Steve Ray Comic Reviews

VerdictI'm loving these one-shots so much. They take a different look at multiple aspects of comics lore in every issue. The pairings of hero and villain have been really well thought out, refreshing and fun to read. The Joker is slowly circling his prey, but his former love is now hunting him too. Next week we'll see Red Hood battle Anarky, leading to the Harley Vs. Joker main event. I've got my tickets, and I'm gonna be front row!

I have really enjoyed these preludes, but the end of the road is in sight. If you've been reading the parallel arcs in the main Batman book, then these stories provide fantastic companion pieces. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? Pick up Batman 48 and 49 right now! Once you've read 'em make sure you pick up issue #50 and the all-new Catwoman #1 both available on July 4th.

Not a single complaint from this reader. Tim Seeley, Travis Moore, Otto Scmidt, Tamra Bonvillain and wonder wordsmith Dave Sharpe ("SUNNN" "KATHOOM" FWOOSSH") have just killed it. Hush is not a nice guy, but I felt for him" rocket-launcher notwithstanding. Comics don't always have to be thought provoking essays dissecting the human condition. Sometimes all they need to do is give us great characters, and entertainment. Sometimes all they have to be" is fun.

Another hugely entertaining story. The way that all roads have been leading to the Joker have me so excited for next week's final chapter, and for the wedding in Batman #50.

I'm anxiously awaiting next week's installment, pitting Nightwing against Hush.

This is the perfect comic for all Doctor Who fans, old or new.

Teen Titans: Endless Winter #1 is pretty terrific. Any book that can satisfy old fans, and help pave the path towards their future is a winner in my book. The creative team honors the recent past, the team's rich history, and gives us an non-stop, fun and action filled comic-book romp. For me this issue is a winner and a keeper.

Give me the war between a glowing knight, and a spoiled king, I'm all in.

Terrific dialogue, clean lines, bright colors and a gripping plot. While the art was not exactly to my taste it was still very good, and was perfectly suited to the content and subject matter. No, this annual wasn't perfect, but it was an essential chapter in the continuing story. Seriously guys and girls, if you regularly read the monthly Nightwing series you do not want to miss this installment.

VerdictFill-in issues can sometimes be a gamble" but this was one that really paid off. Not only does next issue's creative team of Writer Michael Moreci and artist Jorge Jiminez have a tough act to follow, so does the new home team!

With issues #42 and #43 delivering two tasty starter dishes, readers' appetites have been whetted for the delicious main course thatNightwing #44 promiises to deliver. In two short weeks the new ongoing creative team debuts" and this reader is hungry.

If Mr. Mooneyham can keep up this level of quality art on a two week release schedule, then I'll be a very happy reader indeed.

Wyrm is a formidable foe. In a world where information is power and technology is king, this is truly a monster for today's society. How can Nightwing battle an enemy he can't touch, and one who can extract information directly from his devices, or even his very own mind? Personally, I can't wait to find out!

A solid issue; variances in art notwithstanding. Great story ideas, lovely characterization and good images. The threat is one that I find engaging and the end of the issue has left me on edge for the next chapter. The issue isn't perfect, but it's definitely pretty darned good.

VerdictThis issue was great, and really left me wanting more. Isn't that what comics are all about? The new creative have really found their voices, and the audience is receiving some sweet, sweet music.

VerdictI'm almost sad that this particular creative team is only handling this issue and the next. Thankfully we know that writer Benjamin Percy is sticking around for a while, but I'm itching to see more of Amancay Nahuelpan's gorgeous art. The conclusion to this chapter has revved up my engines, and I just want to hit the gas and zoom ahead four weeks to see how this all plays out.

Trust me folks, this is something that you do NOT want to miss.

Dick Grayson is dead, long live Nightwing.

That final page has definitely piqued my interest!

VerdictYes, I'm really enjoying this new direction. Ric Grayson always has been and always will be one of the greatest heroes in comics. His journey of rediscovery, plus having to deal with darker versions of his former persona, will eventually lead him back on the path of righteousness… I know it will. In the meantime, though, we're going to get some fresh, thrilling and truly innovative new Nightwing adventures.

All aboard route NW #54… next stop FEARSVILLE.

VerdictSeeing how Crane likes Ric Grayson, but despises Robin and Nightwing makes for very interesting reading. Althoughthe clash of styles was a distraction, both the artists om this issue are fine storytellers. The story is riveting and full of excellent characters, so I'm still in for the long-haul.

