Reviewing The Batman Strikes! #34 and #40
Sep. 12th, 2008 11:29 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladybug_archiveSo, a week or so ago I bought issues #34 and #40 of The Batman Strikes! comic based on my beloved The Batman TV show. I already had #17, in a trade paperback that featured issues #11-#14 and #16-#18. Yeah, I don't know why #15 was skipped. Anyway, so #17, #34, and #40 are The Riddler issues. X3 #34 and #40 came today. Well, yesterday now.
#17 is LOVE. The Riddler robs a military establishment and steals some thermal photograph technology to unmask The Batman by taking a picture of him and then gradually unveiling the mask in the picture to show what's underneath. Batman and Yin chase him all over the city. It feels like an episode of the TV show, as does #34. #17 is the only one of the three issues, however, that doesn't feel like it ends too soon. There's a lot going on and there's time to show everything that needs to be shown. I feel like the other two should have been longer.
#34 has The Riddler reluctantly teamed up with a big robot that thinks it's the Joker. LOL. The Riddler wants to beat the thing and prove he's the true Riddler. The computer was programmed by Hugo Strange to have traits of every villain, so it also thinks it's best at riddling. LOL. They have some amazing banter at the beginning. The Riddler asks when DAVE (the computer) was last defragmented and later asks if he's ever heard of a virus scanner. LOLOLOL. And the Riddler wears black nail polish! Oh gosh, I LOVE that. ♥
There were still oddities, though.... Mainly that Batman addressed the Riddler as "Nygma" (well, he said "Nigma", but that doesn't look as pretty), when it was never revealed in the comics or the corresponding TV show what his last name is. At least, it was not ever shown, and I was annoyed that it never was. That comic was out after the Riddler's Revenge episode, however, but I like to think it took place before it. XD There's no real timeline for the comics. However, if it did take place after, then it could be said that Batman would know the Riddler's last name. Julie probably told it, even if the Riddler never did. Or Batman could have looked up the sabotage incident in the newspaper after hearing the Riddler's story.
I did like that little name bit for one reason, though: it proves I'm correct that Batman would address the Riddler as "Nygma" upon knowing his true identity. X3
#40 is ... odd. The cover picture is AMAZING, featuring Batman and Batgirl (who isn't even in the actual story, WTH) breaking through a crossword puzzle. The Riddler is standing there smirking saying "Welcome to the Riddler's puzzle, Batman!" The story doesn't have much to do with the cover. The crossword is an incidental thing, everything's blowing up, and the Riddler is trying to drop clues to lead the Batman to where the Joker is holding hostage the Riddler's favorite guard from Arkham. The Joker is blackmailing the Riddler into committing crimes more like the Joker would do and bringing him the stolen goods. The Riddler is trying to get there himself to save the girl, but is arrested again before he can. But thanks to his clues, Batman and Robin rescue her.
I already knew the story in #40 was a bit odd, and I guessed at most of it from sample pages found on![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
scans_daily. However, it did have *a lot* of potential and I wish it had been written better. I also wish Chris Jones had been able to illustrate. XD; He only did the cover, and the guy who did illustrate the actual story ... doesn't draw a very flattering Riddler.
I also wish the story had corresponded more to the cover picture. I was thinking about it and wondering if I could write a fic that really utilizes the crossword puzzle. XD; Because a crossword puzzle mystery would be so COOL!
One thing I did like was that there was actually a Bible reference. The Riddler poses an Abel and Cain riddle to the Batman. X3 That was very unexpected and cool.
I got myself the Riddler figure, too. X3 He's a bit smaller than I thought **was picturing more like the big YGO Mattel figures**, and he could use more articulation (which I already knew about), but I like him. ^^ Collecting is fun.
