"The Clover Comics Gazette" Comic Book Reviews for May 12, 2010! "Return of Bruce Wayne"

Hello everyone and welcome back to "The Clover Comics Gazette" my name is Dustin aka "The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure and I will be reviewing six books for you this week. Great week for DC and finally "The Return of Bruce Wayne"!

"The Clover Comics Gazette" video reviews #1

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"First Wave" #2
Written By: Brian Azzarello
Illustrated by: Rags Morales

Preview:
The Golden Tree bears bitter fruit! The Blackhawks are after The Spirit. Doc Savage is after the Blackhawks. Anton Colossi is after William "Johnny" Littlejohn. And only Rima, the eyes of the jungle, knows what the heroes do not: something glorious and terrible has risen in the darkest corner of Hida`lgo!

Review:
Brian Azzarello as the writer along with Rags Morales are able to move forward with this new series in it's second of six parts. In #2 you see the first appearance of "The Caped Crusader" which was a big hit for me. The story needs so much background information that it is taking a few issues to get the ball rolling fast. For a second part it adds to the base that #1 started and hopefully will pick up from here!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
gives it:

3 out of 5


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"The Flash" #2

Written by: Geoff Johns

Illustrated by: Francis Manupul w/Joel Gomez

Preview:

The rogues are back in time to arrest "The Flash" for a murder that, the rogues, imply he is yet to commit. The Rogues from the future claim to be heroes, while the Rogues from the present are assisting Captain Boomerang with another escape from jail. It seems that when it rains it pours with Flash a criminal in the future and Barry Allen seemingly framed for murder in the present, the only direction from where Barry/Flash can go from here is up!

Review:

As a rule I don't read comics with heroes that have powers, however Geoff Johns proves his legend by writing for Flash and Barry Allen, making him feel more human to me. The story art by Manupul is as detailed as simple can be and the art doesn't feel forced. This books provide a lost art of the illustrations assisting a stand alone great title just from the writing. I would say if you haven't read the Flash now would be a great time to start. Go pick up number one, get the free flash ring, and then grab number two. Both are easy, great, informative stories.

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

4 out of 5

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"Batgirl" #10
Written By: Bryan Q Miller
Cover By: Stanley Lau

Preview:
Our new Batgirl and former Batgirl, the Oracle, have found themselves painted in a corner against "The Calculator". The Calculator knows the face of the Oracle and her protecting his daughter only fuels his fire to destroy her. Using technology to turn everyone into zombies the Calculater is adding up to be a fierce adversary.

Review:
No secret that this is one of my favorite books out right now! The writing has been stellar and fresh along with the covers by Stanley Lau this book is working hard to stay on everyone's pull list. The connection of Stephanie Brown and Barbara Gordon is a constant passing of the torch that is not often seen between present and former heroes. Bryan Miller's writing still is extremely witty without taking away the tension of danger, which I feel is the only true way to write a Batman book. I think this story is getting stronger by the months and holds its own in a week where DC has all of their guns blazing. Pick this one up!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
gives it:

4 out of 5

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"Batman" #699

Written and Cover Art by: Tony Daniel

Illustrated by: Guillem March

Preview:

The Riddler, Firefly, and Mr. Blackspell weave a tail of numerous ends to the same story. Did the Riddler pull the wool over Batman's eyes and who would want both Batman and his adversaries dead? Gotta read to find out!

Review:

Tony Allen delivers once again as he writes and cover arts a story that feels like it's straight out of a Detective Comic from the 50s. I found myself as confused as Batman with no idea who to truly point the finger at. The art by Guillem March is so well done again, I don't feel let down by the fact that Tony Daniel didn't do the story art.

The use of Arkham Asylum as if it were an actual living being provides an almost live theater effect to the book. Along with great backstory for Firefly and a mystery that feels as if it is just getting started this book is amazing and probably on any other given week would be my top pick. This is a must buy!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"

gives it:

5 out of 5

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"Brightest Day:" "Birds of Prey" #1
Written by: Gail Simone
Illustrated by: Ed Benes

Preview:
The birds are back and a new enemy will stop at nothing to bring them all together and take them out in one swoop. The bases are all covered with Black Canary, Huntress, Hawk, Dove, and even a flightless Batman nemesis makes an appearance. This new enemy is revealed but, why does she want the birds defeated and who is she? Only time will tell!