VerdictAll the pieces are now in play. The Nightwings are out there, Scarecrow has joined the fray and Ric Grayson has been forced into the battlefield. It seems clear that circumstances have taken Dick Grayson out of Nightwing, but they haven't removed Nightwing's spark from within Ric. Throw in the master of fear and a team of rookie vigilantes and the situation is ready to explode. The question remains as to which Nightwing, if any, will be around to pick up the pieces once the dust settles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this issue. It was action packed, well scripted and brilliantly drawn. If we could just get a permanent art team settled in, then this series would be close to perfection. I'm fully invested in this title, with Ric back in the thick of things and a mysterious visitor watching proceedings from the rooftops, I'm sure that the fun's just getting started.

VerdictWhere some could find the slower pace of this issue a little off-putting, I enjoyed it, especially after the roller-coaster thrill ride of issues 50-56. Ric's relationship with Sapienza has grown and so has his connection with Bea. Having Duela Dent, back and adopting her "Joker's Daughter" persona again is intriguing, to say the least. This character has crossed over from being hero, villain, anti-hero and everything in-between, so seeing her in these pages will definitely add some spice. I look forward to finding out just how much, over the next few months.

VerdictWhile it isn't a groundbreaking masterpiece, Nightwing #58 is still a great example of good, well crafted sequential art. The story made sense, the characters are believable/lovable/hateful, depending on their purpose, and the art is gorgeous. Whatever you want to call him, the main character of this title has been a huge part of my life for over four decades, so, I'm going to stick with him, support him, and the fine, talented creators that continue to bring us his adventures, until I find a valid reason not to. This book is still one of my favorite monthly reads.

Thankfully I can focus on the action and on the brilliant dialogue, ignoring the niggles in the issue. Adam Glass is adding more and more heat to the pot and, with D'Jinn, he has created a character I care about, but who really frightens me. Being a Teen Titans/ Titans fan for over three decades (I own the issues where Dick Grayson gave up on being Robin and became Nightwing) no other Titans member has had me more on edge since Raven's turn to the demonic, or Terra from the legendary "Judas Contract" storyline. I don't think that there's higher praise than that.

Do yourself a favor; pick up the last couple of years' worth of issues, two annuals and the special, or the trade paperbacks that collect them. You won't be sorry.

Two chapters in and this new arc is proving to be great fun. There's a nice mix of action, and decent characterisation. Benjamin Percy has done some great work on Teen Titans, and over on Green Arrow too. The cliffhanger this issue has left me wanting more, and no-one can say fairer than that.

Benjamin Percy and the gang have done well to fit at least six issues' worth of material into just three comics.

With the amount of interest surrounding the Teen Titans these days; an animated movie in theatres, a hit cartoon show, and the upcoming live action series for the DC Universe Streaming Service, this series needed to deliver a first rate relaunch. I'm happy to say that it has exceeded expectations, and that I can't wait to see what comes next.

VerdictWith all their issues, their capacity for chaos and huge power levels, this team could really be a recipe for disaster. Are they in control? Are they even competent? The bickering, arguing and high comedy in this title are brilliantly counter-balanced with drama, tension and action. I may not have been all-in at the outset, but I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong.

VerdictThis book is just so much fun to read. The art and writing work hand in hand to give us a good, old-fashioned (in the best way possible) humorous and action packed romp. Usually comics cliffhangers have me pulling my hair out with angst and agony, but the final page of this issue left me grinning from ear to ear. Great stuff.

VerdictAnother fun and action packed issue. It was great seeing Lady Vic again, she's another blast from the past. The shock of page two of the issue marries well with shocking events depicted inBatman #55, Nightwing #50 and Heroes In Crisis #1. The ongoing arc in this series, the characters and the consistently attention grabbing cliff hangers always leave me wanting more. The only (very) slight let down was the inconsistent art.

I feel sorry for The Other when Robin and the crew finally catches up with them… can't wait.

This issue gives us so many answers, but even though Crush and Roundhouse have had many of their secrets divulged, D'Jinn remains a figure of mystery. After reading this issue I cannot wait to see what Mr. Glass has up his sleeve for the origin of the team's resident magic user.

VerdictI'm really enjoying both the new direction this series has taken and this new team of Teen Titans. The pressure has slowly been bubbling under the surface, but is now reaching boiling point. Will Batman be fully dragged into events? Can the Dark Knight and his son settle their differences? Where does Red Hood fit in? This story continues in Teen Titans Annual #1, where at least one of those questions will be answered. Maybe I should start camping outside my comic-book store now…

ConclusionTen issues in and I'm loving Adam Glass' work on this series. Add in some terrific art, and I am a very happy reader. Next month's issue is part of a crossover with Deathstroke, so any fans who may have missed action this time around, are sure to have their hunger sated by the next story arc.

As someone who reads and collects Teen Titans and Deathstroke, I'm beyond excited to see what the fallout from all this is going to deliver.

Aside from some nice moments between the members of the group and Wallace confronting Emiko and Damian about their prison, the last two issues have seemed like a bit of a waste of time. While I love Deathstroke (I also read and collect his title) I feel like this whole arc was unnecessary. I guess I'll just have to enjoy it as an action story, but as a crossover (so far) it all seems a little pointless.

