Batman: Streets of Gotham

you're probably right.

i was probably in a bad mood.

I enjoyed #11. Although, the nigh-severed torso of Zsasz's was a bit much to chew, considering he was "alright". Course, that mark on his body could be the inspiration to hunt down Damian and "Abuse".

Manhunter's backstory didn't go anywhere. Didn't feel necessary. But, it is fragmented due to being a co-feature. So, I guess I'll let it slide.

The main story was quite enjoyable, considering I don't give a crap about the Carpenter.

Manhunter was good, although the major artistic shift took me by surprise. It'll be pretty jarring in the trade.

For some reason I've dropped this book yet again. I looked through issue #12, and it just looked boring. I may come back when this arc is over.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #12

Batman: Streets of Gotham is one of those series I purchase month in and month out based solely on that of reputation—for both character and writer. Paul Dini’s been one of the strongest voices in recent Bat lore, so it’s not hard to feel excited what the writer’s purveying in weeks to come.

Unfortunately, throughout its entire first year, the series has had its mix of up and down moments. Ironically, some of S.O.G.’s strongest issues come when the plots sound downright absurd (i.e. Batman & Robin chasing down Santa Claus). This month’s feature on the illusive rogue, The Carpenter, is just another one of those unforeseen instants. Thing is, Dini only laid out the issue’s plotting; customary artist Dustin Nguyen and fellow colorist Derek Fridolfs sparked up the dialogue. And, surprisingly, that’s where the issue excels.

Readers who also follow the arguably stronger of Dini’s two ongoing titles, Gotham City Sirens, are sure to be familiar with the freckled flair of The Carpenter’s tool-time hustle. When put upon by The Broker to engage in more than jostling pool sharks, lowlife henchmen and desperate dive-bar patrons, Miss Duffy (Carpenter’s surname) agrees to a deal worth dying for—meeting The Director.

The pact equates to constructing a next-level movie studio adorned in booby-traps galore, as I’m sure you can think of this vigorous villain’s proposed victim. Luckily for the reader, there’s lots of density and humor in the Director and Carpenter’s exchange; so much that you forget the ridiculousness in both their nom de plumes. In a nice little side bit, Damien plays against type, showing gratitude to Abuse for saving his life. In turn, I thank Dini for ending the morbidly inconsistent Zsasz arc. Whew.

The comic results in a rare instance for Streets of Gotham where the final panel had me craving for more. Although we’re likely to know Director’s fate for the mere face he’s a z-list Batman villain, the journey looks twice as interesting as the destination. Perhaps Nguyen should be handling more dialogue. It’d be a shame to ignore the notion that his artwork is just as pretty, but also repetitive to elucidate any further. If you don’t know by now, then shame on you.

Finally, Manhunter’s back-up “Identity Crisis” adds a little Clayton Crane-style to what’s an otherwise typically drawn comic. Szymon Kudranski’s deep, dark textures and divergent color contrasts adds something new to the series. Crisis is a rewarding little tale if you’ve been following the recent emergence of Kate’s son in the past few books. The last splash page is especially creepy.

4/5 Bags&Boards - Oh, not to mention, the cover to this comic is absolutely stunning. ‘Til then…same Bat time, same Bat channel.

I just love this book

The main story was okay. Loved Manhunter, of course. But since this was the last of Kate's back-ups I'm dropping the book. She and Marc were the only reasons I got it in the first place.

Last issue was ok. But the main had backup had it's good parts, though I'm looking forward to a new arc

wtf has happened to this book...I want my $8 back.

Yeah, this was... odd. I read this saying "HOLY SHIT, WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!" while also saying "holy shit.. what just happened?"

In other words, the writing wasn't great, but I was really surprised by the outcome

Considering Hush was a pretty impactful--and albeit enjoyable villain--I'm surprised there isn't a whole lot of comments on the book as of late. I know the Two-Face back-up sorta took over with Dini's delays...and now Ragman takes over this one (hmph), but the writer has definitely accomplished one thing in making Hush a top Batman entity.

LOOSECANNON wrote:Considering Hush was a pretty impactful--and albeit enjoyable villain--I'm surprised there isn't a whole lot of comments on the book as of late. I know the Two-Face back-up sorta took over with Dini's delays...and now Ragman takes over this one (hmph), but the writer has definitely accomplished one thing in making Hush a top Batman entity.

I agree, the last two issues have been pretty good

The last couple of issues have been great!

(sorry, I have been sooo behind.. I am catching up)

Can I just say, together at last?! Mmm Bats and Cats.. yes please

Did anyone else understand the ending of the latest S.O.G.? (#19)

Yeah.

Bedbug discovered Batman's affection for Catwoman.

spoiler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

whooops.

yeah its ok.. I read it :p