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.

A Very DC Rebirth Holiday

Reprinting a trio of holiday themed issues from DC's Rebirth era. 

Reprinting Batman: Annual #1, spend the holidays in Gotham City. Marvel at a band of acrobatic thieves. Get caught under the mistletoe with the Scarecrow. Harley Quinn catches a ride back to Coney Island with the Dark Knight. Plus, the origin of Ace, The Bat-Hound is finally revealed. 

Then in the contents of Harley Quinn #10, Santa Claus has gone catatonic. The only person who can help him is Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Taking the term 'head shrink' to an all new meaning, Quinn is shrunk into Santa's brain in hopes of restoring his holiday spirit. 

Lastly is the DC Rebirth Holiday Special from 2016. Hosted by Harley Quinn, the Joker's Ex puts on a sort of old school variety show much like Sinatra or Andy Williams used to host. Just about every holiday of the season is explored through the eyes of Batwoman, the Green Lantern Corps, and the Titans. My favorite story is a Christmas Eve romp with Detective Chimp and Batman. There just aren't enough stories with Detective Chimp and this team-up was fantastic!

This should have been called Harley Quinn's Rebirth Holiday Special. She features prominently in all three main stories. I'm not complaining. This was great fun. It was way more enjoyable than 2018's DC's Nuclear Winter Special. There's just no way around it- Christmas-time specials need to be light-hearted and fun; not dismal and bleak.

Featuring the talents of Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Scott Snyder, Neal Adams and many more. This was classic DC fun in a Rebirth wrapper!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Supergirl Rebirth #1

Supergirl's return to earth after freeing herself from the Red Lanterns has resulted in many changes for Kara. She's de-aged a few years back into a high schooler. She's gotten stronger but she's also become more reckless. Thus, the Maid of Might is now subject to the DEO and it's leader, Maggie Sawyer.

When the DEO encounters a Kryptonian 'werewolf', it's up to Supergirl to save the day. Realizing that the DEO lacks the manpower to tackle a Super man-sized threat, Sawyer and Kara will form a new partnership that will net her some extra freedom. But is it a partnership that can be trusted?

I missed this when it first came out in 2016. I didn't realize that there was to be both a Rebirth special on top of the Rebirth DC series of Supergirl. Thank goodness for Ollie's DC grab bags! I've been looking for this book forever with zero success. But there she was smiling at me with those glowing red eyes.

The stunning cover by Emanuela Lupacchino was just a teaser for an exciting story inside. The team of Ray McCarthy and Steve Orlando, a great story that sets up the Supergirl Rebirth series of which I have read the first six-issue storyline. This special, along with a conversation with a friend of mine explain a lot of questions that were bugging me about Supergirl's backstory- especially her role with the Red Lanterns.

The artwork, also by Lupacchino, was pretty good. It's got that almost cartoony/manga quality that I can't decide if I like or not. But it's Supergirl and I can't say no to stuff starring her or her cousin.

A good introduction that I wish I hadn't overlooked when it first came out. But better late than never.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Flash #22 (The Button Part IV)

     The Button comes to close in this issue of the Flash. While Batman and the Flash hoped to find the source behind the mysterious button, instead the duo unlock another forgotten member of the DC Universe.
      The cover of this issue spoils who returns. But just what is his role and does this mean the return of the Justice Society- that's something you'll have to read for yourself to find out. 
       I knew that Chapter IV wasn't going to bring the Watchmen and the DC Heroes to a head. But I really didn't expect this story to end on such a whimper. The first 3-parts were great. This one didn't match the action and excitement of the previous chapters.
       I honestly don't understand why DC allowed such a big spoiler on both the regular and variant covers. Did DC want to avoid fans having a collective stroke if somebody let slip the return of Jay Garrick? It just seems like a bad decision if you ask me.

      Worth Consuming but fair less superior than it's predecessors. 

      Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Batman #22 (The Button, Part III)

    After an illuminating journey through the timeline, the Flash and Batman return to the Bat Cave. Only, this isn't the Bruce Wayne Batman's secret base of operations. For the Flash and the Dark Knight have somehow returned to Flashpoint!
     I liked that this chapter did it's best to explain what happened to the Flashpoint universe. Plus, it was touching to get to see Bruce and his father reunite. Somehow, I suspect this episode is going to deeply impact the Caped Crusader's mission in the very near future. But, there's still a ton of questions to be answered. However, I don't think that's ever going to happen- at least any time soon. 
     As for the ending of this issue, it was a bit of a mind bender and I really don't have a clue quite where this is all going. (Okay- I have a small clue, if only because of the oh so unsubtle spoilers revealed on the forthcoming covers of Flash #22.)
      Speaking of Flash #22, my LCS was out of the final chapter to 'The Button', but they did order me a copy which I hope to get this week. I'll be reviewing that one ASAP!

