I love Llovet's art. Her name overrides what little will power I have when buying books, so I got this tpb when it popped up in my comic preorders as I love Llovet's art. Her name overrides what little will power I have when buying books, so I got this tpb when it popped up in my comic preorders as a new release of an older title. From Faithless to Luna to this and almost everything she's done, the main character looks the same. It was different in Porcelain and might be different in Crave, but I haven't started that yet, or Eros/Psyche. But I'm a fan. I love her style and it is consistent across everything I've read.
The stories tend to make me think about them to understand the underlying message. When I finished this, I was disappointed because it feels unfinished and like not what the blurb teased. This reads more like a teaser for a larger book. And there's even symbolism weaved in as usual - Donatien means God-given and his back tattoo - et lux in tenebris lucet- means: and the light shineth in the darkness. So I was coming up with theories of angels and vampires, but there ends up being nothing there. There's nothing supernatural to it at all.
This is a story of losing morals and being bad bc you jdgaf anymore. There are a ton of lose strings and what symbology is there gets lost (I could make an argument for the caged bird, and that the ultimate moral of the story is what drives a caged bird to madness, what could've stopped the madness, and what that madness looks like when it manifests, but...).
Look. It's art. And I love the art. So 4 stars for the art and the teaser of a story....more
My review of 32 is still relevant here, but under what seems to be more slow plodding and stretching the story to its seams, I picked up two interestiMy review of 32 is still relevant here, but under what seems to be more slow plodding and stretching the story to its seams, I picked up two interesting thoughts, which are spoilers, so . . .
((view spoiler)[Sebastian holds dominion over the he servants and can refuse them death as evidenced here with Chef. Does that hold any significance with the reanimated corpses? Perhaps something that devils can do organically and that humans are trying to reproduce? Or, and this leads to my second question - what happens when a grim reaper dies (which should be used loosely because I assume they're either already dead or not human so I'm not sure how death fits in with death reapers)? Do they have souls that could then pop into reanimated corpses? And that brings me back to my original second point: was a "dead" grim reaper in Layla's reanimated corpse? Is this awesome sort of warfare or a game between devils and grim reapers or someone else out there? Cat and mouse? Moose and Squirrel? ;) (hide spoiler)])
And that elevates this volume. I'm curious. But have wait . . . again. The life of a manga reader. I appreciate that we're at least getting a real story out of this, and more anime!...more
This Gothic Opera started in issue 1062 and is expected to conclude with issue 1089 around September 2024.
I'm uneasy with this pacing if we really onlThis Gothic Opera started in issue 1062 and is expected to conclude with issue 1089 around September 2024.
I'm uneasy with this pacing if we really only have 4 more issues. Initial reports said Ram V had 30 issues for this run, but now I seeing it'll be slightly less ("by design" according to Ram V).
This issue devotes a few pages here and there to certain plot points that will come together. It's similar to how we saw Catwoman put together the rescue mission, but without the slick running commentary. We have Selina and Joker - which, honestly, their relationship is intriguing and I would love a serious Catwoman/ Joker comic that digs into their origin. We have Batman donning black grease and a bloody red barbatos bat, and also turning to criminals for help. I saw another reviewer mention the ends justifying the means, and I was leaning toward that thought several issues back with the Question's actions. So, we're seeing that with Batman now, too.
I don't know how I feel about that. Batman talks about finding peace as Bruce and becoming one with his demons. So are we seeing these villains being accepted as part of his demons? Or is it him trying to prove to a Gotham that's forgotten him that it stills needs him? I mean, he even says, maybe the city doesn't need him. Selina points out all the good things to Joker. This is a Gotham that, on the surface, looks perfect. That should be a good thing.
But we know about the people under the city in chains and under control. With a reality engine distorting real reality and the Orghams in power, perhaps the ends of Batman (and Selina) embracing their demons and resorting to extremes will be justified. I'm curious to see what happens and am willing to let it unfold, but I'm definitely nervous about how this is going to happen in 4 issues. I also wonder what's going on with Talia and if that will come back into play.
