The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

THE DARK KNIGHT 3: THE MASTER RACE #3

Story by: Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller

Art by: Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson

Spoiler-free review

TDKPH rating: 7/10

 

LETS START WITH THE BAD

DK3 is starting to rear its ugly head. As much as I want to believe that DK3 is far better than The Dark Knight Strikes Again, I'm starting to think that its not. With Frank Miller on-board, and with the rumors that he's telling Azzarello what to write, it seems obvious that Miller is getting everything that he wants to happen in DK3. Well, its not that bad, per se, but some of the prominent elements of TDKSA (namely its lack of a coherent theme and direction) is starting to pop out in DK3.

When DK3 #1 came out, many fans were lead to believe that there will be a shift or the torch will be passed to Carrie Kelley. In #1, there was also a change in the paradigm. With the story focusing on Carrie and Supergirl, female superheroes became the center of Miller-verse. We all thought that Master Race starts with that premise. But with issue 3, they sorta regressed and brought back the focus to male superheroes. It was as if issue 1 is irrelevant and has a small role to play in the entire story.

Well at least issue 3 revealed what The Master Race is all about. But with issues 1-3 already out, I think they could've simplified those issues into 1 comicbook. If, in fact, it is true that DK3 is moving in that direction, where the male characters are the focus of the story, then they could've do away with the 1st issue.

DK3 is starting to look like TDKSA and I couldn't bear to see it happen again.

WELL, IT COULDN'T GET ANY UGLIER THAN THAT RIGHT?

Wrong! I can't believe we waited another month for issue 3. The pace of the story is slow as it is. The delay of it being available to the public made it worse.

Also, the mini-comicbook inserted inside used to be a great compliment to the issue. With this month's mini-comicbook, I couldn't say the same. In fact, I was actually disappointed with it. If you're a Green Lantern fan, you would understand what I mean.

There were a lot of plot-holes in this story. It even tried so hard to make a connection between the story in issue 3 and the mini-comicbook inserted in it. The mini-comicbook doesn't feel organic. I thought it was forced and a bit out of place.

AT LEAST THERE'S STILL SOME HOPE LEFT FOR THE BOOK

True! While DK3 #3 had its dull moments, the overall story is still interesting. It showed a lot of emotions especially when Bruce talks about Carrie Kelley. There are moments that it felt like Bruce loves Carrie romantically, but if you read and understand the context of what Bruce is saying, you'd feel that his love for Carrie is nothing like that.

I also like that Bruce explained what happened to him after TDKSA. He kind of gave an explanation why he's operating behind the shadows.

Also, I do think that DK3 is veering away from all that Batman beating the crap out of Superman. TDKR and TDKSA made that a staple for the franchise. But with DK3, I think its the other way around. It is Batman trying to ask for Superman's help. Or is it? (hehe). I guess, we'll find out soon enough.

Ow and before I forget, Kubert's art is starting to look like his again. With issues 1 and 2, it felt like he was trying so hard to make things look like Miller's. But with issue 3, he brought back his art style. And again, his sequences are amazing!

DC Animated Universe (DCAU) - BTAS Demon' s Quest 

February is not yet over! Let's talk about Talia, another great love interest of the Dark Knight in the BTAS episode Demon's Quest.

Demon's Quest is a two part episode of the Batman Animated Series. Written by Dennis O Neill and Len Wein, the animated episode is adapted from O' Neill's own Daughter of the Demon (Batman # 232) story arc. 

The story and Talia was also inspired by another great pop culture icon....James Bond. Specifically the 1969's On Her Majesty's Service and the Fu Manchu fiction. So if you're a James Bond fan you will find similarities with the story...a beautiful girl, a powerful and evil criminal mastermind and a world traveling adventure. :)

The story starts with Robin being kidnapped in his school's dormitory by a mysterious man in a jackal mask. Later, Bruce Wayne returns to the Bat Cave tells Alfred that Robin has been missing for two days. He receives a note from Alfred with a picture of Robin tied up. A mysterious man named Ras al Ghul then steps out of the shadows inside the Bat Cave asking for help as his daughter is similarly abducted. He joins Batman in the search but this was all a test. 

