Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
BATMAN #670
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and Cover by Tony Daniel
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
The shadow of Batman's archfoe Ra's al Ghul still looms large over the head of the Dark Knight. Is Ra's al Ghul destined to live again? Batman begins his quest for the truth, guest-starring Talia al Ghul, Damian, the Sensei and I-Ching!
REVIEW:
What makes a good Batman story? Detective stories? Oh YES! But there are others: stories that deal with Batman's personal demons, him personally on any subject. But another one is something that connects to other Bat-books, including Batman and Detective, which makes the story deal with not just Batman, but the whole Bat-Family. And this new Bat-book crossover, "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul", is just that. He died in 2003's Death of the Maidens, and since you can't keep a good Bat-villain (let along a comic book character) dead, Ra's Al Ghul has come back from the dead. This will also mark the first Bat-Family crossover that I'll review and buy other Bat-Family books, since I never got Robin or Nightwing. Let's see what this group of writers, from Morrison to Dini, has in store for us. Now on with the prelude!
This issue starts the arc with a good start, making it three for three next to the other issues I reviewed that begun their arcs as well (Action #858 and JSA #10 (despite #9 was a prelude to it)). If there was one thing to say first about this issue, it was that I didn't have to worry getting this even though I never got the Annual that was released earlier. Why? Well Ra's is indeed back, but do you really need a reason for why he came back? No. Simple as that. Memories of either the comics or Batman: The Animated Series was normal when he returned from the grave wasn't the case here, as Ra's is now.....dust? I can't find the right term but even though he is back to life, it doesn't mean it's like usual. Maybe something new? People expecting alot of Sensei of I Ching might be disappointed, I don't know why, for they appear in minor parts. But since this is a prelude, and the next is "Part 1of 7", I think there shouldn't be a problem.
Overall, this issue was a good start for the arc. If I had to compare this, it would be JSA #9. That issue set up what ended up being "Thy Kingdom Come", and that's the same here. Sensei and I Ching (though their parts are minor), Talia vs Ra's and Damien on his way to reunite with the Batman and the Bat-Family, it's all set with this issue.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: The prelude is now set from Batman #670, now its Robin #168 that starts part 1 where Robin fights Damien, but why does Batman's son have to do with Ra's resurrection?
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
When was the last major cross-over in the Bat-books? I guess War Games. Judging from the start of the Ra's al Ghul ressurrection, it will not fall as flat as War Games.
Since he was turned to dust when he died in Death and the Maidens they had to give Ra's a new power. Apparently he trained under the Emperor from Star Wars and learned how to transfer his body into other ones (Dark Empire comic miniseries, check it out). Then in true Emperor form he wants to take the body of child, since the guy whose body he poisoned himself before Ra's took over. I never really thought I would see so many Star Wars parallels in a Batman story.
All of that aside, this issue does a pretty good job of setting up the arc. The art is especially good. I can't recall picking up anything by Tony Daniel, but he is a good successor to Andy Kubert. We'll have to see how the creative team handles the rest of it.
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 08-11-2007 11:26
The first part was pretty good. I really expected the story to move a little further along, and Tim Drake was not really characterized well. He was a little too similar to Damien, than the Robin that we've been shown for the last several years.
The Batman Talia scenes were pretty good, but the squabbles between Damien and Tim were pretty lame.
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 10-11-2007 10:09
Hey Nate, did you stop picking this up after the prelude? You haven't chimed in on it in a couple of weeks. Just curious.
Part two was great. It almost reminded me of the "Too Many Ninjas" story from KnishtsEnd. There is a ton of action all concentrated at Wayne Manor, where Ra's al Ghul and Talia have sent their own respective forces to retrieve Damien.
The big thing, for me at least, was seeing Nightwing act as a good fighter and tactician. I really haven't seen him do that since Chuck Dixon left the Nightwing book. He really shows that he has training from Batman, but has put his own twist on it (the stink bomb knock out gas was a clever bit).
The story line didn't move much further along aside from Damien and Robin's abduction, but this was definitely a great issue.
