#12: 23rd July 2014

Time for the next set of reviews, this time 23rd of July! A really good week with two pearls.

Book of the Week: Batman #33

Finally, epic conclusion to an about-year-long arc Zero Year, where acclaimed writer, Scott Snyder, accompanied by Greg Capullo redefined Batman's origin, or, to be more exact, Batman's beginning. The time has come to sum up this story, which was complex, definietly non-banal and clever. For this, thank you Mr Snyder. But there is one con, of which I need to remember and write about. I don't know if it's because series' monthly schedule or not, but there were boring moments, not many but still. And as far as I know, it's not only me, other readers felt the same.

But taking into consideration book's style and nature, it might have been inevitable. Of course there can be done long sagas, which are constantly fascinating and keep reader interested like The God Butcher saga by Aaron,  but Snyder chose another way. He focused on dialogues, willing to mix them with character building and action. He created his own mythology of Batman's origin, that after all is impressive.

The main villain is The Riddler, one of my favourites. I love his way of being and tricking other characters with his conundrums.  That's amazing. He was bitten in Zero Year, but had taken over Gotham and almost defeated Bruce Wayne. Snyder has a great feel to this villain. Can't wait to see his next appearance.  Bye Diddle Riddle!

Overall, Zero Year has been a massive project created to be read in trade, not monthly. It's a long story and enables us to look at Batman from another perspective. Scott, Greg, congrats! This is a highly recommended book for the fans of very good comics.

Star Wars: Legacy #17

Dark Horse Comics is preparing to say good bye to Star Wars license with its last official publication. From all recent projects from George Lucas' galaxy Legacy is surely the best, serving us an intelligent, consistent writing with gorgeous artwork by script co-creator Gabriel Hardman. With him, in the creative team there is Corinna Bechko,  his long time partner in comic industry.

Issue 17 has been smashing. Action-packed dynamic panels and great storytelling are the reasons why fans love Legacy. So much happend on these 22 pages! Ania Solo were to rescue her friend, ex-Imperial Knight, Jao Assam from hands of a sinister Sith lord, Darth Wredd. To accomplish this mission, Ania, her friends and a squad of Imperial troopers under her command had to land on a rogue planet, which is surely well known for all Legacy readers from the very first issues of the series. All these event could fill the story of a single issue, but Gabriel and Corinna served us much more! Including Sith army, Imperial invasion and Jao fighting arm-to-arm with Ania and... Wredd! How did it happen? Read Legacy #17.

Unfortunately all good series eventually at some point end. This month issue 18 will be released - a grande finale of Ania's adventures. It's a shame, wish Legacy lasted longer. Be sure to pick up trades of Corinna's and Gabriel's creation. If you enjoy it, pick up their next project, a brand new, creator owned series from Image, Invisible Republic. Shipping in 2015!

Cover of the Week: Sherlock Holmes: Moriarty Lives #5