Batman Family Giant #13 (2026 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

In 1974, DC Comics unveiled a new anthology series called Superman Family. Though Superman was featured on the very first issue, the series centered on the adventures of friends and family of the Man of Steel. Superman Family served a financial purpose for DC as they cancelled the titles devoted to Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane and Supergirl individually and merged them into a giant sized publication for the affordable cover price of 60 cents. Numbering of the series picked upon that  issue #164 of Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen.

A huge success, DC followed up with the anthology formula with Batman Family the following year. Unlike Superman Family, the numbering for the new series began with #1. A few issues later, it was rebranded as Batman Family Giant. The exploits of Vicki Vale, Alfred Pennyworth and the Huntress were regular subjects along with reprints. The first main feature was a monthly team-up of Batgirl and the Dick Grayson Robin. Their first pairing was supposed to be featured in an issue if 1st Issue Special. However, once it was decided to create the Batman sister anthology, editors decided that the Boy Wonder and Batgirl combo would be an excellent selling point with readers. 

Beginning at issue #11, Man-Bat was also made a main feature of the title. An attempt had been made to feature the Jekyll and Hyde type character into a superhero in his own title. However, the idea proved unpopular and the series was cancelled after issue #2. However, as there were still several Man-Bat stories on tap that had yet to be published, the idea was to burn those stories in the pages of Batman Family.

Eventually, Robin and Batgirl, billed as the Dynamite Duo were fated to team with Man-Bat. 

In this issue, both Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon are gifted a new motorcycle. There's no note or indication who sent it. But it intrigues both sleuths, who don their costumes and decide to take their new choppers for a spin. This turns out to be a massive mistake as once they mount their new rides, their arms are essentially handcuffed to the handlebars. Then the motorcycles go into automatic pilot mode, and once in New York City, the two heroes meet, Travelling at speeds well exceeding the speed limit Robin and Batgirl about to play a most deadly game of chicken.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kirk Langstrom is trying to settle into his new role as superhero. Making a new start in the Big Apple, Langstrom has perfected his genetic serum, allowing his body to change into the Man-Bat while keeping his level headed Langstrom personality.

Staying sane as the Man-Bat hasn't been easy. In his most recent experience, a gang armed with a special type of flashlight was able to transform the Man-Bat into a savage jaguar creature. On his latest patrol of the city, Man-Bat runs afoul of the gang with the specialized light source. Knowing that he'll never be free until he can destroy that lantern, the new found hero goes in for the attack. Disarming the the gang, Man-Bat makes a leap for the device. Only another player has taken control of it: the Outsider! 

A classic foe from the 1960s, the Outsider was originally the resurrected Alfred Pennyworth, devoted butler to Bruce Wayne. The process that revived Alfred changed his psyche to wanting to kill Batman and anyone associated with him. It also changed his appearance with his skin becoming chalk white and covered in boils. Able to telekinetically control matter, it's very likely that the Outsider is behind the attack on Robin and Batgirl. Only it doesn't add up. Alfred Pennyworth hasn't reverted to the Outsider persona in years. Has Pennyworth gone mad again? Or has a new player found the key to becoming one of Batman's most deadliest of does?

Published roughly 8 times a year, Batman Family Giant survived until late 1978. Ultimately cancelled with issue #20, the series originally was to survive the infamous DC implosion. Batman Family Giant was actually outselling Detective Comics at the time. Execs actually planned to cancel Detective Comics. Artists and writers protested the loss of such an iconic title and thus Batman Family Giant got the axe. In a sort of compromise, Robin, Batgirl and Man-Bat's adventures were continued in Detective Comics, now given the 'Giant' moniker as the page count was upped to 68 with a $1.00 price tag. After 15 issues, the series lost the extra word and pages 'effectively cancelling Batman Family for good'.

'The Man Who Melted Manhattan' was written by the Answer Man, Bob Rozakis. Artwork was attributed to Don Newton, Marshall Rogers and Bob Wiacek. This issue is notable as being the first professionally published work by eventual Batman Norm Breyfogle, who submitted a redesigned Robin uniform in a portfolio display titled 'Robin's New Look?' in the back of the book. 

Completing this review completes Task #12 (Batman Comic from the 1970s) of the 2026 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Showcase Presents: Batgirl, Vol. 1 (2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

It's Spring of 1967. The novelty of ABC's live-action comic book, Batman, is beginning to wane. Producer William Dozier is desperate for a third season. Clocking in at 94 episodes, Batman is just inches away from the 100 episode golden parachute that will, at the time, guarantee that the show will live on in syndication. 

DC Comics is also hoping for a third season. The live action series starring Adam West and Burt Ward sparked a renewed interest in DC Comics, which had been seeing Marvel Comics nipping at their heels in recent years. Bat-mania had become the source of a licensing boom of everything from toy cars to trading cards for DC. 

The idea of a new character offered hope for that third season. During initial planning stages, editor Julius Schwartz suggested that the new character be female in order to attract new female viewers. Schwartz and Dozier agreed that the new character continues with the Bat theme of the show and be known as Batgirl. However, there had already been a Bat-Girl in the pages of Batman back in the 1950s and Schwartz had buried the character for being too corny. Thus a new Batgirl would need to be created.

Legend has it that it was William Dozier who decided that Batgirl would be Barbara 'Babs' Gordon, daughter of police commissioner Jim Gordon. After viewing a concept sketch of the new Batgirl by Carmine Infantino, Dozier optioned the character for use on the series and a 7-minute long intro pilot was filmed. Along with cutting the number of shows from twice per week to just one, ABC was excited with the new character and green-lit a third season.

Batgirl was to be portrayed by actress Yvonne Craig, a veteran of a pair of Elvis films. Dressed in a sparkling purple catsuit, Craig's Batgirl debuted first on the airwaves in the September 14th episode titled 'Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin.' In that episode's closing credits, sole ownership of Batgirl was attributed to DC Comics.

To build up hype, DC Comics introduced the new Batgirl in the pages of Detective Comics #359, albeit with a new origin story. Like in the intro pilot, the first main villain Batgirl tangles with is Killer Moth. However, instead of rescuing Batman and Robin from the fiend's cocoon trap, comic book Batgirl arrives on the scene stumbling upon Bruce Wayne being kidnapped by the foe while on her way to a costume ball dressed as a female version of the Caped Crusader. Good thing she knows judo and other methods of physical defense!

