Batman cover by Greg Capullo
It’s been a while since I stopped into my local comic shop and after hearing a few good things about DC Comics’ recent Mister Miracle, I figured I’d swing by and pick it up. Unfortunately for me, my shop was sold out. Not wanting to waste a trip, I picked up a few random issues, one of which was Dark Nights: Metal, the first issue of DC’s latest summer cross-title extravaganza. After giving it a read, I’m still up in the air on whether buying it was the right call or not.
The issue opens 50,000 years in the past with a narrative about three great tribes and quickly transitions to a story in media res of the Justice League locked in a Gladiator-style battle orchestrated by Mongul. Mongul has clad the heroes in accessories that negate their abilities and is forcing them to fight giant robots without any powers. As far as openings go, it was pretty powerful and fairly entertaining, though I don’t understand how it related to the main story at all. Unless it was some kind of continuation from a previous issue somewhere that I missed, all this section did was remind the reader of how clever Batman is.
Dark Nights: Metal was written by Scott Snyder and is the springboard for a new multi-month, multi-title, epic crossover. Snyder is best known for his work on Batman and helped to redefine the character during “New 52” so it comes as no surprise that Batman is the center for Metal. The issue is meant to set the scene for the next few months so most of it is just a run-down of the danger that the Justice League will have to contend with. It’s a universe threatening event and it’s laid out to the audience in no uncertain terms. Literally. Over pages and pages of dialogue. I suppose this is the easiest way for Snyder to really prime readers for what they’re in store for but it doesn’t make for the most explosive of openings. Quite the opposite, actually.
The Justice League are forced to battle in an arena without the use of their abilities.
Greg Capullo’s art did little to capture my attention. I followed him and Snyder for a bit on their initial run on Batman when “New 52” launched and I remember Capullo’s art being far more intriguing than what we’ve gotten in Dark Nights: Metal. I’m not sure if this is due to Jonathan Glapion’s inks detracting from the pencils. Most of Metal is clad in bright lighting, making it a far cry from the darkness and shadows of the “Court of Owls” storyline from Batman. Or it could be the colors by FCO Plascencia, which, again, are far brighter than what I recall of Capullo’s early “New 52” work. It could also be some of the choices Capullo makes; though most of his pages are dynamic and exciting, there are a few panels that are static and uninteresting. Even confusing, on more than one occasion. I’d expect these poor choices from a lesser artist but it’s uncharacteristic from someone like Capullo.
As I stated earlier, most of this first issue is expository, explaining the nature of the “Dark Multiverse” (despite how ridiculous the concept is) so that it’s easy to understand by readers. That exposition helps to bring both regular DC readers and new readers on the same level playing field. However, this causes a confusing disconnect when it comes to casual readers (like myself) and really showcases all of the harm DC has done over the past few years.
The aforementioned “Justice League Megazord”
Dark Nights: Metal spends pages reintroducing characters that are familiar to casual fans, again, like me, creating an awkward continuity. I found myself wondering why no one recognized Red Tornado or why the name “Carter Hall” isn’t familiar to any of the characters. That’s because all of the dicking around DC did with their universe invalidated these characters, so here Snyder needs to reintroduce them. Am I, as a casual fan who hasn’t regularly read a DC comic since six months into “New 52”, supposed to know that? Evidently, yes, and that’s where my enjoyment of the title started to plummet.
There are a few things that I liked about the issue, a couple of flourishes that brought a smile to my face. Batman riding a dinosaur was a neat little touch and came completely out of nowhere. I also liked Cyborg saying “Booyah,” his catchphrase from the Teen Titans cartoon. I don’t think it would have been possible for me not to hear Khary Payton’s voice in my head as I read that. Besides that, though, I was wholly let down by Dark Nights: Metal. The story didn’t do enough to grab me, the exposition was boring and the concept made me roll my eyes.
As a limited “Elseworlds” type series, I could see Metal being something interesting but as a multi-title crossover spanning six months and set in regular continuity, it just sounds dreadful. I do hope I’m wrong, however, and that the story produces some great lore but after the first issue, I’m not confident that will happen.
Grade: C+
REVIEW | The Batman Who Laughs – #1
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #4
Review | The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais
Emerald City Conversation with Jen Wang
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #2
Top 10 Comics of 2017
“I do not love men: I love what devours them.”
