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