Review:
For me it feels like in the DC Universe does an amazing job at servicing the fans by taking a known group and making them new again. This is helped greatly by writer Gail Simone with the addition of a new enemy that, with alot of DC characters, can only mean a long detailed back story.

Ed Benes does an incredible job of drawing all of the bombshells in a single book while giving each one their moment in the spotlight. So happy to see this series back cause it gives me hope that eventually both NightWing and Robin with regain their own series. This being the #1 I would say go grab it now, I love number 1s, it feels great to start at the beginning! Add this to your pull list today!

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
gives it:

4 out of 5

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Pick Of The Week:

Is:

Wait for it..............NOW!

"Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne" #1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Penciller: Chris Sprouse
Cover: Chris Sprouse and Andy Kubert

Preview:
Guess who is back.........................?
For the first time in months the fog has moved aside and all the assumptions and guesses, for the readers anyway, are fulfilled. The Batman is stuck in time! Caveman days find Bruce reveared by some as a God and by others a creation that can only be an enemy. Does Bruce know where, how, why, when he is? With some of the Justice League following his trail of breadcrumbs what will happen next? Til number 2 we are all in the dark!

Review:
All I can really say is THE BAT IS BACK! Man it feels like forever since I've seen the true lord of the cowl, but I know we are far away from the end of the tunnel and the mantle of the Bat back to its true owner. Grant Morrison is amazing in this story it's witty and throw funny references to the Bat Universe that make you laugh just enough to take the edge off the story. Alot of amazing artists used in this book so far; including partial cover art by Andy Kubert. I hope this collaboration between many minds continues to help convey Morrison's epic like resurrection of Bruce Wayne.

Two variant covers are offered for this book one being a 1/35 and the other being a 1/200 I would say get the 1/200 CGC it and hold on to it. Story is epic and just counting the days til the next one, the return hasn't disappointed me one bit!

"Clover Comics Gazette"
gives "The Pick of the Week" an easy

5 out of 5

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Wow what an epic week in the DC Universe, completely exhausted from all the greatness bestowed upon me. I think everything is falling in to place for a knock down drag out brawl between the cities of Gotham and Star and I love a competition!

If you would like to write a guest blog, debate my reviews, or tell me all about a new book I have to start reading please email me CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, Twitter @CCGNerdNews, or on Facebook CCGNerdNews.

Also please stop by my Youtube page CloverComicsGazetteVideo and check out my video reviews, news, and everything else for the nerdy side of Pop Culture.

Thanks so much for reading and I will see you next week!

From the desk of:

"The Clover Comics Gazette"
this is:

"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

Signing OFF!

P.S. To find a comic book store in your area please click: Comic Store Locator!

New Comic Book Reviews for the Wednesday of March 17, 2010

Hello everyone and welcome back to "The Clover Comics Gazette" it's your boy, DJ Under Pressure, back to review the titles for my pull list on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Hope everyone is having a great St. Patrick's Day and enjoys some green beer for me! So without further ado, here are my reviews!

"Azrael #6"

Please visit Ebay if you would like to own "Azrael #6", just click on the picture above!

Is the new "Azrael" doomed already? A book which chronicles the life of past "Azraels" seems to say so. A code appearing in the lines of the book will reveal the true enemy of "Azrael" and what to do to stop them. Will this armor be a curse or a gift to the new "Azrael"? Only time will tell!

This book does not cease to impress me, especially as a newer reincarnation of "Azrael". Though I knew of "Azrael" it is with open arms that I read about a character with such a rich history and back story. I think the fact that a simple civilian is chose to wear the enchanted armor of "Azrael", I'm not a huge fan of super powers or genetic mutations, however if you put the powers into an object it makes the story much better for myself! Also news to me as I looked at the credits on the book is the fact that along with Denny O'Neil, Marvel Editor-In-Chief, Joe Quesada created the character of "Azrael". I got to meet Mr. Quesada at a comic book convention a couple of years ago and he was super nice and willing to sign for everyone. He was really a class act!

