Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
This thread will be on the new series, which is actually a relaunch of a title from the '50s to early '80s. Enjoy.
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #1
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George P?rez and Bob Wiacek
Covers A & B by George P?rez
PLOT:
The greatest team-up title of all time is back! Batman and Green Lantern are put on the trail of what could be the greatest weapon in the DCU!
REVIEW:
One of the finest, most greatest team up series wasn't Superman/Batman, or World's Finest as it was called before. But The Brave and the Bold. Many would agree as this title featured many team ups with characters instead of a main team up for the whole book, while Batman being in every team up could consider this book as a Batman-related title. While I knew of it, I never read any of the issues of the old series. I knew Batman was mostly in the team ups, and the title was know to spawn many other characters and teams that have become great today. Such as The Suicide Squad, the Justice League of America, Teen Titans and finally Metamorpho. When people were crying for DC to bring the title back, and got their wish, I looked forward to this title. Now here is the first issue....
So my reaction to my new title (new to me, old to many long-time fans) is what many have on this book: great. Well I should say good as this was the first issue and I should only say great as an reaction to the overall arc. But altogether this was good issue to a great title. I wasn't expecting anything bad but didn't keep my hopes up. Even though I know about this title from its old series, I've experienced and read this for the first time.
Batman has been known as whom the other superheroes teamed up with in the old Brave and the Bold series, which is why some called it a Batman-related title. Well for this issue, Batman happens to appear...again. Well, its been promised that he won't be the "main" hero for the title like before. The team up between Batman & Green Lantern was shown to be one of those cool team ups that work. While they have been known to teamed up before, I never seen it and am seeing it for the first time. Given what Batman felt toward Hal after Zero Hour up to Infinite Crisis, it seems all is forgiven. Well since One Year Later, Batman has changed for the better. So this is considered expected.
How the two work in this issue presents something different than Batman teaming up with Superman. Here they work together with no problems, they are not at odds. Green Lantern is taken by Batman's detective skills, and Bruce is taken by the bold (since Hal is the "bold" character in the team up) moves Hal makes gambling, and in turn winning by those bold moves. At no point do they argue. Which made me wonder why this is the case when Batman teams up with Green Lantern and not the case with Superman. Well I can't really explain as I didn't follow comics before Infinite Crisis that much, and Green Lantern in general, but my only option in answer is that it isn't the characters but the book itself. In that, it goes to make a good old team up superhero book. Thats why its like this. Basically, I like the team up with atman & Green Lantern.
Overall, this was a good issue for a title that is old to most, but new to me and in turn a new title to start collecting. As a team up title, it presents itself not too seriously which doesn't hurt the book at all. But it gives us a story and action scenes that are both fun to read and see in the pages.
RATING: 8/10
What's next: Green Lantern and.......Supergirl?
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: 1631 Location: Rockville, IA Joined: 24.06.05
I've got a wholesome collection of The Brave and the Bold issues going back to the late '60s, including Batman's first encounter with Deadman. I enjoy the old series, and I think it made sense to bring it back. I'll definitely pick up the first issue when I get a chance.
RE: The Brave and the Bold: Review and Discussion Thread -
Posted on 21-03-2007 21:25
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #2
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Perez and Bob Wiacek
Covers A & B by George P?rez
PLOT:
Green Lantern and Supergirl are off to Ventura on the trail of the bizarre case that began in issue #1! Ventura is a planetwide casino, which would be wild enough, but it has also become a backdrop for the Rann-Thanagar War! Guest-starring Batman and Blue Beetle!
REVIEW:
The Brave and the Bold, the first volume, was a well-known classic that DC got alot of response saying to bring it back after its cancellation. Now, the new second volume, is a successful restart/relaunch. I enjoyed, and many others enjoyed, the first issue. Despite some flaws people might have had, it was worth buying and reading. The interaction between Batman & Green Lantern didn't feel like the recent, well before Infinite Crisis, development they had. So with a new title on my list, I was ready for number two, and here you go...