Despite being advised by Batman to hang up her cowl as it's not ladylike fighting crime and all that, Batgirl eventually becomes one of the Dynamic Duo's most trusted allies. But not before testing the romantic waters with Batman! Early on, Catwoman eyes Batgirl as a barrier to her affections with Batman, turning into a heroine in hopes of wooing the vigilante. Batman then recruits both Batgirl and Wonder Woman to pretend to fall head over heels in love for the hero, in a bizarre plot to trap the serpentine for, Copperhead. 

This book sees the foundation of a decades long relationship with perhaps her true love, Dick Grayson in a 2-part murder mystery with an Edgar Allan Poe theme. Soon after, a new paramour is introduced in Babs' life; the amateur sleuth Jason Bard. Gordon will solve crimes with the young man as both an expert librarian and as Batgirl. While Bard won't put 2-and-2 together that the two fiery redheads in his life are the same woman, an important person in Barbara's life will make the connection; her father, Jim Gordon. 

While investigating the murder of a Gotham City police officer, Batgirl uncovers a plot to murder the Commissioner by framing a known radical cop-hater. When a sniper sneaks up upon Gordon, Batgirl accidentally calls out a warning to 'Dad', leading the commissioner to deduce the true identity of Batgirl. A couple stories later, Barbara reveals her secret identity to dear old dad before taking his place as candidate for US Congress. 

When Babs wins the congressional race, it's assumed that Batgirl will go in retirement. However, a year later in the pages of Superman, of all places, Batgirl returns to save reporter Clark Kent from a Washington DC based spy ring. This massive volume of Showcase Presents ends with a Batgirl/Man of Steel reunion in Metropolis before Batgirl and her BFF, Supergirl team up for the fourth time to stop a girl claiming to be Cleopatra from becoming the new queen of the United States of America.

Had DC not shut down the fan favorite Showcase Presents line of reprints, fans would have gotten to see more of Batgirl's life in the nation's capitol before beginning a series of team-ups with Robin, now a college aged man. These Batgirl adventures would appear in the anthology title Batman Family before returning to the backup feature status in Detective Comics. With 1985's Crisis, Batgirl wasn't retconned. But her importance was lessened. Many of her adventures were now retooled to have taken place with Power Girl instead of Supergirl. 1988's The Killing Joke would redefine Barbara Gordon's importance in the Bat Family, when she's left a paraplegic from a bullet fired by the Joker. Now operating in the shadows, Babs would become Batman's eyes and ears as the tech-savvy Oracle before being granted the ability to walk once again thanks to an experimental surgery using nanobot implants.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #25 (With a Female Lead Character) of the 2025 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Batgirl: A Knight Alone (2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

After being given back the gift of speech and literacy, Cassandra Cain discovers that she's lost her near metahuman ability to predict a person's moves during combat. It has put Cassandra in a bit of a funk and made her lose her confidence. Being unexpectedly shot will do that to a person. Originally, Cassandra was allowed to be Batgirl without formal martial arts training because of her ability to know when her foes were going to strike before they did. Now the Batman has benched her until she can master the art of defense.

Endless nights of research and practice has become boring for the young women. Cassandra is just itching to get back out on the streets and dispense some vigilante justice. Thus she will make a literal deal with the devil, in the form of Lady Shiva, just for a taste of being a hero again. Batgirl had better enjoy it because in return for regaining her sixth sense in battle, Cassandra Cain must agree to combat Shiva in a year's time in a battle to the death. 

Cassandra is the daughter of David Cain and a woman named Sandra. Cassandra was raised to become the perfect bodyguard and assassin for Ra's al Ghul. Cassandra is not taught to read or read; only how to interpret the body language of others. Her training by David is abusive and callous. But deep down, David loves her and seeks to repent from his wicked ways in hopes of one day rekindling a relationship with the daughter he never really had. As for Sandra, she leaves Cassandra almost immediately after the child's birth. But mother and daughter will be reunited because Sandra will one day become Lady Shiva.

The character of Cassandra Cain was created by Kelley Puckett and Daimon Smith. Her debut in comics was Batman #567 (July, 1999). A month later, she would become the next Batgirl in the pages of Legends of the Dark Knight #120, during the 'No Man's Land storyline that saw Gotham devastated by an earthquake. A fan favorite character, she became the first Batgirl to star in her own title just a year later. 

Cassandra's journey to restore her abilities to understand human behavior and body language precognitively were chronicled in issues #7-11 and collected in the trade paperback Batgirl: A Knight Alone.  Also included in this collection is a fateful meeting between Father and daughter, Cassandra gets tangled up in a CIA mission gone awry and a new Bat Cave is christened. 

Kelley Puckett pens all of the stories contained in this trade. Daimon Smith pencils with some assists by Coy Turnbull (Koi Turnbull). Along with Smith, covers are penciled by Robert Campanella, Aaron Dowd and John Lowe. 

All 7 issues would be reissued in a 2025 omnibus edition titled DC Finest: Batgirl- Nobody Dies Tonight.

Completing this review completes Task #33 (Book Begins with the Letter B) of the 2025 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

The Best of DC Digest #30 (2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

It's not often that the Dark Knight is wrong. However, when he claims that 11 crimes have been committed on the cover of The Best of DC Digest #30, there are actually only 10 infractions in need of solving. That's because the Robin/Batgirl story is a 2-parter. 