     Worth Consuming!

     Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Batman #21 (The Button, Part I)

   After months of getting nowhere, Batman and the Flash decide to put their heads together behind the mysterious smiley face pin that was discovered in the Bat Cave. But before the Flash can arrive on the scene, another speedster makes a surprise appearance in the Dark Knight's lair- Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash!

     When this book dropped last month, a lot of fans where upset that this opening chapter of 'the Button' didn't do enough to move Rebirth storyline closer to the highly anticipated crossover between the DC Universe and the Watchmen. I thought this opening was a fine starter, especially with the shocking cliffhanger. Hey- DC's not going to pass up such an epic event on just a few issues of Batman and the Flash. It's coming, give it time.

     I really loved the opening scene of this issue as well. It reminds me of how Crisis started out all though years ago. Plus, having the Psycho Pirate's helmet play such a large part in the flow of the action, 'the Button' is proving to just be another amazing chapter in the ever changing history of the multiverse which started in Flash #123 'The Flash of Two Worlds' all the way back in 1961.

     Worth Consuming

      Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Supergirl #4 (Rebirth)

     While on Argo, Zor-El, the Cyborg Superman, lays out his master plan to his daughter, Kara. Yes, the resurrected Kryptonians are currently shells of their former selves, kept alive only by the very  thing that killed them- Red Krpytonite. But Supergirl's father has a planned to restore her people body and soul. It involves stealing the life-force of another race of people- Oh! and the invasion of planet earth!

     After an issue that was pretty light on action- this issue makes up for it in spades. Another Steve Orlando triumph! Plus, the art was actually a little bit better as well!

     Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
   

Supergirl #3 (Rebirth)

   Supergirl accepts the invitation of her father, the new Cyborg Superman, and with Eliza Danvers, travels to Argo City. There, the Maid of Might is appalled by the resurrected Zor-El's efforts to recreate life using the very substance that killed Kara's people- Red Kryptonite!
    Meanwhile, on earth, because of Supergirl's field trip back home, Kara Danvers has stood up Cat Grant for her second interview to a Catco internship. Nobody stands up Cat Grant and lives to talk about it. So if Supergirl returns from outer space, she'll have a fate worse than death awaiting her in National City.
    A really great story by Steve Orlando. Though, the last person I knew was the Cyborg Superman was Hank Henshaw. So I had to do some catching up on Wikipedia to kinda understand what's been going on. I approve but man did I miss out on a lot by not reading the New 52! Supergirl series.
     Still on the fence about the artwork by Brian Ching (Witchblade.) The renderings of everyone but Supergirl is just perfect. I just feel like the main character does NOT get the marvelous respect she deserves here. I love the covers by Bengal and really think that the All-New Wolverine artist should be drawing the title character instead of Ching. 

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Supergirl #2 (Rebirth)

     While seeking some peace of mind in the Fortress of Solitude, Supergirl is confronted by her father, Zor-El, the new Cyborg Superman. He comes not to fight but to take her home to Argo City, which he claims is alive and thriving. Can he be trusted? Kara Zor-El highly doubts it. But she longs to be back with her people desperately.
      Meanwhile, as Supergirl mulls her decision over in her human identity, things are buzzing at her National City high school. Cat Grant has arrived on campus looking for a new protege. While one of Kara's rivals seems to have the job locked up, the media mogul has her eyes on a shy student with the last name of Danvers.
     I'm digging the Rebirth Supergirl series. But I much rather enjoy the elements that are more closely in tuned with the TV series like Cat Grant or the DEO than with the Cyborg Superman. Calista Flockhart's Cat grew on me and I think it's the one element that is sorely missing on the CW series right now. Thankfully, series writer Steve Orlando capture's Flockhart's character flawlessly in this series. 
     I also enjoy what Orlando has done having Jeremiah and Eliza Danvers cast as DEO agents who are undercover as Kara's adopted parents. But I wish that the writers and editors of this book could somehow put J'onn J'onnz as the head of the DEO, as on the TV show, instead of Maggie Sawyer. She's just not the right chemistry for this book. But if she's secretly a Martian underneath that blonde hair and trench-coat- well that's a twist you read about here first, folks!

