PREVIEW BATMAN #688

Wow!!! That's all I should say really, but I hope you agree that the artwork by Mark Bagley in this issue looks amazing!!! Over at the The Source there is a seven page preview for Batman #688 written by Judd Winick. This is on sale next week July 8th...

There may be a new Batman in Gotham City, but that doesn't mean the city wants him. As Two-Face and Penguin take measures to keep the new Dark Knight at bay, one of the archvillains makes a startling discovery about the new Caped Crusader. Plus, Batman trains the new Robin, and Mark Bagley starts a 4-issue stint as guest artist!

For the full seven page preview click here...

(Source - DC The Source)

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM - BEHIND THE SCENES

Finally some cool stuff relating to Batman: Arkham Asylum. This time various comic sites have been passed a behind the scenes video, where we get to hear Sefyon Hill and writer Paul Dini talk about the game...

(Source - CBR)

J.H. WILLIAMS III TALKS ABOUT THE ART FROM DETECTIVE COMICS FEATURING BATWOMAN!

More from J.H. Williams III who has recently sat down with CBR to talk about his work on Detective Comics featuring Batwoman.

CBR: We cannot proceed without stating the fact that “Detective Comics” #854 is beautiful. Can you describe the techniques you are using to create the artwork for this title?

J.H. WILLIAMS III: Thank you so very much. The techniques being used are all over the place depending on what needs doing. Pen and ink, washes, Copic markers, watercolor paint, color pencil, digital color. Some images are a real mixed media of tricks. The rendering on Batwoman herself is applied using Copic markers after I’ve done the ink work. It is applied in a way that picks up a little of the ink layer on the board, blending the two mediums together a little. After that is done, I will then go in with black and white color pencils, and maybe some white ink, for tightening up of details. This amount of work is done quite a bit throughout but really focused on her costume. I’ll add some grey Copic marker tones or washes into backgrounds as well if I feel it needs it. It can get pretty complex sometimes.

After I’ve completed all of the black and white and grey techniques, I will scan the image or page and do some minor tweaking to get the black more dense. This is what [colorist] Dave [Stewart] or myself will do digital color over. On occasion I will paint some panels or portions of covers by hand if there is a certain effect that I want that looks slightly different than the other images. I just did all of the covers for the second arc in where I combined ink work, digital color, and hand-painted techniques into a single image, blending them together. The techniques transition in to each other in interesting and relatively seamless ways. It’s all pretty organic, experimental, challenging, and a lot of fun.

For the entire interview over at CBR click here...

(Source - Comic Book Resource)

DC COMICS - SAN DIEGO COMIC CON PANELS ANNOUNCED!

Over at DC Comics have announced the official DC Comic panel events running throughout the San Diego comic con, which is running July 23rd - 26th. The one of interest is the Batman: Batman: New Dynamic panel to discuss the future of Batman...

Friday, July 24th:
12:30-1:30 Batman: New Dynamic
Now that the Battle for the Cowl has ended, what adventures lie ahead for the new Dark Knight? Join Group Editor Michael Marts, Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Dustin Nguyen (Detective Comics), Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), and more as they discuss the legend of Batman and what the future holds for the newest man behind the bat. Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 DC NATION
Calling all NATION recruits! Bring your friends and hear top talent discuss where the DC NATION is heading from 2009 and beyond. Sr. VP - Executive Editor Dan DiDio hosts this exciting discussion with Ian Sattler, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and more! Join them for a VIP look into the most talked about stories and events of the summer! Room 6DE

Saturday, July 25th:
12:45-2:00 DCU Editorial Presentation
Dan DiDio, Senior VP / Executive Editor DCU, Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor—DCU, and countless DCU talent are gathering for a discussion that's not to be missed. Now that Blackest Night is upon us, what lies ahead for your favorite heroes? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There's no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6B

Sunday, July 26th:
2:00–3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio
As the con comes to a close, sit back and unwind as Dan DiDio and friends invite you to a relaxed Sunday afternoon comics discussion. Share your opinions and listen to others as some of comics' biggest names talk about their love of all things comics. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Room 2

Also don't forget I reported this week that WB will be holding their Batman: The Brave and Bold panel on Friday, July 24th at 10am in Room 6DE" with Q&A.

