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The Batman Strikes! #42 |
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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 |
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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
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