My reaction to this issue was another good one. If I remember correctly, there were one to two things about the first issue that were a little rushed, this issue went smoothly. The Book of Destiny represents one hard thing to catch because once someone has it, he or she can prevent what bad thing is going to happent o them. So very hard for our heroes to grab ahold of. Speaking of heroes, in this review I will be discussing the main team of Green Lantern & Supegirl. The second team up of Batman & Blue Bettle wasn't at all fleshed out, so that'll have to wait until the next issue's review.
The team-up of Green Lantern & Supergirl was different from that of Batman & Green Lantern. For Bats and GL, as I said, I thought it was going to go back to Batman's distrust of Hal Jordan and it never had that, it was more like "forget it and move on". Something similar happened to how GL and Kara were handled here than what we may have thought it was going to happen. The interaction between them reminds me, if I can choose this as an example, of another Silver Age element which is of when they treated the boy and the girl's feelings toward each other as grade school crushes. Because that is similar to what we have here. Supergirl acts as the girl and she is taking an interest to GL, while GL himself knows he is getting some feelings and he doesn't want that because he is older than her and doesn't want to upset her more powerful cousin. Which is where you have some comedy.
Speaking of Supergirl, people who I have read on the internet who have had problems with Supergirl aren't going to get it here. The problems that people have on her can be best described in a comparsion between the old and new Kara Zor-El: the original was purely Superman's cousin while the new one is still Superman's cousin, with an evil father who wants her to kill Superman, and who is ALL OVER THE PLACE. And I don't mean that since she is a girl, what I mean is: she became a high school student, and after one prank, she dropped out. And wanted to be with the Outsiders, and then later, left. That kind of problems. But in this issue fo Brave and the Bold, its not that. She's sweet, more becoming like her cousin, and she has a funny scene where she fights a huge monster wearing a little girl's outfit. So if I have seen here is what this new Supergirl is going to be once the bugs are worked out, and they are doing it now, then good.
Overall, this was another good issue. The Brave and the Bold is my new comic book title on my list and should be for others. The story went smoothly, and there was some comedic moments with out two heroes here. So by two issues, you haven't gotten this yet. Go now.
RATING: 8/10
What's next: Batman and.........Blue Bettle?
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: The Brave and the Bold: Review and Discussion Thread -
Posted on 20-04-2007 12:49
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #3
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Pérez and Bob Wiacek
Cover by George Pérez
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
It's Batman and Blue Beetle versus the Fatal Five in the team-up book to end all team-up books! Who's brought these Legion villains into the fray? The Lord of Time, who has pulled in assassins and villains from throughout the history of the DCU!
REVIEW:
The last issue had bits of comedy, with all of them coming from Supergirl. And she's cute, no one can deny that. And the things that were solid yet not that much from the first issue were improved in the second. Awaiting the third issue, I wanted to see how the next part would play out. Green Lantern teamed with Supergirl so by the issue after that, it was obivious Batman would get the sole focus like Lantern had. So let's check.
This issue continues to show alot of good things from the title. What we get here is action, and a bit of comedy. In storyline terms, the book our heroes are searching for takes a back seat and instead the focus is on searching for a weapon of magic origins. The Jaime Reyes Blue Beetle, the second one who appeared near the end of Infinite Crisis, teams up with Batman in this issue. To be honest, similar to the Ted Kord Blue Beetle, I never read anything about him, neither his title book. I did read Infinite Crisis (who didn't), so I got his origin that was the case with the final issues of that event. But like any other book, you get to know the character (or characters) that you didn't know if they are the focus of the story. And in the case of Jaime Reyes, he is interesting. So time will tell on me getting his book in the future.
Just like the previous issue, we get two team ups: one that is the main focused one and the set up of the other for the next issue. The main team up of Batman & Blue Beetle was handled nicely. Again, I don't know anything this Blue Beetle except for his appearance in Infinite Crisis, but thanks to Mark Waid I managed to get to know him. Like for example, and don't tell me if I'm wrong because I'm going by this from the book, everyone knows Jaime Reyes is Blue Beetle. The team up between them was like a teacher and a student fighting the bad guys. Because Blue Beetle doesn't have alot of experience, Batman helps and teaches him at the same time when they're out fighting. This way, it allowed me to get to know Jaime Reyes and like him.