Ras al Ghul is seeking an heir to his League of Shadows and seeing Batman as the ideal candidate and a worthy mate to his daughter, he offers Batman the chance to be by his side.  For me this is one of Batman's greatest temptations...A beautiful wife by his side, a powerful empire to add to his own wealth and a chance for immortality. Batman turns Ras down and Ras in his fury decides to kill Batman and Robin. One thing that saved them is the love of Ras daughter, Talia. 

Demon's Quest is truly a beautiful story of Talia and the League of Shadows. It has the scope and epic scale of Lawrence of Arabia and the pace of the James Bond movies. I highly recommend that you watch this.

Batman Throughout the Years -- The Cat and The Bat

Is it love at first sight? Or is it a match made in Heaven? No matter how you see it, you can't deny the fact that The Cat and The Bat are meant to be together. From their first meeting to the meetings on the rooftops, the level of intimacy between these characters is beyond measure. We already know that they're perfect for one another. But in lieu of Valentine's Day, lets look back at the evolution of Batman's love for Catwoman.

When Catwoman (back then she was named as 'The Cat') first appeared in Batman #1 (1940), she disguised herself as an old lady to steal a jewelry worth half a million dollars. In that story, it was Robin who caught her. After Batman removed her disguise, he was surprised to see a beautiful young woman. Yeah Batman, whats the matter? haven't you ever seen a pretty girl before? Well, it doesn't end there. At the end of this story, Batman and Robin eventually captures her. When they left the yacht, Batman "allowed" her to escape. Robin was ready to respond and go after her, but Batman "accidentally" blocked him. Well, with eyes like that, how can you blame Batman for letting her go? I mean he even forgot he's got a fiancee named Julie Madison.

It didn't take long before these two love birds would meet again. In Batman #2, Batman bumps unto Catwoman and suddenly recognizes those beautiful eyes. He even gave her a compliment by saying that she's the prettiest jewel thief in the business. Man, Batman fell hard for this woman! In this story, he also let Catwoman get away with the jewel cast. But to be fair, he saved Robin from being poisoned at the expense of letting Catwoman escape.

Wait what!? Isn't Robin a minor?

When Batman #3 was released, fans were beginning to think Catwoman is more than just a guest appearance in every Batman comicbook. As her third straight appearance in the book, she steals a kiss from her protector, Batman. And at the end of the story, Catwoman dreams of a reality where she's beside Batman all day long.

 

A few issues later, Catwoman would again kiss Batman for saving her. This time, she kissed him just because she wanted to and not because she wanted to escape.

 

And yeah, Batman was left mesmerizing after that kiss.

During the Silver Age, DC Comics gave Batman a lot of love interests that are borderline weird. One of which was with Batwoman--Kathy Kane. This is not the lesbian Batwoman that we know now. But in any case, this was a weird love team because they had no chemistry. They were simply crime-fighters who were forced (by the writers) to become lovers. Man, don't even get me started with Batman and Bat-Girl! Towards the end of the Silver Age, they were matching Batman with Barbara Gordon. Man, that was REALLY weird! Good thing it didn't take long before DC realized how sick that was. It was then and there where they tried to bring back Catwoman as Batman's love interest.

In Batman #197, Catwoman tries to compete with Batgirl by reforming and fighting crime to get Batman's attention. In the same issue, she proposed to a partnership with Batman (well, actually more than just a partnership) but the latter said that he was already satisfied with the way things are (referring to Batgirl).

Many thought that it was the perfect love story (or at least better than Twilight). You have a trouble maker who was willing to change just for love. She wanted him, but he had other priorities. But then again, a leopard (in this case, a Cat) cant change its spots.

After pitting Batman to make a choice, I guess that was the moment Catwoman crossed the line. She reverted to her criminal ways thus making it easy for Batman to make a choice. The only good thing that came out of this issue was that Batgirl guaranteed everyone--even Catwoman--that she doesn't have any interest in Batman (oh good Lord!).

This is where things gets complicated. Throughout the years, the relationship between Batman and Catwoman can be categorized as a love-hate relationship. Some times, Catwoman is depicted as the party who is madly in love with the lead male. However, when Batman is the one showing his love for her, she's the one who reciprocates it with hate. In Batman #256, Bruce realizes the curse of caring for someone.