I've also been thinking and wondering if I could crossplay the Riddler for Halloween. X3 For once, I could actually use my own hair, and it's about the right length. LOL. I'd probably have him wear something more like the suit that other Riddlers have worn, but without any purple and no ties at all. XD The Batman's Riddler likes green and black, not green and purple. Mom has a green jacket I could borrow. I'm waiting for stores to get in their Halloween stuff to see what else I could dig up. I'd like to have the dark green lipstick, but in the case of not being able to find it, I can at least have the tattoo marks with some black makeup I got the first year I was Marik. And I'll paint my nails black again. Buwahaha.
#17 is LOVE. The Riddler robs a military establishment and steals some thermal photograph technology to unmask The Batman by taking a picture of him and then gradually unveiling the mask in the picture to show what's underneath. Batman and Yin chase him all over the city. It feels like an episode of the TV show, as does #34. #17 is the only one of the three issues, however, that doesn't feel like it ends too soon. There's a lot going on and there's time to show everything that needs to be shown. I feel like the other two should have been longer.
#34 has The Riddler reluctantly teamed up with a big robot that thinks it's the Joker. LOL. The Riddler wants to beat the thing and prove he's the true Riddler. The computer was programmed by Hugo Strange to have traits of every villain, so it also thinks it's best at riddling. LOL. They have some amazing banter at the beginning. The Riddler asks when DAVE (the computer) was last defragmented and later asks if he's ever heard of a virus scanner. LOLOLOL. And the Riddler wears black nail polish! Oh gosh, I LOVE that. ♥
There were still oddities, though.... Mainly that Batman addressed the Riddler as "Nygma" (well, he said "Nigma", but that doesn't look as pretty), when it was never revealed in the comics or the corresponding TV show what his last name is. At least, it was not ever shown, and I was annoyed that it never was. That comic was out after the Riddler's Revenge episode, however, but I like to think it took place before it. XD There's no real timeline for the comics. However, if it did take place after, then it could be said that Batman would know the Riddler's last name. Julie probably told it, even if the Riddler never did. Or Batman could have looked up the sabotage incident in the newspaper after hearing the Riddler's story.
I did like that little name bit for one reason, though: it proves I'm correct that Batman would address the Riddler as "Nygma" upon knowing his true identity. X3
#40 is ... odd. The cover picture is AMAZING, featuring Batman and Batgirl (who isn't even in the actual story, WTH) breaking through a crossword puzzle. The Riddler is standing there smirking saying "Welcome to the Riddler's puzzle, Batman!" The story doesn't have much to do with the cover. The crossword is an incidental thing, everything's blowing up, and the Riddler is trying to drop clues to lead the Batman to where the Joker is holding hostage the Riddler's favorite guard from Arkham. The Joker is blackmailing the Riddler into committing crimes more like the Joker would do and bringing him the stolen goods. The Riddler is trying to get there himself to save the girl, but is arrested again before he can. But thanks to his clues, Batman and Robin rescue her.
I already knew the story in #40 was a bit odd, and I guessed at most of it from sample pages found on
scans_daily. However, it did have *a lot* of potential and I wish it had been written better. I also wish Chris Jones had been able to illustrate. XD; He only did the cover, and the guy who did illustrate the actual story ... doesn't draw a very flattering Riddler.I also wish the story had corresponded more to the cover picture. I was thinking about it and wondering if I could write a fic that really utilizes the crossword puzzle. XD; Because a crossword puzzle mystery would be so COOL!
One thing I did like was that there was actually a Bible reference. The Riddler poses an Abel and Cain riddle to the Batman. X3 That was very unexpected and cool.
I got myself the Riddler figure, too. X3 He's a bit smaller than I thought **was picturing more like the big YGO Mattel figures**, and he could use more articulation (which I already knew about), but I like him. ^^ Collecting is fun.
