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mapatchli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
3.0
From the minds of James Tynion IV (Batman/TMNT), Eddy Barrows (Nightwing), and Alvardo Martinez (Batman Eternal) comes the fourth installment of the Batman: Detective Comics line. I know some people think that there are too many “bat” characters already, and while I don’t necessarily disagree with them, what’s done is done, and thus I’m happy for a series that actually takes time fleshing the lot of them out (or occasionally killing them off).
There are two main plots for this volume. The first is more of a one-shot story, as it’s only one issue long. However it is focusing on Stephanie and how she’s handling (spoiler warning) Tim Drake’s death. Hint: not well. To her credit, she tries to turn what happened into something positive, in a way. Instead of being a vigilante that takes all the crime fighting credit, Stephanie has become a silent crime fighting vigilante, one who makes sure the police take the credit. In this way she hopes to bring something good back to the city. I respect this so much. I hope this becomes a larger plot later, though I doubt it will.
The main plot is a bit more chaotic, to say the least. It revolves very heavily around Batman, Zatanna and a few others. I honestly think the Zatanna part of this plot was probably the most stable plot – the other part just left me confused and feeling rushed. Perhaps that’s my bias showing, as I quite like Zatanna (and seeing a teenage Zatanna was pretty cool). The confusing part focused around Azrael and events specific to him. I’m not sure what it was about this, but I had the hardest time keeping track of what was actually going on and why. So needless to say I didn’t get much satisfaction out of the ending. Oh well.
I find it interesting how they spent so much time in this issue building up Bruce Wayne and Zatanna’s relationship in this volume; especially considering what is going on with Catwoman in the main Batman series. This leaves me a bit confused about where everything fits continuity wise. Sure, you could argue that the relationship isn’t sexual and is a non-issue, but it still raises a lot of other questions, so again, I’m left confused.
On the bright side I really enjoyed the artwork for this series. All the characters had these really nice little details on them (even ones that first appeared unimportant) and I enjoyed the mech designs shown. I particularly liked the magic effects and how they were drawn, but again that might be my bias showing.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
There are two main plots for this volume. The first is more of a one-shot story, as it’s only one issue long. However it is focusing on Stephanie and how she’s handling (spoiler warning) Tim Drake’s death. Hint: not well. To her credit, she tries to turn what happened into something positive, in a way. Instead of being a vigilante that takes all the crime fighting credit, Stephanie has become a silent crime fighting vigilante, one who makes sure the police take the credit. In this way she hopes to bring something good back to the city. I respect this so much. I hope this becomes a larger plot later, though I doubt it will.
The main plot is a bit more chaotic, to say the least. It revolves very heavily around Batman, Zatanna and a few others. I honestly think the Zatanna part of this plot was probably the most stable plot – the other part just left me confused and feeling rushed. Perhaps that’s my bias showing, as I quite like Zatanna (and seeing a teenage Zatanna was pretty cool). The confusing part focused around Azrael and events specific to him. I’m not sure what it was about this, but I had the hardest time keeping track of what was actually going on and why. So needless to say I didn’t get much satisfaction out of the ending. Oh well.
I find it interesting how they spent so much time in this issue building up Bruce Wayne and Zatanna’s relationship in this volume; especially considering what is going on with Catwoman in the main Batman series. This leaves me a bit confused about where everything fits continuity wise. Sure, you could argue that the relationship isn’t sexual and is a non-issue, but it still raises a lot of other questions, so again, I’m left confused.
On the bright side I really enjoyed the artwork for this series. All the characters had these really nice little details on them (even ones that first appeared unimportant) and I enjoyed the mech designs shown. I particularly liked the magic effects and how they were drawn, but again that might be my bias showing.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
tabman678's review
4.0
I'll put it here that this story is more effective if you've read Knight fall.