This love-hate relationship would go on for years! It is only during The Hush Saga where their relationship would progress. While looking for Poison Ivy, Batman encounters Catwoman and an enraged Killer Croc. This skirmish ended up with Batman saving Catwoman from the clutches of Killer Croc. Later on, Catwoman realizes that she hasn't properly thanked Batman for saving her life countless of times. Batman tells her to stop advancing but he eventually gives in and accepts the romantic kiss.

After Hush, it seems like their relationship was going strong. With panels like these from Catwoman (vol.3) #31, how can you not root for them to end up tying the knot?

Heart of Hush only strengthened the argument that Catwoman was the only person whom Batman loved. With lines like this, how (again) can you deny the fact that these two characters are made for each other?

For a second, I thought he was Mr. Darcy

That was supposedly the penultimate line that culminates Bruce and Selina as the greatest love story ever told. But DC decided to reboot their universe (thanks a lot DC). We'll, i'm not really complaining. Although their relationship in the New 52 universe is light years away from where they were in the pre-New 52 universe, we still got some panels like these:

And here's a little bonus for y'all. Guillem March, the artist for Catwoman, pitched this idea to DC but the latter didn't approve of it. After their hardcore "fun time," (yes, I didn't show you guys the intense panels where they're really passionate at what they do hehe) Catwoman finally discovers who Batman is. In the New 52 Universe, Selina has kissed both Bruce Wayne and Batman in different occasions. With those kisses, she deduced that Bruce Wayne is Batman. So, because of this, Selina went to Wayne Manor... and started to STRIP!

You don't believe me? hehe. Here's the link to Guillem March's page :)

TDKPH book of the week -- Batman 49

BATMAN 49

Story by: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV

Art by: Yanick Paquette

Spoiler-free review

TDKPH rating: 10/10

"For Batman to live, Bruce Wayne always has to die"

Batman #49 is not your usual cup of tea. Its different from what we're used to. While reading it for the first time, I thought i was reading Grant Morrison's book. And yes, I love the nod to Morrison's grandfather clock password.

SNYDER'S GREATEST INVENTION

Batman #43

Just a little refresher, but im sure you guys know this. In Batman #43, Alfred revealed to the "new" Bruce Wayne the final invention of Batman. Its a machine to ensure that there would be a Batman in case "old" Bruce dies. In each world, Batman subjects these human beings to an endless chain of tragedy to imitate Bruce's suffering.

Detective Comics #27

This invention has been used by Snyder in Detective Comics #27. As early as Tec' #27, Snyder has been planting this seed. And my God! Look at how his plant grew! This "final invention" is probably one of his greatest contribution in the Batman mythos. This will definitely echo through the time barriers. 

SNYDER EXPLORES THE METAPHYSICAL WORLD

This is probably the reason why I thought I was reading a Grant Morisson book. At first, you'll have a hard time understanding things. Snyder paralleled some of the dialogues in between two worlds. Without understanding what the "final invention" does, you'll get lost.

This aspect of the story only shows that Snyder has no limitations. At the onset, we thought Snyder can only make Batman a god. But after reading Batman #49, we can finally say that Snyder knows how to make things interesting. Just when we thought thats all he can do, he pulls out this metaphysical concept.

YANICK PACQUETTE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO SUBSTITUTE CAPULLO

His style made the book a lot more enjoyable. It has the right balance of realism and cartoony.  I wouldn't mind if he became the permanent replacement for Greg Capullo. There's this splash where another Batman tries to save his world from an alien parasite. And man, that spread was amazing! He was able to capture my attention.

ALFRED PENNYWORTH THE FATHER FIGURE

We've always known that Alfred is Bruce's everything. He is his guiding light, his doctor, his cook-you-some-soup-when-you're-sick. However, I've never seen Alfred as a father to Bruce Wayne. In this issue, I would've hugged the both of them just because of the strength of the dialogue. Alfred's lines are so moving that it would make you realize why your father never allowed you to go out late at night when you were young. This was also the reason why I said Batman #49 is a breath of fresh air.

