind and welcome the hope that the new year brings. Well, thats not the case for Arnold Etkar. He carries the burdens of the past--burdens that his parents caused. The past is very much important to Arnold Etkar as he believes that the past gives him his strength. Arnold does not understand the concept of death; rather he believes that the souls of his ancestors are continued in his blood. 

This January 2016 also marks the 25th anniversary of this villain. Published in January 1991, Arnold Etkar was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Jim Aparo. He first appeared in Detective Comics #625 - Abattoir. The issue served as a filler in building up the return of The Electrocutioner but nonetheless, Etkar proves to be a notable villain to Batman. He was able to cripple The Batman for a couple of minutes when he shot Batman in the chest. Not everyone can say, "Hey, I shot Batman in the heart."

He earned the name, "The Abattoir," meaning slaughterhouse, because of the accusations that he killed innocent lives and ate their flesh afterwards. For Abattoir, this symbolizes as eating his victim's soul. More than just eating his victims, Arnold killed and ate his own family (well, im assuming in the direct line). This guy is a lunatic! 

See, there's more history to his name. Arnold Etkar used to be known as Arnold Etchison--the cousin of mayoral candidate Henry Etchison. Henry's father and Arnold's farther are brothers. Although they're related, Henry's family chose politics, while Arnold's father chose the path of thievery and murders.

Its election time in Gotham City and Arnold Etkar escapes Arkham Asylum with the help of his cousin, Henry. At first you'd think its about family love but thats not the case in this issue. Henry planned Arnold's escape to solve two of his problems: (1) his nagging wife; and (2) to solidify his anti-crime campaign. 

Detective Comics #625 ended when Batman recaptured Abattoir and sent him back to Arkham Asylum. Abattoir's next escape was during Knightfall when Bane freed all of Arkham Asylum's inmates. When Jean-Paul Valley took the role of Batman in Bruce's absence, he allowed Abattoir's death by deciding not to save him.

But thats the last time we see Abattoir, right? NO! We see him again in Blackest Night when a Black Lantern ring found his body. Man, Abattoir refuses to die! With everything that happened to him, I wonder why DC never gave him the push that he needed in order to become one of Batman's greatest villains.

When DC launched their New 52 reboot, Abattoir was reborn in the name of Jersey Pallet in Legends of the Dark Knight #10. This new incarnation of Abattoir is a bit different from the Abattoir we come to know. Jersey Pallet suffers from multiple personalities disorder because of his belief that he possesses the skills and characteristics of his victims. This Abattoir practices Maori--a ritual where tribal warriors celebrate victory over their enemies.

Throughout the different stories in the DC Universe, Abattoir proves to be one of Batman's craziest villains. With a mind as screwed up as his, he's one villain you don't want to mess with. 

TDKPH book of the week -- Batman and Robin Eternal #14

Batman and Robin Eternal #14
Spoiler-free
TDKPH rating: 8/10

One thing I love about these weekly books is that the cover art tells the overall story of the issue. This is something that most publishes stopped doing the modern age. Its good to see that somehow they're bringing back the old template.

From the cover alone, it shows that Batman will be teaming up with Scarecrow. Well, actually, based from the context of the story, the team up happened in the past. I'm not a big fan of the character but James Tynion IV did a great job in showing a different aspect of Scarecrow. Tynion was able to portray Scarecrow in a way that the readers will be surprised of his humanity; that underneath the mask, he's just a man who is afraid in life. Scarecrow, contrary to how he was perceived in the canon, is fighting for a better Gotham--a Gotham where there is no fear.

I like how Tynion developed Scarecrow's character but thats not the meat of the story. Batman and Robin Eternal still focuses on Dick Grayson's importance to Batman. As the story comes closer to uncovering the truth behind Batman and Mother, the less I want to know about everything. If you haven't noticed it yet, Dick Grayson is at the center of the DC Universe. Technically he's in every comicbook that DC publishes. The aftermath of Batman and Robin Eternal is surely to develop Dick's character.

You shouldn't miss out on this weekly mystery-thriller story by James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder. It looks like Batman and Robin Eternal is set to leave an impact on the Batman mythos. My only problem with it is the lack of a single artist for the series. Having different artists for every issue make things harder for the reader. I thought that was bad, but in this issue there are two different artists. Nothing against Fernando Blanco and Roger Robinson but having different artists have different art transitions. I know its a weekly and all, but as a reader, those little elements make a difference between a good story and a great graphic novel. But other than that, Batman and Robin Eternal is a solid book! Its something all batfans shouldn't miss out on.

Batman and Robin Eternal #14! Available in your favorite local comicbook stores :)

First look at Mattel's BvS line

Well, we're a bit disappointed with the details. A $20 price tag is probably way too much for action figures this bad. Here's us wishing that DC Collectibles come up with their own BvS line. If all things fail, at least we still have MAFEX and Play Arts Kai.

Armored Batman by MAFEX

Batman by MAFEX

Prototype Armored Batman by Play Arts Kai

Prototype Batman by Play Arts Kai

*Photo credits owned by toynewsi.com and actionfigurepics.com