In the secondary comic, we learn what kindness from Mr. Freeze looks like. Heads up - don't accept his kindness. Don't be the one person in the city he actually likes. Then again, if you are that one person, you may be the only thing keeping Gotham safe from him. ...more
From my 1083 review: "KAPOW! Awesome! The heart of the City has returned. But will she accept him? Or see him aThis Gothic Opera started in issue 1062.
From my 1083 review: "KAPOW! Awesome! The heart of the City has returned. But will she accept him? Or see him as a transplant? (Come on, he's her heart! Of course she's going to accept him!)I cannot wait for 1084!"
How I feel after reading 1084: ಠ_ಠ hm. (But still 5 stars)
He's back! He's back! They remember his name! Kind of. Coming out of a great issue 1083, we step into a much slower and teasing 1084, and not teasing in the best of ways. This issue wants us to remember what's happened thus far and think it through. And honestly, as much as I have loved this run, I don't want to think that hard right now, so I'm looking at it as a piece of the puzzle without thinking too hard on it. We need to remember Arzen and how his attitude toward this venture changed upon learning that Bruce Wayne was Batman, the feud between the Al Ghuls and Orghams, the reality engine, the road to saving Batman, the ear worm, the azmer...all of it.
It's all starting to tie together, but I don't think we get enough to see the emerging picture. We do get a nostalgic Batman story with punching, downtime with Jim, and more "evidence" handed to the Question, along with backstory full in of Bruce's time in the desert after reuniting with Talia (not crazy about the art there). And then we get a secondary story where Cass celebrates Festivus with her mother (It's time for the airing of grievances!). Ok, seriously, the secondary shows us how Cass is punishing her body out of her desperation to keep Batman alive in her memory and a reunion with her mother at the docks that ties into the "package" Talia received in the desert.
All in all, it's still telling the story, but we're at the beginning of the end, so it's setting the pieces up and definitely a few steps down from an amazing 1083. I do have theories, but want to see what 1085 has to say before I devote too much energy to them....more
Okay, so first, instead of reading 1082 & 1083 back to back, I opted to read and review 1082 first, which was This Gothic Opera started in issue 1062.
Okay, so first, instead of reading 1082 & 1083 back to back, I opted to read and review 1082 first, which was dumb because I spent so much time thinking deeper and being wrong about where the story was going in 1083.
Second, I was curious about the three males in the beginning - young, middle aged, and older - and who they represented. I recognized the names to an extent, but not as much as I'd like and wondered if it was a memory problem (which has been an issue for me lately). Anyway, I stumbled upon a review that I didn't read in case it contained spoilers and read the issue first. Then I read the review and it's pretty spot on. Here it is if you're interested (hidden with a spoiler tag to prevent the link from breaking up the text): (view spoiler)[ https://batman-news.com/2024/03/26/de...(hide spoiler)]
I can't say much without spoiling this issue because we get real movement. I fully expected that the battle with Dr. Hurt would continue on and Ram V would strip Batman raw. I was both right and wrong. And all I can say is that there is a scene where I felt like I could actually breathe again. It was refreshing and rejuvenating and exciting. And then there was a better scene that topped it! It's just excellent. And then another! Bravo!
The Question also makes progress and I got a chuckle out of a certain interaction. Almost forgot? (Haha - although that does make me wonder about the reality engine and its effect on that character. Hm.)
The Dr. Hurt side story wraps up and it's f'd up, man. I thought the Scarecrow was bad. This guy is scary. He actually reminds me of Ozymandias from Watchmen. I wonder if anyone else feels like that?