Detective comics has been a very good read and that continues with this volume. Volume 1 focused on Kate and Tim. Volume 2 was Spoiler and Tim's fallout. Volume 3 was Orphan and Clayface if I recall ( though that may have been 3). This volume deals with Jean Paul Valley and Batman.
The order of St. Dumas comes into play here again and it's fine. Though the Batman and Zatanna sections are the stand out here.
If you've been reading Detective comics it's worth continuing here. If you like Zatanna it is also worth reading. If you just want more of Jean Paul Valley because you love Knightfall then this is worth reading.
Really if you like Batman team books this is worth a read.
Detective comics has been a very good read and that continues with this volume. Volume 1 focused on Kate and Tim. Volume 2 was Spoiler and Tim's fallout. Volume 3 was Orphan and Clayface if I recall ( though that may have been 3). This volume deals with Jean Paul Valley and Batman.
The order of St. Dumas comes into play here again and it's fine. Though the Batman and Zatanna sections are the stand out here.
If you've been reading Detective comics it's worth continuing here. If you like Zatanna it is also worth reading. If you just want more of Jean Paul Valley because you love Knightfall then this is worth reading.
Really if you like Batman team books this is worth a read.
aloyokon's review
5.0
Another nice entry
Dumas’ past comes back to haunt him, and the Bat Family, in the form of a rogue, dogmatic AI. Oh, and Cassandra Cain learns some Shakespeare, too!
Dumas’ past comes back to haunt him, and the Bat Family, in the form of a rogue, dogmatic AI. Oh, and Cassandra Cain learns some Shakespeare, too!
birdmanseven's review
2.0
Here's ones for those scores of fans begging for more Azrael! Anyone?
In fairness, I did kinda like the Zatanna stuff.
We discussed this run over on Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1H7ODwyL4w
In fairness, I did kinda like the Zatanna stuff.
We discussed this run over on Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1H7ODwyL4w
doctorwoofwoof's review
4.0
Back Story (Part Two): So, as I told you all in the preface for my review of Volume 3, there is a similar feeling going on for me. Long story short, as much as I'm a sucker for a good Ra's al Ghul story, I am totally invested when presented with a solid story featuring Zatanna, with or without Bats!
There was a quite a bit in this volume. We were presented with more of where the League of Shadows fits in post-"Rebirth", as well as more on Azrael (who I still care little for as a character), and a sub-plot involving Zatanna and her relationship with Bats. Oh, and at the end, there is a certain someone who shall remain nameless else it becomes a Spoiler, but is totally cool and kinda expected, but cool all the same!
And yes, there is more of "angsty" Spoiler/Stephanie Brown, as she tries to figure out where/how she fits into Gotham, but by herself, not with the Bat-Fam. Fortunately, there was only Spoiler-centric issue, and that was the last issue in this volume. I am hoping Tynion resolves this, as I think she is a good character, but there is only so far you can go with the angst-y, "I don't need Batman" character plotline. Just sayin'..
A plot element I found of particular interest was that there seemed to be a little somethin' somethin' 'tween Bruce and Zatanna. Not necessarily anything of a sexual nature, but I definitely felt there was feelings between the two of them. Something that Tynion seemed to build off of from the B:TAS episode "Zatanna" (Season 1, Episode 50). Damn, this guy is on fire! I can't understand why so many others whine about Tynion. The man is effing BRILLIANT!
Before I close out this review, I want to give some much deserved attention to the art team for this volume: Raúl Fernández and Alvaro Martinez. All the characters and settings were quite, quite good, totally emulating the feeling that this volume was presenting. Also, their renderings of Zee? Fine, fine, fine! Great job, gentleman, great job!
So, that's it. I can't recommend this volume of 'TEC enough, but then again, I am also biased as I am all about a good Zatanna story. And, yup, that's definitely what this was!
