On the last page of all their comics, DC prints a "DC Nation" page to communicate with the readers. In this week's issues, they attempt to answer the question on everyone's minds, "Why by DC Comics in August?" Then they stroke their own ego and say its because they are the best. Much like Co-Publisher Dan Didio at comic-con, they don't do a good job answering the question. Anyhow, on with the reviews.
Flashpoint Wrap-Up: Flashpoint # 4, Batman Knight of Vengeance # 3, Deathstroke # 3, World of Flashpoint 3 3
Barry Allen is quickly losing his memories but Batman remembers how Captain Thunder (Marvel) helped the Sandman when his mind was deteriorating so he goes and finds the Marvel family for help. He helps the Flash and Batman joins the battle against Atlantis/the Amazons. The war has come to a climatic battle in England where, after the heroes join, Captain Thunder is killed by Wonder Woman and Zoom shows up on the last page. Batman wraps up his series chasing the Joker who is actually Martha Wayne in the Flashpoint universe. He explains that he and she should have died in the alley and that Bruce would have followed in his father's footsteps. Martha realizes he means Bruce becomes Batman and runs, she falls into where the Bat cave would be and dies. Deathstorke finally rescues his daughter and they live happily ever after. In World of Flashpoint, Alice 13 convinces her father to stop the satellite that would kill 118 million people. She loses her magic and they end up living happily ever after as well.
Rating: For a "crisis" event, everyone sure ends up happily ever after a lot
Superboy # 10
The villain that has been behind the scenes is finally revealed. This issue focuses on that villain and does absolutely nothing to advance the story. It is a good issue and apparently there is another one before the Flashboot at the end of the month.
Rating: Good writing, but no one really cares if you don't advance the story
Batman Gates of Gotham # 4
Finally we get a name for the new villain, The Architect. He beats Red Robin and Damien and escapes. In the flashback, it is revealed that the families of Gotham turn on the remaining Gates brother after Bradley Gates is killed when the bridge they were building collapsed. He accuses Kane of being responsible as the new bridge is built connecting his land to Gotham. In the present, the Architect is preparing to blow the Kane bridge up and Batman is en route to stop him. The writing continues to be outstanding, I can't wait for the conclusion.
Rating: This series is a must read
Batman Arkham City # 4
This series serves as a prequel to the upcoming video game. It serves to tell the story of what happens between Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Paul Dini does not disappoint. The story is good and evokes a lot of memories of the old animated series. If you plan on playing the game, this is a must read.
Rating: Good
Batman Beyond # 8
The origin of Inque. While not a bad story, this is not where you want this series to end. The final page promises a return in "10,000 Clowns" sometime in the future. I won't be holding my breath.
Rating: Not bad, but a sad place to end
Superman # 714
The Grounded storyline comes to an end, and the ending is just as bad as the story has been. Some students in Ohio brings what turns out to be a Kryptonian sunstone to class and while the teacher is holding it, Superman walks by and his depression and bad feelings are transmitted to her through the stone. Also, she somehow gets kryptonian powers through this transfer. Superman calls on his friends the "Superman Squad" to transport them to a place outside time and space where he talks to her, overcomes his bad feelings, and touches the stone causing it to explode and removing the bad feelings from the teacher. The issue closes on a conversation between Superman and Lois about how their love is eternal and "not even death" can keep him from her. Way to close a comic with something that will be retconned out of existence in less than a month.
Jonah Hex # 70
Hex is on his death bed do to something that happens off panel. Most of the issue is the spirit journey that Hex is on. Much like Batman Beyond, this is a weak place to end this series, even though it is not ending. Jonah Hex returns in All-Star Western next month.
Rating: Sad ending for a good series
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