Ok, the rest goes to spoilers. (view spoiler)[ I sincerely thought we were going to get another issue with the third offer that would take Bruce down to primitive level of thinking and see him acting on basic instinct and suffering and maybe leaving us on a cliffhanger or him emerging victorious as the cliffhanger. The image of him sitting under the cherry blossom tree and knowing that symbolizes springtime and renewal and new beginnings, it felt like the setup for an epic final temptation. But it was over so quickly. I was actually disappointed because the pacing just seemed to change with a finger snap. But I was so excited because in the moment Bruce emerged from fake reality to real reality, or whatever is reality at this point, all of the tension and darkness that was wrapped up in the sands broke away and it felt like I could breathe like I said before. And you could feel the sunlight and what Bruce was experiencing. Like he emerged renewed. But I loved that once I got over the disappointment. Lol. I had completely forgotten about the dude in pink. The flamingo? Something? I can't remember. Anyway, I loved that scene, too, even if the "you're late" line is a bit cliched and overused. Here again, I was hoping maybe Catwoman would be behind the pink dude and then we would see Bats coming in hot, which would freshen up the cliche, but the scene worked nonetheless.
I found it interesting that he admitted to depending on Superman to be there if his life was ever truly in danger, and also to the level of trust he puts into him. There's a comment on a panel very near to that where he talks about the man who's always known what's truly under his skin, and because of seeing Superman, I think it's easy to believe that's who he's talking about. But I'd expect that he's talking about Alfred, so I wish we had gotten an image of Alfred like we did of Superman.
And then, lol, the question sneaking up on Gordon was just so fun. And her handing the evidence over to Jim so that he can basically give it to her when she's not the mask is also funny, but also shows a perversion of the justice system that is often exploited in comics with superheroes in particular. They turn over the bad guys no questions asked. Because they're heroes, the guys they're turning over must be bad, evidence or not.
But here she completely circumvents the justice system by illegally getting the evidence she needs so that she can anonymously turn it over to Jim Gordon who can then turn it back over to her as Renee Montoya Chief of Police who can then investigate it legally. ಠಿ_ಠ Catch all that? Either way, we're seeing support for the means justifying the ends - only this time, it can play out (on the surface) in the court of law. And then . . .
KAPOW! Awesome! The heart of the City has returned. But will she accept him? Or see him as a transplant? (Come on, he's her heart! Of course she's going to accept him!) I can't wait for 1084, but I have to because my comic shipment order is being processed and has been being processed for a few weeks now, and I don't even know if 1084 is in it even though it's probably waiting for me somewhere. Gotta love online shopping right? SIGH (hide spoiler)]...more
Batman's battle continues in the sands and The Question's investigation continues through the dark underbelly This Gothic Opera started in issue 1062.
Batman's battle continues in the sands and The Question's investigation continues through the dark underbelly being hidden as "cleansing".
Once again, the back and forth between Bruce's situation and The Question's investigation brings forth the visceral memory of Batman, and yet it's not just memory. It's Cass. Latched onto a singular thought that precedes Batman and therefore allows her to circumvent the reality engine.
I have two criticisms here. One is the way Cass is drawn. It's too cartoonish and over the top. But then I wonder if that's how the reality engine makes her appear to the people. Batman is an echo of a memory to them that they can't access. So does that mingle with the fear of the unknown to exaggerate her into a nightmarish vision that can't possibly be reality?
The second is . . . well crap. My memory problems have been particularly bad lately and my mind has gone completely blank. Hopefully it'll come back. I'll move on for now. (How convenient for the Orghams...ಠ_ಠ)
As I said in my review of 1081, Batman is the city and right now, Gotham is a city without a heart and it shows. The people deemed "worthy" walk the streets perhaps not knowing of the "cleansing" occurring beneath their feet and in the shadows. Perhaps that even feeds into a vague memory that continues to fade - violence in the shadows, only now that violence doesn't touch them, so it doesn't matter. And that allows the reality engine to gain more hold on them. The people being "cleansed", on the other hand, don't have that luxury. Batman the savior has been ripped from them, so everything is a nightmare.
And that ties right back to what Dr. Hurt is trying to get Bruce to believe - that he must become something that everyone fears to be effective (or to "win" as he puts it). Batman must always win.
The back and forth between perspectives, in this issue particularly, doesn't work as well as it did in 1081. The parallels are there, but you have to think about it to see them and that pulls you out of the story. But the art is awesomely done to juxtapose the two - the dreamy, gauzy fabric of Batman's "reality" vs the stark "reality" and colors of Gotham.
