The Batman Strikes! #42
	Story Title: ‘Hotwire’ Writer: Stephan Nilson Penciller: Andie Tong Inker: Rob Stull Colorist: Heroic Age Letterer: Sal Cipriano Editor: Nachie Castro Published by: DC Comics
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

EXCLAMATION: “I so didn’t see that ending (coming)!!”

EXPLANATION: On a stakeout, Batman and Robin are spurred into action when a mysterious costume female attacks the bad-guys. Acting simultaneously but not together the three of them make short work of the gang members. Suspicious (and more than a little peeved at the unwanted ‘help’) Batman clips the Bat-shackles on the young lady, who goes by the name Hotwire and claims to be one of the good guys. However, before he can too far with his interrogation they are interrupted by the arrival of Bane (as shown on the cover). In the fight that follows all three heroes go up against the serum/venom powered Bane, only this time they do (finally) work together. Not ready to have a newbie, an untrained one at that, running around in Gotham, Batman initially forbids the girl, Yvette from operating as Hotwire. However, he understands/accepts her explanation for doing so. He then makes a deal with her and has her go to a friend (to be trained). As for who the friend is…that is something that I am not going to spoil here.

EXAMINATION (Story): The Batman Strikes! comic title, as the animated series its based upon, has been slowly but surely moving up in quality, especially in its stories. Even though this is essentially a kid title (as with all other Johnny DC titles), it doesn’t negate it being enjoyable for old farts like yours truly. I have been with this title since its start and as with the animated series it’s grown on me, and with the Justice League Unlimited series all but winding down with a rather uninspiring Super Friends joining in (and ultimately replace the JLU series), and Teen Titans Go! also set to end, The Batman Strikes! is the only Johnny DC title that is I look forward to. ‘m not a viewer or reader of the Legionaries/Legion/whatever show or comic-title so that rules that one out.

Moving on, this issue while introducing an absolutely new character (I for one haven’t heard, seen or read her before) does so in a manner that not only makes her feel instantly at home but does so in way that doesn’t feel forced or take away from the flow and pacing of the story. Moreover, her reaction to the dynamic duo and vice versa is also written well and as expected…if for one thing. Batman’s forbidding Hotwire from operating within Gotham; it doesn’t quite sit well with the character depiction in this series. Had it been the main DCU Batman or even his DCAU (Timm-verse) counterpart things would have been different. But this one, not only is he fresher (i.e. less experienced and jaded), he also took Batgirl under his wing. Sure the other universe Batmen did similar training exercises but not in the way this one has been shown too. In that way, his direct refusal to Hotwire, it feels (more than little) off.

EXAMINATION (Art): Not only does penciller Andie Tong have an animated (both in terms of the fluidity and the ‘energy’) style, he also keeps it close to the general look of the series’, both TV and Comic. Moreover, Rob Stull’s crisp inking and Heroic Age’s colors the final product is very much in tune/keeping with the issues prior to it. My favorite thing about the art? The kick-ass action scenes.

PROCLAMATION: A thoroughly enjoyable story with a proverbial cherry topping of an ending.

RATING: 4.5/5