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!