Finally, the back up, which, in this Gothic comic book opera isn't really a back up since it's an aside to the main, shows us what Batman is up against with Dr. Hurt. Of course we know he's there to misguide him, but the side story shows us just how brutally thorough and effective Hurt can be. He preys on people for fun, hitting them at their most vulnerable, and Batman is very much at his most vulnerable right now. I think it'd be easy to think that the mental protections Bruce has in place would be enough to save him in the end, but you have to wonder if those protections will hold up against Hurt, his own inner demons, the Azmer, and dying. At some point, he's not going to have a choice but to rely on primitive thinking and basic instinct, and neither of those things will take any of his training into account. I really do hope we get to see this because that will be truly interesting.
(And just to reiterate - I think this will read better in trades, and I fully expect Batman to emerge victorious, so this isn't about the destination to me, but for the journey.)
Edit to add: I don't know if this was point 2 or not, but I wish we got to see more of how the reality engine works and what's going on behind the scenes with the Orghams....more
The art is gorgeous but the story structure is odd, like trying to unwind a jumbled ball of knotty yarn. I didn't read the blurb before I bought it, sThe art is gorgeous but the story structure is odd, like trying to unwind a jumbled ball of knotty yarn. I didn't read the blurb before I bought it, so I went in blind and was pleasantly surprised, and confused, but that's ok. I'm looking forward to getting more of this; I'm all in. ...more
Ok, wow - way to bring Damian's nightmare into the foreground and bridge reality and mythos. I'm really glad IThis Gothic Opera started in issue 1062.
Ok, wow - way to bring Damian's nightmare into the foreground and bridge reality and mythos. I'm really glad I read 1080 and 1081 back to back. It reinforces how well this will read in trades. I love the art and the back and forth between Bruce's current situation and The Question's investigation, and seeing the visceral memory of Batman etched into Gotham like it's part of the architecture. The Orgham's can't erase him. They can't brainwash the people into forgetting. He's not just part of the city. He is the city. He's the heart. And the city can't function without him, especially not when the mother killed her son for having a heart - any message she puts out about being the new savior or whatever garbage will mean nothing when she has no heart to put into it, no replacement for what she's removed. There are so many layers to this and it's all played out so well so far. I can't help getting a bit scared going to into the end. Very few runs have been this deep and enjoyable, and even fewer have managed to stick the landing. The tie-in story was nice to give insight into Hurt, too, but the main was the definitely the main event....more
All of Selina's pieces fall into place as we could guess they would, and we finally see the cards she held cloThis Gothic Opera started in issue 1062.
All of Selina's pieces fall into place as we could guess they would, and we finally see the cards she held closer to her chest. The art and story structure works well to set and carry the tone, and to add an almost stop-motion action styling to it. Stop-motion might not be the right descriptor. It's like you can image the action is fluid between the panels, but then the frame stops on an impactful moment to let it sink in deeper in that particular moment. Anyway, it's an end we could expect to this arc, and it comes with a few potential surprises or perhaps some surprisingly enough sequences. (view spoiler)[Damn, that panel with Talia in the little boat was like seeing Charon on the river Styx ferrying the soul to its next destination. It was weird to see her referred to as the "last Al Ghul" because of Damian, but technically he's the last Wayne. (hide spoiler)] I thought the second story was a great tie-in as not just a story about Damian's nightmares, but as a mirror for Bruce's current state. With their masks they are super human heroes, but underneath lurks the heart, mind, and fear of a human. Damian isn't supposed to be scared. He's supposed to be in control of his mind. But he's a child still learning the skills his father built up over a lifetime and we've been watching those skills fail him. I think the takeaway is that humanity is the true thing to fear since it is the weakness that manifests fear, and yet it's also the one true thing beneath the mask with the heart that sets the moral compass so it's the strongest strength, as well, and one that must be safe guarded. To me, this story tells me that, as Damian stares down the monster that should have been in his head, his humanity has survived thanks to his relationship with his father, and that perhaps their family bond may give Bruce an anchor in reality when he needs it the most while fighting the monster within his head....more
I really enjoy Taylor's storytelling. This definitely does not disappoint. I had a literal, out loud, "Oh damn!" moment and I can't wait to gw(°ｏ°)w!!