Gotham takes over San Diego as Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up), the voice of Batman, returns to Comic-Con alongside executive producer Sam Register (Teen Titans), producer James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited), actor John DiMaggio (Futurama), producer and story editor Michael Jelenic (The Batman) and voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday). Fans can catch the world premiere screening of the upcoming “Mayhem of the Music Meister” episode – featuring the voice of Neil Patrick Harris (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog) as the Music Meister – and enjoy a lively discussion and Q & A with the show’s dynamic creative team.

(Source - DC Comics)

NEWSARAMA: DAN DIDIO 20 Q&A - BATMAN QUESTION!

No so much this time around from the Dan Didio 20 Q&A over at Newsarama, except one relating to the plan we all know is going to happen in regards to Bruce Wayne coming back... just hope its more than a few years!!!

10. Good point. We had a question about the heroes who have come into the books where the title characters have stepped out. What happens if you find out what readers really like Batwoman in Detective, Mon-el in Superman and Flamebird and Nightwing in Action when it’s time for Bruce and Superman to come back home? Is your plan flexible enough to allow for more time, or spinoffs?

DD: That would be the best of both worlds – if we’re able to support the Batman titles or the Superman titles without Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent, then that shows the strength of the DC Universe and more importantly, the strength of the characters that are inhabiting those books. So my standpoint is that there is room for all of them, and as their stories progress, we’re going to let them flow according to their natural course, and whether or not Superman reutns sooner or later or how the changes in the Batman books play out – it all gives us hope that we have a lot of untapped potential for stories in the future with the characters that are now in them.

So, we have a long-term plan as for how this goes, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to be flexible as to how we play it.

NRAMA: So the return of Bruce Wayne or Superman are set in stone for a specific month or a specific issue?

DD: We have a very strong structure as to how these stories unfold, and that’s probably something that’s not too flexible, but there are a lot of aspects as to how things can progress.

For all the questions, click here to head on over to Newsarama.com

(Source - Newsarama)

HEATH LEDGER - WANTED TO GET FIRED FROM THE TDK!!!

I'm not sure I like this rumor floating around as it taints the idea that Heath Ledger only did the performance he gave on screen to try and get himself fired but still get paid!

Apparently Vanity Fair is running a cover story in its August issue called "The Last of Heath," where it is implied that Ledger hoped to get fired from the Dark Knight shoot.

"Ledger's friend and agent, Steven Alexander, tells [Vanity Fair] that Heath 'was always hesitant to be in a summer blockbuster, with the dolls and action figures and everything else that comes with one of those movies,'" the story says. "'He was afraid it would define him and limit his choices.' According to friends of Ledger's, one of the reasons he agreed to do Dark Knight was that the unusually long shoot would give him an excuse to turn down other offers."

Again apparently those interviewed say that since Ledger had a pay-or-play deal on the film, meaning he'd get paid no matter what, the actor felt he could do whatever he wanted as the Joker.

"Ledger hoped his performance would be so far-out he'd be fired, and thus become the beneficiary of a lengthy, paid vacation," says the story.

I think Heath Ledger was an amazing character actor and from recent interviews I've read, he put all he gave into this role. Even to the point of creating a Joker diary, with all the twisted things the Joker would do... does that sound like someone who would go to that length to get fired for money!!! No I think not, Vanity Fair should be ashamed of themselves!!!

(Source - Vanity Fair)

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES OFFICAL SITE LAUNCH & COVER ART!

Warner Bros. Animation has launched the official site for Superman/Batman: Public Enemies which includes the official trailer for the movie (which most of us have seen by now)... Also released from WB today was the cover art for all three discs.

RED ROBIN #2 PREVIEW

DC The Source have posted a seven page preview of Red Robin #2, which us due out next week 8th July. Written by Chris Yost and artist Ramon Bachs.

Red Robin continues scouring the world, searching for clues to Bruce Wayne's final fate in this new series from writer Chris Yost (New X-Men, X-Force) and artist Ramon Bachs (Civil War: Front Line)! But now he's been targeted by the League of Assassins. What does Ra's al Ghul want with Red Robin? Why are members of the League of Assassins being targeted for death? And what happened to the life Red Robin left behind? Spoiler guest-stars as "Batman Reborn" continues here in "The Grail" part 2 of 4.