The run down for this issue is as follows:

• 'Wanted for Murder One: The Batman'. A talk show host with a grudge against the Caped Crusader is found dead. Off in the distance, Batman is witnessed fleeing the scene. With the GCPD on his trail, Batman must clear his name or surrender in disgrace.
• 'The Assassin Express Contract'. Christopher Chase accepts a mission to impersonate a wealthy industrialist who has a hit out on him. Already confined by the limits of a racing train, the Human Target must restrict himself further when it's revealed that the subject he's tasked with portraying now has an injured eye.
• 'Riddle of the Unseen Man' sees Roy Raymond, the famed TV Detective who investigates strange but true occurrences is besieged by a seemingly invisible person throughout his daily operations.
• 'Burial For a Batgirl' and ' Midnight is the Dying Hour's sees Barbara Gordon at Gotham State University for a festival honoring Edgar Allen Poe. When a controversial figure is found murdered on campus, Batgirl and the Boy Wonder swing into action to find the killer.
• Magical Mirror Mystery.' When the new mirror Ralph Dibny buys for his wife, Sue, shows the image of a missing woman, the Elongated Man travels to the mansion of the girl's father to solve the mystery.
• Famed magician Mysto aims to solve the 'Three Feats of Peril' that his fallen mentor seeked to perform before his untimely death.
• Crippled private investigator Jason Bard aims to solve how a daredevil skydiver was stabbed to death in the middle of a jump in 'The Case of the Dead-on Target.'
• Captain Mark Compass finds his attempts to crush a ring of smugglers thwarted at his ever turn in 'The Ocean Pest.'
• J'onn J'onnz, the Martian Manhunter, appears in 'The Man With 20 Lives.' Gifted with mental telepathy, the Martian knows that a Gotham City thug committed an impossible murder. But in order to solve the crime, he must operate as human police detective John Jones to extract a confession of guilt.
• Batman bursts into the middle of a performance of MacBeth as a sniper takes aim at the star in The Stage is Set - For Murder!'

Each story appeared previously in the pages of Detective Comics. Talent such as Frank Robbins, Dennis O'Neil, Irv Novick, Joe Certa and Vince Colletta worked on these tales which at some point all challenge the reader to solve the mystery from clues sprinkled throughout each story before the hero does. Some of the clues are easy to piece together while some hints require expert level expertise. It's those more difficult leads that feel like cheats, playing upon obscure knowledge of animals, cultures and even the laws of physics in able to solve the mysteries. 

Len Wein was this issue's contributing editor with Mike W. Barr acting as special consultant. 

Completing this review completes Task #38 (A Comic Book Digest) of the 2025 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Team-Ups of the Brave and the Bold

You don't have to have read the previous 26 issues of this 2010's modern version of DC's flagship team-up franchise, The Brave and the Bold. I didn't know this for a while. That's why I sat on this book for so long. Once I realized that unlike how the series opened with a story line of Batman and Green Lantern alternating pairings with other heroes to find the Book of Destiny, these stories were all self-contained. 

The Team-Ups of the Brave and the Bold contains 7 stories written by J. Michael Straczynski as a last ditch attempt to revitalize the sagging series. Despite the superior writing of Straczynski and the awesome artwork of Jesus Saiz, it just wasn't enough to save this series from cancellation.

The following team-ups in the book includes:

• Robbie Baldwin losing his Hero dial during a family trip to Batman's hometown, Gotham City.
• The Atom goes on a 'fantastic journey' inside the brain of the Joker during a delicate surgery.
• During a science experiment on the speed of light in Belgium, the Flash is sent back in time to assist the pilots of Blackhawk squadron during the Battle of the Bulge.
• Batman investigates the legend of the 60s era Frankenstein monster known as Brother Power, the Geek.
• Wonder Woman and Zatanna take Batgirl on a much needed girl's night out.
• Aquaman and the Demon join forces to stop an Eldritch horror from the deep from conquering the world!

I love a team-up title and while I am a fan of the original Batman The Brave and the Bold collection of books, I like that the Dark Knight isn't the focus of the title here. The Atom's story offers a look at the troubled childhood of the boy who would become the Clown Prince of Crime. It was a chilling work. The Aquaman/Demon story also had hints of horror to it. If you ever wondered what it would be like if H.P. Lovecraft wrote a comic book, you'd have your answer here.

The Flash story was powerful. I can't believe it wasn't written by Joe Kubert with artwork by Brian Bolland. I also was enamored with the title's swan song starting Barbara Gordon. Here I am missing her carefree pre-Killing Joke days when hot with the fact that the events of this story will cause that tragedy to occur! And the Dial H for Hero story was a nostalgic tribute to a great premise that just never got it's proper due.

If you ask me, that Brother Power, the Geek story was unnecessary. Though the way that story ended set up for an exciting storyline that I would pay good money to read. It's just a shame that DC gave up faith in J. Michael Straczynski's writing talents. 

This book is really a beautiful tribute to some of the best eras of DC Comics. There's sci-fi, war, horror, wacky gimmicks and above all love. Love for a good story full of amazing things never before seen and love for the loyal readers.

Highly underrated stuff!

Worth Consuming!

Rating 8 out of 10 stars.

Batgirl Annual #1

I'm not going to lie. I'm not even going to try to make excuses. I bought this issue for 1 reason: Supergirl! I don't really care about Batgirl. Well, the Rebirth version that is. They never should have retconned or rebooted Barbara Gordon into no longer being confined to a wheelchair thanks to a bullet to the spine at the hands of the Joker. Barbara Gordon making the most out of tragedy as the Oracle was powerful storytelling. De-aging Babs and putting her back in the cowl due to the miracle of medical technology just feels like bad fan fiction. 

This story sees Batgirl meeting Supergirl for the first time. Supergirl has been receiving psychic messages from someone in custody at the DEO. Normally, the Maid of Might steers clear of the DEO as they look at her as an illegal alien and would chomp at the bit to get her in their grubby little hands for an alien autopsy. But whomever is sending these messages to Supergirl is sending them in Kryptonian and if the sender is another refugee from her native planet, Kara Zoe-El will take any risk to save them. 

As the DEO's security systems are products of Wayne Technology, Supergirl needs a member of the Bat-Family to unravel them. Enter Batgirl, as Supergirl feels that using Batman would result in a massive butting of heads. Witness as a new version of the best BFFs in the DC Comics universe join forces for the very first time. 

Speaking of BFFs, in the backup feature, it's the one-year anniversary of the friendship of Barbara Gordon and Alysia Yeoh. Being Batgirl has caused Barbara to issue more than her fair share of rain checks. An old foe of Batgirl's named Riot Black has been forcing some of Gotham's most brilliant experts in the field of cybernetics to perform upgrades to his brain which will give the foe the ability to tap into any computer. When Riot Black attacks again on the night of Barbara and Alysia's big night out on the town, it looks like Ms. Gordon will have to postpone again. That is until Alysia insists on going wherever Babs is going. Now Barbara must find a way to save the day while keeping her Batgirl secret identity and best-friendship both intact!

