I'm definitely sensing a formula here. It seems that we're getting more and more of these 80 page Giants, as well as the Annuals, but this particular format seems to be conducive to granting a stage for new talent . . both writers and artists. However, in order to draw the eye of comic collectors, they're mixing in some seasoned talent as well. The cover is by Andy Kubert. Like the other Giants, this issue contains 7 or 8 short stories about various characters in the title's lead character's life . . both hero and villain. The theme for this specific issue is . . Gotham Freezes Over. Not necessarily about Mr Freeze, but rather Gotham in the winter. We start out with a story about Batman & Robin by Kevin Grevioux and Grey (?) as the penciller. It's an interesting story about how Gothamites are dealing with a blizzard that has pretty much shut down the town. And Batman & Robin are stuck having to stop normal citizens from doing things they might later regret. I actually really liked Grey's art. Next up is a story about Alfred. It's by David Tischman and Alex Konat. Alex's art seems to have a J Scott Campbell influence to it. It was also pretty catching. It's a story about Alfred's altruistic nature, and his need to live up to his mentors memory alive. Next we have a story about a group of kids that decide that they want to try to help Batman out by patrolling the streets of their own neighborhood . . Orphan Alley. Of course they learn the hard way that this is more than just a game. However . . 1 or 2 of them may just stick it out. We'll have to wait and see. It's by Mike Raicht and Clayton Henry. Next we have a story about Veil, Millicent Mayne. She's the actress that survived the quake and has been living in Gotham Theatre. Somehow she's become the ghost of Gotham, and is tuned in to the city. This story takes her on an adventure in which she decides to quit merely watching from the side-lines and start taking a more active role in the city around her. I'm sure we'll see more of her in Detective, or maybe Streets of Gotham. She really is an intriguing character. This story was by Peter Calloway and Marcus To. Next up is a story about Catwoman by Ivory Madison, and brilliantly painted by Kat Rocha and Josh Finney. This was definitely the jewel of the issue. The artwork is incredible. And the story shows us once again how Selina is ever treading that fence between hero and villain. The next story is about Poison Ivy. It's by Simon Spurrier and Chris Samnee. For some reason I didn't really like this story. It showed us how Pamela has pretty much given in to the flora part of her essence. In the winter she basically acts like any other plant. She dies, or hibernates, until the warmth of spring brings her back to life. Or . . she's fooled into it and then returned to Arkham. It just didn't grab me. Next is a story about Jim Gordan, and . . it does involve Mr Freeze. Victor is relishing in the arctic weather and just wants to get out for some fresh air. Jim has to decide whether to stick to his principles, and do his job, or . . give in to a murderer whom he happens to feel sorry for. You can guess which way he went. But it was still an interesting story. It was by Kevin Shinick and Rafa Garres. And finally we have a little 1 page story about a cartoon-like Batman by Steve Niles and Stephanie Buscema. Anyways, overall I thought it was an interesting issue. With the various characters it reminded me more of an issue of Streets of Gotham, or Legends of the Dark Knight, but . . there was an awful lot of aspiring talent presented here. Also, it really kept in the tradition of the old 80 page Giants from the 70's. All except the price that is. Remember when they used to be a buck?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Batman 80 Page Giant #1 - DC
I'm definitely sensing a formula here. It seems that we're getting more and more of these 80 page Giants, as well as the Annuals, but this particular format seems to be conducive to granting a stage for new talent . . both writers and artists. However, in order to draw the eye of comic collectors, they're mixing in some seasoned talent as well. The cover is by Andy Kubert. Like the other Giants, this issue contains 7 or 8 short stories about various characters in the title's lead character's life . . both hero and villain. The theme for this specific issue is . . Gotham Freezes Over. Not necessarily about Mr Freeze, but rather Gotham in the winter. We start out with a story about Batman & Robin by Kevin Grevioux and Grey (?) as the penciller. It's an interesting story about how Gothamites are dealing with a blizzard that has pretty much shut down the town. And Batman & Robin are stuck having to stop normal citizens from doing things they might later regret. I actually really liked Grey's art. Next up is a story about Alfred. It's by David Tischman and Alex Konat. Alex's art seems to have a J Scott Campbell influence to it. It was also pretty catching. It's a story about Alfred's altruistic nature, and his need to live up to his mentors memory alive. Next we have a story about a group of kids that decide that they want to try to help Batman out by patrolling the streets of their own neighborhood . . Orphan Alley. Of course they learn the hard way that this is more than just a game. However . . 1 or 2 of them may just stick it out. We'll have to wait and see. It's by Mike Raicht and Clayton Henry. Next we have a story about Veil, Millicent Mayne. She's the actress that survived the quake and has been living in Gotham Theatre. Somehow she's become the ghost of Gotham, and is tuned in to the city. This story takes her on an adventure in which she decides to quit merely watching from the side-lines and start taking a more active role in the city around her. I'm sure we'll see more of her in Detective, or maybe Streets of Gotham. She really is an intriguing character. This story was by Peter Calloway and Marcus To. Next up is a story about Catwoman by Ivory Madison, and brilliantly painted by Kat Rocha and Josh Finney. This was definitely the jewel of the issue. The artwork is incredible. And the story shows us once again how Selina is ever treading that fence between hero and villain. The next story is about Poison Ivy. It's by Simon Spurrier and Chris Samnee. For some reason I didn't really like this story. It showed us how Pamela has pretty much given in to the flora part of her essence. In the winter she basically acts like any other plant. She dies, or hibernates, until the warmth of spring brings her back to life. Or . . she's fooled into it and then returned to Arkham. It just didn't grab me. Next is a story about Jim Gordan, and . . it does involve Mr Freeze. Victor is relishing in the arctic weather and just wants to get out for some fresh air. Jim has to decide whether to stick to his principles, and do his job, or . . give in to a murderer whom he happens to feel sorry for. You can guess which way he went. But it was still an interesting story. It was by Kevin Shinick and Rafa Garres. And finally we have a little 1 page story about a cartoon-like Batman by Steve Niles and Stephanie Buscema. Anyways, overall I thought it was an interesting issue. With the various characters it reminded me more of an issue of Streets of Gotham, or Legends of the Dark Knight, but . . there was an awful lot of aspiring talent presented here. Also, it really kept in the tradition of the old 80 page Giants from the 70's. All except the price that is. Remember when they used to be a buck?
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I really enjoyed Grey's work in "Fire and Ice" as well. I found he primarily works on his own properties which are currently being released online. A brief bio on the site indicates Grey has been in the comics industry in various capacities for over 18 years! - http://carbon-fibre.squarespace.com/about_us/the-team.html
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