For the full seven page preview click here...

(Source - DC The Source)

WORLD PREMIER OF GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT!

Warner Bros. Animation have sent me the official press release for the world premier of Green Lantern: First Flight. Head on over to Green Lantern Online to learn more.

BLACKEST NIGHT ACTION FIGURES - BLACK HAND HOLDING BATMAN SKULL?

The Blackest Night plot thickens? I've just finished a post over at Green Lantern Online in regards to some new upcoming action figures line based on the Green Lantern: Blackest Night event that DC Direct are producing, and one thing that needs noting is the Black Hand figure comes with a Batman Skull?

Will we still see a Batman Black Lantern rise (the corpse featured in Final Crisis #6), or will this be the moment the DCU realise Bruce isn't dead... We shall see?

(Source - IGN Comics)

MORE SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES - BEHIND THE SCENES!

If you can't get enough of the Superman/Batman Pubic Enemies news today then be sure to check out VoicesFromKrypton.com, who have an exclusive behind the scenes look at the upcoming DCU Animated movie.

Executive Producer Gregory Noveck notes that their desire was to “play the contrast between the two characters. In a lot of ways, I think it’s a more mature approach in that we’re going in with the attitude that our audience, at the very least, has a strong idea of who Batman and Superman are as icons and characters, and if we can play to that and kind of go from there, it gives us room to maneuver and handle the character interactions not only with each other, but with the other characters in the DC universe.”

“What’s different about playing Batman in this,” he adds, “is that what usually makes the character interesting is that he’s a lone hero. He’s very much an isolated character and audiences really relate to that. That’s part of the appeal. In this, he’s teaming up with Superman and they’re helping each other, which is not something the character did a lot of in previous series. So it was unique in that I was working with Superman and, I might add, saving Superman.”

For the full article including never before seen images click here...

(Source - VoicesFrom Krypton.com)

MANHUNTER CO-FEATURE #2 PREVIEW

DC The Source have release some preview pages from the Manhunter Co-Feature that is currently appearing Batman: Streets of Gotham #2. Written by Marc Andreyko and artist Georges Jeanty. Click here to see the art previews at DC The Source.

(Source - DC The Source)

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES COMING TO DVD FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009‏

DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie Based on Acclaimed
Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuinness Comics; Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy & Clancy Brown Reprise Original Voices of Superman, Batman & Lex Luthor

Warner Bros. Animation has sent me the official announcement release forSuperman/Batman: Public Enemies, the sixth entry in the popular DVDseries of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies. A co-productionof Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation, thefull-length animated film will be distributed by Warner Home Video onSeptember 29, 2009.

In the film, United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncomingtrajectory of a Kryptonite asteroid to frame Superman and declare a $1billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his “partner incrime,” Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuitof Superman and Batman, who must unite – and recruit help – to staveoff the action-packed onslaught, stop the asteroid, and uncoverLuthor’s devious plot to take command of far more than North America.

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is based on the popular Jeph Loeb/EdMcGuinness comic series/graphic novel. Animation legend Bruce Timm(Superman Doomsday, Green Lantern) is executive producer. MichaelGoguen (Justice League: The New Frontier) is supervising producer. SamLiu (The Batman) is directing a script written by Stan Berkowitz(Justice League: The New Frontier).

The movie reunites the lead voices of Superman, Batman and Lex Luthor from the landmark Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series. Tim Daly (Private Practice), Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League) and Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) reprise their roles as Superman, Batman and Lex Luthor, respectively.

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies - 2 Disc Special Edition version will have more than three hours of incredible bonus features, including:

Featurettes
· The Blackest Night: Inside the DC Comics Event: Behind-the-scenes of BLACKEST NIGHT, the epic DC Super Hero event in which the dead shall rise.

· A Test of Minds: Superman and Batman featurette with Jeph Loeb, giving viewers a fresh and revitalized look at the team-up of Superman and Batman working together despite their often competitive and challenging relationship.

