Writer: Frank Tieri
Artist: Scot Eaton
I was in two minds whether to get this issue or not originally but after I decided I'd be getting all the Batman related issues in Villains Month bar the Batman: The Dark Knight titles as well as enjoying Frank Tieri's work on the Penguin issue I thought I'd get this and give it a try.
Plot
Man-Bat (Dr. Kirk Langstrom) decides to make his deceitful wife, Dr. Francine Langstrom pay for betraying him, and decides to become Gotham City's hero at the same time.
Review
This was overall a very good issue, as although it wasn't without it's flaws it was enjoyable. Frank Tieri goes with a completely different style that his Penguin issue that was out last week, as even the writing style is completely different. Tieri did a great job of showing Man-Bat for what he is, as although he didn't show much that we didn't already know, it allows Man-Bat fans who haven't been following this series a chance to see him in the New 52. I did however feel that the story had too quick a pace, as although some stories can drag this simply sped past, moving from one point to the next in rapid succession. The tone of the issue was however perfect and overall bar the faults Tieri did a great job with this issue.
The art in this issue was however simply outstanding, and Scot Eaton did a wonderful job of showing the Man-Bat in this issue. The detail in Eaton's art was also amazing as his artwork throughout the entire issue was very consistent, and I couldn't find any imperfections. I also loved Eaton's layouts, as although they weren't as unique as some artists, they were still very dynamic, adding a lot of depth to the story. Eaton also managed to show great emotion in this issue, also handling the action perfectly. I also felt that Jeromy Cox colours helped to keep a similar tone to previous Detective Comics issues, as it helps keep a level of consistency between Eaton's work and Jason Fabok's work.
The start of this issue would see Langstrom seek revenge against his wife, deciding to take her down. The fight that would embroil between these two Man-Bat's was amazing, as although it could have lasted a bit longer it was still very exciting. I also loved the dialogue near the end of the fight as well, as it was very dramatic. I did however still think it was rather short as given the build-up in the back-up features of this series I was expecting a bit more.
Langstrom would continue to try and perfect his formula throughout this issue, as without going into too much detail he's trying to make it much more better, and so that he can keep the transformation for longer. This sequence was again interesting, though I would much rather more fighting between him and his wife. It did however enjoy the atmosphere that Tieri added through his writing, as it made it very dramatic and suspenseful.
Another thing that Langstrom would try and do throughout this issue would be to become the hero that Gotham needs, as with Batman not around he sees it as his responsibility to protect the innocent. Besides the fighting sequence near the start of the issue this was probably the next best thing about the issue. I really enjoyed how Man-Bat was shown as trying to be a hero, whilst still being misunderstood to a certain extent. I also liked how his attitude to criminals seemed to change throughout the issue, making you question whether the serum is starting to corrupt him, or if this is his true intentions.
Final Verdict
This was a very enjoyable issue, but the pace was way too quick making it questionable whether it's value for money. It also didn't really show us much new, as although it was a nice development for Man-Bat it isn't a great deal off development. It was however still very exciting and dramatic and I'd highly recommend it to any Man-Bat fan, but otherwise I'd probably only recommend it if you want something that's a quick read, or if you have the spare cash to get it.
Rating: 7/10
Writer: Frank Tieri
Artist: Christian Duce
The issues I've mostly been looking forward to from Villains Month have been the Batman related ones that I'm getting, as although I've been looking forward to the likes of Zod, and Doomsday more, it has been the Batman ones as a whole that I've been interested in, as with his villains being the best collection of villains ever I've been hoping for great stories involving them.
Plot
After recent events Penguin is still trying to build his empire up to what it was, though his old friend Carter Winston is a thorn in his side when he plans to close The Iceberg Casino.
Review
This was a surprisingly good issue, as although it wasn't anything special, it was much better than I thought it'd be. I've never really been a fan of the bits and pieces of Frank Tieri's work that I've read in the past, but this was really good, as after expecting a mediocre issue I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be good. The issue had a brilliant theme to it, taking a different direction to not only most issues that Villains Month has produced so far, but Penguin stories in general. I also loved the dram, and suspense throughout, as although the story wasn't spectacular, the gritty nature of it was brilliant, and I loved seeing Penguin do whatever he needs to get his way.
The art on this issue was also very good, as although I wasn't impressed when I saw the preview, as a whole it was fantastic, and Christian Duce did a great job, and I'd gladly buy more comics with his art. Duce's artwork suited the Penguin perfectly, as although I felt the preview issues made him look a little too grotesque, after reading the whole issue I felt that it was actually perfect, showing this sinister character, who can be charming as well as deadly. I also loved the layout of Duce's artwork, and overall the way he showed the characters emotion was brilliant, though it did look slightly awkward when it came to Carter. I also loved the tone of the artwork, and Andrew Dalhouse produced some amazing colours.
This issue would start by showing the running of Penguin's Iceberg Casino, and that although he's not happy with paying out customers that he's wanting to keep it as legit as possible. He was however angry when he found a group who were cheating. I did however find this version of Penguin too gentle, which put me off the story to start with. It did however quickly turn this into a positive, with this being a set-up simply to show that Penguin's attempting to go, or seem legit.
This attitude wouldn't last long though, as we would see a violent side to the Penguin, which I was very happy about. I was even more happy as we don't usually see Penguin fight himself, as although he's no match for Batman, he can handle himself with these sort of thugs easily, it's just that he mostly uses goons so we don;t get the chance to see it. On top of that I also felt that this sequence as a whole was very dramatic, and extremely exciting, as although it wasn't the best sequence in the issue, it was very close to being the best.
This issue would also see an old friend of Penguin's named Carter Winston, who plans on ridding Gotham City of the Iceberg Casino. Now with this being a new character I was interesting to see what kind of an impact he would have, and I have to say he had a decent one, and the interaction between him and Penguin was outstanding. It was also at times very intense and gritty, as without going into detail, it would add plenty of excitement to the latter half of the issue.
Final Verdict
This was a better issue than I originally thought it would be, as although nothing special it was very gritty, and dramatic. It also had plenty of suspense, and showed Penguin's characteristics perfectly, reminding us to, "never underestimate the Penguin." Due to all this I'd certainly recommend it, especially if you're a Penguin fan, but at the same time don't expect it to blow your mind.
Rating: 7/10