The story written by Fabian Nicieza is simply brilliant. I love the way the story is made to come to life even while the new "Azrael" simply reads from a book about his armor's history. The story is definitely complimented by excellent visuals by Ramon Bachs and John Stanisci, who make the book feel more like a "Knights of the Round Table" esque cartoon, that comes to life with their art.

This is a great comic book to pick up and the story is done so well that it is easy to pick up and enjoy even in issue number 6. So go pick it up and enjoy this great story. 

4 out of 5 Stars! 

If you would like more information about writer Fabian Nicieza please visit his wikipedia page HERE! 
Also find out more about "Marvel" editor and chief Joe Quesada please follow him on twitter @JoeQuesada or on Facebook HERE!

Trailer for "DCUniverse: Online" being worked on by legend illustrator "Jim Lee", hoping to be released in 2010!

"Batman #697"

If you would like to own "Batman #697" find it on ebay by clicking the picture above!

The Black Mask is back, but who has taken over as the skulls host? What do "The Reaper", "Dr. Death", and "The Black Mask" have in common with a character of the last name "Arkham"? Dick Grayson still controls the cowl, and wants to do the right thing, but is he? All of this answered in "Batman #697"

The story is just simply well done by Tony Daniel who breaks a stereotype that I have by both being the artist and the writer in the same book. To deal with Dick Grayson as "Batman" while writing a story that will keep fans faithful to "The Batman's" lore, is done perfectly. Tony Daniel's Cover art as well as the inside of the book are done excellently. The cover itself does a perfect job telling the story without a word, while picturing "Batman" with "The Black Mask" in his hands.

Being a huge "Batman" fan over everything else it makes me nervous with Dick Grayson wearing the Cowl with an artist/writer in Tony Daniel who has worked for Marvel and is now a recurring author and artist on such a long standing book. However my nerves are calmed, everything about this book, even with Dick Grayson at the helm, screams a great "Batman" story. "Batman's" inner struggle with himself vs the persona vs the villains that make him an icon, is perfectly documented in this book.

This book being part 6 of 6, I would suggest going back and reading parts 1-5 to start out with as the story is kind of heavy with lore at points. Otherwise great book and I can't wait to see what else Tony Daniel has in store for us.

5 out of 5 Stars!
If you would like to learn more about Tony Daniel please visit and subscribe to his blog by clicking the picture below!

Drum Roll PLEASE!

The Pick of the Week is...

"Rise and Fall: The Fall of Green Arrow" aka "Green Arrow #31"

Would you like to own this comic? Please find it on ebay by clicking the picture above!

The "Arrow" is spiraling out of control and the weight of the world is sitting on his shoulders at the same time. "The Green Arrow" has been berated by every friend alike for being selfish. Doesn't a hero deserve to be selfish every once in a while, for giving his life to good? Or is that just the name of the game? The last page reveals someone who believes in "Green Arrow's" motive, but who is she? Just have to read and find out!

"Green Arrow" being probably my second favorite hero, the other being "Batman", it is tough to see him have no other choice then revenge. "Green Arrow" is not so much without passion as he is determined to figure out what will work to help "Star City", cause the safe route of putting the bad guys in jail and off the streets is just not getting it done. This situation with being married to "Black Canary" and working with "The Flash" and "Green Lantern" is a perfect example of why "Batman" mostly works alone. No matter what happens in "Green Arrow's" life they will never know how it really is. When  your "Green Arrow" and your friends abandon you and your city is destroyed what other choice do you have then to rebel against being a hero and turning full fledged vigilante?

"Green Arrow" stories are always a joy for me to read and "Green Arrow #31" fits the bill nicely. With this story being spread between many books the writer of "Green Arrow", J.T. Krul along with illustrations by Federico Dallocchio rivals it's predecessors tie-ins. The cover is brilliant foreshadowing of things to come with Ollie head low in shame, with his so-called "friends" judging him from the stained glass in the church.

