This is the first article of its kind, expect more in-depth reviews to come from Knight News. Here are reviews for comics that released the last two weeks on October 28 and November 4 rated on a scale from 1 (Absolutely Awful) to 5 (Absolutely Perfect):
All-Star Section Eight #5 – Grade: 2.5
The fifth book in this six-issue series comes off confusing, and despite the occasional humor and charm, it is really hurt by the lack of direction. While the art is something to admire, the book’s dialogue struggles to keep pace. With only one issue remaining, this may have been a series that DC comics was right to limit to only 6.
Aquaman #45 – Grade: 4.0
Aquaman finds himself alone on a scarcely-inhabited distant planet in this literal fish-out-of-water story. The art is really the most outstanding part of this issue as page by page gives you a deeper look into exactly how alone Aquaman is. The dialogue is minimal for this issue, but it didn’t really need a lot of talking to eventually get its major plot point across. The slow pacing is the only thing that slightly hurts what is an enjoyable read.
Art Ops #1 – Grade: 4.1
It is always surprising to come across something as fresh and new as Vertigo’s Art Ops. The premise for this story is different in the best way imaginable, but at times it seemed like the story was trying to stuff a lot of information into one issue. Nevertheless, Art Ops has the potential to be an excellent book every month with DC’s Vertigo revamp firing on all cylinders.
Batgirl #45 – Grade: 3.6
It was wedding time for Barbara Gordon’s best friend, but of course there was no way that was going off without a hitch. Insert Dick Grayson, who has returned to wreak havoc on Batgirl’s day and ruin her newest relationship. The time spent between Batgirl and the former Robin has been a long time coming, but this issue seemed to be a more of a transitional story and nothing new was really said.
Batman and Robin Eternal #4 – Grade: 4.0
Strong writing from the likes Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV make this book a good read and really enhances the story after the previous three issues seemed to fall a little flat. The rapid pacing and multi-page fight scene definitely serve to highlight the entire Bat family.
Batman and Robin Eternal #5 – Grade: 4.4
The mystery of Tim Drake and his family is revealed following a visit from Dick Grayson. The ensuing pages give a lot of details to what kind of person Tim Drake is and the Bluebird/Cassandra Cain side story compliments the book and doesn’t get lost everything else that is happening.
Batman Detective Comics #46 – Grade: 4.6
Jim Gordon’s Batman is really fun when interacting with the Justice League and this issue highlights that to the utmost extent. The main story is mishandled a little midway through, but altogether it feels like a fun side-story issue. While there aren’t any important twists or consequences involved, Jim Gordon’s differences from Bruce Wayne as Batman are really highlighted in the perfect way.
Cyborg #4 – Grade: 2.9
The first real hiccup for Cyborg’s first-ever solo comic as this issue can’t seem to balance everything that is happening. The panels jump to different sets of characters and quickly becomes frustrating to piece together a full conversation. Given the success of the first few issues, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the next issue get everything back on track.
The Darkseid War: Batman – Grade: 4.7
This one-shot story branches off of the current Justice League Darkseid War storyline and how exactly Batman is using his new godly powers to control Gotham. The character driven story really hits all the right notes as Gotham struggles to adjust to an absolute Batman with absolute control. Batman has always been an intense character, but the Mobius chair really sends him over the edge and this book does a good job capturing that. The art certainly keeps with the dark tone of the story and serves as a perfect match for the dialogue.
The Darkseid War: Flash – Grade: 4.6
Another one-shot from the Justice League’s Darkseid War that is strong on every level, especially in regards to its character analysis. The Flash has merged with the Black Racer and become the God of Death and his inner struggle is very well written. Some aspects of Barry Allen want to fight this new normal while others are determined that this is what is right for the rest of the world. This issue also does a good job leading the reader on and blurring the lines between what Barry wants and what the Black Racer wants.
The Darkseid War: Superman – Grade: 3.9
Superman’s one-shot does not fare as well as the Flash and Batman’s does with his return to Metropolis failing to make an emotional impact. Superman returns and has his eyes on the pie, not prize, pie. A dark solar-energy powered Superman’s first errand is to grab a slice of pie from his favorite diner. Luckily, Jimmy Olsen’s interaction with the Man of Steel gives the story a boost and keeps it from being unreadable. A darker tone would have likely proven more fruitful for readers and it wouldn’t feel distinctly separated from the Darkseid War.
Deathstroke #11 – Grade: 3.7
Artist Tyler Kirkham does an excellent job at drawing Deathstroke and his acquaintances as Slade finds himself dealing with the Suicide Squad once again. Deathstroke’s relationship with his estranged children has been somewhat interesting at times, but where this book really prevails is when he’s focused on his next contract. The stakes at hand for this issue come off as empty threats and that plays a role in the book’s tiresome pace.
