Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #5
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

Scott Snyder knows how to put together an excellent story and an entertaining, individual comic book. He's done this with his creator-owned works, such as American Vampire, and with franchise-level properties, such as Batman. He never disappoints. The latest issue of Batman breaks out of his established storytelling style as he plunges Batman into the void of his own consciousness. It's a good read but is definitely a departure from the usual Batman or Scott Snyder story.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #4
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

The fourth issue of Batman focuses mostly on Batman's obsession with finding the Court of Owls. However, we learn the detective work began years before Bruce Wayne even became Batman. This issue is good because it manages to tie the current storyline into a story that could fit into continuity without sticking out in the minds of Batman enthusiasts. The issue doesn't move the plot forward in the current timeline a whole lot and doesn't really contain much action but it is an entertaining read nonetheless.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #2
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

The second issue of Batman continues to tie the lead character to the city of Gotham, linking them as if one cannot exist without the other. While this theme is being built up we also get Batman trying to figure out the current case, while solving some other crimes in between. Overall, the issue is an extremely dense issue and is backed up with solid artwork. I found the storytelling style to be a bit disjointed at times as I struggled to determine if I had missed something from the previous issue. Still, this is a strong issue as Snyder continues his signature run with the character.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #1
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

Of the fifteen or so number ones that I've read from the DCU reboot this one is by far the best. I say that in terms of it being new reader friendly as well as introducing a good plot. Add in that it's a good Batman story in its own right and it provides a kicker of a cliffhanger and you have one of the best comics I've read in 2011, let alone for DC's reboot.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Knight and Squire #6 of 6
DC Comics
Cornell & Broxton

Knight and Squire wraps up with another strong issue that manages to tie together nicely some of the elements that seemed insignificant from the first issue. Overall, this issue had an uphill climb because Knight and Squire are dealing with the real Joker, but Cornell manages to resolve the story in a believable (in a comic book sense) manner that makes sure to preserve the Joker's status in the regular DC universe. This was a fun read and the entire mini series is worth taking a look at if you are into something a little different in your Batman universe.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman: The Return #1
DC Comics
Morrison, Finch & Winn

Morrison begins his next chapter for the Batman franchise in this stellar opening issue. The funny thing is that the title of the issue implies that Batman is 'back' when really he does literally 'return' but this comic book is an actual beginning to a completely new phase for the character. I was hesitant about picking this issue up. Mostly because I was leery of being dragged on another 40+ issue story that required remember tiny references dropped here and there over the course of three or four years. And while that may still come, this opener is a straight forward and fun look at how the next phase is to be constructed. This is worth picking up.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Knight and Squire #1 of 6
DC Comics
Cornell & Broxton

The spin-off mini series about the Grant Morrison resurrected Silver Age characters starts off with a solid issue. Coming into the series there was enough information out there that pointed towards this being a fun book, complete with a British to American slang mapping in the back of the issue. After reading the first issue I think it is safe to say this is not only a fun read but it is also one with unique charm that brings together two distinct super hero cultures.

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Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #702
DC Comics
Morrison & Daniel

The banner at the bottom says "R.I.P The Missing Chapter" but really this is a Final Crisis missing chapter and a prelude to The Return of Bruce Wayne. The issue focuses on events that took place during Final Crisis, specifically the face-off with Darkseid. While the issue packs a lot of interesting information and completely enumerates how Batman ended up going backwards through time, the issue is out of place and I couldn't get past it.

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