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 15-11-2007 12:34
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
No, I forgot about Robin last week but got Nightiwing this week. So expect reviews of those two tonight. I kinda busy today anyway. I had to borrow the Robin issue from someone since its sold out. At least these issues are going to get a second print.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 15-11-2007 12:38
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
ROBIN #168
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Freddie Williams II
Covers by Andy Kubert
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
Ra's Al Ghul returned from the dead in Batman #670, now in Robin #168, what does Ra's resurrection have to do with Batman's son, Damian? And more important, why does this send Damian toward a head-on collision with Robin at Wayne Manor? Guest starring Talia al Ghul and the Sensei!
REVIEW:
Batman #670 was the prelude to the new "Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" arc. The prelude was a good start for the new arc, which happened to come out the same week as two other comics that had good starts to their new arcs, and it was set up well. This arc also does something for me whom anyone could probably see; allow me to buy Nightwing and Robin, two titles I wanted to get but never did. This arc gives me that chance, so let's see. Now part 1 is here with Robin #168!
For a first timer on the Robin series, this was fine, yet I expected more. For a series called "Robin", it felt more like an issue of Batman than his partner, even though Robin and Damien are in more pages than Batman is in. That feeling was weird, but moving on. Last issue (Batman #670) was what a Batman issue is, and since the Dark Knight has been brought in by this arc, Robin is next. And with Robin, there is Damien, and going back to how they met in "Batman and Son", their relationship isn't friendly. Most of this whole issue is focused on Robin and Damien, the two "sons" of Batman. Both hate each other, neither the two trust one another, but even going by the ending and what this arc is about and what Ra's wanted to do with Damien in #670 (transfer his mind and body into the boy), they have to work together. The question is; how long will it take for them to do so, and will they make it?
Overall, this was okay. It had action here and there, but this issue under the series title "Robin", it felt like a Batman issue, even though Robin and Damien have more focus from the length of pages on them. I guess I expected some more. I would have liked it if there were no Batman scenes, and instead the whole issues on Robin and Damien. If it was like that, I would have given it a "Yay", but it has to be an "okay" instead.
RATING: Okay
Next Issue: Batman's three sons; Nightwing, Robin, and Damien team in Nightwing #138!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
NIGHTWING #138
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher
Cover by Tony S. Daniel and Jonathan Glapion
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
"The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul," Part 2 of 7! Could it be? Nightwing and Robin fighting side by side with Damian? Will the combined might of Batman's three "sons" be enough to overcome the machinations of the newly reborn Ra's al Ghul? And what will Nightwing do when Robin is tempted with an offer he can't refuse? Guest starring Talia al Ghul and the Sensei!
REVIEW:
This arc allowed me to get, for the first time, Robin with Robin #168. From there, it also allowed me to get another book that I had wanted to get but never did until now: Nightwing. Last time in Robin, it was an okay issue, felt more like Batman even though Robin and Damien had more page count than the Dark Knight. But even so, I wanted to know what was going to happen from that cliffhanger since Nightwing #138 picks up where Robin #168 left off. Well let's go on to Nightwing #138:
As a follow up to Robin #168, it is actually a fine issue. Like #168, I still had the feeling of this being a Batman issue, however, it was very little of that and more so of the feeling of it truly being Nightwing. Basically, this IS a Batman story that crosses over Robin and Nightwing, so with this feeling, I have to live by it because of what it is. This issue had alot of action, and I really mean it, ALOT. There happened to be ALOT of ninjas in Wayne Manor and inside the Batcave. Reading the pages, you really get the sense of Robin, Damien, and Nightwing in a real tough battle fighting these guys. This is 3 against.......alot, you get the idea. The three women from Batman #670 reappear here, so I guess Batman's secret being known by certain people is starting to rise. The ninjas don't count, since they know Batman is Bruce Wayne from Ra's Al Ghul. So this was good in my first issue of Nightwing.
Overall, this was a fine issue. Filled with alot of action, and alot of ninjas. This is a Batman story, so the feeling I had a little bit here, and what I had back in Robin #168, has to come with it because of what it is. I would like to re-review Robin #168, but that is how I felt then and this is now. So it has to stay. At the end of Nightwing #138, the story heats up, now it's Batman: The Animated Series' well-known writer Paul Dini's turn to tackle the next part of the story.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: Batman vs Ra's! All in Paul Dini's Detective Comics.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 16-11-2007 12:15
You're right the Robin and Nightwing issues were pretty Batman centric, but that is pretty much what has happened anytime that those titles have crossed over into a big Batman Event. The Nightwing issue did a better job than the Robin one at focusing on Nightwing though. His inner monologue was atleast the narration of the story.
