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mysteriousmre's Reviews (1.22k)
Tynion tackles A LOT of stuff in this book. I just don't think he needed to make it a Joker story in order to do it all.
Joker War deals with the fallout of Tynion's previous Batman story, Their Dark Designs, where Batman loses all of his wealth and belongings to The Joker, who goes on a huge shopping spree using every penny to kill Batman. Cool premise. That's *REALLY* not what this book is about though.
The previous writer for Batman, Tom King, unceremoniously killed Batman's surrogate father/butler, Alfred. And the bulk of this story is Bruce t̶r̶i̶p̶p̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶d̶r̶u̶g̶s̶ processing the trauma of losing his closest confidant, grieving, and moving forward. Tynion puts Alfred's wit, loyalty, and faith in his surrogate son on display in all its glory and its one hell of a send-off.
The other thing going on is the introduction of Joker's new groupie, Punchline. I didn't click with character (in this story anyway), but the existence of Punchline finally makes good on the promise DC made when they bleached Harley Quinn all those years ago in a tank full of skeletons:
Joker is an abuser and a manipulator. Harley was not his first victim, and she would not be his last.
By pitting Harley against Punchline we get to see just how far Harley has come as a character since she removed herself from The Joker's influence. I don't think we've ever actually seen that in the main Batman book (at least not front and center like it is here). It's a welcome addition, and fun to see her talk back and forth with Batman instead of throwing punches at him. We also get to see Harley's perspective on what should be done with The Joker once he's caught, as she knows better than anyone that just because Joker is locked up, doesn't mean he can't hurt people. It's a sobering bit of dialogue that ramps up the tension in the last act and makes me hope Harley stays as part of Batman's extended cast. When Tynion wrote her with a lot of maturity in this story and I hope its something he continues.
So yeah, the story focuses more on everything else except the villain who has top billing. A bit disappointing. But I'd be lying if I said that this story wasn't good. There's a lot of good character work here with Harley and Alfred got the send off he deserved (all while cleaning up the mess Tom King left behind). Not a bad read, just know what you're buying.
Joker War deals with the fallout of Tynion's previous Batman story, Their Dark Designs, where Batman loses all of his wealth and belongings to The Joker, who goes on a huge shopping spree using every penny to kill Batman. Cool premise. That's *REALLY* not what this book is about though.
The previous writer for Batman, Tom King, unceremoniously killed Batman's surrogate father/butler, Alfred. And the bulk of this story is Bruce t̶r̶i̶p̶p̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶d̶r̶u̶g̶s̶ processing the trauma of losing his closest confidant, grieving, and moving forward. Tynion puts Alfred's wit, loyalty, and faith in his surrogate son on display in all its glory and its one hell of a send-off.
The other thing going on is the introduction of Joker's new groupie, Punchline. I didn't click with character (in this story anyway), but the existence of Punchline finally makes good on the promise DC made when they bleached Harley Quinn all those years ago in a tank full of skeletons:
Joker is an abuser and a manipulator. Harley was not his first victim, and she would not be his last.
By pitting Harley against Punchline we get to see just how far Harley has come as a character since she removed herself from The Joker's influence. I don't think we've ever actually seen that in the main Batman book (at least not front and center like it is here). It's a welcome addition, and fun to see her talk back and forth with Batman instead of throwing punches at him. We also get to see Harley's perspective on what should be done with The Joker once he's caught, as she knows better than anyone that just because Joker is locked up, doesn't mean he can't hurt people. It's a sobering bit of dialogue that ramps up the tension in the last act and makes me hope Harley stays as part of Batman's extended cast. When Tynion wrote her with a lot of maturity in this story and I hope its something he continues.
So yeah, the story focuses more on everything else except the villain who has top billing. A bit disappointing. But I'd be lying if I said that this story wasn't good. There's a lot of good character work here with Harley and Alfred got the send off he deserved (all while cleaning up the mess Tom King left behind). Not a bad read, just know what you're buying.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection Volume 8
Ben Bates, Kevin Eastman, Dustin Weaver
A surprisingly fun read compared to the last omnibus! Most of that is due to 2 stories with *very* different tones.
Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything is a time travel action/comedy of Bebop and Rocksteady just looking for a gang to join and nearly destroying all of space and time in the process. It reminded of all the crazy, stupid, inconsistent time travel shenanigans that went on in old Flash stories that made me *DESPISE* time travel as a concept.
Here's why I still like Bebop & Rocksteady.
While Flash stories take their premise seriously and never consistently play by the rules they establish for how time travel works, Bebop & Rocksteady never takes itself seriously, and *SOMEHOW* still stays true to all the rules B&R's story establishes about how time travel and alternate timelines work from from beginning to end. All while telling a hilarious story about 2 dummies becoming better friends and nearly destroying reality itself. That's damn impressive in my book. And I haven't even touched the art yet, which does Spider-Verse before Spider-Verse and uses different art styles to communicate what timelines we're looking at.
Now lets talk about the other story, TMNT Universe. This arc sets up the foe for the Turtles, a shady government organization called the EPF that is hellbent on capturing the Turtles and using them for biological warfare against alien invaders.
The resources and manpower alone are enough to communicate the threat they pose, but like their tactics thematically make them an interesting opponent to the Turtles. The black-ops soldiers they deploy are essentially modern ninjas: people who value pragmatism over honor and will use anything at their disposal to achieve victory. The difference is that these soldiers use guns and modern technology, while the Turtles are still using old weapons like katana and kunai. The addition of Agent Bishop as an antagonist also just makes my nerd heart happy, as I grew up with the cartoon from 2003.
Overall I just loved this book so much more than the last one. I'm noticing a trend that these limited series end up being much better than the main Ninja Turtle book, so here's hoping the next omnibus contains even more of them, because this is the most fun I've had from TMNT in a while.
Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything is a time travel action/comedy of Bebop and Rocksteady just looking for a gang to join and nearly destroying all of space and time in the process. It reminded of all the crazy, stupid, inconsistent time travel shenanigans that went on in old Flash stories that made me *DESPISE* time travel as a concept.
Here's why I still like Bebop & Rocksteady.
While Flash stories take their premise seriously and never consistently play by the rules they establish for how time travel works, Bebop & Rocksteady never takes itself seriously, and *SOMEHOW* still stays true to all the rules B&R's story establishes about how time travel and alternate timelines work from from beginning to end. All while telling a hilarious story about 2 dummies becoming better friends and nearly destroying reality itself. That's damn impressive in my book. And I haven't even touched the art yet, which does Spider-Verse before Spider-Verse and uses different art styles to communicate what timelines we're looking at.
Now lets talk about the other story, TMNT Universe. This arc sets up the foe for the Turtles, a shady government organization called the EPF that is hellbent on capturing the Turtles and using them for biological warfare against alien invaders.
The resources and manpower alone are enough to communicate the threat they pose, but like their tactics thematically make them an interesting opponent to the Turtles. The black-ops soldiers they deploy are essentially modern ninjas: people who value pragmatism over honor and will use anything at their disposal to achieve victory. The difference is that these soldiers use guns and modern technology, while the Turtles are still using old weapons like katana and kunai. The addition of Agent Bishop as an antagonist also just makes my nerd heart happy, as I grew up with the cartoon from 2003.
Overall I just loved this book so much more than the last one. I'm noticing a trend that these limited series end up being much better than the main Ninja Turtle book, so here's hoping the next omnibus contains even more of them, because this is the most fun I've had from TMNT in a while.
After how good the various mini-series have been I was hoping I would get some more collected in this omnibus and it looks like I got what I wanted. When the stories are good, they're good, but the quality varies from writer to writer.
The EPF returns and the book does a great job at making you hate them and ramping up the tension. Poor Slash is abducted and turned into a brainless weapon by Agent Bishop, and Bishop gets a little more context to him with the introduction of Bishop's father. So far Bishop has been sinister, but predictable. That trend continues here, but the story does a great job contrasting his ethics and morals with those of the Hamato Clan. I'm really looking forward to when Splinter and Bishop eventually cross paths.
