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

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!