Batman Confidential #50: Jerry Bingham Returns

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, DC Comics,

If there’s one comic book I’m really looking forward to in November, it’s Batman Confidential #50. For starters, it’s the first of a 5-part story by writer Marc Guggenheim, the executive producer of the upcoming super-hero TV series No Ordinary Family. That would have me at the comic store anyway.

But what’s going to get me there on November 3 is that the art (and cover) is by my pal Jerry Bingham (artist on Batman: Son Of The Demon, one of the great graphic novels of all time). DC’s promo copy says Jerry’s drawing Batman “for the first time in more than 20 years,” and who am I to argue?

I’ve known Jerry for years – I’ve commissioned covers from him on comics I’ve edited and written. And he was a design-and-color consultant in the early days of the Ultraverse, so I got to hang with him nearly every day and watch him work. I can’t wait for this.

This 56-page issue stars “a younger, more maverick Batman as he faces a foe who had once tangled with the Justice League of America in the Orient!” The back-up JLA story ties in with Marc and Jerry’s lead.

I’m already in line.

[Artwork: Cover to Batman Confidential #50 by Jerry Bingham, © DC Entertainment]

Marvel Comics Review: Amazing Spider-Man #610

Posted by David Torres Categories: Reviews, Marvel Comics,

Rating: *** 1/2*

This issue was a lot of fun. It was fast paced and it had non-stop action, which is good for the final issue of a comic book storyline. I also enjoyed the artwork this time; maybe I just grew accustomed to it, but the artwork didn’t bother me as much here in this issue as it did in the others.

Well, I called it in my last review when I said that Kaine would interrupt the stand-off between Peter Parker and Raptor so Peter wouldn’t have to reveal his identity; however, Kaine is there to assist the Raptor - not Peter. We also the flashback to the time when Ben Reilly confronted Raptor (then known as Damon Ryder) in his house - the same house that we know will burn down and kill his family. So we have a two fights playing out back and forth - Kaine showed up during that fight as well. Writer Marc Guggenheim does a nice job of jumping back and forth between the past and the present as well as building up a suspense to final outcome of both stories.

Screwball also shows up again as Spider-Man sets her up for a fight, but it really was a planned diversion for his confrontation with Raptor. This distraction enables Peter to free Harry Osborn and his cousins so that he can change into Spider-Man. Raptor is curious as to why Spider-Man continues to show up to help “Ben Reilly.” Kaine answers that question by pulling off Spider-Man’s mask. The clone situation is explained to Raptor, but Kaine says that Peter is the clone. I think Kaine explains it this way as an excuse for Raptor to take out his revenge on Peter. Raptor may not want to attack Peter if he knew that Ben was really a clone. Just my theory on this situation.

Click to continue reading Marvel Comics Review: Amazing Spider-Man #610

Marvel Comics Review: Amazing Spider-Man #609

Posted by David Torres Categories: Reviews, Marvel Comics,

Rating: *** 1/2*

Part one of the “Who was Ben Reilly” story arc left me a bit disappointed two weeks ago.  This week, the story continues and picks up right where we left off.  This issue was a much better read as there wasn’t as much silliness here in this issue than there was in the last.  For whatever reason the silliness annoyed me and here we have some serious action with a sprinkling of the Spider-Man wit mixed in. 

When we last saw Spider-Man, he was fighting Kaine at Raptor’s abandoned hide out.  Spider-Man wants to know the connection as to why Kaine has showed up at the same time Raptor has shown up thinking Peter is really Ben Reilly.  Kaine reveals to Spider-Man that he is not here to fight him, but is instead looking for Raptor aka Damon Ryder as he maybe the only man who can stop his cellular degeneration. 

Click to continue reading Marvel Comics Review: Amazing Spider-Man #609