Batman vs. Robin: “The Haunting of Wayne Manor”

Writer: Grant Morrison
Penciler: Andy Clarke
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Patrick Brosseau
Assistant Editor: Janelle Siegel
Editor: Mike Marts
Cover: Frank Quietly & Andy Clarke
Publisher: DC Comics

When I find Grant Morrison to be at his best is when he tames the wild imaginations that he is known for and concentrates all that energy into a single coherent idea. As funny as it sounds superhero comics don’t always mesh particularly well with the sort of insane situations that Morrison concocts. In the newest issue of Batman & Robin the writer manages to focus it all together and the results are a fantastic story that latches its hooks into you and takes you on a fun ride.

Writer: Mark Waid with Tom Peyer
Art: Paul Azaceta with Javier Rodriguez
Colors: Andres Mossa
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover: Michael Lark & Jodi Wynne
Variant Cover: Pasqual Ferry & Fabio D’Auria
Assistant Editor: Tom Brennan
Editor: Stephen Wacker
Executive Editor: Tom Brevoort
Executive Producer: Alan Fine

This latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man has had an adverse effect on me as it has finally made me realize a couple of things. First and foremost is that Spider-Man is in desperate need of some cohesiveness. There are just too many hands in the pot and what results is a strong arc followed by a weak arc and this causes the title to seem like it is all over the place. It sets off the balance on what is arguably Marvel’s most important title and most recognizable character. Secondly, this book also needs top notch creators to bring the story to life. Two writers and two artists would be ideal as the creative flow would theoretically benefit. On to the issue…

This issue can be summed up in three words: chaos, chaos, chaos!  Last issue saw The Carrier on a collision course with the planet Daemon, the planet of the Wildcats sworn enemies the Daemonites.  It was a great cliffhanger and set-up a precarious predicament for our heroes to say the least.

This closing chapter of Stark Disassembled ties up the loose ends of the man on the run opus that Matt Fraction has crafted and brings Tony “Iron Man” Stark back into the fold where he truly belongs. I can honestly spend this entire review praising Fraction for creating a truly epic tale of one of comics most beloved heroes but that wouldn’t tell you why I not only enjoyed this issue so much but this series as a whole.

The Mighty Avengers march towards their series conclusion and for all intents and purposes it appears that it will be with a significant bang. This issue was a fun romp through what felt like the olden golden days of comics. While it will definitely not be everyone’s cup of tea I thought it was a fun issue with some positive elements within.

Matt Fraction’s Iron Man is one long, continuing story in the style of Brubaker’s Captain America trilogy. Each arc can be read separately but the whole piece feels like one giant story where trade paperbacks aren’t a concern and all we have left to work with is nitty-gritty story. So when I reached the ending to this arc, I had to do a double take. Someone called it putting the genie back in the bottle and while appropriate, almost seems too forgiving of Tony’s actions.

Geoff Johns does an excellent job of finishing up Flash Rebirth.   The writing was solid as Barry Allen finishes up his battle with Professor Zoom while saving Iris West in the past.  The first half of the issue was filled with action and the second part was hinting at what various Flash villains could be up to in the near future.  Flash Rebirth definitely has an outstanding end to an overdue miniseries.

"Red Blade 2 of 3: Red Flags" (No Spoilers)

Writer: Adam Beechen
Pencils: Tim Seeley
Inks: Ryan Winn
Colours: Carlos Badilla
Letters: Wes Abbott
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Shannon Eric Denton & Scott Peterson
Cover by Mark Bagley & Trevor Scott
Published by Wildstorm

Another incredible issue from the new creative team!  This can be considered the “Empire Strikes Back” of this premiere 3-part arc that Adam Beechen and Tim Seeley have constructed.  Things do not bode well for our heroes.  They just witnessed The Red Blade forces defeat an entire fleet and now they’re returning to finish off our heroes! 

Review by Corwin C. Crowl

Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciler: Ivan Reis
Inkers: Oclair Albert & Joe Prado
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Cover: Reis & Albert
Variant: Rodolfo Migliari
Associate Editor: Adam Schlagman
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Published by DC Comics

Sinestro: Until Abin Sur.  When he was dying, he knew all this, didn't he?  That's why he came to this wretched world.  You let my friend die with everyone, with me, thinking him mad.