Comics! Batwoman #13

Batwoman #13 

J.H. Williams III: Co-writer. Artist.
W. Haden Blackman: Co-writer.

The Solicitation

• Batwoman and Wonder Woman team up!

• Batwoman and Wonder Woman team up! (We’re so excited we had to say it twice!)


Preview

Why I Bought It
Two things intrigued me, Williams back on art, and Wonder Woman appearing. And the last issue, #0, was pretty strong. Let's see what we got.

What I Liked
As with Batwoman and J.H. Williams III, you have to sit back and appreciate the art. First and foremost, that is what this book brings best. You can certainly see why he was tapped for art duties on the upcoming Sandman book.

This book did surprise me a little though. This felt like I was in the middle of a story line, and that very well could be. I didn't pick up issue #12, and I knew this probably wouldn't be a continuation of issue #0, but one could only hope. But I will give writing credit where it is due, this book just rocked it. That was something that I found very lacking in previous issues, especially when trying to have six stories going on at once. Some subplots were explored, but not at the expense of the main story. And you felt like you got enough from the main story to feel like something was told.

You can tell just from the art that Wonder Woman is drawn just differently enough to make her stand apart from Batwoman. It definitely gives you the feel that Wonder Woman is out of her element and Batwoman would be more suited to this world, even though Batwoman's voice tells you different.

What I Didn't Like
The solicitation for this comic sucked. Simply stating 'Batwoman and Wonder Woman team up!' twice does not make for an enticing read.

But outside of that, I dug the writing and the art was stellar. There isn't much I could say that was bad about this book except for the ending which just came abruptly in the middle of meeting a new character. While I am certain that this book will read better when you sit down with all the issues in a row, I just don't like it that  the book ended on this note. It was rather good up until this point as well.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the two page spread filled with worms and words. I can see where, if this was some one's first comic featuring Williams, they would get lost in that artwork and words. Hell, it even took me a moment or two to follow the flow. But it works surprisingly well to get across how the character feels through the artwork, even though they are on the page.

Quotable
"I will bloody you beat you until you are tender to eat." - Nyx. Sounds delicious. And something I'm saying to the next pound of ground beef I cook up.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: I hesitate a bit, but I think if next issue stays as strong in the writing department, then I may start bringing in Batwoman back into the regular buy pile.

Comics! Ex Sanguine #1

Ex Sanguine #1 

Script by Joshua Scott Emmons and Tim Seeley
Art by Tim Seeley

The Solicitation
One’s a natural born killer—a remorseless hunter restlessly prowling the night for victims to quench an unnatural bloodlust. The other’s a vampire. A bored vampire. His centuries of existence have left him world weary and detached, until one day his thirst is reinvigorated when the deadly and intricate work of the Sanguine Killer catches his eyes.

Preview

Why I Bought It
Having been intrigued by Tim Seeley with Revival, I decided to check this out to see if it was going to be good or not. So, going in blind, I turn the page.

What I Liked
There be vampires here. And with that, I'm sorta putting some distance with the book. But then again, the art hits what it needs to without being too fancy. And it has the same feel as Revival. There is something about the characters that make it interesting and make you want to read more. The story is balanced with the art, because if the art was anything beyond this style, it could tip the book into bad territory.

What I Didn't Like
Eh, vampires. Each time a new writer approaches them then there is a new set of rules with how vampires will work in the story. Certain traits and vampire stereotypes all come out to play. It is almost like you have to bring out the checklist and just keep ticking off what they will use for this story. Don't worry, zombie books also go through the same thing. Being a fan of bad horror movies, I feel like I've seen them all.

I really liked the cover to this book. It was the coloring that made it stand out on the comic shelf. Then I saw Seeley's name and decided to give it a go. Now if the coloring for the cover was the same on the inside, that would make it a little more appealing to me. As it stands now, I get the same horror type of feel from the same writer with similar art over at Revival. And for a buck less. This might be a story that I will prefer to trade wait for, or get discounted as a digital comic sometime.

Panel to Remember
For me, the magic moment came when Saul was standing in front of all the books that he wrote himself. It just covers a bookshelf. and the idea that he only reads what he writes... That is something that shows a person completely cut off from the rest of the world.

Quotable
"There is no manner of earthly evil that still surprises me, my son." - the priest in the diner. There something meta I felt about that, but not necessarily in a bad way for this book.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll wait, but I would still say it was worth giving it a try.

Comics! Punk Rock Jesus #4

Punk Rock Jesus #4 

Sean Murphy

The Solicitation
A devastating loss pushes Chris to the brink. Feeling betrayed and alone, he begins to research the world that Slate and OPHIS have kept him from his entire life. Armed with new knowledge, a new haircut, and a new attitude, an angry Chris is about to tell the whole world the truth. And it all starts after he discovers a few old records in Thomas’s room...