· “Dinner with DC: With Special Guest Kevin Conroy”: Reprising his role from Batman: The Animated Series, Kevin Conroy joins the crew for dinner to discuss their creative approach and what the Superman/Batman team-up means. The evening will be hosted by Voice Director Andrea Romano, Producer Bruce Timm and DC’s Gregory Noveck

Extended Sneak Peak at Next DCU Film

Digital Copy Download

Widescreen (1.78:1)

Two Episodes of Justice League Unlimited hand-picked by animation legend Bruce Timm

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Blu-Ray versions will have more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus materials, including all the great extras from the 2-disc Special Edition as well as two additional episodes of Justice League Unlimited and two episodes from Justice League, both personally selected by fan-favorite Bruce Timm.

“Warner Premiere is excited to continue this successful partnership with DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video to present feature-length PG-13 animated original films with the filmmaking and celebrity voice starpower of Superman/Batman: Public Enemies,” said Matt Bierman, Senior Vice President Production, Warner Premiere.

“Based on the past success of Superman Doomsday and Batman Gotham Knight, we know the pairing of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight – pitted against both their DC Super Hero colleagues and the entire rogue’s gallery of DC villains – will offer fans the level of entertainment normally reserved for the big, summer blockbuster films,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brands.

“This is the ultimate film for DC animation lovers featuring not only the cornerstone characters of comic book and Saturday morning heroes, but also returns the seminal voices of those characters – Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy and Clancy Brown – in a story that explores the Superman/Batman dynamic and allows Lex Luthor to shine in ultimate villainy,” said Gregory Noveck, Senior VP Creative Affairs, DC Comics.

BASICS:
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies - Single Disc
Street Date: September 29, 2009
Order Due Date: August 25, 2009
Languages: English and Spanish
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: Estimated 75 min.
Price: $19.98 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 883929069934

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies – 2 Disc Special Edition
Street Date: September 29, 2009
Order Due Date: August 25, 2009
Languages: English and Spanish
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo
Rating: PG-13
Runtimes: Disc 1 – Estimated 75 min.
Disc 2 – Estimated 180+ minutes
Price: $24.98 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 883929069927

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies – Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def
Street Date: September 29, 2009
Order Due Date: August 25, 2009
Languages: English and Spanish
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo
Rating: PG-13
Runtimes: Disc 1 – Estimated 75 min.
Disc 2 – Estimated 210+ minutes
Price: $29.99 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 883929070626

HOT WHEELS® BATMAN™ 3-PACK (1:50 Scale)

Our friends over at the Batman Universe.net have reported on an new exclusive Hot Wheels Batman 3 Pack, which features 1:50 scale diecast Batman, Batcyle and never before released Batgirl Cycle.

On the official Hot Wheels Collectors site the following description with additional images of the products:

Missed the big show at the San Diego Comic-Con this year? We know what’s driving you bats -- you didn’t get your Hot Wheels® Batman™ 3-pack in 1:50 scale. Well, here’s your chance -- don’t miss it this bat-time!

This eye-popping set will have you drooling like a thirsty creature of the night. First, the set includes the debut of the 1:50 Batgirl™ cycle, with amazing detail that includes lace and fringe. Then, check out the 1:50 Batcycle™, ready to rev up and reel in the bad guys. Finally, the set includes a 1:50 scale version of the collector-favored 1966 TV Series Batmobile™ -- based on the classic design by George Barris.

The three vehicles are headquartered in a Batcave™ themed diorama package. Produced in quantities of no more than 7,000 pieces. All together, this set is a showpiece that no collector should turn a blind eye to!

There is a purchase limit of ONE vehicle per RLC™ membership on the first day of availability. If quantities remain after the RLC™ 24-hour Priority Window, it will be available to all standard HWC™ members and RLC™ members may purchase one more.

(Source - The Batman Universe.net / Hot Wheels Collectors.com)

SUPERMAN / BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES VOICE TALENT CONFIRMED!

Well after a weekend of back breaking gardening, I was pleased to see Warner Bros. Animation had mailed me to confirm some of the voice actors who will be appearing in this fall's Superman/Batman Public Enemies animated movie. Kevin Conroy will again reprise his role as Batman, Tim Daly as Superman and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor... all the origin voice actors for the 90's DC animated series...

