Comic Book Rebel Reviews for 8/08/12
- Details
- Published on Monday, 13 August 2012 04:22
- Written by Kevin
This was a light week in comic releases. From the look of my pull list Marvel and DC Comics decided to hold back all there releases for next week. In any case, some comics did come out this week including two comics that have been strong under the radar comics. These comics are Batman and Robin #12 and Captain America #16. Both have been good reads since relaunching. Will that continue? Let’s find out.
Batman and Robin #12
Creative Team
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Colorist: John Kalisz
Story Rating: 6 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Review
After a long eight issue arc that explored the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian Wayne we were taken back to basics with this 3 issue arc titled “Terminus.” While this return to a three issue arc is refreshing the way things end with Batman and Robin #12 was underwhelming. Though it had all the flavors of a fun comic it lacked that final ingredient that made it fully satisfying.
What Peter Tomasi is able to continue to solidify with Batman and Robin is that it is the comic for those looking for a Batman comic that is more of an adventure story. Tomasi is able to give us a lot of fast paced action that does not drag down the story he is trying to tell. He is able to mix action and character development well as we continue to see how Bruce and Damian develop as the new Dynamic Duo. At the same time, he is able to give us a taste of how different all of Bruce’s protégés are from one another as Dick, Tim, Jason and Damian have distinct personalities that almost reflect one part of who Bruce is.
The thing that the issue does lack is the fact that Terminus turned out to be a dud. Though the villain is given a distinct look with its suit and army he was never more than the “I’m a bad guy so fight me Batman”-type villain. At this point, Batman is a character like Spider-Man and Superman that when a writer introduces a new villain there has to be something more than just a different look. With such a deep roster of villains if a villain like Terminus cannot match other established villains he will not be anything more than that bad guy of the week, which is what he turned out to be.
On the up side, Patrick Gleason provided great animated artwork. I love the art that Gleason continues to provide for the series. It is artwork that looks like it is inspired from Batman: The Animated Series with his own tweaks to the character design. This type of art lends itself well for the more action/adventure story Tomasi gives us as the reader. Seeing things like all the Robins team up and later stand next to one another felt and looked special thanks to how Gleason drew the scenes.
Overall: The end of the “Terminus” arc is a comic that was missing one piece to finish off the puzzle. Unfortunately, that piece turned out to be crucial to a successful story as the villain, Terminus, was a forgettable villain that did not leave a mark. The saving grace for the story of this issue is that Tomasi continues to do an excellent job when it comes to developing the relationships within the Batman Family. Whether it's Bruce and Damian or Dick, Tim, Jason and Damian all of the dynamics that are at play are well handled. The addition of Gleason’s distinct artwork the Batman and Robin #12 is still fun but failed to reach its full potential.
Captain America #16
Creative Team
Writers: Ed Brubaker and Cullen Bunn
Artist: Scott Eaten
Inkers: Rick Magyar, Rick Ketcham and Mark Pennington
Colorists: Guru EFX and Wil Quintana
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 7.5 Night Girls out of 10
Review
In an industry filled with action superhero comics what Ed Brubaker is able to do to separate Captain America from the pack is that he gives a great feeling of importance to the action. While the action in Captain America #16 is not the flashiest but when we get to see Captain America being mobbed by the same people he has sworn to protect it becomes much more impactful. Not only that but having the nation’s capital serve as the backdrop of this chaotic situation that Captain America and his team find themselves in only serves to intesify the dramatic feel of this issue.
What I love most about this direction that Brubaker is taking this arc is the fact that while Captain America is the star of the issue we get just as much time dedicated to Falcon and Sharon Carter. As the two most important supporting characters that Captain America has it is great to see how they are able to help further other parts of the story that are going on at the same time Cap deals with all of the chaos that surrounds him. Sharon specifically is given a cool scene stealing part in the issue that could set up a badass battle for her character to be involved in, if the next issues cover is any indication.
For his part, Scott Eaten continues to deliver solid artwork that is at home with the chaotic situation Cap and his supporting cast find themselves in. From how he draws the crazy mob scene to Sharon and Dum Dum Dugan going all super spy on some agents there is pleasant flow to all of the artwork.
Overall: As we reach closer to the end of Ed Brubaker’s run on Captain America there is clearly no sign of this comic slowing down. Captain America #16 is another example of how Brubaker is able to mix in strong action with great character. Every character has something to do in this issue that all feel important to the bigger picture of the story. With what this issue establishes the next issue of Captain America everything is set for a strong ending for this story.
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Kevin started reading comics as a kid when he watched the first episodes of Batman: The Animated Series and Spider-Man: The Animated Series. When he is not reading and writing about comics you can find Kevin as the destroyer of worlds, champion of fighting tournaments and ace Madden player on the PS3. You can catch up with Kevin and all his thoughts at the following links:
Twitter: @KevinL007
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Formspring: @KevinL007
Batman and Robin