― André Gide, Prometheus Illbound
A city that devours it’s heroes, American vampires, an urban legend that still haunts those that know it, and mermaids that are so much more. Scott Snyder seems to love the things that devour mankind, and that feeling is ever present in “Wytches” from Image Comics. His newest effort with his former Detective Comics partner-in-art Jock, “Wytches” is a story of primal horror, and half-seen fear. Though there are certain things that need to be saved for a reading, here is what I can tell you. The first issue introduces us to two families, the Cray family and the Rooks. While we only stay with the Cray’s for a moment, it’s effect is staggering, filled with the promise of horror rather than the realization of it in just the first few pages. Snyder shows once more that he understands the effect of the imagination on a fragile psyche.
Wait I haven’t finished the review yeeeeeeet.
Snyder’s writing in “Wytches” is again serviced by three stellar professionals in the comic business – Jock, Matt Hollingsworth, and Clem Robins, respectively the pencils and inks, colors, and letterer. I’m not sure a comic has ever had a more cohesive group working on it. I don’t want to over-hype or get over excited about the work that’s being done on “Wytches,” but the hyperbole train has left the station and it’s too late to turn back now.
Trim those nails dude…
While the cold open of the book was spectacular and set the tone for the rest of the issue, this is where the combination of Snyder, Jock, and Hollingsworth shines. The shock value of the horror contained with in the book is never played to heavily relying more on time-worn tropes that don’t seem overly familiar in Snyder’s deft dialogue. Not letting a word go to waste, Snyder introduces us to the Rook family, Lucy, Charles, and their daughter Sailor, in such a way that is only complemented by the solid character work done by Jock. His lines are distinguishable in the best ways, finding a tightness and claustrophobia where necessary and exploding over the edges of the layout if the scene calls for it. The character design is seen most in the conversations between Charles and Sail, their banter serviced by not only Jock’s art but Hollingsworth’s oddly bright yet muted colors. The combination of this leaving me wanting issue 2 sooner rather than later.
When it all comes down to it, “Wytches” is a successful return to the horror genre for Snyder and a feather in the cap for the rest of the creators working on the project. I can’t recommend it strongly enough. But beware, read the book and the tale within at your own risk, Pledged is Pledged.
Don’t ever forget.
Sam Smith
Staff Writer
samuel@sub-cultured.com
Twitter: @samwasbornanerd
REVIEW | The Batman Who Laughs – #1
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #4
Review | The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais
Emerald City Conversation with Jen Wang
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #2
Top 10 Comics of 2017
Just in time to get you in the mood for the Man of Steel premiere tonight is our take on the classic Superman look. It may not be the Nolanverse-gritty-and-dark, but while Clark Kent is down to Earth, Superman was born to stand out.
I give you Pa Kent’s farmboy (plaid shirt for $24.29) look with a Superhero logo (tank for $18.99) bursting to get out. The Kent faux-glasses (no-brainer for $3.25) are an optional but fun and cheap way to get in to character, though you’ll never find Krypton without our take on Superman’s booties (high tops for $32.00) and belt (woven with gold buckle for $2.47). Finally, combat that deadly kryptonite (necklace for $13.95) with some old American glory (shorts for $17.00) and you’re ready for a kick-ass premiere!
Casual fun at the movies is a summer staple, but what about those supergirls who have a wonderful guy or gal to spend a dinner/movie date night with? In case you’re looking to get a little more dressed-up to see your Man of Steel, check out the look below.
Feel the wind in your hair and in your flowy outfit (dress for $29.50)! But remember to keep cozy warm in a dark theater with a cape of your own (sweater for $26.65). Pair that with some towering shoes (wedges for $9.74) and you’ll be ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound (do not attempt)! Be your own Jimmy Olsen and use the signal watch (uni-sex watch for $15.00)in case the film gets too long and boring, though at least you’ll have something shiny to look at if you need some solitude (crystal-ish bracelets for $15.00). Finally, remember where it all started 75 years ago with the comic-inspired headband (super cute for $8.00)!
Have a great time no matter what you wear this weekend and check out some of our other superhero-inspired outfits here!
Aquaman is the Embodiment of “Fine”
REVIEW | The Punisher Season 2
Sub Cultured Heads to PAX South 2019!