DETECTIVE COMICS FEATURING BATWOMAN

For those who enjoyed this weeks release of Detective Comics #854 featuring Batwoman, don't forget to download Gotham Knights Online podcast #8, where I had the pleasure of interviewing J.H.Williams III to talk about the new title, Kate Kane as a Character, working with Greg Rucka and the design style of the series - Gotham Knights Online Podcast #8

Here is the review I did of the issue - Detective Comics #854

Also to round up some more of the hype this week from Greg Rucka, with various interviews especially the fantastic interview over at WordBalloon.

IGN Did an in depth interview with Greg Rucka. Click here to read the interview.

Also one of my favorite interviews was with J.H. Williams III over at newsarama, where he talks in depth about the design of Batwoman and Kate Kane, click here to read.

DCUC WAVE 10 - BATMAN, JOKER AND MAN-BAT!

Its been reported in Toyfare Magazine the next wave of DC Universe Classics will be exclusive to Walmart. The line will include six figures altogether including Joker, Man-Bat and a Bob Kane version of Batman?

Other figures appearing in this line include:
DCU ROBOT MAN
DCU BEAST BOY
DCU POWER GIRL

(Source Toyfare Magazine)

AWESOME BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM GAME PLAY!

It's been a little quiet on the Batman: Arkham Asylum front over recent weeks, but I did spot this over on the Batman: AA forum. Now the video is in Russian I think, but it does give an awesome 10 minute game play and just makes you wish you had the game in your hands!

(Source - Batman: Arkham Asylum Forum)

SDCC ‘09 DETAILS: BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD PANEL!

WB Animation have passed me some more details regarding the upcoming San Diego Comic Con, which will be premiering the musical episode titles “Mayhem of the Music Meister!” on Friday, July 24th at 10am in Room 6DE" with Q&A.

Gotham takes over San Diego as Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up), the voice of Batman, returns to Comic-Con alongside executive producer Sam Register (Teen Titans), producer James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited), actor John DiMaggio (Futurama), producer and story editor Michael Jelenic (The Batman) and voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday). Fans can catch the world premiere screening of the upcoming “Mayhem of the Music Meister” episode – featuring the voice of Neil Patrick Harris (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog) as the Music Meister – and enjoy a lively discussion and Q & A with the show’s dynamic creative team.

From Warner Bros. Animation, Batman: The Brave and The Bold airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ET /PT on Cartoon Network. Batman: The Brave and The Bold - Volume 1 will be released on DVD August 25.

Also Bat-Mite masks will be handed out during the panel so you guys lucky enough to go get an extra treat!!!

TONY DANIEL BLOG: BATMAN R.I.P. IDEAS TO SHARE!

Some more artwork from Tony Daniel, this time he's posted an idea he was toying with when doing the art on Batman R.I.P.

(Source - Tony Daniel Blog)

MORE GREG RUCKA AND BATWOMAN TALK!

I'm glad to say that the buzz surrounding Batwoman's appearance in Detective Comics has been a positive one so far. I've read loads of great reviews and more people have given it a shot and are pleased with what Greg Rucka and JH Wiliams have done on #854.

Well if your like me and are keen to follow what's happening with this title, then head on over to Dallas Voice, who have recently interviewed Greg Rucka... now I've been very silent of the media's incessant focus on Kate Kane being a lesbian and personally I'm getting a little tired of it now!!! So Batwoman's a lesbian, how does that stop her from kicking arse!!!

It also forced DC and Rucka to ramp up the development of the character.

“I don’t recall anyone saying ‘We are going to do a Batwoman book and you are going to write it,’” Rucka says. “There was lots of concept work done by another writer, so I reworked it into something that made sense for me. It was a two-year process to get it to where it was going to go.”

For Rucka — who is also a novelist and graphic-novel author — that meant taking the character very seriously. (“The term ‘comic-book-y’ is used pejoratively, but I reject that,” he says.) He wanted to create something unique. He spent two years putting together a 100-page bible that only he and one other person, DC editor-in-chief Dan DiDio, have ever seen. Ink on the first issue is barely dry, and Rucka already has more backstory than a season of “Lost.”

“You can’t write the character if you don’t know their origins. We’ve got the first 18 issues [written] and of those, seven are pretty much done. That puts us reasonably ahead of the game for a monthly [book],” he says.

And, he promises, there are surprises in store.

For the entire interview click here...

(Source - Dallas Voice)

THE DARK KNIGHT RECEIVES FIVE SATURN AWARDS!

