Detective Comics #841

At the moment, I am enjoying Paul Dini's "Detective Comics" more than Grant Morrison's "Batman". As I am a little tired of crossover-mania, I thought this one issue story dealing with the Mad Hatter and his newly formed Wonderland Gang was pretty decent. Dustin Nguyen's art compliments the story well and provides shadow clouded Batman. I like Dini's use of the various odd villian's in Gotham - especially the apltly named "Little Italy". I thought his seen was fun. While many online reviewers have stated that "Detective Comics" has taken a creative hit while Dini focuses on "Countdown to Final Crisis", I think that Dini proves in this issue that he can put out an interesting Batman read.

If you are looking for a one-shot Batman story that is both fun and a good read, pick up this issue of "Detective Comics".

Detective Comics #840

"Detective Comics" #840 brings the true epilogue to "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" story arc. Titled "After the Resurrection" writer Paul Dini brings us a story that shows Batman's first post-resurrection meeting with Ra's Al Ghul in Gotham City. I didn't see the ending coming and was surprised at that Batman would go to such lengths to eliminate a threat. Dini lays out a decent script and keeps the pacing up through out the issue.

The new art team of Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs didn't really capture my attention. The art reminded me a little bit of "Gotham by Gaslight". The layouts were fine but the art really didn't jump off of the page.

This issue serves as a good epilogue to the let down of "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul".

Countdown Presents The Search for Ray Palmer: Gotham by Gaslight

In this issue of the challengers search for Ray Palmer, we find them on Earth 19, otherwise known as the Earth from the Elseworld Gotham by Gaslight. Bob explains it best, "A world identical to your Earth during the time period known as the Victorian Era". Of all of the search for Ray Palmer books, I enjoyed this one the most. I didn't read "Gotham by Gaslight" but really liked the characterization of this Earth's Batman and Blue Beetle. Writer Brian Augustyn has fun with all of the characters here and does a good job of moving the team from point A to point B. Of course, once again, Ray Palmer isn't found, but the book is still and enjoyable read. The art by penciller Greg Tocchini and a gaggle of inkers is actually quite consistent and good. Tocchini does an excellent job of conveying both action and emotion.

While not a must read to keep up on all things "Countdown", I found this to be best of the bunch for the Ray Palmer books - faint praise if you've read the other books.