Teen Titans #30 bordered on perfection. The writing and visuals were all first rate, the pacing was fantastic, and the emotions, dram and tension led to some kick-ass action. If the story and art alone weren't enough to get heartbeats racing then the sudden appearance by a classic DC character (who had to appear in this book eventually) on the final page definitely set the tone and whetted the appetite for the next issue.

I hope that next issue's conclusion to this story gets back on track and delivers our team of young heroes giving the Main Man a taste of his own bad medicine. Messing with the Teen Titans proves that you're having ideas above your station.

VerdictTeen Titans #32 continues a run of excellence, in my humble opinion. This series is one that I pick up month after month knowing that I'm going to get one helluva read. Consistency in comics is a hard job to maintain, but since Adam Glass, Bernard Chang and Marcelo Maiolo took over this book, it has been consistently terrific.

I'm still in shock after witnessing Robin and Djinn's dark plan. I know that they have noble intentions, but I cannot condone their behaviour, nor their actions. I hope that they come to their senses before the rest of the team discovers what's going on, and woe-betide Damian Wayne if Batman finds out! Teen Titans #33 is great, and I love what Adam Glass has brought to this series, no matter which incredible art team is helping him do it.

Teen Titans #34 is the kind of issue you need to give someone who says that comics can't surprise us anymore. Surprised? They're gonna need a road drill to get my jaw out of the ground… that's how hard it dropped.

Teen Titans #35 isn't just another great issue in this brilliant run, it's also another solid chapter in the "Year Of The Villain" arc. Unlike other DC books (which I won't name, as that's another reviewer's job) this title can be enjoyed as part of the meta narrative, but also works great at just telling the story of this terrific team of Teen heroes.

I will treasure this run for years, especially as I get the horrible feeling that it'll be coming to a close soon. I rate Glass, Chang and Maiolo as the greatest Teen Titans creative team since Marv Wolfman and George Perez, and those are words I never thought I'd ever type.

Yessir… this issue's a keeper.

Teen Titans #38 was terrific and felt like the end of an era. Next issue sees the debut of a new art team, and a new co-writer, in the shape of Eduardo Pansica (Supergirl) and Robbie Thompson (Spider-Man/Deadpool). Eduardo has some big shoes to fill, but I'm a huge fan of Robbie's work already. I'm sure that the Teen Titans' future is in safe hands, but with a title like "Djinn Wars" we know that life won't be getting any easier for our adolescent adventurers any time soon.

These quibbles aside, Teen Titans #39 is till a very strong comic. The way that the team has set their mistakes and differences aside, in order to rescue Djinn, is fantastic. I love all of these characters, and that's completely down to how well written and drawn they are. I foresee that this creative team will continue to deliver all the fun, action, suspense and surprises that I've come to expect from this consistently excellent series.

The characters all feel real, the book looks great and the the threat levels are as high and credible as any I've encountered in over four decades reading comics.

While I didn't receive the ending I wanted, I still got a brilliantly written and visually impressive piece of entertainment. I'm fully invested in these characters, and their futures.

I love it when creators can use the past, both as inspiration, and as a launch-pad for new greatness. That's just what Teen Titans is delivering.

I can't believe that this series will be no more in a few short months, because it's been nothing short of excellent for two whole years. As soon as I saw Robin's prison, then learned that he was brainwashing the criminals he kept there, I knew that Batman's wrath would be a sight to behold. I can actually see Robin taking down his team-mates, but the Dark Knight is a whole different story.

There's still a lot of story to tell, and sadly we only have two more issues for it to be told in. I'll treasure the Adam Glass/Robbie Thompson, Bernard Chang/Javi Fernandez era of Teen Titans, as it's been brilliant. I can't wait to see what our cliffhanger character, and shadowy visitor will bring to the table next month.

Will we be left on a cliffhanger, or will this story continue in another title? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm someone who loves the sun, and hates colder climates… but, for once, I'm actually looking forward to an Endless Winter.

VerdictThe quality of this issue warranted it being more than a stand-alone one-shot. This is the kind of comic that deserves to be the zero issue of an ongoing arc. I grew up with Marv Wolfman and George Perez' legendary Teen Titans run, which hugely affected my character, morals and beliefs. This new version, if it's handled as well as this issue was, could do the same for a whole new generation of readers.

That was a very strong start, and this aging (but young at heart) fanboy is totally invested.

This series really is worth picking up, if The Next Batman: Second Son #1 is anything to go by. The characterization is solid, and the dialogue comes across as natural and engaging. The art's solid and a genuine effort has been made to lay solid foundations for what's to come. I look forward to the story coming out in individual issues, or a collected edition soon, so it can be read the way comics are meant to be.