"Green Arrow's" story is constantly growing and now is a great time to start reading all about him! Also, according to the "DC Nation" page in the back of the comic it is going to be a busy year for the "Emerald Archer", so you better jump on the train before it leaves the station.

Quite easily a: 5 out of 5 Stars!

Learn more about the "Emerald Archer" by clicking the picture below!

Trailer for "Batman: Arkham Asylum 2" hopefully being released in 2010! 

Quite a small week when it comes to the DC books that I love, however a small week allows me to go more indepth with each book. DC always top of the tower for me and I think with "Brightest Day" coming along with "The Return of Bruce Wayne", it is going to be an amazing 2010!

Enjoyed my blog, want to read more, or want to debate my opinions with me, please feel free to email me CloverComicsGazette@hotmail.com, follow me on twitter @CCGNerdNews, or fan my page on facebook HERE!

See you next week for more great reviews!

Cool video full of fan art and speculation about "Batman 3" being directed Christopher Nolan, rumored to be out in 2011!

From the desk of

 "The Gotham City Gazette"

this is

"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

New Comic Book Day Reviews for: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Hello everyone and welcome to the "Gotham City Gazette" comic book reviews for the week of March 10, 2010. Lots and lots of great DC books this week and I can't wait to tell you all about them!

"Batgirl" #8 and "Red Robin" #10

Want to read both of these books: Buy "Batgirl" on Ebay Here and "Red Robin" Here!

I'm reviewing both of these books together because they both have crossovers with one another for this month. Red Robin is in Batgirl, Batgirl is in Red Robin, and both stories interact with one another. When you mix Red Robin, Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, Rhas al Ghul, The League of Assassins, Vicki Vale, Zoanne Fox, and Lucious Fox it makes for a fan service filled story of epic proportions. 

I've always been a fan of Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown together, they always have great chemistry, and it is brought back immediately as they happen upon one another both as different heroes; Tim as "Red Robin" and Stephanie as "Batgirl". I was never a fan of "The Spoiler" so it is a pleasant alternative to see Stephanie Brown drawn so well as "Batgirl" in both books. For the books being drawn by several different artists the work all fits together and is drawn in a similar style which is seamless. 

I also like the fact that in both books it is made so noticeable that Tim Drake is a total pimp, no matter who it is villain or hero Tim Drake just seems to draw the ladies right to him. Though it is made apparent that "Stephanie Brown" is the one for him, or I can hope. 

Great story, great art, great team-up; definitely a buy! I also would love to see a team-up story with one book; "Red Robin and Batgirl" I think a story arc with one book would be great! The covers are fantastic and the story is done brilliantly with lots of known heroes and adversaries! Also a great look ahead at the end of the book with some art from DC's upcoming story arc "Brightest Day"

Together: 5 out of 5 Stars! 
Want to know more about the relationship between Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown? Visit their Wiki HERE!

"Batman: The Widening Gyre" #5 of 6

Buy "Batman Widening Gyre" on Ebay by clicking HERE!

Batman aka Bruce Wayne is out of town and Robin along with new unknown hero "Baphomet"; are able to save the day on several occasions including taking down both "Mr. Freeze" and "The Joker". Could this new hero be ready to help protect Gotham? With a bubble with Bruce saying that he is in love, along with an appearance by "Catwoman", a great story, and Bruce talking of retirement?! This makes for one great book!

The write Kevin Smith is in my opinion at the peak of his story telling ability for the caped crusader! Usually long winded with lots of dialogue this story has just enough to make it great and make you wonder all at the same time. Very sad that this is the 5th of only 6 that he will be doing :( Maybe a series is in the works, I know I can hope. The art by Walter Flanagan and Art Thibert is creative, well done, original, and is just impressive. The cover is amazing a confusing collage that follows the entire story in one page! Definitely a must buy and just a great book! Pick it up today!