I didn't think that was too unusual because I had come to expect it after it happening so often in the past.
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 23-11-2007 17:54
In the most recent issue of Detective Comics, Robin comes face to face with Ra's al Ghul, who has his two servant ladies tend to Robin's wounded shoulder.
First, I don't understand why they had to remove his entire top (unless it was gratuitous eye candy), but how did they get it off without removing his gloves? Don't the gloves go over the suit? And then he puts it back on without removing the gloves again! And how does he get his top back so quickly? Shouldn't he be ready to defend himself without pulling clothing over his head?
Never mind the fact that any of our heroes could be totally naked, but they'd still have their masks on! LOL
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 24-11-2007 00:14
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
DETECTIVE COMICS #838
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Ryan Benjamin and Saleem Crawford
Cover by Simone Bianchi
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
Batman and I-Ching track down Ra's and Talia to their hideout while Nightwing pursues Robin! And why is the Invisible Map so important? All this, plus guest appearances by Talia al Ghul and Damian.
REVIEW:
Last issue of this storyline, Nightwing #138, was a fine issue; alot of action, alot of ninjas. Unlike the Robin issue, the Nightwing issue had a little bit of a Batman feel but it was a Nightwing story overall. The ending has the story heating up, now it's Batman: The Animated Series' well-known writer Paul Dini's turn to tackle the next part of the story. Here is Detective Comics #838!
Now with Paul Dini's turn, this part had some moments that made me get the feeling of the old Batman: The Animated Series days, especially those from those the Ra's Al Ghul episodes. This issue also returns, because it is back to Batman, on the level of Batman #670, and while I had moments from BTAS in this, I also had another: the stories that made up the Tales of the Demon from Denny O'Neil of the 1970s. In fact, the scene at the end where Ra's asks Batman if make the decision on Robin or Damien, reminded me of a similar line he said on the cover to his first appearance in comics: Batman #232. Unlike previous issues of this storyline, we now get a corpse-like Ra's than the mummy look, and if this was some sort of indication that we'll going to get the normal version of Ra's back, which I would think they would anyway, then okay. Dini added a nice little moment where Batman and Talia smile at one another and I quite like that. Even though he would be right for Catwoman, Talia is also a nice match for Batman, which is why I kinda hate that she was always sticking with the villain side instead of being with Batman, like Lois is to Superman. With Damien, I would want Talia to be that, since that can be easily done since Damien is Batman's son. But that was a little moment, nothing big, but it’s a what-if, and also a hope, of something of what I said.
Overall, this issue was very good, another for Paul Dini (like he would get a bad reaction with these comics). Now that Batman and Ra's have met, I'm very interested to know where they will go from here. Robin and Damien are with Talia and Batman, and Nightwing is on his way, so things are being set up for the gearing up for the finale. Though this is the third part from this seven part total arc. Grant Morrison is back next with Batman #671!
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: It's back to Batman with #671 as the Dark Knight vs Ra's vs Sensei!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
BATMAN #671
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Tony Daniel and Jonathan Glapion
Cover by Daniel
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
It's the fight of the year: Batman vs. Ra's al Ghul vs. the Sensei! Will anyone survive? Plus the secrets of Nanda Parbat are revealed.
REVIEW:
Dini's Detective Comics was very good in this arc on Ra's Al Ghul's resurrection. Now with Batman and Ra's meeting after an absence, I became very interested to know where they would be going from here. Robin and Damien are with Talia and Batman, and Nightwing is on his way, so things are being set up for the gearing up for the finale. Now it's time for Morrison to return with Batman #671, let's check it out!
