Talisman's Catastic Batcentric Review Thread<3

**Talisman** · 07-21-2012, 08:50 AM

So I'm reading the new Catwoman series, and contemplating on doing a review thread for the bat-books that I read, it hit me. I reached the 12th page, and it says my name (well, username) on the page, and it's done. I am here to do a review thread. I understand review threads aren't that big on these boards. and while I understand that most preview threads are considered review threads as well, this won't be relegated to a single title. It will entail all the bat books I read (which are four atm, about to be five when I get the Nightwing back issues). So expect the Tallygoodness and opinionated hash tags to commence later this evening.

**Talisman** · 07-21-2012, 07:56 PM

Catwoman #1
written by: Judd Winnick
Art: Guillem March

Okay, what I liked: the pacing. We open with action, but it's not a complete action book. We see a little glimpse into what I hope is the supporting cast for this book. Lola is nice, in the non-average babe which you'd think of for a book with a cover like the one that was delivered, so having a plus sized diva is nice to see. Don't get me wrong, she's no Maven, but she'll do. People who complain about Selina not being damaged, didn't really pay attention to the details in this story. The scene where she's posing as a bartender at the Russian Mob's dive, and becomes paralyzed for a few moments while we get the flashback of that hooker dying at the hands of Renald. Could the blonde girl have been Holly? Who knows. Anyway, when she follows him into the bathroom and commences to beat the living shite out of him, was an exciting few panels to behold. I'm liking the direction Winick is taking Selina in. And the art. I really enjoy the art. It's not perfect, as it's very stylized, and some of the proportions are off (like Selina leaning against the bathroom door, or her and Bats doing the dirty), but it's fun. It's a shame he's taking off to work on the Talon book. There are so many other artists better suited for Talon, imo...oh well...

What I didn't like: the proportions. The very limited character growth for Selina in this issue. We don't really get a chance to know who she is as a character at this point, and of course the costume. I know I'm in the minority in not liking her costume, but it's been too long. I'm over it. The goggles look like a real piece, and the hood is just 2000 & late at this point.

Over all, I give this book a 7 out of 9 cat's tails.

**coveredinbees** · 07-21-2012, 09:11 PM

You're so cute. I love you.

**Talisman** · 07-21-2012, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by coveredinbees

You're so cute. I love you.

lol thank you. I love you, too.

**Talisman** · 07-22-2012, 07:17 PM

Talisman's Catastic Review #2

Birds of Prey #1

Written by: Duane Swierczynski
Art by: Jesus Sais

What I liked: I'd love to say everything, but alas, it wasn't perfect. But it was damn close. Let me go on record saying: I dislike Gail Simone's writing. I haven't read anything by her that has exactly wowed me, and I fail to see the hype behind her. Anyway, I like Duane's voice he gives to each of the characters. After reading Marvel so long, and being used to so many of the writers (Bendis) give each character the exact same voice had grown repetitive and annoying to say the least. But this man is a genius. Why he doesn't get more high profile work is beyond me. I seriously don't understand why he wasn't invited to write Detective, or something. Starling. Possibly the greatest creation to come from the new 52 is just amazing. And the art by Siaz. He just draws beautifully. The story has potential, and I'm going to love seeing where things go (I'm already there, I just like to build the suspense). Black Canary's new costume. No, it's not as amazing as her original, but it's a whole new world, and I'm loving she still has a penchant for her pantyhose.

What I don't like: the decompression already setting in. Not caring about the invisible assailants. The guy getting blown up. Why didn't I like it? I didn't care to get to know him, as he left very little impression on me. He should have been fleshed out just a tad bit more, imo.

Overall, this is a breath of fresh air after the pile of dog fecal matter the last volume had (although, it appears to have the same problem with keeping an artist...well, not quite that bad), but I enjoy Duane's treatment of Starling, and unlike Hawk & Dove, she actually seems to fit in here.

**coveredinbees** · 07-22-2012, 08:13 PM

If the blonde girl was Holly, I'll be so sad.

I'm not as interested in Selina as a damaged hero as I am in her as a thrill seeking thief and cat enthusiast who helps Batman once in awhile. Will I still enjoy this issue?
I agree with you one the costume. I've fallen hard for the purple cowl look.

I have a serious question for you. Should she grow out her hair?

Originally Posted by Talisman

Talisman's Catastic Review #2

Birds of Prey #1

I was okay with the guy blowing up. I don't think we needed to know him better. His explosion still resonated with me because I thought the Birds saved him and then his head exploded.

**Talisman** · 07-22-2012, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by coveredinbees

If the blonde girl was Holly, I'll be so sad.

I'm not as interested in Selina as a damaged hero as I am in her as a thrill seeking thief and cat enthusiast who helps Batman once in awhile. Will I still enjoy this issue?
I agree with you one the costume. I've fallen hard for the purple cowl look.

I have a serious question for you. Should she grow out her hair?

I do love the purple ensemble. The thigh high boots. She looked so graceful, not some biker betch who wore her shower cap too long.

Yes, I think she needs to go back to her long hair, if only for a couple years. It's sorely missed.

I was okay with the guy blowing up. I don't think we needed to know him better. His explosion still resonated with me because I thought the Birds saved him and then his head exploded.

I just didn't care at this point. It was like, hey, I'm a pain in the ass, but thanks for saving me...oh wait, you didn't. Look at me bleed ka blam. Nothing. It didn't make me feel like OMG the Birds need to kick the shit out of him. It was so blech.

**coveredinbees** · 07-22-2012, 10:23 PM

For me, it was shocking they failed so hard. I was just, "whoa! You're not good at this at all, then."
But I agree on Choke. I also never cared if they kicked the shit out of him. Certainly, he's powerful, but he I think he could've more menacing. He's more like a tease. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

**Washout** · 07-23-2012, 07:02 PM

What's going to be reviewed next?

**Talisman** · 07-23-2012, 07:21 PM

Batman #1.

**Talisman** · 07-23-2012, 07:44 PM

Talisman's Catastic review #3

Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo

What I liked: How young Gotham felt. It felt kinda fresh, and like a city that could actually be here in the United States. The art was beautiful. I love Jim being a younger Commissioner, as opposed to the old fart he used to be. The relationship between the two was entertaining, and you could tell by Jim's responses that he thought of the two as friends. The banter between Dick & Bruce was also one of the highlights. The return of Vicki Vale. Probably my second favorite love interest after Silver St. Cloud. As I've read all the batman #1's (minus inc), this was my favorite of the 4. I love how he's subtly giving Bruce a personality amongst the family. I like the concept of the Owls at this point, but how I feel later down the road is to be seen. Bullock (need I say more than his name?)

What I didn't like: the allusion that the owls have been around for centuries. Some of the tech used in the book. I know he's supposed to be cutting edge, but he's supposed to be cutting edge for normal humans. The Batgod moments in Arkham. I understand he's supposed to be awesome, but meh on the overcompensation. It just makes me think writers haven't anything interesting to do for an opening sequence. It would have been better had we seen maybe the guy who's going to become the new Talon in the Talon book trying to escape from the clutches of the court...

Best Batman only book that I'm reading right now. Maybe because I'm more of a Bat-supporting cast fan than a Bruce fan, but I'm hoping we see more interaction with the family of Bats for awhile. I give it a 6 out of 9 cat tails.

**El Sombrero** · 07-23-2012, 07:57 PM

I look forward to more Catwoman reviews to see your thoughts on the series as it progresses. I loved the first couple issues but thought it nosedived after there and the rest of the series was only worth it for the art (when March is drawing).