On Wednesday night, the Academy of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films held their 35th annual award show, where The Dark Knight cleaned out the show picking up five awards:

- BEST ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLER: The Dark Knight
- SUPPORTING ACTOR: Heath Ledger
- BEST WRITER: Christopher Nolan and Jonathon Nolan
- MUSIC: Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard
- SPECIAL EFFECTS: Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Timothy Webber, Paul J. Franklin

BATMAN #689 - MARK BAGLEY PENCIL SKETCH PREVIEW!

Just when I thought nothing was going to happen in the Batman world today, DC The Source gives us a fantastic look at some pencil sketches from was appear to be Batman #689, by Mark Bagley. To see all three pages click here...

(Source - DC The Source)

REVIEW: DETECTIVE COMICS #854 **SPOILERS**

Title: Elegy Pt1
Written by: Greg Rucka
Art by: J.H. Williams III, Cully Hammer
Cover by: J.H. Williams III
Variant Cover: J.G. Jones
Release Date: June 24th, 2009
Price: $3.99

Official DC Comics Synopsis:
"Elegy" part 1 of 4! A new era in the history of DETECTIVE COMICS begins as Batwoman is unleashed on Gotham City! Marked by the blood-red bat, Kate Kane is a soldier fighting her own private war – one that began years ago and haunts her every waking moment. With a script by Greg Rucka and breath-taking art by JH Williams III, you've never seen anything like this!

Featuring the debut of a new co-feature starring The Question written by Rucka! Odds against you? Alone and nowhere to turn? Willing to fight, but you don't know how? When you're searching everywhere for an answer, sometimes all you need to do is ask the right Question. Renee Montoya again dons the faceless mask to help those in need, all the while searching for her own answers in this new adventure with art by Cully Hamner (BLUE BEETLE).

REVIEW BY: Bob Tilley

Absolutely outstanding!!! I've been eagerly awaiting this issue and I wasn't disappointed. If there is one thing Greg Rucka can do well its pace a story and give you enough to be happy with and not to over saturate the character or plot, but just holds back making you want to know more. I'll get to the artwork at the end as I can't wait to rave about J.H. Williams.

The issue starts off with Batwoman chasing down a crook (or informative), called Rush. What I love about this scene was the seduction Batwoman uses to get the answer from him instead of beating to crap out of him straight away. After he spill the beans, we move into yet another great moment between Batwoman and Batman, whose been watching in the shadows. Here we learn that the "Religion of Crime" have increased some of their activity over the last year and are gathering together very soon to meet a new leader... what I loved about this scene is that Batman knows Batwoman is already operating in Gotham (see below in a mo), and after she correctted him on the number of crime covens, you can see his level of respect is there and says to her "This one's yours. I'll be watching if you need help". This builds on the relationship Batwoman and Nightwing had during "52" back in 2006. Also Batman quickly says to Batwoman before he swings off "Do something about the hair. One pull and the fights over for you".

Now the issue takes its u turn here and we start to get down to the character driven element of Kate Kane. She meets up with her partner Anna, (looking very Gothic I might add), but the tension is already there between the two and Anna seemingly ends the relationship telling Kate she needs to grow up.

Now some of Kate Kane's background is touched upon when we see her back at her house with her father she refers to as General. Now he is sat at the computer going over a transcript Batwoman has done during the night so he's up to speed what is happening. WOW!!! She's working with her dad and he knows she a crime fighting vigilante. He asks her who she was talking to as her GPS shows she stop at one point, this elevates the level the operation is at. Kate tells him Batman, again showing the level of trust in the relationship.

During this scene with her dad, Kate is in some discomfort and they talk about her stab wound she received in "52", and it a miracle she's still alive. Kate doesn't hold back telling how much it still hurts and how helpless she felt during the whole ordeal so again another great character building moment.

Now we move onto a real cool moment in the issue... Batwoman's Batcave (sort of), and her dad gives her a new experimental gun (top secret stuff), so we know he's either still in the forces or still has a lot of contacts. Kate suits up and continues her hunt for the "Religion of Crime" as this is the night they are due to meet up.