No Preview

Why I Bought It
I was hooked onto the series after issue #2. Going with it until the end, then will probably strongly recommend it to others. Let's see what I'll be bragging about.

What I Liked
Each issue of Punk Rock Jesus has just been packed with story. Every panel and every page has to mean something, and it all just hits home here.

We finally have the title character make an appearance that has been building since issue #1. If you seriously didn't think that the image on the last page of this book would be included in this series, then you have a serious rude awakening when you flip to it.

Since this issue didn't build on the angels that appeared in this issue by having them appear again, it really hammers home the idea that this book is grounded in reality and what Gwen saw in the previous issue was a hallucination. More than likely, Slate had some hand in that going down, just like he did in Gwen's death.

And just as we are developing Chris into a full grown character, we get to see some of Thomas' history as well. Just the pace that the book goes through in telling that while it mirrors Chris' story is just going to come together in the end and you know it is will a great ending.

Once again, we have magnificent visuals. Like I said, every panel has to count when trying to tell this story at this pace, and the moments when it is there to shine it does and when it needs to take a moment to have you look at the details it hits it there as well. The name of the book is what originally brought me in, but it is the artwork and story that is making me a fan of Sean Murphy.

What I Didn't Like
There wasn't much that I didn't like. This is a comic that is right up my alley with a story I enjoy and art that I am looking forward to each month.

Panel to Remember
There are two panels on the same page that use a reflective surface in black and white art that is just amazing. The fact that you can see Slate's reaction as he stands over Gwen's body is just perfect. That sticks with you. And the one right below it where Chris' reaction is also reflected shows that there is a turning point at this moment. Ultimately, this is where Slate wanted things to go to. Now it will be interesting to see how Chris takes over the reigns here.

Quotable
"Wow, I've never had a camera in my face before!" - Dripping with sarcasm.

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: Sold!

Comics! Batman #13

Batman #13

Scott Snyder: writer
Greg Capullo: pencils
Jonathan Glapion: inks
James Tynion IV: writer - backup
Jock: artist - backup

The Solicitation

• The Joker returns in “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”!

• He crippled Batgirl. He killed Robin. What will The Joker do now that he’s returned to Gotham City?

• What must Batman do to protect his secret identity and that of those who fight alongside him?


Preview

Why I Bought It
Batman. Joker. I'm fair game.

What I Liked

The argument could be made that this is unlike any Joker we've ever seen because, quite frankly, we haven't really seen Joker in the New 52. Snyder can do whatever he wants with this character and it would make sense to the reader as long as Snyder and Capullo are able to show the emotion of the characters around him successfully. That is where the selling point for the comic, and for this Joker, will be.

And we can see that with how James Gordon reacts when Joker is toying with him. He is scared. Fear is showing, or is about to. But with Batman's emotions, he comes across as the most collected individual in the whole comic when he isn't yelling at Harley at the end.

Now a clear argument can still be made either way as to if Joker knows Batman's secret identity in the New 52. He could be going after Wayne because Wayne is sponsoring Batman, so why not hurt the ones that Wayne cares most about? And in doing that, he manages to eliminate the fellow Bat-support characters. The question is if this is intentional or not.

I loved Jock's work on Batman, and Capullo shines as per usual. If this pace is kept up for the whole story, then the art is going to come across as memorable as the story.

From what this book reads like so far, this has the potential to be a good comic, and a good Joker story. I have high hopes, let's see where it goes from here.


What I Didn't Like
The cover is driving me nuts. I don't like gimmick covers, and that is all this one is. You don't get a regular cover, you get a cut out of the Joker face wrapped around Batman's head and the eye holes are cut out. Just holding it in your hand feels weird, and it reminds me too much of previous gimmick covers. It would almost be fine if the cover on the back didn't end half way across the page.

And it looks like they are going, at least by what Joker says which in itself can be taken with a grain of salt, that the Joker origin from Tim Burton's Batman is playing its part here. Interesting take, but I think the character is a lot better with his origin left unknown.

But the biggest thing I don't like, the one that takes a page from The Geoff Johns Flash Book, is when Joker goes on about how he will make Batman better by saving him from his allies that make him weak. That is a Reverse Flash line. I don't mind my superheroes crossing over into each other's books, but at least have the decency to have the Flash appear in costume when you steal a line like that.

Panel to Remember
The one where this really hits home for me is when Jim Gordon and Batman are talking in the elevator. There is one panel of Gordon where he is just nervous. When it is just him and Batman, he has allowed himself to be nervous and let it show. That sells the strength of how scary this Joker can be.