Likewise, Alopex's encounter with Toad Baron felt very by the numbers, but Pablo Tunica's art more than makes up for it by depicting the Baron's Palace as something out of Spirited Away. It's visually stunning and I spent a good bit of time just sifting through the panels admiring the different perspectives and creatures. Unfortunately most of that magic is lost when the Turtles themselves invade the palace and a different artist comes on board. The Pantheon plot has been a VERY slow burn, but we finally get a proper introduction to this mysterious family and a look at what Kitsune's goal is in their conflict. It's nice to get some new information, though I wish it wasn't at such a snail's pace.
There's also a crossover with Usagi Yojimbo and a story of the Mutanimals trying to recruit a new member. They're both very simple and not terribly interesting, but luckily they're short and don't go on longer than they need to *glares at Casey & April*.
The stand out story for me is Karai's return to Japan, which not only feels more like an authentic ninja story due to Karai's pragmatic approach, but the story also does a great job fleshing out Koya and Bludgeon. Prior to this story Koya and Bludgeon were just punching bags the writer would occasionally throw at the Turtles, but Burnham and Campbell do a solid job establishing personalities for them and giving them obstacles to overcome in Koya's temper and Bludgeon's disability (by the way, having a mutant shark use his innate ability to sense electrical signals as an alternative to blindsense is so brilliant). Out of all the spin-off stories we've had in this universe I think this is the one I'd be willing to read a monthly book about. The action is tight and brutal, Karai's pragmatism makes her feel more like an authentic ninja, and Koya and Bludgeon make great companions. Hopefully we see this team again sooner rather than later.
Overall I'd label this omnibus as pretty good. There's some duds in this book, but the good stuff makes me glad I read it and feeling optimistic about what comes next.
The EPF returns and the book does a great job at making you hate them and ramping up the tension. Poor Slash is abducted and turned into a brainless weapon by Agent Bishop, and Bishop gets a little more context to him with the introduction of Bishop's father. So far Bishop has been sinister, but predictable. That trend continues here, but the story does a great job contrasting his ethics and morals with those of the Hamato Clan. I'm really looking forward to when Splinter and Bishop eventually cross paths.
Likewise, Alopex's encounter with Toad Baron felt very by the numbers, but Pablo Tunica's art more than makes up for it by depicting the Baron's Palace as something out of Spirited Away. It's visually stunning and I spent a good bit of time just sifting through the panels admiring the different perspectives and creatures. Unfortunately most of that magic is lost when the Turtles themselves invade the palace and a different artist comes on board. The Pantheon plot has been a VERY slow burn, but we finally get a proper introduction to this mysterious family and a look at what Kitsune's goal is in their conflict. It's nice to get some new information, though I wish it wasn't at such a snail's pace.
There's also a crossover with Usagi Yojimbo and a story of the Mutanimals trying to recruit a new member. They're both very simple and not terribly interesting, but luckily they're short and don't go on longer than they need to *glares at Casey & April*.
The stand out story for me is Karai's return to Japan, which not only feels more like an authentic ninja story due to Karai's pragmatic approach, but the story also does a great job fleshing out Koya and Bludgeon. Prior to this story Koya and Bludgeon were just punching bags the writer would occasionally throw at the Turtles, but Burnham and Campbell do a solid job establishing personalities for them and giving them obstacles to overcome in Koya's temper and Bludgeon's disability (by the way, having a mutant shark use his innate ability to sense electrical signals as an alternative to blindsense is so brilliant). Out of all the spin-off stories we've had in this universe I think this is the one I'd be willing to read a monthly book about. The action is tight and brutal, Karai's pragmatism makes her feel more like an authentic ninja, and Koya and Bludgeon make great companions. Hopefully we see this team again sooner rather than later.
Overall I'd label this omnibus as pretty good. There's some duds in this book, but the good stuff makes me glad I read it and feeling optimistic about what comes next.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection Volume 10
Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Erik Burnham
Turtles. In. SPAAAAAACE.