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1

    Harley Quinn is your host in the super hero holiday spectacular to end all holiday spectaculars. Batman Adventures legend Paul Dini (who also created the character of Harley Quinn) pens the framing segments before a host of holiday themed stories starring Superman and son Jon, Batman and son Damian, Wonder Woman, John Constantine, the Titans, members of the Green Lantern Corps, Batwoman, and many, many more...
    At $9.99, this special is a bit pricey. But it is a 96-pager and there were several stories that I loved so much, I had to read it over. The Batman/ Superman story and the Batman/ Detective Chimp story were the best. But the Paul Dini penned vignettes were the highlight. Nobody does Harley Quinn better- nobody! This book just dropped last Wednesday, but it's getting such rave reviews, I don't think it's going to be on store shelves for long! So act fast!!!
   Featuring a slew of DC talent including Cullen Bunn, Steve Orlando, Dustin Nguyen, and Gustavo Duarte, this was the best DC Special I think I've ever read. And I'm not just saying this because of how excited I am to see DC returning to making holiday specials (it's been 6 years since DC published the last one! Curse you, New 52!) 
    Rebirth has been a great thing for DC Comics and this holiday special was just another great example of how DC is the real mover and shaker of the Big Two! I look forward to 2017 and the next volume!
       
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Supergirl #1 (Rebirth)

   Young Kara Zor-El is having trouble adjusting to her new life on earth. On Krypton, she was amongst one of the brightest students in the planet's history. On earth during the day, she's living under the name of high-school student Kara Danvers. This world is so primitive to her, she can't even operative something as simple as an over-head projector. She's also quite a bit homesick and it doesn't help that her adoptive parents, DEO agents Jeremiah and Eliza Danvers keep trying to bring her a little slice of Krypton and fail miserably at it.
    At night, Kara operates as Supergirl where she's a member of the Department of Extra-Normal Operations like her guardians. Under the DEO, life is a hard adjustment too. As the Maiden of Might, she wants to be able to take on the criminal underground like her cousin, Superman. But the head of the department, former Metropolis detective Maggie Sawyer, doesn't think she's ready yet.
     Welcome to the Rebirth era Supergirl. It's a fair mix of comic book legend and the CW television series. Along with the DEO which plays a huge part of the show, this new Supergirl comic has a large dose of Cat Grant, who sees Supergirl as a Superman wannabe. I have a feeling Kara is going to end up an intern at Catco, Cat Grant's media empire, in the next couple of issues.
     One character that's on the CW show but isn't in the comic is Jimmy Olsen. He's still a very large part of Superman's world. So taking his place is a new character named Ben. Ben is an African American student at Kara's school. Part jock, part nerd, Ben is intrigued
by the fish out-of-water Kara Danvers and is probably going to take the role of love interest.
     Of this first issue, I really enjoyed it. I haven't been able to get my hands on Supergirl: Rebirth and I really wish I had. There's considerable amounts of backstory in that teaser issue that is alluded to quite a bit in this book. While it would've been nice to have read that first, you can still enjoy this new take on Supergirl.
     Writer Steve Orlando (Midnighter) weaves a pretty good teen angst tale that has equal parts action, sci-fi, and humor. I'm very happy he's got the reigns to my all-time favorite female super-hero- so don't mess it up! The artwork however by Ascension artist Brian Ching is still up in the air to me. I'm about 60-40 liking it but it's also a bit too cartoony as you can see from the cover. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me.
     A fun read with a great cliffhanger that's got me ready to camp out at the comic book store on the eve when it drops in a couple of weeks.
 
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
   

DC Universe: Rebirth #1

Someone is trying to break through the barriers of the DC Universe. With their return is a warning of players who are manipulating the timeline, causing the DC Universe to have lost 10 years of continuity. Players so secret, even though the clues to their identity are teased from the very first panel, you will be completely shocked as to who they are during the last panel reveal!

    With the completion of the New 52! experiment, DC Comics seeks to return their comics to that timeless multiverse that has endeared to DC fans for over 60 years! Geoff Johns, the mastermind behind the Arrowverse of live-action shows on the CW such as The Flash and DC Legends of Tomorrow, scribes the single best DC book in a long, long time. Featuring the art of Ivan Reis, Gary Frank, and many more, this issue evokes the classic artwork of Crisis on Infinite Earths' penciler, George Perez.

   Speaking of Crisis, this 80-page one-shot not only resets the DCU, it pays tribute to over 30 years of stories and art inspired by the Marv Wolfman/ Perez maxi-series from 1985-86. There are so many homages and easter eggs that along with the great story, comprise an epic love letter to DC Comics.

   I enjoyed the New 52! for the most part. But honestly, it wasn't the DC that I remembered. That's what I love about DC Comics, it's established on legend, myth, and nostalgia. Rebirth seeks to return DC to that classic framework. I'm so psyched as to what the events of Rebirth will bring and extremely excited to read more.

   To paraphrase DC's Mediocre Competitor: Make Mine DC!

   Worth Consuming!

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.