THE BIG QUESTIONS

What's happening with Duke Thomas? In Batman #48, we only saw him in one panel and thats it. I know Batman #49 is all about the return of Batman, but dang! I would've appreciated it if they shed some light as to what's happening with Duke Thomas.

Another point of consideration is... the involvement of this other character who pressed the button. I won't spoil anything. But yeah, the appearance was a bit weird unless Snyder has a plan for it.

Is Jim dead?

WHY SHOULD YOU READ IT

This book is a must read! This is the issue that makes the main distinction between Batman and Bruce Wayne. Is Batman the mask? Or is Bruce Wayne the mask? Read this, and you'll have your answer.

TDKPH villain of the month -- Poison Ivy

During an experiment gone wrong, Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley had a close encounter with biological toxins which transformed her into a plant/human hybrid. With her new powers, she can control plants with her brain. She can also seduce and control man by releasing spores that can infect them. Unlike any villains, Poison Ivy has a goal to save greens from anyone who would harm it. She has been a member of the Gotham City Sirens, the Injustice League, the Injustice Gang, the Secret Society of Super-Villains, and the Suicide Squad. 

She first appeared in Batman #181 (1966). As the new villain in town, she had to make a name for herself. What better way to gather attention by taking on the group of self-proclaimed Public Enemies Number One, Two, and Three--Dragon Fly, Silken Spider, and Tiger Moth. 

After Crisis on Infinite Earth, her origin was revised a bit. Pamela Isley studied biochemistry under Jason Woodrue, which would later on be known as The Floronic Man. When he was fascinated by her brilliance, he poisoned her and thus altering her body chemistry. With this transformation, Pamela became immune to all toxins. The only backlash is that this immunity would eventually push her to the brink of insanity.

After which, she decided to be take the Poison Ivy persona. As Poison Ivy, she took a stand to protect and preserve plant life at all costs.

With this new found purpose, she would rob banks in order to fund her experiments. She learned how to use and produce scents that would affect people in specific ways. Heck, even Batman fell countless of times over her spells. Later on, she would experiment on pheromones to control people using her mind. Yes, indeed, persuasion is her best weapon. Through the years, her powers to create life forms would manifest. Even though she teamed up with a lot of villains and a lot of villainous groups, she realizes that she has a different mission in life. Teaming up with the likes of The Riddler and Amanda Waller made her feel incomplete since she was more concerned with preserving Mother Nature.

Art by Filipino artist, Carlo Pagulayan

Her origin was again tinkered with during the New 52 relaunch. Instead of being a product of an experimentation, Pamela was born with a rare skin disease. Her mother was a victim of maltreatment. Her father would occasionally beat Pamela's mother and apologize by giving her flowers. Here, Pamela learned that flowers can control the human brain. After her mother's death at the hands of his father, Pamela sought refuge to education. However, when she entered college, she would drown herself to drugs, sex, and alcohol. Here, she learned how to use her skin disease to seduce any person my making them believe that she is the object of their desires.

Today, DC is trying to groom Poison Ivy into becoming another Harley Quinn. With her new book, Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death, it seems that DC is investing on her to bring in new readers. Well, we couldn't fault them for this strategy. I mean, just look at her, Poison Ivy can be the next Pamela Anderson--the object of every man's desire, and the role model to every independent woman.

TDKPH book of the week -- Batman Europa #4

BATMAN: EUROPA #4
Written by: Matteo Casali and Brian Azzarello
Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli and Gerald Parel

Spoiler-free review
TDKPH rating: 6.5/10

1:50 variant by Gerald Parel

"He still laughs. I'm not sure if it's in the face of death... or if his is the face of death."

Aesthetic-wise, this book is probably one of the best out there. Too bad I couldn't say the same for its story. Batman Europa proves once again that its interior art is unparalleled. Gerald Parel is killing it! It is only know that I came across his name. But after doing my research, he's been doing covers and interior art for Marvel Comics since 2010.

As far as the story goes, I was really disappointed with it. No, it wasn't that bad. But it was one of those stories wherein you can already predict the ending. The big villain reveal was a surprise to me, but you know, just like any other Batman-Joker stories, no matter who the main villain is, it always boil down to Batman and the Joker.