Both stories were enjoyable. The Supergirl team-up ends with one of those blurbs that make you have to buy a certain issue of her indy title to get the rest of the story. Good thing I have all of those issues. Otherwise, I'd be massively pissed. This same story tells you to get another issue of Batgirl to see the heroine take on the Penguin isn't so infuriating as for one, it's not really tied into this story from what I can tell. Plus, I don't really care to follow up on the Rebirth Batgirl. I've read a few issues and I just wasn't hugely sold on it. 

The second story was good. But that Alysia girl is annoying. If she was my BFF, I'd try to end that friendship quick. I don't know why, but I just feel like this person is a massive energy vampire or something. I can't put my finger on it. Only deep down, I feel like Barbara's pal just isn't genuine. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Saved by the Belle Reve #1

Finally! After several over-sized duds, DC puts out a themed special that focuses on FUN- mostly! The past couple of years, the majority of DC's seasonal specials had shorts that were more political than enjoyable. There's nothing wrong with comic books being educational or topical. But if they're not entertaining then it's more like reading a text book than a comic. 

With it being the start of a new school year, I took a chance on plopping down a ten-spot on this. I know it's not a holiday comic. But it's close enough for me.

There are 8 short stories in this special. Let's take a brief look at them all:

• The Suicide Squad are tasked with protecting the son of a generalissimo who is friendly to American interests. To do this, the Squad must pose as teachers. But as hordes of demon soldiers keep attacking the school on a daily basis, Task Force X must get creative. That means Killer Shark is now teaching English and Weasel is the new lunch lady!
• In a story from the past, Oliver Queen learns an important lesson in parenthood. While Speedy's grades aren't up to snuff, Ollie becomes a tyrant. Now things with Roy Harper are worse than ever before and the Emerald Archer must learn a balance between being an inspiration to an eager sidekick and a caring guardian to a lonely young boy.
• In a surprise return, the students of Gotham Academy return! School is about to return to session but some of the students will not. With Olive Silverlock still missing from something that happened at the end of Sophomore year, Maps is putting her classmates things away in storage. However, when it's discovered that Olive's journal is also missing, Maps and her classmates will go on one last mission to find it.
• Also returning in this issue- the Tiny Titans! Thanks to Art Baltazar and Franco, the pint-sized heroes take a literal wrong turn at Albuquerque and pop up in Belle Reve prison!
• Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne, the Super Sons, join forces to help the new kid in school deal with a pair of bullies- in their own super ways.
• Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson run afoul of Mister Freeze on the way to their Senior Prom. 
• John Paul Valley is led by his Azrael personality to the very school that trained him to become a trained killer for God. While at the abandoned institution, Valley's memories of the Brotherhood of the Order of St. Dumas come to the surface. 
• Finally, get it straight from the source, Jefferson Pierce, as to just why did Black Lightning decided to become a part of President Lex Luthor's cabinet. The answer itself probably won't surprise you. But it's nice to finally get a concrete answer to one of DC's most enduring mysteries of the past 2 decades.

The Suicide Squad story was the best. It was 100% insane! And I loved it. With the inclusion of Weasel and Peacemaker, you can tell that 2021's The Suicide Squad movie and director James Gunn was a direct influence on this story. Tim Seeley was the writer and the artist was Scott Kolins. I did a quick search online and it doesn't seem that this team is the crew behind the current Suicide Squad title. But if DC was to do a run with the two of them at the helm, I'd subscribe to it at my LCS! (BTW- Seeley and Kolins were behind a King Shark mini so I'll be adding that to my wish list!)

I loved having the Tiny Titans back. I miss their hi-jinks and you can't go wrong with Baltazar and Franco! The classic style Green Arrow story and the return to Gotham Academy were also really good reads. I liked the Azrael story. But the level of abuse that poor kid had to endure and how those supposed 'men of God' turn young Valley into a ruthless killer is just really disturbing. 

I had a little bit of trouble with the Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson story. For one thing, Dick is in high school. Yet, in this story, he's also Nightwing. And Barbara is Batgirl. Now, I think I remember somewhere that they retconned that part for Barbara. But wasn't that part of the New 52? Plus, the end was so ambiguous and I hate ambiguous endings!

The remaining two stories were the least entertaining but at least one of them was inspiring. I had long been wondering why did Jefferson Pierce decide to accept Lex Luthor's appointment to the Secretary of Education. I had also wondered why in the pages of Superman/Batman that Black Lightning went toe-to-toe with the World's Finest when clearly Lex Luthor was going insane with power. Well, I got my first question answered with this special. Having lived through January 6th, I still don't have my answer to that last one.

And then there's the Super Sons story. It starts off as a fun little read in which 2 secretly powered pre-teens help a bullied new classmate to tap into his own special powers. But that last panel got really preachy and I don't think it was necessary to the story. Peter J. Tomasi's (Nightwing) story had written an amazing story about acceptance. But for one brief moment, DC decided it hadn't done enough to anger some fans. The panel didn't anger me. But it did ruin what was an otherwise fine 'Afterschool Special' type story.

I had a Lit professor who talked about some theory. I don't remember the name of the philosophy. But I do remember that he talked about how there are moments in works where things go in a different direction than what has been built up in the mind of the consumer and it ruins the enjoyability of the work. I had just finished up the Suicide Squad story before going on next to the Super Sons tale. With the Suicide Squad being completely off-the-wall, I was expecting the rest of this special to be just as wacky. The Super Sons story started off kinda silly with Damian taking a Sikorsky to his first day of school. So I wasn't expecting things to take such a dramatic turn. But I think if it wasn't for the ending of the Super Sons story, I probably wouldn't have been on guard for that tragic Azrael story.

Oh! I loved the title of this special! What a great throwback pun to a 1990s classic kids show!

Please DC, PLEASE! Put Seeley and Brendan Kolins behind the helm of the Suicide Squad! And bring Tiny Titans back!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls

Originally published as Gotham Girls #1-5. This miniseries is based on the web series of the same name. I'm not sure why DC decided that they had to add Harley Quinn's name to the collection. I would have read this without touting her. But I guess the publisher felt that the only way to sell this trade paperback was to add Harley's name to it. I think that is a sad testament to how much trust DC Comics has in it's female lead properties. 

The premise involves Catwoman stealing a vial of something from a chemical lab. It's revealed that inside the container is a powerful fertilizer that will increase yield a thousand. Unfortunately, this stuff will also cause weeds and invasive plants to thrive uncontrollably. Poison Ivy realizes the harmful potential of this stuff on the Earth and will do anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. With help from Harley Quinn, it's two against one vs. Catwoman. 