REVIEW | The Batman Who Laughs – #1
Sub Cultured is Heading to DakuCon 2018!
It’s wrong to steal and lie, so I’m going to be completely honest about cheating my Marvel quest in this post about the comics that I purchased over the last two weeks:
In which Kaitlyn learns that the 5th Wednesday of the month means a pretty Marvel-less week
Last week was a pretty light-week comic wise. I’m not sure why it is that publishers can’t get their collective acts together to put out some quality titles for the handful of months when Wednesday gets some extra airtime. Could it be that the best minds in comics are taken by surprise every time a 5th Wednesday comes around? I’m pretty sure it’s not that amazing a phenomena, especially to the people in charge of dreaming up adventures for time-traveling mutants teenagers and faceless clowns with murderous circus plots. Get it together, comic-book folks.
In which Kaitlyn manages to flat-leave all her Marvel favorites for the first lady of DC
As Death of the Family concludes this month(SQUEE), I will certainly be reevaluating my pull-list. Certainly the titles that I had only been picking up for the tie-in like Nightwing and Teen Titans will not be given a figurative rose from February onward. Also parting ways from my cash will most likely be Detective Comics and certainly Red Hood and the Outlaws. I’m pretty sure that would leave me with just Snyder’s Batman and Batman and Robin. My former DC loyalty would have been all but ground into the dirt with Thor’s big old god-boot as the former fan girl within withered and died BUT THEN THIS HAPPENED
Suck it, Thor.
I have discovered the silver lining to the dreaded 5th Wednesday: free time to read some banging trades of titles you’ve been missing out on. If you’ve been slacking on your Wonder Woman, run, don’t walk to your nearest comic cave or Amazon account and pick these volumes up. If you were up in the wee hours with me on Facebook yesterday, you were actually with me on my journey through the glossy baby of beloved scribe Brian Azzarello and balls out talented artist Cliff Chiang as I posted some Diana-love. In case you missed the live stream, here’s the skinny: The New 52 has produced some ups and downs, but Wonder Woman marks a damn high peak and keeps climbing. Over-extended metaphor? You betcha. My twisted tongue just doesn’t have the know-how to properly praise this epic saga that spans from hell to the heavens, yet still manages to be intimate and close to the heart of this battle-hardened warrior Amazon. Shit, the book could be utter nonsense and I might still pick it up just to be delighted by the character designs of the wickedly fun gods and goddesses in the Greek pantheon. Child-Hades with a candle for a head versus giant-fish-blob Poseidon?
Since new love can be fickle love, I supplemented this Amazonian addiction like a crazy person at four in the morning yesterday in the form of the first volume of the Justice League penned by Geoff Johns with art by Jim Lee. While I don’t have any idea what DC is doing with it’s continuity now a days, I do know that reading about the mature and seasoned Diana from her own title while delving in to the adventures of a young Wonder Woman has been a blast. This Diana of five years past is fresh off of Themyscira and adorably clueless. Of course if by adorable you mean full of battle-lust and problems with authority. Of course, while gratingly immature, she is still the loving Diana we know with the seeds of true hero firmly planted in another title I have been wasting my time not reading.
In which Kaitlyn bids you ado to go read All-New X-Men since she failed to find the Batman and Robin Annual
Seriously, this selling-out-of-things-I-want-business needs to stort itself right the fuck out. Any way, until next time friends!
Kaitlyn D
@deadrabbit92
Staff-writer
REVIEW | The Batman Who Laughs – #1
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #4
Review | The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais
Emerald City Conversation with Jen Wang
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #2
Top 10 Comics of 2017
So I actually looked up the word for killing an entire family and came up with exactly jack squat. Luckily, it turns out it won’t even be on the final exam! According to the until-recently-missing Joker, Gotham’s Dark Knight is guiltier of a kind of regicide (a word we’d never associate with any of the Bat-family! Well, except maybe Jason…) and the Clown Prince of Crime is back to teach Batman a major lesson in his responsibilities to his enemies. Confused? No worries. We were lucky enough to sit down with current Batman-scribe, Scott Snyder, to chat about the explosive first issue in the much-anticipated “Death of the Family” event along with some other of his upcoming projects at New York Comic Con and even managed not to fan-girl-out too much (we hope).
IHOGeek: Have you felt that writing Batman was a huge undertaking and that you had big shoes to fill?