I've also been thinking and wondering if I could crossplay the Riddler for Halloween. X3 For once, I could actually use my own hair, and it's about the right length. LOL. I'd probably have him wear something more like the suit that other Riddlers have worn, but without any purple and no ties at all. XD The Batman's Riddler likes green and black, not green and purple. Mom has a green jacket I could borrow. I'm waiting for stores to get in their Halloween stuff to see what else I could dig up. I'd like to have the dark green lipstick, but in the case of not being able to find it, I can at least have the tattoo marks with some black makeup I got the first year I was Marik. And I'll paint my nails black again. Buwahaha.
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no subject
Date: 2008-09-13 12:11 pm (UTC)Too bad about the misleading cover. **Nod nod** A crossword mystery would be awesome! ...Is that a plunny in the making...? X3 Hergé always had his covers being a scene from the book, too, the exception being "Alph-Art,"
but that's only because he didn't have the chance. Hergé dealt with a unique timeline, too... the books clearly take place in a certain order, but it's a bit of a floating timeline... he always has the setting in the "modern day" that he writes it in. "Tintin in America" takes place in the '30s, the Moon duology takes place in the '50s, and "Tintin and the Picaros" takes place in the late '60s/early '70s. And though it all, the characters only age by a couple years. XDAnd yay Riddler figure and cosplay!
Yeah, I remember that one of the other Riddlers would wear a green jacket with purple question marks... but not this Riddler...no subject
Date: 2008-09-13 03:20 pm (UTC)Well, it *could* have been angsty, but it all ran by so fast there was barely time to process anything. (That's one thing I don't like about comics.) If you want Riddler angst, Riddler's Revenge is the way to go. X3 **hugs episode.**
I think I can tie the crossword thing in with the sequel to Friday Night. X3
Yeah, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys have floating timelines too. XD They're strange, yet very useful when the characters really don't need to grow up.
I'm not sure this Riddler would wear a jacket/suit at all. XD So I probably need to try designing various outfits and see what would look good on him. Only problem is, I can't draw him. LOL. Unless I give him an anime makeover, and then he'll look even more like the Rakeshes.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-13 05:11 pm (UTC)That is the best! I should try and track these down. That right there alone would be good enough reason!!
Ooh. Is that the Jim Carey Riddler? or...classic Riddler? You did hear they were going to cast Johnny Depp as the Riddler, right? That...makes me a little uneasy.
I would like to see you pull that off! It'd be awesome.
On another note, my comments have gotten increasingly longer.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-13 05:30 pm (UTC)All that Johnny Depp stuff is just rumors. A lot of people want David Tenant instead. I haven't even heard confirmation yet that there will be a third movie.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-13 05:36 pm (UTC)I heard there were definitely considering another movie. I haven't seen Dark KNight yet, so...I can't say if there should be one.
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Date: 2008-09-13 05:39 pm (UTC)There should definitely be a third one; The Dark Knight ended on a major cliffhanger!
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Date: 2008-09-13 05:52 pm (UTC)oooh. Yes, I really need to see this movie. Even though from what I understand, the Joker is scary as anything...I hope I can handle that. (And I'm a huge Heath Ledger fan)
no subject
Date: 2008-09-13 05:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 02:37 am (UTC)#17 sounds like so much fun! ^^ Does the art look much like the TV show?
LOL! Oh gosh, that's priceless. I would totally get that comic just for those comments. **and is amused at the computer named DAVE.** XD
Gah, it seems like a lot of comics have unrelated covers. XD; No idea why. And that really does seem like a strange plot! I guess I didn't picture Riddler as caring much about the guards from Arkham, let alone having a favorite one. XD;
Ooh, a crossword puzzle mystery would be awesome! ^^ Maybe it would be a 3D crossword in the shape of a cube or something.... Kinda shaped like a Rubix cube, only with letters, and the puzzle could run through the center of the cube, too, if it was transparent or something? Or maybe it could even be more like a Rubix cube, and they'd have to rotate the sides to get the answers! ....Or that might be waaay too complicated - it would be, like, the most evil crossword ever! I haven't even solved my Rubix cube, and I know how it's supposed to turn out. XD;
That Bible reference sounds awesome! ^^ What was the riddle?