Oh, and the foreshadowing of the next team up of Supergirl and Lobo was where there was comedy. I like the part where Lobo, who didn't know she was Supergirl because she was in disguise, says he doesn't do things for free, so she opens up her jacket to show the "S", but it was obvious Lobo wasn't looking that way. "The 'S' you Jerk". That was funny. And also was the reason Lobo was arresting this time: parking his motorcycle.....on the governor.
Overall, this was another good issue, filled with bits of comedy but alot of action. The Fatal Five do appear in here, but they're here because of the weapon Batman & Blue Beetle, and a lovely criminal crime lord, were after. Since they're from the future, this has nothing to do with the Book of Destiny. As again, that takes the back set. I can't wait to see the next issue, although now is the time when the book takes a month break so we won't see it til June.
RATING: 7.5/10
Next Issue: The Girl of Steel better not mess with the Main Man! Its Supergirl & Lobo!
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: The Brave and the Bold: Review and Discussion Thread -
Posted on 26-04-2007 16:17
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #4
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Pérez and Bob Wiacek
Cover by Pérez
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
Supergirl & Lobo!
REVIEW:
Issue #3 was a good issue, filled with bits of comedy but alot of action. The Fatal Five did appear, but only in a small role, and the Book of Destiny took the back set like issue #2. But because we skipped a month, I ended up getting feelings of not caring over the book. Maybe it was this temporary change to bi-monthly but I just couldn't explain the reason. Either way, here is issue #4.
So after reading this issue, I still felt the same. I'm starting not to care about the book. Maybe its the use of serveral team ups instead of just one. Or if not that, then maybe the story. And I believe its the latter, for the story is most likely turning me off. There were three things from this issue that were interesting, but probably not enough to save the book for me. One was the fact that Destiny showed up, saw that coming because the book had Destiny in the title. In this issue, I liked the tough Supergirl with Lobo scenes, and that the Legion of Superheroes appeared and will be part of the story. Now on when this takes place relating to the recently ended JLA/JSA arc will be answered next time. But even from those three things, I just didn't care for this whole book. So I must be losing interest.
Overall, yes this review is short, I just didn't care for this issue. Maybe I'm starting to not care for the book. I was beginning to like getting Brave and the Bold but maybe its not becomign what I wanted. This arc isn't done yet, and I'm already looking for the next arc. Mayeb the next issue will change my mind. Here's hoping. On this issue, because of three things I found interesting, I found it fair.
RATING: 2.5/5
Next Issue: Batman teams with the team of the Legion of Superheroes.
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: The Brave and the Bold: Review and Discussion Thread -
Posted on 27-06-2007 13:10
I have to agree with Nate on this one. I am pretty sure that this was my last issue. The story has just felt like a lot of filler instead of them trying to make something cohesive out of the scattered team-ups. The scattered stories in 52 were pretty cohesive, and the creative teams didn't need to take an extra month to put out an issue, the magic is just not there.
Things may tie together later, but the pay off is not coming soon enough for me.
RE: The Brave and the Bold: Review and Discussion Thread -
Posted on 21-07-2007 12:47
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #5
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Pérez and Bob Wiacek
Cover by Pérez
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
All roads lead back to Earth for the final showdown over the Book of Destiny, whose possessor will have the knowledge of all that has ever been or will be! Every guest star involved will have the opportunity to glance inside the book, including Batman, Green Lantern, Supergirl, Blue Beetle, Lobo and more!
REVIEW:
Last time, I was losing interest on one of the books that I've wanted to read. Maybe it was the storyline that started to become dull, or the random team-ups that once were interesting ended up becoming only interesting in thought. I decided to keep on with the arc, since there are two issues left, and then decide from that point on if I should continue. But as the old saying goes "the show must go on", so here's #5:
So I was losing interest in the title itself because of this arc, but the cover grabbed me as something was about to change my mind and hopeful was the truth. It said Batman vs. Legion of Superheroes. Before, we all thought it was another team up. But versus? That's when I started to get some kind of hope back on this title. And after I read it, I got that hope back and ended liking it again. I guess the last issue was just a filler issue.