After reading Grant Morrison stuff since 2006 (a little longer if you include Arkham Asylum), you pretty know that you're going to get some "wow" and "oh jesus" "oh my god" moments from his stories. And guess what? #671 is no exception. I was expecting maybe a fight that was handle some way under Morrison's writing, but that wasn't the case. Instead, Batman and Ra's work together and its Batman, only him, who fights Sensei when they go to the Fountain of Life instead of Ra's using Damian or Robin. And the "oh my god" moments came when Batman fought Sensei, and while we've seen Batman having his arm broken and nearly blind, for me seeing the spike through his body gave me the feeling of "oh $h!t". Now, of course, I'm one of the guys who read Knightfall back in '93, and there were people like me who felt the same way when Batman was crippled. But when you get that feeling, you just have it no matter if this was done similar before. But of course Batman doesn't die or get extremely hurt. But like always, he's mad. Good read.
Overall, this was another fine read, both by Morrison, and on this arc of Ra's Al Ghul's resurrection. I had "oh my god" moments with the fight with Sensei (revealed here to be Ra's father) and Batman, and what I felt was going to be the case with this issue was not at all what ended up becoming thanks to Morrison. Not a bad thign at all, but it does show what a good writer he is.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: It’s back to Robin with Robin #169 with the Boy Wonder on the deep edge!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 30-11-2007 11:22
Ahahaha...Nate, I had the same exact reaction you did when I read that part with Batman fighting Sensei. I've never had a feeling like that before reading a comic. Even when I read Knightfall, it was more like pity and feeling sorry for Batman. With this story, its like OMG NOOOO!!!!
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 03-12-2007 10:51
jesterswords wrote:
Haha - I'm a little confused.....
In the most recent issue of Detective Comics, Robin comes face to face with Ra's al Ghul, who has his two servant ladies tend to Robin's wounded shoulder.
First, I don't understand why they had to remove his entire top (unless it was gratuitous eye candy), but how did they get it off without removing his gloves? Don't the gloves go over the suit? And then he puts it back on without removing the gloves again! And how does he get his top back so quickly? Shouldn't he be ready to defend himself without pulling clothing over his head?
Never mind the fact that any of our heroes could be totally naked, but they'd still have their masks on! LOL
There is a sort of unwritten rule that when Batman fights Ra's al Ghul he has to take his shirt off. It doesn't happen in all of the fights, but it does seem to happen pretty often. Ra's has some specially skilled helpers who are thoroughly trained in mystical clothing removal techniques. They could debrief you from 10 ft. and keep every other piece of clothing intact and on your body.
Anyway, back to the resurrection saga. I didn't get to pick up Detective on time because of the holiday and the Thursday release didn't fit with my personal schedule. Frustrating, but you probably don't care.
The Detective issue was a nice interlude between fights. The Robin/Ra's al Ghul encounter was written really well. The "Join Me and Come to the Dark Side" speech didn't come off a cliched like I had feared. Batman's fight was not bad. I just have difficulty believing that Batman cares for Damien as much as they are trying to make us believe. He wouldn't allow Ra's to just take over his body, but there is a bias there that has just come out of nowhere. Tim has been working with Bruce for an estimated 3 years (I think that in Robin II he was 14). Now, there are moments that Batman forgets about Tim over Damien. Small pet peeve, maybe things will work out.
The Batman issue was really good. Tony Daniel's art is just awesome. I hope he stays on board for a while. The trip to Nanda Parbat was a little too fast, but showing the journey would have delayed the amazing fight a little too long. It seems like it has been too long since I've seen a good Batman fight and this issue has two. In recent years, all of the sidekicks have had to fight masters, but Batman hasn't really shown his stuff in a while. This was awesome.
More importantly Morrison really shows what Batman's superpower is. He has the will to continue fighting. One of the best comic lines that I have read this year is Batman's remark about trying to last over one minute. He keeps fighting despite the big stick going through his abdomen and Ra's laying on the ground seemingly dead.
The ending events were a little confusing at first to me. I had to go through those couple of pages a time or two. I guess the pool killed the Sensei, so he is out of the picture for a while, and Ra's will change the appearance of the new body that he has possessed.
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 09-12-2007 21:28
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
ROBIN #169
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Freddie Williams II
Cover by Andy Kubert
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
Robin goes off the deep end as the temptations of Ra's Al Ghul prove too strong to resist! Will Nightwing take his big brother role to heart and try to drag Tim off the ledge?