There was a quite a bit in this volume. We were presented with more of where the League of Shadows fits in post-"Rebirth", as well as more on Azrael (who I still care little for as a character), and a sub-plot involving Zatanna and her relationship with Bats. Oh, and at the end, there is a certain someone who shall remain nameless else it becomes a Spoiler, but is totally cool and kinda expected, but cool all the same!
And yes, there is more of "angsty" Spoiler/Stephanie Brown, as she tries to figure out where/how she fits into Gotham, but by herself, not with the Bat-Fam. Fortunately, there was only Spoiler-centric issue, and that was the last issue in this volume. I am hoping Tynion resolves this, as I think she is a good character, but there is only so far you can go with the angst-y, "I don't need Batman" character plotline. Just sayin'..
A plot element I found of particular interest was that there seemed to be a little somethin' somethin' 'tween Bruce and Zatanna. Not necessarily anything of a sexual nature, but I definitely felt there was feelings between the two of them. Something that Tynion seemed to build off of from the B:TAS episode "Zatanna" (Season 1, Episode 50). Damn, this guy is on fire! I can't understand why so many others whine about Tynion. The man is effing BRILLIANT!
Before I close out this review, I want to give some much deserved attention to the art team for this volume: Raúl Fernández and Alvaro Martinez. All the characters and settings were quite, quite good, totally emulating the feeling that this volume was presenting. Also, their renderings of Zee? Fine, fine, fine! Great job, gentleman, great job!
So, that's it. I can't recommend this volume of 'TEC enough, but then again, I am also biased as I am all about a good Zatanna story. And, yup, that's definitely what this was!
captwinghead's review
5.0
Wow! This volume was truly wonderful!
Surprisingly, I really liked the storyline between Ascalon and Azrael. Jean Paul has really grown on me as a character and his relationship with Luke is awesome! I can't believe Luke made him a suit without telling Jean Paul about it! I really love how supporting they are of each other.
I also enjoyed Zatanna in this one! She's a character I haven't read much of but I always love when she shows up. She was even more powerful than I expected and this volume surprised me quite a bit. It was interesting that Batman truly took a backseat for this volume.
Unfortunately Clay Face and Cass are pretty much just here to fight and that's about it. Presumably because Cass' arc took place last volume and they still haven't gone that far into an arc with Clay Face. I'm sure that's coming.
All in all, A+ here. This is the one series I'll keep reading as we go further into this year because Super Sons and Batwoman were cancelled and those were the only DC books I had on my pull list. I've been trade waiting Detective Comics and I wish I'd started when it was just starting out so I didn't have to wait for the next trade.
5 stars.
Surprisingly, I really liked the storyline between Ascalon and Azrael. Jean Paul has really grown on me as a character and his relationship with Luke is awesome! I can't believe Luke made him a suit without telling Jean Paul about it! I really love how supporting they are of each other.
I also enjoyed Zatanna in this one! She's a character I haven't read much of but I always love when she shows up. She was even more powerful than I expected and this volume surprised me quite a bit. It was interesting that Batman truly took a backseat for this volume.
Unfortunately Clay Face and Cass are pretty much just here to fight and that's about it. Presumably because Cass' arc took place last volume and they still haven't gone that far into an arc with Clay Face. I'm sure that's coming.
All in all, A+ here. This is the one series I'll keep reading as we go further into this year because Super Sons and Batwoman were cancelled and those were the only DC books I had on my pull list. I've been trade waiting Detective Comics and I wish I'd started when it was just starting out so I didn't have to wait for the next trade.
5 stars.
enriquedcf's review
3.0
Though weaker than the previous arc, it still works pretty well as a team book, while at the same time giving some needed attention to Azrael. I wish Zatanna had been used in a more interesting way, beyond the flashbacks with young Bruce. Despite not being as engaging as the previous arc, it is still a good part of so far a great run.
sushant_21's review
4.0
i wanted to read tis for Zatana, zatana and batman, i liked the story, i felt Zatana is underused, to many white characters. however liked the little spoiler short story.
vulcanzaddy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5