So as I said no team up between Batman & the Legion. In this issue, they're at odds to the point where the Legion thinks Batman is still controlled by Tharok and chase him to stop him from using the weapon. But like every book, Batman gets the upper hand through use for his brain. I guess that this change from the "here's another team up" got me interested into the book again. Although, the October solicits did play a part also. Also, Supergirl, Green Lantern, and Adam Strange do appear in this book. Only to be countered by the main villain in this. The name escapes me at the moment. Oh, the Luck Lords. Hmm, isn't that a name you would forget. By the way, isn't Supergirl cute?
Overall, so this book went back into my head as a good book, and not becoming dull. The plot between Batman and the Legion, including the October solicits, made it that way to me. So at the end, the Luck Lords come in and now everything is set for the finale. This includes the first team-up: Batman & Green Lantern, with the second and last team-ups of Supergirl and the Legion.
RATING: 3.5/5
Next Issue: The finale to the first arc of Brave and the Bold, that happens to have half of the DCU guest-starring!
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: The Brave and the Bold 1-6: The Lords of Luck Review Thread (UPDATED with #5 review) -
Posted on 18-08-2007 00:07
Posts: 1099 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Joined: 29.07.05
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #6
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Pérez and Bob Wiacek
Cover by Pérez
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
PLOT:
Green Lantern and Batman are horrified to discover the secret to the theft of the Book of Destiny, but before it can reach its rightful owner, the Book winds up in the hands of the only heroes in the DCU who aren't in its pages! How it that possible?
REVIEW:
#4 made me lost interest in the book, but #5 got me back. The previous issue with Batman and the Legion wasn't a team-up, telling me that this series, a team-up series, may not all include team-ups since Batman was evading the Legion in that issue. With the Luck Lords (imagine saying that in real life) appearing at the end, the stage was set. Now it was back with Batman & Green Lantern that started this arc. Let's go see!
This issue was a great finale to the arc that started back in the first issue. Alot of action, story completed, great character moments, it had it all. I think I'll agree with anybody who says that Supergirl here is exactly who and what she is supposed to be in her series. I liked how Mark Waif writes her and maybe, I would want him on the book. While Supergirl was cool, Hal Jordan rocked, and Batman was a badass. We also get an appearance by the Challengers of the Unknown who aren't in the Book of Destiny and help out grabbing the book from the bad guys. This issue was a fine ending to the arc, and I enjoyed it.
Little tidbits. There are times when an ending to a comic book arc is not like an ending to a show or movie. You get a sense of finale with movies and TV, but that is absent in comics. All you know is that after this, the story is over. I got it here in this final issue of "The Lords of Luck" arc, where it ends. It wasn't a problem, but I had this strange feeling that the ending was somehow rushed. I don’t think it was, but that feeling I have won't go away. Other things in this book were that when Supergirl using her X-ray vision, she sees possible futures. I say possible since anything we see here always changes later on. Like Supergirl visiting a grave with the "S" shield, Batman being held by someone from Thanagar. Plus, Supergirl mentions Countdown related terms like "Great Disaster" and mentioning the New Gods. Well, I guess one of our comic book characters got spoiled with Countdown.
Overall, this was a finale ending to this arc. I still have that feeling it was rushed, but I'll forget it. There wasn't anything wrong with this issue, because the story ended well and we got alot of action. Waid should write Supergirl, I'm not kidding. While there was a point where I was losing interest, Brave and the Bold has proven to me as a great team-up book with this story. Well, that's part of it. The other part is that I want to see the next arc with the Wonder Woman/Power Girl team-up. Either way, this issue and this arc were all great.
RATING: 4/5
Next Issue: The second arc will feature the team up between the Amazing Amazon and the Mistress of Might: Wonder Woman & Power Girl.
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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