SS: Yes and yes! Absolutely on both counts and you always feel that way. You have to just pretend that you’re writing for yourself and writing it the way you would love to pick it up and read it or else you’ll just get paralyzed. The character means too much to you and everybody else you know so you have to be able to put those blinders on and that’s it.
IHOGeek: Obviously the one of the first things we have to talk about has to be “Death of the Family!” We obviously just read it this week and are obsessed, but how has fan reception been of the book so far at NYCC?
SS: So far it’s been great! Most people I’ve talked to been really receptive and excited for the story and to see what’s coming next.
IHOGeek: We’re so happy to see the Joker return! He’s certainly been missed. Is this your own interpretation of the Joker or just re-tweaked from past stories?
SS: It’s very much my own interpretation. I think when you’re dealing with a character like that you have your own interpretation that’s very individuated from the ones that came before. For me our take on him, at least right now, is that he sees himself now as Batman’s court jester. The Kingdom of Gotham is the place that he chose. He could have chosen metropolis or somewhere else, but he came here to serve The Bat-King because he was the one that was most worthy of a villain such as himself. In “Death of the Family,” Joker is saying that in the early days you[Batman] were worthy because the level that I pushed you to and you pushed me made us both stronger. But now that you have this family to rely on, you have become weak and slow. So I’m going to show you why they should all die…which you think yourself deep down.
That’s what the Joker thinks and is telling Batman. So it’s very much our own interpretation.
IHOGeek: Are you saying that the Joker thinks that this is part of his responsibility as the “court jester” because Batman is not living up to his end of the deal and responsibility as King?
SS: Yeah, he thinks of himself as Batman’s ally. He thinks of himself as serving Batman by making these nightmares come to life that then he has to then get over or defeat or struggle through to come out the other side stronger. The Joker thinks that he’s doing Batman [laughs] a good service.
IHOGeek: We actually have a couple of friends with backgrounds in economics and they did this amazingly lengthy algorithm type-formula thing that mathematically proves sales wise, that you are more relevant and successful than Grant Morrison. How does this make you feel?
SS: I would just say that it makes me feel flabbergasted and overwhelmed. What Grant is doing is so amazing and he is one of my idols in terms of the bravery that he has in his stories. I’m just honored to be part of that whole sort of family of writers. It’s great to work with people you’re inspired by.
IHOGeek: As far as the new Talon character that just premiered, are there any plans of a team up with Batman at some point?
SS: Yeah…you might see one. I don’t want to give it away, but you might see some Batman in there at some point.
[Kaitlyn and Leia clutch their recently acquired DC-giveaway Talon masks tightly]
IHOGeek: It was just announced that you were going to do the Superman run. For us personally, we’ve felt Superman has been missing a lot of the soul and action. Do you think you’re going to be putting some of that back in the story?
SS: Well I hope so. I appreciate what they’re doing on those books a lot so it’s not so much trying to do something that’s not there as it is doing your own take on him. Our take is going to be very much about what makes Superman incredibly heroic and what makes him the most powerful character on Earth, not just because of his still set but because of what he stands for and the restraint that he shows. He could reshape the world however he thinks is best but he challenges us to do it ourselves. In that regard we’ve built a story where he’s going to face a new villain but also up against some of your favorite characters as well from Lex to Lana and Lois. At the same time it’s a story that really cuts through the heart for us and we’ll shake him to his very foundation. It’s gonna be a big, epic, bombastic, but intimate story all at once.
IHOGeek: Great adjectives! We’ve certainly noticed that you have quite a full plate of work (we’re actually concerned that you may not have time to sleep), but do you have any plans of doing other creator-owned comics?
SS: Yes! We just announced actually that we’re gonna be taking a bit of a break from American Vampire for about six months.
[Collective Kaitlyn and Leia moan of sadness]
SS: I know! I know! But the thing is we’ve always been planning on doing this and the idea is not that we want to move away from it and not come back or that it’s indefinite. We absolutely are coming back at a very particular point about seven to eight months after the series takes a break. The story is already written for when it comes back. It really was that in the story itself this is our midway point in the series. It’s halfway done and the next storyline actually takes place about ten years after the current one, “The Black-List.” So we really wanted to do something to make it feel like you’re stepping away from the characters and that they’ll be coming back in bigger, badder, and crazier story than you’ve ever seen with them. But also, it gives Raphael a chance to draw a couple things outside of this with me in the DCU that I’m actually excited about. We’ll also be doing a special American Vampire issue that I don’t want to give away that’s going be a very big issue that has a lot of fun things in it that will keep you interested and excited about what’s going to happen in the series when we do come back. You’re really not away from it for more than a couple months.