Greg Rucka doesn't waste anytime with introducing the new leader of the Religion of Crime who is calling her self Alice. This looks like there might be some references to Alice in Wonderland maybe, but one interesting element is that Alice refers to Batwoman as "Your Majesty", which again continues the Religion of Crimes interest in Batwoman with the Crime Bible. Here the issue ends with Batwoman pulling the gun on Alice...

J.H. Williams art is amazing... I can't fault it, after talking with him (click here to listen to the podcast), I love the color and how rich the reds look against Kate's pale complexion. The issue is filled with eight double page splash panels all magnificently laid out out to capture some of Batwoman's movement and action scenes. I particularly liked the scene between Batwoman and Batman.

The new feature in this issue is with The Question, and we continue to see Renee Montoya's adventures. This time she's started looking for a missing girl and comes across what might be a ring of slave trafficking. The art by Cully Hamner is very fitting for this kind of crime nior story telling and I love that Greg Rucka has continued to write Renee Montoya as The Question since "52" and Final Crisis Revelation. He seems to have an affinity for this character and has always done her justice and has made her one of my favorite characters to follow in the DCU.

SCORE: 5/5

REVIEW: GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1

Title: Union
Written by: Paul Dini
Art by: Guillem March
Cover by: Guillem March
Variant Cover: J.G. Jones
Release Date: June 24th, 2009
Price: $2.99

Official DC Comics Synopsis:
This all-new series features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people's rules regardless of which side of the law they're on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that's all their own, and they'll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way? DETECTIVE COMICS and STREETS OF GOTHAM writer Paul Dini kicks off this brand-new ongoing series with amazing artwork by Guillem March (JOKER’S ASYLUM: POISON IVY, GOTHAM GAZETTE).

REVIEW BY: Bob Tilley

Wow... to start off with I have to say that this has now jumped to my no.3 top spot for new Batman titles!!!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this issue, but as always Paul Dini has pulled another rabbit out of the hat. We've all seen numerous previews for this issue, which starts of with Catwoman coming to the rescue to fight a new villain calling himself BONEBLASTER, who has these gauntlets that shatter bone on contact (hence the name). Now we already get to hear about Selina's recent run in with Hush from the Detective Comics R.I.P. run "Heart of Hush", that Paul Dini wrote and the impact of having her heart removed is having.

Catwoman is quickly overcome by Boneblaster, but is then rescued by Poison Ivy who takes him down. After a brief chat and the mentioning that Ivy is currently shacked up with the Riddler, we move to the apartment they are in only to find Ivy has drugged Edward Nigma and given the millions Selina gave to Ivy are the event's in BFTC: The Network to a rain forest preserve!

A very fun scene with Harley Quinn entering the apartment after a shopping spree, where Selina realises Ivy and Harley need to be kept on a righteous path, and with her current condition she asks if they should team up. Now this is were Poison Ivy and Harley go off the have a private chat and Ivy tells Harley that she's worried about Catwoman's current lack of energy, which leads into another great scene where Poison Ivy contacts Zatanna, who at this point is ready to jump into a bath when a plant attacks her (very creepy moment when Poison Ivy's face appears in the plant to talk with Zatanna). Zatanna tells Ivy that the spell was to try and remove any mental scares and the truma that would have been caused by Hush's atack on her. Ivy seems ok with this response and lets Zatanna go. After this Ivy and Harley agree to join Catwoman.

Suddenly Boneblaster come crashing through the wall after he over heard Poison Ivy and Catwoman where she was staying and he says he just looked for the apartment with the plants growing out of it.

After a brief battle with the sirens, Catwoman eventually fries his gauntlets and they leave the Riddler to come to his senses (who also finishes Boneblaster off, with this kane... very brutal moment from the Riddler here).

Near the end of the issue, we turn to what is kind of dubbed at the sirens new secret hideout, where Selina has hired "The Broker", an estate agent for the criminal underworld to purchase an old animal shelter.

Now for the ending... which I wasn't expecting but fits beautifully for Poison Ivy's character. She turns to Selina and blows a dust concoction at her to make her tell the truth to a question she's about to ask...

Just brilliant a very good start to this series and the character dynamic set-up between all three is very well done. I could sit and read these girls all day. The artwork by Guillem March is just gorgeous. He always has a knack for drawing women and isn't afraid to show how sexy these character can be. I loved this issue and highly recommend this to those who are not thinking about picking it up.

SCORE: 4.5/5