Ooh, I was wondering if you'd get that! How big is he?
That would be fun! ^^ I'll bet you could find all that in the Halloween sections. Is your hair actually the right color, or would you have to dye it?
no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 03:16 am (UTC)It does! ^^ Chris Jones is an amazing artist. X3 He really does justice to the Riddler, as well as the other characters.
XD Yeah, it's so amusing. It's kinda sad to see DAVE malfunctioning so badly; originally he believed himself to be above all criminals and he actually devised a cruel scheme to get Batman's identity revealed: if Batman tries to stop the information from going over the air, Alfred is killed ;__; Or he can save Alfred but his identity will be out. So then Batman rejected both possibilities and defeated DAVE, and now DAVE's totally screwed up thinking he's the Joker. XD;
The plot gets even weirder in that the guard seemed to like the Riddler, at least enough to help him with crossword puzzles. Actually, that in itself is kinda cute, but what bugs me is that I can't imagine the Riddler needing help with them. XD; He was going nuts because he couldn't think of the answer to a ten-letter word for sometimes spontaneous.
LOL. I totally messed up someone's Rubix cube when he loaned it to me while he and Dad chatted. XD I wonder if he ever sorted it out.
I'm thinking the crossword would appear on the screen, the Riddler would give them the questions, and the answers correspond to helping them solve the case.
Well, the reference itself puzzled me a bit; the Riddler said they were on the same side of the field this time, like brothers. Then he threw out that if Batman was the trusting Abel, what did that make him? All I can think of as to why he used it was because he was hinting that he had back-stabbed someone (not literally), meaning the Joker. But then it doesn't make sense why he'd say Batman was Abel.
He's about an inch or more than Potions Seph on his stand. ^^
It actually is the right color. XD And approximate length. I never want to dye my hair, so if it wasn't the right color I'd need to look for a wig. Which is one of the pains of Halloween shopping. LOL.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 04:50 am (UTC)Wow. XD Yeah, I can't see the Riddler having problems with that. XD;
LOL. My sister had a pyramid version of a Rubix cube, and I ended up messing it up too, after she'd already solved it. I don't think she ever sorted it out again. Oops. XD;
**nods.** That probably makes more sense!
Huh. Maybe he just said that so that Batman would have some kind of reference to go from?
So your hair's black then? **somehow hadn't pictured that.** XD
Yeah, I wouldn't want to dye my hair either. XD Too permanent for me!
no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 05:08 am (UTC)XD Ah, Rubix cubes are such a puzzle.
Maybe!
Well, dark brown. XD It looks black in certain light. The Riddler's hair looks dark brown sometimes in the comics.
XD Yep. Not to mention my dad would have a heart attack. Mom wouldn't like it much, either.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 05:33 am (UTC)Yep. I've got one sitting here right now, with one side solid blue. ....But all the others are completely messed up. XD;
Ahh. That's cool that it's close enough to work! ^^ My hair's just plain brown, though a bit on the darker side, so there's not really anyone I'd be able to dress up as without a wig. Plus I'd never be able to do anyone with its normal style. XD
XD I can only imagine my parents' faces if I walked in with a different hair color! It would be too funny. LOL.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 06:15 am (UTC)XD Yeah, there aren't too many character I could do, either. Most of the ones with the right hair color have bangs, which I don't. I used to, but I didn't think they looked good on me, so I stopped. I could probably pull off Seph-type bangs, though. XD
LOL.
no subject
Date: 2008-09-14 08:22 pm (UTC)XD I used to have bangs too, but I stopped ages ago because I was annoyed with how you had to keep cutting them or they'd get in your eyes. XD ....Though there's always still one lock of hair that gets free and gets in my eyes no matter what I do to put it up. I just don't get it! XD;
no subject
Date: 2008-09-15 07:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-09-16 02:31 am (UTC)