I really enjoy Taylor's storytelling. This definitely does not disappoint. I had a literal, out loud, "Oh damn!" moment and I can't wait to get into volume 2. I opted not to get this title in comics because I knew it would read better as a trade and I think I made the right decision. I love every bit of this and how true all of the characters ring to their main continuity counterparts (as much as possible within story context). I'm not as sure about Jefferson's paranoia being true to Black Lightning, but I believe him as someone who wants to do what he believes is right to protect his people. (view spoiler)[I did not see Clark stabbing Bruce. ༼⁰o⁰；༽ I guess we're tapping into Red Son there a bit? Haha! And Green Lantern Luthor Joker? Awesome. (hide spoiler)] plus, the art is gorgeous....more
This is the first book in a long time that I have devoured and thoroughly loved. If I wasn't such a slow reader or a flesh sack in need of slw(°ｏ°)w!!
This is the first book in a long time that I have devoured and thoroughly loved. If I wasn't such a slow reader or a flesh sack in need of sleep, I would've read it all the way through in one sitting. That hasn't happened in decades. Even when I wasn't a slow reader. I had parts teased out, but didn't see so much of this coming. That made it so much more delightful. I'm kind of in shock. I want more by this author. Brilliant....more
Because of the prose and lengthy sentences, I was painfully aware that I was reading words on paper throughout this novella. But, I had a sense of dejBecause of the prose and lengthy sentences, I was painfully aware that I was reading words on paper throughout this novella. But, I had a sense of deja vu throughout the beginning, meaning that I must have read this in my youth when I was far more interested in (and capable of) reading the literary greats, and there's no arguing this story's impact on the horror genre. However, MS has impacted my reading ability and I simply didn't enjoy this as much I once might've.
That said, the story itself is fascinating to research, and its impact on both horror writing and in pop culture is immeasurable. Were the ghosts real? Was the governess unstable? I really wanted to love this. And after all the research and cliff notes (which, if you want to enjoy the story without suffering the writing - which is obviously very subjective - find a good cliff notes version), I do love the story. I can see the case for either; however, my thoughts on the end, coupled with reading a cliff notes summary (and given my thoughts on Shirley Jackson's Haunting of Hill House), have me leaning in one direction over the other. (view spoiler)[I personally believe she was unstable and made quick summations throughout the book without having the facts, which then became firm truths in her mind. She shared these with the housekeeper and began embellishing, and terrified the children until she scared Miles to death. (hide spoiler)]
I do wish James had finished the novella by coming full circle back to his characters in the beginning. I think that would've given a more polished ending and could have been done without ruining the intended ambiguity.
The story is fantastic. It's just difficult for me to read....more
We finally see the plans put into action. Azriel, in particular, makes a fantastic entrance. However, there's something just off in this this issue, aWe finally see the plans put into action. Azriel, in particular, makes a fantastic entrance. However, there's something just off in this this issue, and it could (probably will be) addressed in the next part of the Intermezzo, but it feels incomplete, and for the first time, the "backup" doesn't seem to tie into the main. I suspect (hope) it does actually support a part of Catwoman's plan that we aren't privy to quite yet. But there are multiple places where I was left a little confused - perhaps that is the point of the chaos, though. We're sucked into it as much as the characters are, but in something like this, it's not quite as much fun to read knowing there's another week until part 4. I continue to maintain that this is outstanding, but will read better in trades. (This Gothic Opera started in issue 162.)...more
The Intermezzo continues with Outlaw Part 2 and a rather dramatic opening with art that fits the tone perfectly. Then we see Catwoman putting a plan tThe Intermezzo continues with Outlaw Part 2 and a rather dramatic opening with art that fits the tone perfectly. Then we see Catwoman putting a plan together in a better use of her character and talents than I've seen in her own title this year (Finally!!). The story continues. I'm impressed with the amount of time DC invested in this project. It hasn't been a quick event and has steadily delivered. It actually deserves to be called an event. The backup is a little ditty starring Shoes and Grundy. I'm a little surprised, but not surprised to see who her mother is,l. I mean, it makes sense, and I think I probably already knew it, but my brain forgets things. Anyway, it ties another character into the overall plan. Aside from Nightwing, this is the best Bat-fam title right now. (This gothic Opera started in Detective Comics 1062.)...more
A perfect conclusion as the movie's prequel. Art, styling, narrative, tone, content, pacing - the people involved in this project truly understand theA perfect conclusion as the movie's prequel. Art, styling, narrative, tone, content, pacing - the people involved in this project truly understand the purpose and importance of context. I saw the movie 3 times in the theater and numerous times since, and every issue in this series is a mini dive back in, and you can start the movie exactly where this ends. Queue "Ava Maria" now. Well done. (?・o・)σ
I hope DC invests in higher quality content like this in future projects and opts for fewer quick and shoddy (shameless) money grabs. ...more
If you're new or jumping back on, we're in the midst of a Gothic Opera that started in issue 1062.
