Bat-Mites – Short reviews of Batman comics for the week of 03/19/14

Bat-Mites: Quick and short reviews of the new Batman comics of the week. Let’s not get too wordy, let’s just get into it.

Batman and (Aquaman) #29

Batman and Aquaman #20

Batman and Aquaman.

Rights of DC Comics. 2014

Art by: Patrick Gleason and co.

Batman and Robin has long been my favorite comic of the Bat universe. It has been the most emotional and interesting of them all, in my opinion. Its main draw was the exploration of the relationship between Bruce and Damian, which was the best thing the Bat-itorial board had going on. It was fresh, exciting, and brought something inspired to the character and his mythos that had not been there before. Unfortunately, Damian was taken from us far too soon… tear….

Batman and Aquaman #20

Ra’s Al Ghul.

Rights of DC Comics. 2014

Art by: Patrick Gleason and co.

Since then, Bats has been on an enduring quest to reacquire his son, at all costs. Dragging Bruce through the stages of grief was a brilliant move and I whole-heartedly recommend revisiting that. Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason had a brief (and less than interesting) dalliance with Two-Face most recently, but Batman is back on the case, questing the globe to capture his son’s stolen corpse. This issue, he has Aquaman joining Bats as he chases Ra’s Al Ghul, who has both Talia and Damian’s empty husks.

I found this issue a good deal of fun. It isn’t the greatest Bat-tale around, but we get a driven and intelligent Batman detecting clues and kicking ass. There were plenty of kitschy touches that felt gratifying and stimulating. Having Batman travel with Damian’s dog Titus under the waves in a giant Bat-Manta ray or Ra’s hyper-growing clones of Damian in the wombs of whales made for a satisfying read. Similarly, keeping Aquaman quiet and pissed certainly aides to my enjoying his presence in any comic.

Overall, this is a quick but engaging read that combines the emotional heft of Bruce’s sorrow and the “ass-kickery” fun of an exhilarating Batman adventure. Plus, it’s only $2.99 and not overly dragging out a less interesting (in my opinion) “relationship with fathers” heavy Batman slog (I’m looking at you, Snyder).

Batman and Aquaman #20

Batman beats goons. Rights of DC Comics. 2014 Art by: Patrick Gleason and co.

Recommended

Batman ’66 #9

I just don’t care about this book. First story is about an escape artist that is using Batman and Robin as inspiration for her act. She kidnaps them, tries to kill them, and then uses their methods for her shows. Whatever… The second story is Alfred’s criminal twin brother supplanting him and attempting to steal the Wayne fortune. Blah, blah, blah.

Like I said, I don’t care. I’m sure it is great for somebody, but that somebody doesn’t live behind my eyeballs.

Not Recommended

Mini-Batarang Reviews: A sentence about other comics that came out and I have had the chance to read.

Daredevil #1 – Waid keeps the quality as DD tries and fails to manuever his new town, San Francisco. Great.

Fuse #2 – This space station murder mystery stays interesting. Enticed.

God is Dead#9 – The Australians and others begin to gather for war with Gaia. Pass.

Gravel Combat Magician #2 – No this wizard is better than we thoughtblablabla. Nope.

Letter 44 #5 – Every plot thickens, in space and at home. Psyched.

Ms. Marvel #2 – The story gets mildly more interesting. Whatevs.

Sex Criminals #5 – Some people are bailing, but I find the new permutations intriguing. Approve.

Superior Foes of Spider-Man #10 – New writer (temporary) tries to keep the same flavor and does an “ok” job. Decent.

Uncanny X-Men #19.Now – Oh No…Who’s out to get the X-Men? Average.

Undertow #2 – Better than the 1st issue, but I still have issues deciphering the characters and the action. Murky.

Wonder Woman #29 – The most consistent and arguably best DC book keeps rolling as the final battle is shaping up. Rock on.