DAMIAN: SON OF BATMAN #1 by Andy Kubert
The first thing everyone needs to know is that this is intended to be a "what if" story. Kubert conceived this book all the way back in 2008, but was unable to get around to it until recently. Whenever I see someone link an article having to do with this story on Facebook it opens up the usual flood of comments like "but Damian just died!" Guess what? He's still dead. This story is obviously written and drawn with a pre New 52 universe in mind. (Just check out those costumes.) I just want to know why it says "The New 52!" on the cover.
We're all familiar with Andy Kubert as an artist first and foremost and he most assuredly puts forth his best effort as an artist as always. The hot topic going into this series was whether or not he would be a good writer. After being less than thrilled with his Joker one-shot during Villains Month, I had some significant trepidation regarding this story. It's not the greatest writing in the world, but it's not bad either. The storytelling itself is intriguing, but dialogue isn't the man's strong suit. Some of it has that "thinking out loud" quality of comics of decades past. On the plus side, it doesn't commit the Silver Age sin of ending every sentence with an exclamation point!
This inaugural chapter focuses on Damian's journey to becoming Batman. So yes, he's still Robin for the entirety of the issue. His interaction with Talia and Ra's was pretty interesting. We see a flashback of Damian's conception in which Bruce is wearing nothing but his cowl. Said panel looked like something straight out of an Axel Braun film. Also, am I the only one that hears Kevin Conroy's voice when reading for a mature Damian?
Being a fan of Damian Wayne as Batman stories, I'm going to stick it out for the rest of the series. It's not a perfect comic, but if you like alternate takes on the Batman timeline, it's definitely worth a look. There's also a BIG surprise on the final page that makes me wonder where this story will go.
Score: 7.5/10.
SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 SPECIAL #3 by Bryan Q. Miller and Beni Lobel
If you haven't picked up a Smallville Season 11 Special, they're basically interlude chapters that spotlight supporting characters; a meanwhile of sorts that shows what key players are up to while Superman is having his adventures. The second special was the only Season 11 comic to date that I didn't care for and I'm glad this installment is on par with the main series.
This particular story focuses on the deadly sibling rivalry between Lex Luthor and the newly converted to an artificial intelligence Tess Mercer. After being purged from Lex's mind, Tess has basically become the Cortana of Smallville. An interesting element presented was her interaction with Dr. Emil Hamilton. The two were kind of romantically linked at the tail end of the TV series. They still get along well, but he's going to have to forever enjoy the friend zone for obvious reasons. If you've missed Black Canary and Speedy, you'll be pleased to know that they make cameos.
You don't necessarily have to buy this book because it's not vital to the main story. However, if you thought Michael Rosenbaum was the greatest live action Lex Luthor ever just as I did, then this is a must read. Miller captures his essence rather well and it's great to see the character after such a lengthy absence from the main title. It also doesn't hurt that Lobel's renderings of the characters are closer to their live action counterparts than most artists who have worked on the series.
Score: 8.5/10.
THE SANDMAN OVERTURE #1 by Neil Gaiman and JH Williams III
I openly admit that I'm largely unfamiliar with the writings of Neil Gaiman. Furthermore, I'm not exactly a "fantasy" type of guy. Knowing those two things about me will perhaps give you an appreciation of my approval for this book. Within these pages, Gaiman weaves a highly imaginative and poetic tale that makes you wonder why the Sandman franchise hasn't been adapted to a live action or animated film. I had to smile within because his narrative evokes the quality of various classic works I read as a boy for literature assignments. The man has a real talent for transporting the reader. It's hard to tell if he loves writing more for comics or novels.
If you're someone that follows my reviews, then you know I am one to gush over artwork. Believe me, there's a lot to gush over here. Williams is a great artist, but there is an aspect of his art that made me nervous before opening this book- his layouts. Granted he puts a lot of thought into them, but I sometimes found them hard to follow in Batwoman. I was quite pleased that while his layouts in this book were quite creative, they were very easy to follow. The surrealism is great. He may have won many hearts during his Batwoman days, but Sandman is the book Williams was born to draw. Just wait until you feast your peepers on his impressive gatefold at the end of the issue.
If you're a curious new reader or have long awaited Gaiman's return to the character, this book is well worth the $4.99 cover price. Don't wait for the trade. This baby is bound to win an Eisner or two.
Score: 8.5/10.