Added to the mix is Batgirl ,who is investigating the break-in. Sometimes she's assisted by Catwoman. Sometimes, Catwoman plays opportunist and turns Poison Ivy and Harley against Batgirl. Don't feel bad! Helping Batgirl while conducting official business for the Gotham City PD is Rene Montoya! A little out of her element but not to be underestimated!

I absolutely hated the dynamic between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. Ivy is so manipulative of Harley in this story. If you ask me, that makes Ivy worse than the Joker because Harley came to the Guardian of Gardens for refuge. Instead, Harley is being used, mocked and mistreated by Poison Ivy.

That relationship also doesn't seem canon to both Batman: The Animated Series as well as the web series. Sure, Harley Quinn can annoy the heck out of Poison Ivy. That, I don't blame one bit. But in animated form. I never got the impression that Poison Ivy was anything but a friend to Harley. Lover? Perhaps. But I never felt like Ivy wasn't truly a friend to the Joker's ex-girlfriend. 

Aside from writer Paul D. Storrie (Graphic Myth & Legends) getting Harley and Poison Ivy's relationship completely wrong, this was an enjoyable read. Though, I did feel that the 5th issue fell a little flat. Issues 1-4 provide backstory to Catwoman, Harley, Ivy and Montoya. Issue 5 neglects to dive, albeit even briefly, into Batgirl's personal history. That omission really interrupts the story flow. 

The artwork was very good. Jennifer Graves (Robin) draws everyone in the hybrid TAS/Gotham Girls style that is both retro and art deco. The covers by Shane Giles were amazing! They screamed the outstanding work of the late Darwyn Cooke! (In other words, I loved it!)

This work was enjoyable. It was far from perfect as a couple of characters just weren't portrayed as accurately as intended. But for someone who loves Batman: The Animated Series and it's various incarnations, this miniseries, I was entertained. Just next time, treat my girl Harley Quinn a lot bit better!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #34

While working a case with the fellas of Mystery Inc., Velma and Daphne are called to Gotham City. Taking Scooby with them, the girls have been summoned by Batgirl, Black Canary and Huntress- the Birds of Prey. A gigantic bird known as a Roc, a mythical creature of Middle Eastern origin, has been attacking the city. 

Since Velma and Daphne have a background in dealing with monsters, they've been approached to act as interim members of the Birds of Prey. It's a good thing, now that a thunderbird and a phoenix have begun attacking Gotham as well!

A really great issue. Another masterpiece by Sholly Fisch and Dario Brizuela! Fisch adds those little Easter eggs of DC nostalgia; like with the mystery villain that Mystery Inc. is originally on the search for before the girls go to Gotham City. Dario Brizuela just has an art-style that echoes the original Scooby-Doo cartoon as well as Alex Toth's take on Super Friends. They're like an all-ages duo for the ages!

The inclusion of Huntress was the only down-side of the story. I've never really been a fan of her. She never felt like an appropriate heir to Batman and/or Catwoman. And then Post-CRISIS, I never really got into her crime-family Catholic heritage background. She always felt like a vigilante nun to me. And in this issue, she's like a grumpy Debbie Downer. If we could have replaced Huntress with a different Bird of Prey like Katana or Hawkgirl, that would have been great!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

DC's Crimes of Passion #1

You gotta love DC Comics. They might take 3 years to complete a 12 issue miniseries or cancel a title before it even goes to print. But the House That Superman Built never forgets a holiday. Crimes of Passion is DC's Valentine's Day offering for 2020 and it was a wild ride.

Featuring 10 stories starring the good, the bad, and the ugly of the DC Universe, Crimes of Passion is an 80-paged mixed bag. There's some really good stories here. There are a couple of stinkers. Plus, you've got some stories that are 'meh.' Thankfully, the majority of this special was very well done. 

My favorite story involves the lesser known character of Slam Bradley. Though he did not create the character, the late Darwyn Cooke is who I most link to Slam Bradley. A grizzled private detective, Slam is tasked to find a cat burglar stalking the rich of Gotham. For once, it's not Catwoman and it was a beautiful tale that made me miss Darwyn even more!

Speaking of Catwoman, she pits a feuding husband and wife against each other for a special heirloom. In other words, the trinket is worth a lot of money and both ex-lovers want it! As the couple are both estranged leaders of a Russian mob and passionate haters of each other, this story was quite humorous. 

I was also a fan of the Batman story. It had elements of Batman Year One and Batman: The Animated Series that made for a very noir romance story. I really liked Bruce's love interest and would really like to see her again. 

The Nightwing and Batgirl story was okay. I still haven't figured out where Barbara Gordon fits into the post-Rebirth era. There also seemed to be a page or two missing from this story as some things just didn't gel right with the plot. 

The Pied Piper story was another story that I was alright with. The ending was great. But the journey to get to that twisty last panel was long and tiresome. 

The story starring what I am assuming is the Vic Sage Question and Plastic Man were just plan awful. If there were other stories in this special that I neglected to mention, it was because they were forgettable. Now that I think about it, that Wildcat story rocked!

One thing that was quite unusual was the lack of heavy hitters. Batman does appear in 2 tales. But where's Superman? Wonder Woman? Aquaman? And no Harley Quinn? She's like the darling of DC Comics. It was really odd not having her appear in a DC special about love and romance. 

Overall, I enjoyed DC's Crimes of Passion. It was a good read to get in the mood for Cupid. You don't even have to have a Valentine to enjoy it. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Batman: The TV Stories

The 1966 Batman series redefined the Caped Crusader. Despite the ultra-camp factor of the TV series, the show has endured as a fan favorite for over 50 years! 

This DC Comics collection features about a dozen stories that either influenced or were influenced by the ABC live-action series. Featuring The Riddler, Penguin and The Joker, almost all of your favorite villains are here! Sorry- no Catwoman. But this volume does contain the origin of the Barbara Gordon Batgirl and the first appearance of Mister Freeze using his original moniker, Mr. Zero. 

Some of these stories are sheer genius. Others are quite mad or madcap. You definitely can see the influences regardless. 

Speaking of influences, I love the Amanda Conner tribute cover!