Come to think of it, the earlier issues for this story already dropped some clues as to who the main villain is for this book. The name of the virus should be sufficient enough to give you some speculations. I had the correct speculation, but when issue 3 came out, I thought I was wrong. The anatomy of the villain in disguise threw me off.

There's really not much to talk about this book--which really disappointed me. It is one of those stories that you can read over at Legends of the Dark Knight. For me, it was over hyped and if we're not going to consider its artwork, the $4.99 price tag is a bit steep.

Overall, Batman Europa is not that bad. If they come up with a deluxe edition for this series, then the bigger format would definitely compensate everything.

30th Anniversary of The Dark Knight Returns

Thirty years ago, on this very same day, Frank Miller released his monumental The Dark Knight Returns #1. It is one of the most acclaimed stories in comicbook history. After 3 decades of existence, its relevance is still felt in the industry today. The question is: how did TDKR changed the landscape of comicbook history?

Batman sales data from comichron.com

During the 80's, the comicbook industry was going down. DC and the other publishers were experiencing major drops in their monthly sales. Back in the 60's, Batman comics were selling a little over half a million copies. However, sales started to decline during the 70's and would later on drop significantly in the 80's.

Back then DC had the idea of rebooting the characters in their event, Crisis on Infinite Earths. After the reboot, DC hired Frank Miller to give a more mature edge to the Batman comics. He was the perfect guy for the job, After reviving Marvel characters from the grave--to be more specifically, Daredevil--it was a no-brainer that he can do the same to the already comedic and ludicrous Batman.

With his unprecedented work on The Dark Knight Returns, Miller revolutionized the comicbook industry. It depicts a retired Bruce Wayne being called by the cowl to go to war against crime.

As his beloved Gotham City spirals down to a destructive corrupt system, Bruce can't hold it anymore. He knew he had to put on the mantle for the last time and take part in the good fight.

TDKR brought Batman back to his roots--dark and gothic. But one of the highlights in this book that revolutionized the comicbook industry was the importance of female characters. Miller gave Batman a new robin in the form of a teenage girl, Carrie Kelley. This was a sort of taboo back in the days. The statue quo was that female characters SHOULD NOT wear masks and capes. Miller felt that the comicbooks lack female characters thus he introduced Kelley. This was a bold move by the writer which would later on open the floodgates to more active participation of female characters.

Miller emphasized this point in the comics. Bruce and Alfred had an argument wherein the latter was trying to convince his master that the cave is no place for a girl like Carrie. Bruce replies that she deserved to be inside the cave. In fact, Carrie saved Batman from the clutches of the Mutants. This only symbolizes that female characters can save the industry from its downfall.

Another unprecedented element in this book was the battle between Batman and Superman. It is indeed the greatest gladiator match in history of the world... Son of Krypton versus Bat of Gotham. Back then, a match between two pillars of a comicbook company was unheard of. It was unbelievable! How can a company pit its two major characters against each other. 

Superman was the complete opposite of Batman--he blindly follows the rules, he has high regard to authorities, and he has superpowers. This is too good to be true. Who would've thought that a man would ever challenge a god? After the first punch was thrown, fans pinched themselves just to make sure that they were not dreaming. This battle ended up as Batman beating the crap out of the Big Blue. he gets his ultimate victory when he fakes his own death and letting the whole world believe that Bruce and Batman are dead.

The impact of this book was later on explained by Miller, himself:

I felt that superhero comics had really been held back by a misperception that they were just for kids," he later said. "The comic book world had become so utterly pleasant and safe that the idea of somebody dressing up in tights and fighting crime just seemed beside the point."

His perception made sense. If you think about it, back when the comicbook sales were skyrocketing, the market was composed of young kids. When the relevant sector growing old, they will surely grow out of the light read stories. TDKR is a comicbook for adults where they can be engaged with its political undertones. This brought back most of DC's older readers. With the status quo shifting to a more mature audience, sales rapidly grew. It was indeed the RETURN of the Dark Knight.

Original art by Heubert Khan Michael