Fantastic Universes

“Mythology: Waiting For A Miracle” Writer: Peter J. Tomasi Artists: Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy & Mark Irwin Color Artist: David Baron Letterer: Rob Leigh Review by Steve J. Ray Just when I thought that this series couldn’t give us any more surprises, at the end of the  last issue , Peter J. Tomasi dusted the cobwebs off yet another vintage DC character. Yes folks, Thaddeus Brown – the original Mister Miracle – is back! You read that correctly; Thaddeus was DC’s first “World’s Greatest Escape Artist” before Scott Free or Shilo Norman. Brown was the man who trained Scott upon his arrival on Earth, and he trained a certain Dark Knight in the art of escapology too. In Detective Comics #996 Bruce discovered that his mystery assailant wasn’t just attacking his loved ones, but everyone who had a hand in making The Batman who he is. Leslie Thompkins comforted the newly orphaned Bruce Wayne as a child, nurtured and counselled him. Alfred raised Bruce and was key to i...

“The Final Joke” – Part Four Writer: Dan Jurgens Artists: Brett Booth & Norm Rapmund Color Artist: Andrew Dalhouse Letterer: Travis Lanham Review by Adam Ray The latest issue delivers an action filled continuation of the storyline and we really see the depths The Joker is willing to sink to. The world of Batman Beyond is utterly unlike the one readers would know him from. Therefore, The Joker would be forced to adapt. While we don’t quite keep the same depth of story as we have done in the rest of Jurgens’ run, the intense action and new slant this issue brings however, makes it all worth it. There are certain moments in this issue that focus on one character. To us fans, living in the present, we don’t know exactly who they are, but their voice is welcome. It’s a testament to Jurgens that we get a very real portrait of a character, who knows all the others perfectly, yet we don’t exactly know them. This issue moves the focus away f...

“Ghost Sector” – Part Five Writer: Joshua Williamson Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico Color Artist: Ivan Plascencia Letterer: Deron Bennett Review by Adam Ray The Justice League are still very involved in their crusade. We ended  last issue  with the show of just how strongly some believe in their old gods. The events in this deep space setting are starting to unfold and this issue gave us a real insight into why tall this is happening. Darkseid’s machinations give us a sense where the series is going. In addition, the followers of these Old Gods start to make their presence felt. After this series’ shaky start, and what feels like the halfway point looming, the title’s big focus is finally starting to come together. We get some development of Cyborg, and his handling of how the people of the Machine Worlds do things, but this is Azrael’s issue. As Jean-Paul spends time reminiscing on how he became involved in the Ghost Sector, we Bat...

Writer:  Adam Glass Artists:  Ryan Benjamin & Richard Friend (“Robin Vs. Robin”) Jose Luis & Jordi Tarragona (“Joy To The World”) Color Artist:  Hi-Fi Letterer:  Rob Leigh Review by Steve J. Ray Summary “Robin Vs. Robin” and “Joy To The World” Hot on the trail of the super criminal known only as “The Other” Damian Wayne has come to the conclusion that Red Hood, his new mentor, has been playing him and could actually be the villain he’s been looking for . This issue sees brother fight brother while fractures form between the other members of the Teen Titans. Positives As I’ve come to expect, the writing from Adam Glass in this issue is great. He manages to nail Jason Todd’s personality, clearly show the differences between Red Hood and Robin, and perfectly encapsulate the relationship between the two “Brothers.” The action and fight sequences between the two are brilliantly written, and littered with some extremely colorful and clever dialo...

“Ruin” Writers: James Stoteraux & Chad Fiveash Director: Nathan Hope Starring: Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Sean Pertwee, Robin Lord Taylor, Cory Michael Smith, Erin Richards, Camren Bicondova, Chris Chalk, Cameron Monaghan,  Francesca Root-Dodson & Anthony Carrigan Review by Steve J. Ray Last week’s episode went out with a bang, both literally and figuratively. Someone blew up what had become Gotham City’s only safe haven, and this week Edward, Lucius, Jim, Barbara and Oswald try to find out who… and why. Familiar Faces The writers are keeping their foot on the gas, and the momentum is driving on like the proverbial steamroller. This episode gives us Madame Guillotine, furniture appreciation, crossed wires, miscommunication, tag-team action and more bullets than an on-line game of Call Of Duty. The action doesn’t let up, and I’m loving it. “Ruin” sees the return of Ecco and of two more  Gotham  baddies that I’ve been missing...

“Penguin, Our Hero” Writer: Tze Chun Director: Rob Bailey Starring: Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Robin Lord Taylor, Erin Richards, Camren Bicondova and  Francesca Root-Dodson Review by Steve J. Ray Warning: If you’re not up to date with  Gotham  this review contains minor spoilers. Well… The Cat(woman’s) out of the bag! After taking the root given to Bruce by Ivy , Selina is back on her feet and ready for battle. In this episode Bat-Teen and Catgirl start the hunt for Jeremiah, while Gordon and the GCPD protect Haven sector from an all out assault by Penguin and Gotham’s street gangs. Purrfect Pairing This season is certainly pulling out all the stops. A ton of action, beautiful direction, great visuals and spectacle, but without losing the heart and character that the show is known for. Selina has never been more of a cat on the hunt, and Bruce has never been more of a grim protector. David Mazouz and Camren Bicondova are amongst ...

Memento Mori Dictionary result for memento mori /məˌmɛntəʊ ˈmɔːri,məˌmɛntəʊ ˈmɔːrʌɪ/ noun (1) An object kept as a reminder of the inevitability of death, such as a skull. "He placed the picture in his room as a memento mori" (2) T he medieval Latin Christian theory and practice of reflection on mortality, especially as a means of considering the vanity of earthly life and the transient nature of all earthly goods and pursuits. (3) The brand new E.P. by Victor And The Bully. Still dark, but a lot more fun than the other two definitions. Yes, they're back! Everyone's favourite Demonic Duo, Victor And The Bully, have returned to light our nightmares with their own inimitable brand of fearsomely funky Gothic grooves. "Memento Mori" their new 'Hellectro Swing' E.P. serves as a worthy successor to their second album "8th Deadly Sin" and as a tease for their next release. This mini-album gives fans ever...