With art and stories by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, Carmine Infantino and many more, this is a great way of getting to read the stories that inspired a cult classic without having to pay collector's prices.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Batgirl: New Hero of the Night (Backstories Series) (Family Comic Friday)

    For this week's Family Comic Friday, I stretched the rules about. Instead of a graphic novel, I choose to write about a superhero themed chapter book for young readers. Hope you'll still enjoy...

    DC Comics and Scholastic join forces to bring you Batgirl: New Hero of the Night. This 2017 offering is the latest in the two publisher's Backstories series. This junior novel by Matthew K. Manning (The Batman Files) really surprised me pleasantly. 

    Being a chapter book for readers grades 2-5, I was afraid that New Hero of the Night would be some very hokey story that puts Batgirl in some more age appropriate challenges. Stories like 'Oh No! Somebody stole my cell phone!' or 'Gee, How can I balance being a student while also being Batgirl?' Instead, this book dives into the very troubled and dangerous career of Batgirl.

      In her about 50-year history in the DC Universe, Batgirl has been shot by the Joker, paralyzed, and fought her way back into fighting shape. She's even had to deal with her share of homicidal maniacs such as her own baby brother. While not being gruesome, this book has done a very good job at chronicling Barbara Gordon's life as a superhero with sugarcoating. It's as if R.L. Stine wrote a biography of Batgirl with only putting about 75% of his signature chill factor into it. 

     New Hero of the Night is like a scrap book of Batgirl's career. Along with providing highlights of her exploits, there are timelines, in-depth looks at allies and enemies, and other fun stuff. There's even some very cool educational segments that blends in vocabulary words with the legends of the DCU. Mind you, this is more of the New 52! DC Universe (which has recently been replaced or updated with DC's Rebirth storyline) but it's still educational and fun to read.

     I also really enjoyed the artwork by Sonic Sega Series' Patrick Spaziante. His penciled sketchbook style looks like a police artist from the Gotham City PD drew up a file on Batgirl for Commissioner Gordon's eyes only. I just hate that several of these pictures are recycled throughout the book. Spaziante's work is so good, I felt cheated out of completely new and different art on every page.

    An enjoyable quick read. There's several more books in the Backstories line-up including volumes on Batman, Harley Quinn, and my favorite- Supergirl. At $5.99 each, they're a very good price for over 120 pages of superhero excitement. Make these awesome books a part of your child's library today!

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars.

Batman: War Games, Act 3: Endgame

    Orpheus, the vigilante hero that Batman handpicked to be his proxy in a war game scenario to control the gangs of Gotham, has been murdered. Without him, Batman's mission to restore order to his city, just got even more harder to accomplish. It's even more taxing as a long thought dead enemy of the Dark Knight has knows of Batman's plans and is impersonating Orpheus in order to put Gotham under their control Adding to the problem, the new Police Commissioner just ordered the GCPD to shoot any and all citizens of the city wearing a mask with extreme prejudice. 
       Batman: War Games comes to an explosive end. It's refreshing to have such a massive scale Batman story to NOT involve the Joker. The artwork chapters involving Catwoman and Batgirl continues to look ridiculous. But the overall story is top notch and is one of the best I've read this side of No Man's Land.

     Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Batman: War Games, Act 2: Tides

     The way this current Gotham City gang war is evolving seems too eerily familiar to Batman. That's because when Stephanie Brown was given her packing orders to vacate the Batcave as the new Robin, she stole a war game scenario from the Dark Knight's Bat-Computer. 
      The fallen sidekick hoped that if she could bring the gangs of Gotham under control, she'd win favor with the Caped Crusader and be given a chance to be Robin again. However, there was one little factor that Stephanie wasn't counting on and the entire scenario blew up right in her face.
     Now Batman must race to protect the new gang leader known as Orpheus if the hero has any hope of restoring order to the city. Orpheus was being set up as Batman's de facto leader over organized crime in Gotham so that the Dark Knight could control the gangs. Orpheus is the key to the plan's success. However, a long thought dead enemy of the Bat's is hiding in the wings and he has his own plans for Orpheus. 
     Whomever gets to Orpheus first will have control of the board when the War Games enters Act 3!
     I think the second act of War Games was just as good if not better in terms of story than Act One. But the artwork... well, it needs work. There's a couple of chapters that focus on Catwoman and whoever had the duty to render the feline anti-hero made her look like a frog in a black rain coat wearing Madonna's pointy bra. Plus some of the poses of Nightwing and Batgirl swinging through the Gotham skyline are just not physically possible in nature. What's up with that?
    A great story with some so-so art.

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Batman: War Games, Act 1: Outbreak

   A mysterious player calls the heads of all the major gangs of Gotham together. The purpose of the meeting is unsure. But in the end, several leaders and their hired muscle are dead. Now Gotham is in chaos as the surviving gang members seek vengeance for their fallen leaders.
     With the emergency services, fire fighters, and police of Gotham City taxed beyond their means, it's up to Batman and his allies to clean up this mess and restore order. It's the Batman's hope that he can end the hostilities by apprehending the mystery man who light the flame to this holocaust. In the ultimate twist of fate and irony, the principle instigator in this gang war may very well be the Dark Knight himself! 
      A great opening act that is so very well written. There's a ton of characters, twists, and turns that will leave you both guessing and on the edge of your seat.
   
      Worth Consuming!

       Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Batman: War Drums

    Tensions among the gangs of Gotham City is at an all-time high. From the shadows, Batman seeks to control his city's organized crime by putting another vigilante hero named Orpheus as head of one the crime families. 
    Meanwhile, Tim Drake has retired as Batman's partner as a promise to his father. Thus, the Caped Crusader is in need of a new sidekick. Enter Stephanie Brown, AKA Spoiler to take up the mantle of the Boy Wonder. But can she make the grade, especially with an assassin in town seeking to take down her predecessor. 
    War Drums is the preface to a trilogy of Batman acts called War Games. I've been sitting on this and the trilogy for 2 or 3 years now. I inherited these books from the wife of my best friend Todd. These aren't really volumes I've been looking for or had on my list, but they were his and I thought that these would make a great read. So far, good. 
     I've been hesitant to read this. I guess it's been my way of not letting go of my best friend or not accepting that he's gone- or something. Well, my shelves are overflowing and if I want to add new stuff to my permanent collection, I gotta make room somewhere...
     My only problem now- I'm not sure I wanna give this book up. It's that good.

