Fantastic Universes

"The Nice House On The Lake" - Volume One Writer: James Tynion IV Artist: Álvaro Martínez Bueno Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: AndWorld Design Review by Tony Farina Thank you to Net Galley and DC Comics for the ARC You know how sometimes you just catch lightning in a bottle? When Pete Best was replaced with Ringo Starr, a really good band became the greatest rock and roll band of all time. When Andy Serkis crawled onto the set and said “precious” for the first time, everyone heard Gollum in a whole new way, forever. He’s even narrated the newest version of TLOR audiobooks because he simply has to. DC Comic’s Black Label has done something that will, over time be listed as one of the greatest combinations of writing, art, and colors of all time in The Nice House on the Lake . In fact, I have no doubt that like The Lord of the Rings , we will one day soon use NHTL to short-hand this epic story. Jordie Bellaire is one of the top three colorists working today. P...

"The Next Batman", "Outsiders", "Dawn" Writers: John Ridley, Brandon Thomas & Paul Jenkins Artists: Laura Braga, Sumit Kumar & Jack Herbert Colour Artists: Arif Prianto, Jordie Bellaire & Gabe Eltaeb Letterers: Clayton Cowles, Steve Wands & Rob Leigh Review by Max Byrne The third instalment of this wonderfully intriguing title works very well as a penultimate issue. With an ending that leaves all of us on the hook for the final chapter, due in two weeks time, it both enhances the narrative and sets the table for more.  Whilst the story here is, at times, a slow burner, there's certainly enough of substance going on to drag the reader along for the ride. The title, and probably the Future State era as a whole, has been divisively received amongst critics, and I will freely admit that some of the titles have missed the mark. In my humble opinion, however, John Ridley has devised a compelling and authentic story here that deserves respect...

"Inner Light" Writer: Cecil Castellucci Artist : Carmine Di Giandomenico Color  Artist: Jordie Bellaire Letterer:  AndWorld Design Review by Fay Clark There were some strange goings on in the  last  Batgirl  issue , and let me tell you it keeps getting weirder in  Batgirl #45 . After fighting off a dragon in a fantasy world, Barbara probably just wants some time to regroup. Well, when does Batgirl ever get what she wants? Stumbling into a new mystery, will our heroine be able to use her brain and skills to figure out what’s going on? Silence is Golden There are things I never thought I’d see Batgirl have to face, and after that last fantasy based story arc,  I thought there would officially be nothing left that would surprise me… until Cecil Castellucci delivered  Batgirl #45 . Once again this stellar writer’s creative mind has lead us to a place where Batgirl could be in serious danger. The plot line is well thought out and completel...

"Joker: Killer Smile" - Book Three Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Andrea Sorrentino Colors: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Steve Wands Review by Kendra Hale I’ll Allow You That One Benji Joker: Killer Smile  #3 comes in with a bang. When we last left poor Doc, Ben Arnell , he was struggling not only with the loss of time but with losses of a far more personal nature. Ben’s moral line is bending when it comes to the reality of it all and here we are with Book Three, the finale in this amazing series. I admit I was almost frightened for what was to come of the Doc. Let’s sink our teeth in. I Will Never Leave You Joker: Killer Smile  #3 starts us out with this lovely little children’s book feel. Light and colorful, calming and soothing. Don’t be drawn in by that lie, dear reader, because that is just what it is… a bold lie. There’s a saying about some stuff hitting a fan and this issue is the very definition of that saying. Ben Arnell has crossed over and, d...

"Oracle Rising" - Finale Writer: Cecil Castellucci Artist:  Carmine Di Giandomenico Color  Artist: Jordie Bellaire Letterer:  AndWorld Design Review by Fay Clark The Finale, we can finally say it, we made it through! Now we just need to see if Burnside made it in  Batgirl #42 . This has been a momentous arc for Batgirl and her team. We’ve found out a lot of things about Oracle over the  last few months  and, we know her issues. Most of them have to do with her creator/programmer Batgirl. However, Barbara seems to have some issues of her own about the whole situation. Will everything be resolved? Or will they need a tissue for their issues? Is Burnside Burning Red for Batgirl? Well, here we have it. Cecil Castellucci has done a fantastic job. After Mairghread Scott left the series I was worried about the state of  Batgirl.  Over the past few issues Castellucci has more than put those worries to rest and I’m now fully invested in her a...

"Joker: Killer Smile" - Book Two Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Andrea Sorrentino Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Steve Wands Review by Kendra Hale Joker: Killer Smile  #2 packs a punch. When we last left Dr. Ben Arnell he had a plan on how he could fix The Joker. Control was the name of the game, in terms of how he could do the job and keep everything separate from his family. If there’s one thing that’s proven in this issue and done brilliantly at that, it’s that that notion was never an option. I’ll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but warn of potential spoilers if you haven’t yet read the  first book . Table For One Joker: Killer Smile  #2 starts with Ben narrating us in beautifully. He discusses how two worlds exist, one that people treat as reality and the one that the minds of our Arkhamites frequent. He seems to be falling into the same pitfalls as all the Doctors that came before him. Those who analyse Joker, find themselves quest...