5 out of 5 Stars!
Want to know more about Kevin Smith: Fan him on Facebook HERE, follow him on Twitter HERE, or visit his website HERE!

"Batman and Robin" #10

Purchase "Batman and Robin" on Ebay by clicking HERE!

Grant Morrison delivers just like always in this continuing story of the serial killer who is supposedly on his/her way to Gotham after taking out high powered figures all over the globe and it is assumed by "The Gravedigger" that Bruce is next?! Damian is a brat like always, but a brat with major mommy and daddy issues that carry their way to the cover of this book. The story is engaging with lots of unseen rooms in "Wayne Manor", secret passage ways, and clues to find out of Bruce Wayne is really dead or not. Is Bruce leaving clues all over "Wayne Manor" as he is stuck in the past? Only time will tell!

Perfect writing once again by Grant Morrison, the man is definitely a legend for a reason. The art is well done by Andy Clarke and Scott Hanna, with brilliant bright colors and an animated feel with a realness to it. This book is a definite read and buy. Go get it today!

4 out of 5 Stars!

Want to know more about Grant Morrison, please visit his website HERE, or fan him on Facebook by clicking HERE!

Pick of the Week!

Justice League Rise and Fall Special: 1 Shot!

Buy "Justice League: Rise and Fall Special" on Ebay by clicking HERE!

Definitely hard to pick a book for best of the week, this week was great. Though it was easy to decide as this was the last book I read and definitely the best! Of course my favorite hero is Batman but, there are stories that can be written for Green Arrow that you just couldn't write for Batman. Green Arrow has finally cracked because of the destruction of Star City and he is on the war path. Vigilante is an adjective that is earned this week by "Green Arrow". Green Arrow has no interest in capturing bad guys and only has room to kill them! The JL including Flash, Hawkman, Black Canary, Green Lantern, and Batman are all caught in the middle of a hero out for revenge and villains that probably deserve it! "Green Arrow" has already taken two lives in vengeance and will he stop or will he be put to a stop, luckily this story will continue in "The Fall of Green Arrow" #31!

The story by J.T.Krul is amazing and well detailed, especially for a novice to the "Justice League" like myself, so everything made sense. The story is accompanied by the amazing art of Mike Mayhew, Diogenes Neves, and Fabrizio Fiorentino. This is the must have book for this week, don't leave your collection without it!

5 out of 5 Stars

 but that barely does the book justice, no pun intended!

First picture of "The Return of Bruce Wayne"
HE'S BAAAAACK!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read my reviews! I know I really enjoy letting people know what books I love to read. I would love to hear what you think, so follow me on twitter @CloverComics and fan my "Clover Comics Gazette" page on Facebook HERE!

From the desk of "The Gotham City Gazette" this is:

"The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

Have something you want me to blog about email me CloverComics@hotmail.com

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Trailer!

New Comic book reviews for March 3, 2010

Start out this week with a trailer for Disney's "Prince of Persia" movie coming out in May of 2010!

Hello and welcome to the "Clover Comics Gazette", thank you for taking the time to read my opinions and I would love to hear yours. Again thank you very much for your support and away we......Go!

"Batman: Confidential #42"

want to own this comic without leaving your home? Buy it on ebay by clicking right HERE!

"Batman Confidential" is usually one of my favorite books to read. It's usually light hearted, with cartoon style drawings, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Unfortunately, #42 in the series leaves me more than unhappy. This book is written and drawn by Sam Kieth and personally I think that the same person drawing and writing is a mistake. Usually, if you have two or more people doing the different elements of the book such as; illustrating the cover, writing the book, and illustrating the inside it makes for a much better product. With one person doing everything it's an all or nothing situation, either you love all of it or you don't. Two or more people can have a story that is great and illustrations that aren't loved and visa versa, but with only one the formula just doesn't work.

The art for me is so lack luster and not anything that I would want drawn for me that it really just ruins and ok story. It's interesting story is dumbed down by un-inspired drawings and just a selfish book for Sam Kieth to do what he likes.