Krang has been arrested, and to make sure he pays for all the atrocities he committed throughout the galaxy, the Turtles offer to help escort and protect the witnesses on the way to Krang's trial. Not a bad premise, it just goes on a little too long for my taste.
Every issue is a different planet, writer, and artist. Lots of variety, but no consistency. The trial itself was also a pretty big disappointment. I was hoping to see some great testimonies and cross examinations, but all we got were 1 or 2 big speeches and nothing else.
The first TMNT/Ghostbusters crossover was what got me into reading the Ghostbusters series last year, and the 2nd one included in this volume did not disappoint! Darius Dunn returns from the dead, and while he's still a very simple character, his presence provides a good excuse for the characters to catch up and work through their different issues.
That might not be everyone's cup of tea (especially those who havent been keeping up with both books), but it's nice to see the teams have some truly meaningful conversations about death, loneliness, anger, and realizing the people who raised you can make mistakes too. It's made me realize just how badly the Turtles have needed to slow down and properly process everything that's happened to them recently. It's a great decompression story, and I hope we see more stories like this in the main book.
The art team does a stupendous job here too, changing art styles every time the teams jump to a different dimension. It felt more like a deliberate artistic decision instead of just trying to meet a publishing deadline. We also get some fun visual nods to the Dark Turtles from TMNT: Fast Forward so my little nerd heart is happy.
Overall, the Krang story left me bored, but the crossover left me feeling rejuvenated and ready to dive into the next volume. Heres hoping the next omnibus can keep my attention.
Krang has been arrested, and to make sure he pays for all the atrocities he committed throughout the galaxy, the Turtles offer to help escort and protect the witnesses on the way to Krang's trial. Not a bad premise, it just goes on a little too long for my taste.
Every issue is a different planet, writer, and artist. Lots of variety, but no consistency. The trial itself was also a pretty big disappointment. I was hoping to see some great testimonies and cross examinations, but all we got were 1 or 2 big speeches and nothing else.
The first TMNT/Ghostbusters crossover was what got me into reading the Ghostbusters series last year, and the 2nd one included in this volume did not disappoint! Darius Dunn returns from the dead, and while he's still a very simple character, his presence provides a good excuse for the characters to catch up and work through their different issues.
That might not be everyone's cup of tea (especially those who havent been keeping up with both books), but it's nice to see the teams have some truly meaningful conversations about death, loneliness, anger, and realizing the people who raised you can make mistakes too. It's made me realize just how badly the Turtles have needed to slow down and properly process everything that's happened to them recently. It's a great decompression story, and I hope we see more stories like this in the main book.
The art team does a stupendous job here too, changing art styles every time the teams jump to a different dimension. It felt more like a deliberate artistic decision instead of just trying to meet a publishing deadline. We also get some fun visual nods to the Dark Turtles from TMNT: Fast Forward so my little nerd heart is happy.
Overall, the Krang story left me bored, but the crossover left me feeling rejuvenated and ready to dive into the next volume. Heres hoping the next omnibus can keep my attention.
More or less the official art/lore book for the game Hollow Knight. The kingdom of Hallownest is massive and its downfall mysterious. The book's fictional author doesn't provide any major new revelations/details regarding the game's plot, but the artwork is fantastic and showcases the game's designs/locales in a charmingly soft but sketchy style. A fun gift for fans of the game.
Best read on a bench (of course) while listening to the soundtrack.
Best read on a bench (of course) while listening to the soundtrack.
There are some great stories in here, but the same problems I had in previous stories continue to pop up here as well. The book collects everything related to the Triceratons' return to Earth after the death of General Krang, and while the plot of this is exciting, I was drawn to the side stories more (which, when given a decent page count, were fantastic).
Chris Mowry starts the collection with a story showing how the Triceraton's began their rebellion against their Utrom masters. The Triceratons start out as just a proud warrior race of dinosaur clones, but once they discover their race could have been more than that and how the Utroms have crippled them, they turn from mere soldiers into righteous crusaders. The plot of this story is excellent, but the quiet moments when the Tricertaton soldiers let their guards down around their partners and allow themselves to be vulnerable and emotional were equally moving.