REVIEW:
Batman #671 was a fine read written well by Grant Morrison. There were "oh my god" moments with the fight between Sensei and Batman, and what I felt was going to be the case with this issue was not at all what ended up becoming thanks to Morrison. Not a bad thing at all, but it did show what a good writer he is. Now its back to Robin with #169!
Okay, so after the shocks with Batman, we're back to focusing on Robin. Unlike last time, where Robin #168 was read like a Batman issue than a Robin one, this one was actually more of a Robin issue. What he does, and what the focus is in this issue, is that he considers Ra's Al Ghul's offer to bring back those he loved and lost. Many might, and probably will, be extremely tired with this ever since Teen Titans OYL started with Robin wanting to bring back Connor (add that with Cassie wanting him back too). But, not only did he want to bring back Spoiler, Connor, and his parents, I did not see this as a tiring issue. Geoff Johns said that it would take a while for someone to move on from a loss. And despite the fact that OYL started back in early 2006, comics have floating timelines. So I guess that's a way of defending this that has lasted.
Overall, this was a good issue. The focus was on Robin this time, and not Batman like it was back in #168, and on Ra's Al Ghul's side; his soul has entered one of the monks in Nanda. Robin joining Ra's (well it’s actually White Ghost since Ra's isn't there) in bringing back whom he lost was not something that was tiresome since it's been the case since early 2006. Now with this, we are left with a teaser to Nightwing where Teen Wonder and Boy Wonder will face off because of Robin's choice to join Ra's.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: Nightwing vs. Robin in Nightwing #139!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 10-12-2007 11:24
This weeks installment was pretty good. I think that I am finally seeing where this story is going to go. It seems like it will either bring a schism between Robin and the rest of the Batman Family or it will make the bond between them stronger. I am personally betting on the latter.
The voice for Robin still feels a bit off. It seems like he wa s written much more maturely 10 years ago than he is here. Not exactly something that I can explain, but things just feel off.
Next week's fight should be pretty entertaining though.
RE: Batman: The Resurrection Of Ra's Al Ghul Arc Review Thread -
Posted on 16-12-2007 00:23
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
by Nathaniel Ruff (aka Binker on the forums)
NIGHTWING #139
Written by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher
Cover by Adam Kubert
Edited by Mike Marts
PLOT:
Is this the Nightwing vs. Robin battle that we've all been dreading? Meanwhile, Ra's moves one step closer to his goal at Nanda Parbat — but will Batman and crew arrive too late?
REVIEW:
Robin #169 was a good issue; the focus on Robin joining Ra's (actually White Ghost) in bringing back whom he lost, which by the way, was not something that seemed tiresome as it's been something like this since OYL started. The ending left us with a teaser to a Nightwing vs. Robin fight. Now here is the fight and the next part of this storyarc in the form of Nightwing #139!
This issue, from its revealed plotline, was all about Nightwing vs Robin, and that's what this issue is about. The whole issue is about their fight, but it's not all punches and kicks, it's also a fight between what one wants vs the truth. To better explain; Robin wants those he loved who had died to come back. But Nightwing doesn't want him to because he knows Ra's Al Ghul lies, and that's what the fight is about, and it is after this fight that Robin accepts the truth despite how hard it is for him to accept. Just like the previous part in Robin, I did not find the again brought up Robin-wanting-loved-ones-back part boring here. I think it was because before it was between Robin and Cassie, or the Teen Titans, but this time it was with Nightwing, his "big brother". In fact, Nightwing comes off like a big brother would be, so calling him that would be correct. And all that is why this was handled, in my opinion, well.
Overall, everything was handled well as we prepare now for the final issue. In fact, I did not know the arc was about to end very soon until this, and I'm a little worried. With the ending next week, I'm getting the feeling that this won't end smoothly, and instead be a rushed climax. You might get that feeling too, as the next issues following all these titles are mostly or partly epilogues. I hope this ends good because I've been enjoying this, plus getting two books I haven't got before this arc. But again on Nightwing #139; it was good.
RATING: Yay
Next Issue: Dini's Detective Comics gives us the finale!
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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