I'm a collector of "Batman: Confidential" so if you are as well I would pick it up, but just bag it and board it and put it away. I want my simple funny comic book back and I would be fine with no more Sam Kieth work.

1 out of 5 Stars!

"First Wave #1"

want this book for your collection? Buy it on Ebay by clicking right HERE!

What do you get when  you take three heroes who are so totally different and so totally awesome and throw them together with an interesting jumping off point? You get a very good comic that you should definitely check out. Batman, Doc Savage, and The Spirit; I doubt that I need to say more!

The first book in a series has got to be really difficult to write and illustrate, to be able to capture old fans and new fans with out irratating either group. Myself I know alot about Batman but, I haven't read anything from Doc Savage or The Spirit; but the book itself made me want to learn.

"First Wave #1" has just enough backstory to intrique a new audience, but not too much to where the hardcore fanboy will get bored. Though the Dark Knight is not in this first issue he makes it onto the cover and is eluded to several times during the book.

The art itself is well done and has more of a real feeling to it, which usually I'm not a huge fan of, but it is done well in this book. The story itself is a great starting point, unfortunately with new team-ups the characters are still disconnected from one another and that will probably take several issues to correct.

Overall a great book, definitely pick this one up, read it, and add it to your pull list!

4 out of 5 Stars!

"Batwoman: Detective Comics #862

does this book need to be yours? Buy on Ebay by clicking right HERE!

With Batman, Batwoman, and an insane serial killer, it's definitely pretty hard to go wrong! The cover is absolutely brilliant art and it is followed by a great looking book as well. I think Batwoman is being drawn better than ever and it's really interesting for me for both Batman and Batwoman to be in the same book, and it works!

The story has some great twists, turns, and the book expects you to try to keep up, So Concentrate while you read! Lots of different angles in this book and alot of parts to keep up with. Though really a joy to read! This book is the second part in a three part story arc, so I suggest also buying part one to fill in some blanks before starting on part 2.

Great book, extremely interesting, great visuals, definitely a buy!

4 out of 5 Stars

Pick of the Week!

"JSA: Allstars #4"

do you want to start reading a new story? Buy this book from Ebay by clicking HERE!

My pick of the week is "JSA: Allstars #4" because it has great elements, artistry, and story to make you mad that you have to wait for the next one. Lots of heroes, lots of villains, and one pissed off monster, GOTTA LOVE IT!

I'm a huge Batman fan and I admit to being a noob about everyone in the DCU, so definitely a sensory overload for me of characters that I'm unfamiliar with. With that said the writing does a great job of not weighing down the story with back story, it isn't a chore not know who everyone is, it's a joy to not have to know to be able to follow the story. I'm interested in learning about everyone while following an ongoing story.

My main reason for picking up this book for the first time is because one of my favorite artists, Freddie E. Williams II, is working on this book. The visuals are so amazing that even with out the text bubbles the story is easy to follow. I fell in love with this art style while Freddie was working on "Robin" and "Flash" and just stuck to it. I've met Frieddie a couple of times and I think meeting someone who is so awesome at what they do and as a human being makes it so much easier to love the work. So I suggest typing his name into wikipedia and ebay and find some of his work!

Freddie does a great job of giving double page, full page, half page, and quarter page photos that come to life! Definitely expect several big drawings in his book that you could spend hours looking at and still not see everything. I think this form of huge pictures compared to mass amounts of frames is an artform that is really lost and Freddie makes it easy to want that artform back in more books.

Interesting story, easy to read, easy to pick up, stunning visuals, and a book that I'm really looking forward to reading more of!

5 out of 5 Stars!

If you would like to see more Freddie E. Williams II work you could visit his website HERE or follow him on twitter HERE!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog, I will be back next Wednesday with another batch of reviews. I would love to hear from you via a comment, an email, a tweet, or a facebook comment. So hit me up tell me what you thought!

From the desk of the "Clover Comics Gazette"

This is

 "The Boy Wonder" - DJ Under Pressure

signing off!

You can follow me on twitter by clicking @CloverComics or fan the "Clover Comics" facebook page by clicking HERE!