DC no longer drawing the line at $2.99

Apparently, DC Comics didn't learn from their mistake a couple of years ago when they tried raising comic book prices from $2.99 to $3.99, using the stupid justification of "back-up stories."  People stopped buying their comics. 

Besides the existing Justice League and Action Comics already priced at $3.99, in April's solicits, there appears to be some comics that have gone from $2.99 to $3.99 (Yes, I'm talking to you Batman and Detective Comics) with the justification of a "back-up story."  These additional stories may be better than filler like sketches, etc. that comics use to raise the prices to $3.99 or $4.99 (or even up to the atrocious $7.99!!!), but typically they're not even worth the paper they're printed on.  Does anyone even recall a good back-up story they read when DC tried this tactic a couple of years ago?  I thought not.

So what's going to happen with this increase?  People will stop buying the comics.  Again.

Boo hiss to DC for repeating their own mistakes.

Welcome to the Dollhouse

I read the new Detective Comics #1.  Wisely, DC Comics decided to include Joker as the first villain in this new series.  He's still the twisted clown prince of crime, but he's taken it to a new level in DC's New 52.  His violence is even more senseless and, for lack of a better word, *extreme.*  I won't give away the details, but let's just say that Joker is willing to do almost anything to achieve his goals. 

As a side note, we see Commissioner Gordon as a young redhead instead of the white-haired father-figure we got so used to seeing.

Batman's Girls

In reading the various Batman books recently, I've begun to notice a trend.  There seems to be an increase in the number of theme-costumed females making their first appearances.    Mind you, I'm not complaining.  I think it's fantastic.  It feels like a throwback to Batman villains of yesteryear, when Batman was a bit campy and fun, and the villains all had a particular, unique theme to their costumes, their mannerisms, and their methods.  The ones I've noticed (and liked) lately in the Batman books include:  Catgirl, Enigma, Peacock, and the Absence.  

Enigma

Catgirl

Catgirl and Enigma are like the Teen Titans: they're young proteges to older established characters.  In this case, Catwoman and the Riddler, respectively. I like that Catgirl is a more feminine version of Catwoman.  She's dressed like the pet that a socialite like Paris Hilton would carry around in a satchel, sporting a diamond encrusted collar and bright pink clothing.  Over the years, the Riddler has toned down his brightly clad costume, but not his daughter, Enigma.  She puts it out there, sporting a large, prominent question mark on her chest and bold striped pants.

Peacock

In addition to these two new teenagers to the Batman Family, two theme-costumed women have made their first appearances in the Batman books as well.  Like Bruce Wayne, Sasha Lo is a wealthy woman who also happens to have a different kind of nightlife.  She dons an Oracle-like mask, a vibrant costume, and goes by the name of Peacock.  Although we still don't know much about her, I'm looking forward to seeing her again from time to time.

The Absence

Last but not least, there's one of my new favorite villainesses: The Absence.  The woman has been shot in the head, leaving a gaping hole.  You know she's gotta be pissed.  Yet she's still a fully functioning (but short-tempered and unbalanced) person, now with heightened mental capacities. 

Goldie Hawn in
"Death Becomes Her"

She's extra pissed off because, as socialite Una Nemo, she used to date Bruce Wayne and she feels like she's been used and tossed aside.  (By the way, what's up with that name?  Una Nemo?)  She reminds me of Goldie Hawn's character from the classic 1990s movie Death Becomes Her.   

Kudos to the Batman writers for the introduction of these fun, new additions to the Batman Family.  I hope to see them around for many years to come, and I hope the tradition of introducing unique, themed characters continues.



And now, a parting glance from Batman. 

Hysterical.

A Story With "Heart"

I've recently read in its entirety the "Heart of Hush" storyline that was running in Detective Comics while Batman was running the disappointing "R.I.P." I found that "Heart of Hush" had a better storyline, was MUCH better written, had real character development, and had the possibility (and believability) to affect and change Batman/Bruce Wayne more than "R.I.P." ever could.

This was my first experience with the Hush villain, having just starting reading comics again after 15 years. I must say that he's equally creepy as -- if not creepier than -- the Joker. What a background Hush has. I loved the flashbacks throughout "Heart of Hush" to his childhood. They went into great depth with his turn into a villain, specifically despising Bruce Wayne because of his jealousy and "mommy issues." What a terrific concept.

Unbeknownst to me, the "heart" of Hush turned out to be an actual heart. Catwoman's heart. Ouch. Surgically removing Catwoman's heart to use as bait was brilliant, not to mention incredibly twisted and devious. I loved seeing how much it affected Bruce/Batman personally. The tender moments between he and Catwoman were beautiful. I hope more comes of this. They've been playing "cat and mouse" for years. It's about time something more was done with the chemistry between the two of them.

All in all, I can't say enough how much Paul Dini did a beautiful writing job writing this story arc. How about taking over both Batman titles, Dini?

Batman R.I.P.

After seeing the movie The Dark Knight, I was in the mood for more Batman. With the Batman comics starting the "Batman R.I.P." storyline, this seemed like a good place to jump back in. I picked up all the comics on the Batman R.I.P. checklist, which included Batman #676-681, Detective Comics #846-850, Nightwing #147-150, Robin #175-176, and Batman and the Outsiders #11-13. I've read them all now and all I have to say is, "Huh?" I used to love Grant Morrison's wacky storylines for Animal Man in the 80s, but with Batman today, I think he's on something. Seriously. I never got into the story. And wasn't sure even how to begin. Batman of Zur-En-Arrh? Excuse me? Did you say "Surrender?" No. Batman of Zurrrrrrrrrrrr-ennnnnnnnn-arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrh. Oh, okay. Can I have some of what you're on, Grant? And whatever the DC Executives are on who okayed this storyline? After that, throw in some Bat-Mite and we've got ourselves a party!

Seriously? This is what you give Batman fans who went in droves to the movie theaters this past summer and then out to buy Batman comics as a follow-up? Rabble and Bat-Mite? The Riddler makes more sense than "Batman R.I.P."