IHOGeek: Months though!
SS: That’s it! It’s issue 34 and then a couple months and then a big special and then a couple months and then we’re back. So it’s really a tiny break. But it gives me a chance and Raphael who has those things he wants to do and I really want to do this other creator-owned miniseries with Sean Murphy that got announced yesterday called The Wake. It’s a 12-series and I’m really proud of it. It’s basically a science fiction-horror story that takes place at the bottom of the ocean, essentially. It has a post-apocalyptic element to it as well. It’s really different from anything I’ve done. It’s going to explore all our favorite myths of the sea and Sean’s art is amazing so I’m really excited for you guys to see it.
IHOGeek: I’m sure we’ll pick it up when it comes out next Spring! To go in a completely different direction: What’s your favorite title out right now, whether it be DC, Marvel or Indy?
SS: I only read my own comics and nobody else’s ever.
IHOGeek: Great answer!
SS: [Laughs] My favorite comic is probably Animal Man by my pal Jeff Lemire because it’s just a series that I really am inspired by every month. But there are so many good comics right now on both sides of the aisle, which is a win-win for everybody. I really feel that comics are going through a really amazing time between what guys over here are doing with everybody that I love on the Bat-family and what Grant is doing on Action and what Brian Azzarello is doing on Wonder Woman and Jeff [Lemire] on Justice League. Over at Marvel as well, there’s so many good books so it’s just a great time to be a comic fan.
IHOGeek: Ok then, if there was any Marvel project you could work on, what would it be?
SS: Any one? If I could work on any one? Cause I’m like who’s Marvel, what’s Marvel? I think I would just want to come back to Batman and Superman. No, there are a lot of great characters that I love over there. I’d probably want Captain America or Spiderman. Those are two characters that I’ve always loved to death. Comics are just full of amazing characters on both sides of the aisle. It’s a great time to be a geek!
It certainly is! We just want to thank Scott so much for taking time out of what we’re sure was an amazingly hectic convention to talk to us! Let us know what you thought of Batman #13 and what you think of all of Scott’s upcoming projects. What a busy guy! It comes with all that talent.
REVIEW | The Batman Who Laughs – #1
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #4
Review | The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais
Emerald City Conversation with Jen Wang
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #2
Top 10 Comics of 2017
Detective Comics #1, the launching title for Batman in the new 52, saw DC comics make one of their boldest moves since the death of Jason Todd back in 1988. It showed an incarcerated Joker willingly allowing the newly created villain, Dollmaker, to remove his face with a knife and plaster it on the wall. The reaction from fans was mixed to say the least. Some thought it was brilliant, others thought it was out of character and argued it ruined the Joker. Regardless it made a huge impact. Now, 12 issues later, the Joker is set for his official return in Batman issue #13 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo.
“Joker is my favorite villain of all time,” stated Snyder, “He’s the greatest, hands down. 
So this story is something extremely important and personal to me – something I’ve been building in my head ever since I started working in Gotham.” Although his introduction was shocking, and for some poorly done, with an artist like Snyder most fans can rest assured the Joker will be handled with great care. Snyder has described this as his , “Killing Joke.” That it would be a darkest title he could create, and not for the faint of heart. Well from the few images leaked so far it would seem he was pretty close. It’s no doubt that the macabre factor is there, I can only hope that the writer and artist won’t fully depend on gore to make their readers cringe. Joker has always been a dark character, one that didn’t need depicted acts of violence to scare, or even shock, readers. His face alone defined him. A man who always smiled, even as he tore families apart and poisoned the water system of Gotham. It was that simple smile that showed just how evil he was. That detachment from reality was what shocked fans. No doubt the new images of the Joker are dark in its deformities, but will it be able to carry the same terror as when his face was just a smile? If anyone can pull it of it will be Snyder and Capullo. 
REVIEW | The Batman Who Laughs – #1
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #4
Review | The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais
Emerald City Conversation with Jen Wang
REVIEW | Doomsday Clock #2
