BATMAN #23.3: PENGUIN by Frank Tieri and Christian Duce
I've never cared much for the character of The Penguin and largely bought this book as not to have a gap in my New 52 Batman collection. Luckily, it turned out rather well. We are offered a chilling glimpse into the life of a less than ethical casino owner. Penguin is quite the capable villain and takes deadly manners into his own hands in the first third of the book; he's more than just a fat guy barking orders from behind a desk. This isn't exactly the Kung Fu master you may remember from The Batman cartoon, but he can really hold his own. Tieri smartly sets this book in the present and doesn't retread any origin story. (If that's what you're looking for, pick up Penguin: Pain and Prejudice.) You do briefly get a look back at his childhood, but that's to establish his connection to the governor, whom he has a major beef with. Plus, if you tend to hear Nolan North's vocal interpretation of Penguin since playing Arkham City, it fits perfectly here.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how great Christian Duce's art is in this book. It wasn't that he just draws the characters well, which he does, but it's how he beautifully renders the scenery and creates an atmosphere. I really love it when artwork can suck you right in.
There was a part that was rather funny, to me at least. During one scene, Penguin is in a dark room and asks for "lights." When you turn the page, you get an advertisement for Green Lantern: Lights Out. I wonder if that was intentionally placed.
To wrap this up, this is a pretty good standalone character study that is worth your money as more than just a way to complete your Batman collection. Score: 7.5/10
ACTION COMICS #23.3: LEX LUTHOR by Charles Soule and Raymond Bermudez
Lex Luthor is one of my favorite villains and I've been waiting for a definitive story about him in the New 52. He's popped up here and there, he has a scar for some reason, and he's in jail. We've been offered brief glimpses at him, past and present, but not much of a connective tissue. There was an unfortunately curtailed arc in Action Comics by Andy Diggle and Tony Daniel that had great potential and at least turned out alright. I'm happy to say that Charles Soule does a commendable job here of trying to clean up Luthor's re-established continuity and it's probably my favorite book this week. One of the first things he does away with is the scar. (It's not ignored. Lex gets plastic surgery.) This one-shot won't be as character defining as Forever Evil, but it's a start.
Lex's egomanical quality is the heart of this issue. His unhealthy obsession with Superman is taken to a pathological end and he doesn't care who suffers. I don't want to spoil much, but how his hatred of Superman and his way of conducting business come together was pulled off well. In fact, the book ends right when he is ready to board the helicopter at the beginning of Forever Evil.
Up until now, I haven't been all that familiar with Charles Soule, although I'm aware of the rave reviews he's gotten for his current runs on Swamp Thing and Red Lanterns. Regardless of the fact that I already planned on reading next month's Superman/ Wonder Woman, you can now call me a Soule Man. Score: 8/10.
BATMAN AND ROBIN #23.3: RA'S AL GHUL AND THE LEAGUE OF ASSASSINS by James Tynion IV and Jeremy Haun
The first thing to say about this book is that it's illustrated by Jeremy Haun and not Jorge Lucas as originally solicited. That's no complaint because, much like the Riddler book he put out last week, Haun's art once again has that cinematic quality. Last week I said you could remove all the dialogue and still follow what's going on and that remains true here. If you really enjoy what he has to offer, you can follow him in Batwoman starting this November.
As for the writing side of things, I wasn't too impressed as I'm not much of a fan of Tynion. Nothing new is offered here on the origin front. An emissary of the Secret Society narrates as Ra's is shown carving a bloody path through history, with nods to previous comics and Batman Begins. Ra's refuses to bow to the Secret Society because it's just not in his nature. That's just fine because this book isn't important when it comes to Forever Evil and is really for readers of Red Hood and the Outlaws, also written by Tynion.
So buy this if you're collecting Red Hood, but you're otherwise fine if you own any Batman book with "Demon" in the title. Score: 6.5/10.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #23.2: LOBO by Marguerite Bennett and Ben Oliver
Alright, I know this is technically a book from last week, but I decided to purchase it because of all the commotion surrounding it. I'll admit right now that I've never really cared about Lobo, but I understand the complaints. However, if this character design had been used for Lobo's son, Lobo: Earth One, or a new character altogether, people would probably be talking about how awesome he looks and would cosplay the poop out of him. In fact, you'll probably see this at some cons in the next year.
I wasn't that sure if I would enjoy this issue, but you know what? I did. The voice of the character is kind of consistent with the classic Lobo and he is pretty bad @$$. The character voice I found in my head for this iteration is that of Luke Goss, so if you have him as your template this character might work a little more for you.
His ultimate goal in this book is to find someone that turns out to be (SPOILER) the classic Lobo, who is his impostor. He plans to follow this man to Earth to exact vengeance. I'm not sure if this will factor into his upcoming appearance in Supergirl starting this December. This issue is a bit of a quick read (you'll likely finish it in ten minutes), but it's worth your time and money. Score: 7.5/10.