We have reached Act II's Intermezzo. I'm not a fancyIf you're new or jumping back on, we're in the midst of a Gothic Opera that started in issue 1062.
We have reached Act II's Intermezzo. I'm not a fancy opera person, so I looked it up: a light dramatic, musical, or other performance inserted between the acts of a play. And that's what we have. There are 4 stories here that all connect back to where 1075 left off. At first I was put off by some of the art, and then the genius of what Ram V is pulling off hit me (and I felt sheepish for not seeing it sooner), and I realized the little ditties and the looser, lighter art all play into a literal comic intermezzo!
DC has done their main with backup comics for so long that I didn't consider each comic issue in this event to be equally important to the story. What I'd perceived as backups all tied into the main and I liked that effort had finally given into decent secondary storytelling. But it's not really secondary. It's supplemental, yes, but it all connects. It's all part of the opera. This is just amazing. Definitely a gamble for DC, but a good one (at least for me!).
Still along for the ride. Just when I start to think I'm getting tired and wish this would move a little faster, something catches my eye and reminds me to ignore the destination and enjoy the journey. I've never read a comic like this.
I still maintain that it'll read better in trades, though. ...more
If you're new or jumping back on, we're in the midst of a Gothic Opera that started in issue 1062.
I was really torn while I read the main in regards tIf you're new or jumping back on, we're in the midst of a Gothic Opera that started in issue 1062.
I was really torn while I read the main in regards to pacing, art, and content. It all fits just fine; there was something...just a little something missing, and I thought that this whole opera will read so much better in trades. And *then* came the backup, and, holy heck Batman, the missing piece fell into place. Soul sucking sadness. The turns of phrasing are so Poe-esque. This was the perfect backup for this issue. ...more
After a chaotic volume 9, this is cleanly drawn and the pace slows, just a bit. The opening pages give us a refresher on the happenings in 9 while alsAfter a chaotic volume 9, this is cleanly drawn and the pace slows, just a bit. The opening pages give us a refresher on the happenings in 9 while also picking up right where the flashback left off before taking us back to Guideau and the (creepy) child and ghost doll. Through Matt, we meet the enigmatic leader of the Executioners, and we witness the coven's cruelty in their search for the creepy child. We get a well rounded glimpse of how the Order's allies are handling the situation, including some of the newer allies, and some more character development. Ashaf is busy behind the scenes and life seems quite ordinary for Guideau by comparison to everything else (all things considered). There's even a rather sweet scene, at least on the surface since we don't really know what's happening there. The doll seems to have some thoughts, but she's not telling us. Bring on 11!...more
This is definitely the strongest issue without Murphy's art. The story shines through as the kids try to save their dad with the FBI and Mom and Riot This is definitely the strongest issue without Murphy's art. The story shines through as the kids try to save their dad with the FBI and Mom and Riot (Neo Joker) on their heels. There are some great twists in here. Love this universe and looking forward to the next issue....more
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