Batman Vol.1: Court of Owls
Scott Snyder is becoming a definitive Batman writer
by displaying his unique talents in the pages of the New 52’s Batman relaunch.
Court of Owls is the first story arc in this new series, which details the rise
of a secret society that has existed since Gotham’s origins. Batman: Court of
Owls is considered arguably the best story arc since the start of the New 52, and
only continues to get better as the series shifts into The Night of Owls and
then into Death of the Family, which is currently being told. Snyder describes
Batman the way we all picture him, in a dark, realistic world. Be sure to get
the first collected edition of what is sure to be a legendary DC Comics series
for many years to come.
Batman- Detective Comics Vol.1: Faces of Death
It’s a rare thing when one person writes and draws
for a comic book series, and its even more rare when that series is absolutely
fantastic. Written and illustrated by Tony Daniel, Detective Comics has been
one of the best series that has emerged from the New 52 reboot and gets better
with every issue. The series launches with a seven-issue story arc called Faces
of Death. It shows us classic, dark Batman in a world full of gritty, detailed
imagery they wouldn’t even show in a movie. A new villain is introduced,
calling himself the Dollmaker. His specialty involves taking the faces of
people, like the Joker. Oh, and did I mention the Joker and the Penguin appear
in this volume? Detective Comics also places a lot more focus on Bruce’s
personal life, including his personal relationships and friendship to
Commissioner Gordon. Horrific, but mesmerizing art, combined with story-driven
action makes this first volume of Detective Comics a “must buy”.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night
Blackest Night is an epic event that spreads across
nearly every major comic series from Batman to Superman to Green Lantern and
the GL Corps. This collected edition brings together the complete story arc
from the Green Lantern comic book series written by the imaginative Geoff Johns
and beautifully illustrated by Doug Mahnke. An evil force from the Guardians’
past resurfaces and brings the undead with it. Black Hand and the rest of the
Black Lanterns rise from the ground, forcing all the other colored Lanterns to
work together, meaning Hal Jordan and Sinestro must once again be partners.
Johns brings all the best qualities from throughout this GL series and puts
them into overdrive for this story, which has become a modern classic. This
series may be a few years old, but it is certainly a must have for any DC
Comics fan.
Grant Morrison’s Batman & Robin
Morrison proves that a Batman series can be
successful, even if Bruce Wayne is not a part of it. Taking place after the
events of Final Crisis and Batman R.I.P (both written by Morrison), Batman and
Robin examines the hardships of Dick Grayson filling the shoes of the Dark
Knight while attempting to train and discipline Bruce’s long, lost son Damian.
New villains are utilized like Toad and Professor Pyg, while old ones return
like the Red Hood. This is one of the most unique series because it is so rare.
A Batman series that focuses on the symbol of Batman, rather then Bruce Wayne
himself. This is certainly one of the best comic book series that took place
before the New 52 reboot, and while the New 52 is awesome, it’s a shame that it
had to put at end to a series like this one. Go get this rare series just in
time for Christmas and enjoy the new, yet old, dynamic duo.
Frank Millar’s The Dark Knight Returns
This is considered the best graphic novel of all
time, and it’s all because of Frank Millar’s superb writing style and his
gritty artwork that works perfectly for the particular piece. The story focuses
on a 55 year-old Bruce Wayne who has hung up his cape and cowl, retired from
crime fighting for the past 10 years. Written at a time when Batman was
considered a “lighter character” or a “respectable crime fighter”, and not a
vigilante, Millar reinvents the character for a new generation. He truly
created “The Dark Knight” in this story, giving us a story that every comic fan
must read at least 3 times… I’m not kidding, it’s just that great. Every time
you read it, you will understand something new about the story. Batman returns
to a dark world that has forgotten him, with a new, edgy attitude and a darker
way of displaying justice. Superman also returns to oppose him and bring the
vigilante to justice. And the Joker also returns, with one last trick up his
sleeve. What more can you ask for? Well, you can ask for a lot more, but this
graphic novel should definitely be on your Christmas list.