The Flash #45 – Grade: 3.4
The Flash has been really up and down with this Zoom arc and hit a low when the cliffhanger of the previous issue failed to pay off. While everyone else is freaking out about how to solve the problem at hand, Wally West figures it out and saves the day really abruptly. The best part of this arc thus far is how Zoom has been built up, hopefully his eventual clash with The Flash will have actual consequences moving forward.
Gotham by Midnight #10 – Grade: 4.2
Nearing the end of its run, Gotham by Midnight picked up the pace in a big way and is definitely approaching a satisfying closure. This issue set up a lot of moving pieces and falling action which included a heavy presence from the Spectre. Supernatural elements are regularly tackled in a good way by DC Comics, but they have most certainly got it right when it comes to Gotham by Midnight.
Grayson #13 – Grade: 4.6
This run for the all-grown-up Robin has been nothing short of enjoyable and this week delves further into the mystery that is the Spyral agency. A small appearance from the Midnighter also makes things lively for the issue as Grayson finds himself tracking down the secrets of the people that hired him. This double agent story is yielding great results and it will be interesting to see how it continues to develop.
Green Arrow #46 – Grade: 3.3
Ollie finds himself paired with Tarantula across the border in Juarez taking on the Skeleton Cartel. Artist Patrick Zircher shines in this issue with his 5-page fight sequence and stylistic approach to the city of Juarez. The story progression is rather slow though and the book drags on until the aforementioned fight scene.
Green Lantern #46 – Grade: 3.7
Hal Jordan returns to Relic to hand over Black Hand and stop him from turning more worlds into stone. While the conclusion is a bit too succinct, this issue handled all the juggling pieces well enough to deliver upon the original mystery. Green Lantern has found new life again and the rouge revamp elicits a space cowboy vibe from the former space cop.
Justice League 3001 #5 – Grade: 3.6
Abrupt storytelling and plot miscues have this very smart premise struggling to get off of the ground. Guy Gardner’s character has a mystery that seems to be leading itself to bigger and better things which is good news, but the bad news is that the Lois Lane plotline will likely take precedence. The book hasn’t explained in full why Lane is so evil, so when that pays off, it better pay off in a major way.
Prez #5 – Grade: 4.7
Prez displays political satire at its finest and this issue really paid dividends when it comes to laughs. This issue sees the Prez going on a worldwide apology tour for America and the search for a vaccine for the cat flu. The only problem with this book is the occasional disconnect when it transitions from one location to the next.
Robin: Son of Batman #5 – Grade: 3.8
Laced with more emotion than usual for a book with Damien Wayne involved, this issue was a welcome change for Robin. Talia al’Ghul always manages to shake things up for Damien, but the crass and uncaring mannerisms from him make him seem more independent than ever. The villain for this issue is dispatched much too easily though and was more of a way to bring together Damien and Talia.
Sinestro #16 – Grade: 4.1
The interactions between Black Adam and Sinestro is easily a good enough reason to pick up this book. The mystery of the Paling makes for a fun read and the reveal at the end of the book sets up something huge on the horizon. The art also evokes an Egyptian vibe which helps set the tone for the story given the setting and presence of Black Adam.
Superman #45 – Grade: 4.4
Powered down Superman has made this one of the most memorable runs for the Man of Steel in the last few years. The human emotion Superman displays week in and week out feels realistic and his new points of view serve to separate Clark Kent from the rest of the human race as he becomes down to earth. Similarities between this new Superman and old Batman are perhaps the most surprising thing about the story as a whole. The Man of Steel’s morals aren’t what they used to be which leaves a lot of uncharted territory to cover.
Survivor’s Club #2 – Grade: 3.7
Survivor’s Club is the most chilling story in Vertigo’s new lineup, but at the same time, there is a lot of confusion regarding what is actually happening. The dialogue is definitely hitting the creepy tone that the writers want it too, but it feels as though there is more that needs to be explained regarding some character’s motivation. This issue takes steps in the right direction, however it hasn’t quite reached its highest quality level yet.
Unfollow #1 – Grade: 4.6
From the very beginning, it is clear that this story is well thought out and carefully calculated while remaining relevant and topical. 140 characters will receive a portion of a social media site creator’s fortune and have been welcomed to his island on the Bahamas to celebrate. That doesn’t sound too good to be true or anything right? The artistic style bounces around throughout the book while keeping pace with the good amount of characters being introduce. Unfollow’s strong start proves that it has the potential to be a big hit for DC Comics and Vertigo.
We are Robin #5 – Grade: 4.5
Major reveals were finally made in regards to the identities of all of the different Robins as this is likely the strongest issue of the book to date. We are Robin is gearing up just in time as the Robin War event is coming up in December and there was a lot of backstory that needed to be established. This issue was light on action, but with the reveals coming in throughout, it was nice to not have a fight take away from important exposition.