The Triceratons' return written by Eastman and Waltz is exciting, but its climatic showdown between the Turtles and Splinter doesn't live up to its potential and I think that's due to how Eastman and Waltz have handled Splinter's character since he took control of the Foot Clan. Splinter used to be one of the most complex characters in this series, struggling between revenge and wanting to keep his children safe, but since taking over the Foot Clan the writers neglected to explain why he's leading the Foot the way he is. I'm not opposed to Splinter having a more sinister streak, but without that context Splinter actions don't feel like a progression or evolution of his character. He just feels out of character and the conflict he has with his sons feels hollow.
Paul Allor writes one hell of a political thriller as Donatello tries to help the Tricertons and the Utroms create a truce on Burnow Island. There's some surprising twists and a somber ending that will no doubt have huge ramifications down the road.
After everything with the Triceratons wraps up (for now), Eastman and Waltz take us back to the main book with another story about The Pantheon and Rat King...and it is just as pointless and unnecessary as the Casey & April book so many volumes ago. The Turtles' journey has absolutely *NOTHING* to do with how they resolve the conflict with Rat King. It's just an excuse the writers made up so they could introduce more paper thing characters. It does a decent job establishing Rat King as the Loki analog to this group of immortals, but they have done such a horrible job with this Pantheon subplot that I could not care less. I hope it resolves sooner rather than later.
I'm 11 omnibuses into IDW's TMNT series and its hard at this point not to see the flaws. That's not to say there aren't any good stories in this collection (there most certainly are), the main book is just in desperate need of fresh blood. It's my understanding Sophie Campbell takes over the book at issue 100. I've still got another omnibus or 2 before I reach that milestone, but I'm willing to stick around for it. Here's hoping this series can turn things around.
Chris Mowry starts the collection with a story showing how the Triceraton's began their rebellion against their Utrom masters. The Triceratons start out as just a proud warrior race of dinosaur clones, but once they discover their race could have been more than that and how the Utroms have crippled them, they turn from mere soldiers into righteous crusaders. The plot of this story is excellent, but the quiet moments when the Tricertaton soldiers let their guards down around their partners and allow themselves to be vulnerable and emotional were equally moving.
The Triceratons' return written by Eastman and Waltz is exciting, but its climatic showdown between the Turtles and Splinter doesn't live up to its potential and I think that's due to how Eastman and Waltz have handled Splinter's character since he took control of the Foot Clan. Splinter used to be one of the most complex characters in this series, struggling between revenge and wanting to keep his children safe, but since taking over the Foot Clan the writers neglected to explain why he's leading the Foot the way he is. I'm not opposed to Splinter having a more sinister streak, but without that context Splinter actions don't feel like a progression or evolution of his character. He just feels out of character and the conflict he has with his sons feels hollow.
Paul Allor writes one hell of a political thriller as Donatello tries to help the Tricertons and the Utroms create a truce on Burnow Island. There's some surprising twists and a somber ending that will no doubt have huge ramifications down the road.
After everything with the Triceratons wraps up (for now), Eastman and Waltz take us back to the main book with another story about The Pantheon and Rat King...and it is just as pointless and unnecessary as the Casey & April book so many volumes ago. The Turtles' journey has absolutely *NOTHING* to do with how they resolve the conflict with Rat King. It's just an excuse the writers made up so they could introduce more paper thing characters. It does a decent job establishing Rat King as the Loki analog to this group of immortals, but they have done such a horrible job with this Pantheon subplot that I could not care less. I hope it resolves sooner rather than later.
I'm 11 omnibuses into IDW's TMNT series and its hard at this point not to see the flaws. That's not to say there aren't any good stories in this collection (there most certainly are), the main book is just in desperate need of fresh blood. It's my understanding Sophie Campbell takes over the book at issue 100. I've still got another omnibus or 2 before I reach that milestone, but I'm willing to stick around for it. Here's hoping this series can turn things around.