    
     Worth Consuming!

     Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.  

The Batman Adventures #12 (Family Comic Friday)

   Batman Adventures #12. It's one of two most coveted issues by collectors in the past 3-5 years (with New Mutants #98 being the other.) This issue, based on the classic Batman: The Animated Series from the 1990s, marks the first appearance of the Joker's girlfriend in comic book form. Though this series wasn't officially canon, collectors have been in a frenzy to pick this book up in anticipation of today's debut of the Suicide Squad movie.

    In this issue, Barbara Gordon goes to a costume party, dressed as a female version of Batman. When Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy kidnap the guest of honor, Barbara goes into action as Batgirl to save the day. But while the new hero has Harley and Ivy under control, she may have bitten off more than she can chew when a new foe enters the scene: Catwoman!

    For a comic that is fetching prices of $475- to over $1000 because of a first appearance, this book was a bit of a disappointment. Harley is barely in this issue. She's got maybe 8 lines at best. But the collector wants what the collector wants...

     As a Batman: The Animated Series comic, this is a fun read. It captured the spirit of the cartoon very well. The art was spot on and the writing of Kelley Puckett was exceptional. If anyone was going to write a Batgirl themed issue, it needed to be him as he created at least one version of the heroine and was a prolific writer of her stuff in the 90s. 

     Lastly, folks, I hope you're not thinking that I am advocating you buy your child this book- well I am but I don't expect you to shell out $500 clams for an ungraded copy. I choose this issue to review as it's a kid's friendly version of Harley Quinn to read. Thankfully, this issue can be found for less than $20, along with 9 other tales in the pages of Batman Adventures, Volume 2! 

      Batman: The Animated Series and the three series of comics based on the show were such great views and reads. I loved them. My little sister adored them and even my mother thought it was a good show. And now parents who grew up watching this show are sharing with there kids and the second generation has fallen in loved with them as well.

      Even non-Harley Quinn issues can be a little pricey. You can sometimes get lucky in a bargain bin but even after 10 years of active searching, I've barely scratched the surface with my wish list. So check out the reprint collections. Four volumes are currently available and they can be bought for decent prices on Amazon. 

     It's a great way to collect the series without breaking the bank.

     Worth Consuming

     Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars.
     

Batgirl, Vol. 1: The Batgirl of Burnside

After an experimental surgery involving electrodes placed along her spinal cord, Barbara Gordon regained the ability to walk after being crippled by the Joker. Inspired by how the new technique maps her brain, Barbara created a security system that mimics her photographic memory rich mind. In time, her computer program wins Barbara a place in a lucrative doctoral program. Seeing a chance to make a new life outside of Gotham after her apartment burns down, Barbara enrolls in college in the neighboring borough of Burnside to complete her dissertation.

   But with new friends who work for a popular online dating app and a new university, Barbara struggles to balance her academic life with her blossoming social life. On top of all that is her duties as Batgirl, which have kicked into high gear as she's mysteriously attacked by another, more glitzy Batgirl who seemingly knows all of Babs’ secrets. Is there an impostor to the title of Batgirl of Burnside? Or is Barbara slowly losing touch with reality.

  Batgirl of Burnside is essentially a re-branding of the superhero, making her more trendy and hip. It was an interesting read that attempts to tell Batgirl’s story to a new target audience. But the image shuffle of Batgirl that left me with a lot of questions. The penultimate chapter of this book does explore how Babs regained her ability to walk but her past as a pre-paralysis Batgirl is left in doubt. In fact, it's hinted that this may very well not be her actual reality and that her life is a fraud.

  When this book started to explore the possibility of the coming DC Universe Rebirth, I started to enjoy this series. But the first third of this book was really not my cup of tea. What with the characters constantly texting and going to raves or trendy art shows, I, an older comics' reader, felt a disconnect. But by the midway point, Batgirl started to return to her roots as a martial arts practicing Nancy Drew and things started to click here.

  So is this re-branding of the Barbara Gordon Batgirl a Gen-Xer’s allegory on the overly pervasive nature of a social media driven culture? Or is it a millennial’s cry for a personal voice in a multimedia flooded society on the verge of dystopian collapse? It's up to you, the reader, to decide. Hey, it might even be a little bit of both. But no matter how you look at the revitalized Babs  one thing is certain; the seeds of DC's Rebirth begin in this volume!

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Small Miracles

The Cartoon Network series Baman: The Brave and the Bold was the perfect comic book series. Many hated the show for being too silly and as a superhero cartoon, it probably was a little too hokey. But it was a flawless show for comic book fans, especially those of Golden and Silver Age DC Comics. Just like the classic Silver Age Comic 'The Brave and the Bold' each episode had Batman teaming up with another hero or team for a fun caper. Actually, he'd team-up twice per episode, first during the opening teaser scene and then for the rest of the show with different character. So it was like getting two episodes in one.

The comic book followed the formula exactly and this collection of issues was a shining example of the exceptional work being done at DC to bring the animated series to as much life as the print medium can. Here, the Caped Crusader races with the Flash, practices escape artistry with Mister Miracle, and learns the true meaning of Hanukah with Ragman.

    There were three notable issues in this collection. Here's a rundown of my favorite tales in descending order:

3: A typical week in Batman's life has the Dark Knight fighting a different menace daily while teaming with a vast array of heroes throughout the DCU.

2: With Batman in a coma, the Phantom Stranger assembles a collection of Robins past and present in hopes of saving the heroes life.

1:  In the final issue, Batmite falls in love with Batgirl and along with Batman, the trio takes a historic look at the history of DC romance.

   It's very fitting that Batmite appeared in the final issue of the series as he was the last character to team up with Batman in the final episode of the series. Though I just loved that episode and this issue in question was such a treat- it's very bittersweet seeing the end of Brave and the Bold. I really enjoyed both series and think it was a travesty for it to end. (Hopefully it will one day make a revival like Teen Titans Go! has done recently.)

    Lastly, I want to speak about the books in general. I said that this volume was a collection of issues of the series. Actually, it's a collection of two series. DC published 'Batman: the Brave and the Bold' and then for some reason they cancelled it and published 'The All-New Batman: the Brave and the Bold.' 'Small Miracles' collects issues from both volumes. I have no idea why DC decided to cancel the first title and then replace it with another. But it does make for some confusion when you are trying to collect all of the issues related to this classic series.

   Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Batgirl Cover Controversy- Pros and Cons

If this cover is so offensive then why does every article I see bashing it put it in their story?

   This week, DC Comics announced that it was cancelling one of the variant covers for the forthcoming Joker Month. Sometime in June, a variety of titles were going to feature a special variant cover that reflected that featured the title's star and their turbulent history with the Joker. The covers were in honor of the Clown Prince of Crime's 75th Anniversary in comics.

   But one title has caused the comics community to lose it's freakin' mind- the cover to Batgirl #41. The cover, which I've included in this post speaks for itself. Doesn't it? The cover shows the Joker with his arm around Batgirl, a bloody smiley face painted on her lips. The villain is holding a gun that's cocked and he's wearing a purple fedora and a Hawaiian shirt.

   The cover, crafted by artist Rafael Albuquerque, is meant to be an homage to Alan Moore and Brain Bolland's 'The Killing Joke.' In that seminal work, the Joker shoots Barbara Gordon, paralyzing her. But that's not all the Batman villain does. He also strips her naked, takes photos of her in duress and then forces her father to relive the entire event in chains.

   'The Killing Joke' changed the Batman family forever. Barbara was no longer Batgirl. Instead, the wheelchair bound redhead became Oracle- who assisted Batman by using her hi-tech array of computers to tap into CCTV feeds and do research on villains and clue leads.  Barbara overcame her trauma and was a valuable asset to the Dark Knight and even ran her own squad of heroes for a while. Then 3 years ago, DC retconned her attack by the Joker by having her still be shot but eventually regaining the use of her legs and being a superhero once again.

  Let's jump back to this week. On Monday, the story broke that DC would be cancelling the cover because the artist had received death threats over the image. Comics fans pointed out the hypocrisy of objecting to a cover that depicts violence by threatening to kill the artist who rendered the infuriating picture. DC and Alberquerque 'clarified' that they were not threatened but that fans who had objected to the image were being bullied. I'm not really sure why DC is changing their tune here but it seems to me that the backlash from fans in favor of keeping the cover lead DC to try to look less like a wimpy victim and more like a superhero standing up for the downtrodden.

So, who is to be believed and who is in the right and who is in the wrong? Let's look at some of the pros and cons of this controversy.

Pros- There aren't any.

Cons-  Where do I start?

Con #1- Batgirl is considered a title geared more towards teen girls. So choosing to release a cover in which the heroine is being victimized probably wasn't the smartest idea. DC could have easily chosen to put the cover on another Bat-title.

Con #2- the fan base of modern comics is given too much power. It used to be if you hated a comic you don't buy it. If you loved it, you yell "Shut up and take my money." If enough people buy your comic it becomes popular. If nobody buys it, it becomes fodder for the dollar box and
I yell "SCORE!" when I snag it years later on down the road. But our society is too brainwashed thanks to shows like American Idol in which your vote helps to determine the fate of the free world.  Thus, if you really hate something you just have to gripe and complain and put a hashtag in front of a snappy phrase and viola corporate America will do you bidding.
 
    The only difference between the old way of comic fandom power and the new is that thanks to information being at your finger tips the threat of withholding money is more powerful than actually not buying something.

Con #3- Thanks to a ton of complaints,  the publisher wins. See the Batgirl title isn't due in stores for 4 more months so the issues probably haven't even been printed yet. Because of the extra time comics have to win over readers thanks to information about upcoming releases are given out so far in advance, DC probably won't lose any money on not issuing a variant cover to Batgirl #41. In fact, DC won't suffer at all thanks to the haters saving them money. Without DC losing money on hedging their bets on something offensive, it won't challenge the publishers, writers, and artists to try harder. Plus, it's free advertising.

Con #4- The publishers are going to keep caving in. Marvel did it a few months ago when they decided to pull a highly sexualized Spider-Woman cover. Now DC caved in and won't release a Batgirl in peril cover. That's twice that the 'masses' got their way and it's now not going to stop them anytime soon. In fact, DC and Marvel all you've done is encouraged them to do it again when something else pisses them off.

and finally Con #5- the rift between old school collectors and newcomers to the industry has only gotten bigger. DC claims that the old timers threatened the newbies who were ashamed of the cover. So, in order to protect these fans, the cover was pulled.

   I'm in the old school camp. I've been collecting since 1980. I'm into my fourth decade of collecting comic books. When I saw the cover a few weeks ago, I knew there would be some hell over it. I just didn't expect it to be this bad.

   The average newcomer to comic books knows only from what they've seen on TV and movies. I'm not just spouting this from off the top of my head. I've seen dozens of reports on CNN, Bloomberg, Fox, CBS, ABC, and other media sites that back this statement up.

   The reader of comic books is considered a dinosaur to the survival of the superhero. It's the merchandising, movies, and video games that will rake in the money for DC and Marvel. So when somebody sees an image and it told by social media that it's evil, well the masses are going to grab their torches and pitchforks. (sorry to offend those angry villagers out there.) But when the publishers consistently take the side of the newbie instead of the established fan it's going to anger some folks and even push them away.

   Plus what's to keep the media masses from demanding that the 'Killing Joke' be permanently banned or from some poor guy who dresses as the Joker from the KJ from getting pulverized by a bunch of anti-Albuquerque cover advocates at the next ComicCon? I'm in the consensus that these sort of things are going to get worse instead of better any time soon.

   I've not given up hope on comics, but I will have to say that this most recent episode has really given me fits. It's also made me think something that I never thought I would in a million years- I want the Comics Code back. It's clear to me that the lunatics are running the asylum and social media in my opinion makes for a lousy warden. We're in the next comic book scare folks. Only this time, the industry is going to have to self-regulate in order to make everyone happy instead of protecting our youth from the evils of comics.

Sadly, the problem isn't so much that comics aren't diverse enough. It very well might be too diverse and now you can't publish anything that doesn't offend somebody some of the time. There's no way around this. But instead of trying to make a comic more diversity friendly let's just exercise some common sense here. If Batgirl really is aimed at teen girls (and believe me when I say I didn't know that it was) then don't put a sex offender on the cover doing some offendering to the hero. It's that simple.

And now, it's time for some Advil. This whole mess is giving me a migraine...