Quotable
"It's the old children's gag." - Its also the same one from the recent Dark Knight movie. Interesting.

Grades
Words: 7/10 - It has potential .The words have been borrowed from other creations and characters. Future issues will need to be able to stand on their own. I get the repetition because that's the Joker's M.O. right now, but let's see some thing original.
Pictures: 9/10 - Yes, I liked them both.
Buy Next Issue: Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.

News Articles and Reviews at Capeless Crusaders!

In case you have missed it, I've been putting up some must read articles over at Capeless Crusader.

You can get some news from the New York Comic Con about Comic Flea Market, a company looking to bring print-on-demand to the comic book world by clicking here.

New York Comic Con also had some exciting news for the world of digital comics. Check out that article here.

And finally, something I should publish here with some additional commentary, Laura Siegel Larson, daughter of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel, sent out an open letter declaring her fight against Warner Bros would continue. Read that article here.

In the reviews area, check out some of the latest IDW Publishing comics as well as my review of Walking Dead #103 over at Capeless by clicking here.

Comics! Creator-Owned Heroes #5

Creator-Owned Heroes #5 

Jimmy Palmiotti, Steve Niles, Justin Gray, Jay Russell, Jerry Lando, Andrew Ritchie, Paul Mounts, and Bill Tortolini

The Solicitation

ALL-NEW STORIES BEGIN!

"KILLSWITCH," Part One
Part one of a brand new four-part story. Introducing Killswitch, an enigmatic, and devastatingly handsome killer with a fetish for blunt force, a strong code of honor, and more than a few skeletons in his closet. Killswitch is drawn into a game of death with the world's top assassins to find out who is behind the contract on his head - and why.

"BLACK SPARROW," Part One
A brand new two-part story begins, as a family living in the old west must reconcile that someone close to them might be a killer, or worse. A dark tale of haunting family dedication and the price we pay for love.

PLUS! An interview with AMANDA CONNER, art galleries, con photos, and original articles all celebrating the creator owned spirit.


Preview

Why I Bought It
It is a "jumping on point" for Creator-Owned, but only because new stories are featured. Hell, just about any month can be a "jumping on point" with this book.

What I Liked
We get a couple of good starts for the next couple of stories. I favored the Killswitch one has having more about the story told to you with some awesome art to match. Black Sparrow also had great art, but the story, especially for a two parter, just didn't seem like it had the space that it needed to be fully developed. It hit some notes, but if we are going to take it at face value and expect a conclusion where I care about any of the characters, then that's about out the window.

The Amanda Conner interview continued the trend of having a really good interview in the center of the book. Hell, sometimes just that interview is worth the price of admission. Amanda gives some great advice to, like how not to piss off your editor so you can get a job or how persistence is something you will need in order to get an editor's ear and find work.

Steve Niles also goes into a bit about how he approaches a script, which is very interesting. Having a couple of books and learning a lot through the years about how comic creators have pitched and written for the Marvel or DC, I am a little more interested in how the creator owned path works. Steve doesn't let the details go to the wayside either, as you can see that this is only part one of the continuing saga.

What I Didn't Like
It is hard to tell how old Killswitch should be. On the cover he has a couple hair colors going on, the book has one, and then the ad for the next issue features him sporting gray temples. Weird.

We also got a bonus feature of Palmiotti and Gray's new comic Retrovirus. The preview isn't bad, but it just sort of cuts off. It really felt like there should have been another page there but alas, there was none.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the layouts that showed Amanda Conner's work for the Captain Brooklyn cover. From pencils, to ink, to finished product. Nicely done and nicely laid out through the article.

Quotable
"When working for the corporate companies, I'm sure there are some rules to go by, but I'm talking about creator-owned comics. I'm also talking about producing comics, not pitching them. That's a whole other ballgame." - Steve Niles

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I think I'm down for as long as this book comes out.

Comics! Batman & Robin #13

Batman & Robin #13 

Peter J. Tomasi: writer
Patrick Gleason: penciller (pgs 1-15)
Tomas Giorello: artist (pgs 16-20)
Mick Gray: inker (pgs 1-15)

The Solicitation

• Gotham City is being devoured by zombies!
• Learn the dangerous secrets of the 2-Club!


No Preview

Why I Bought It
This is basically The Damian Show, so I go where that crazy kid goes.

Well, you have to have some context. This issue and the next one are slight fillers in order to build up to the Death of the Family crossover that officially hits this book in issue #15. So what do we get? Another easily defeat-able villain that won't be around after they are done in this book. So let's enjoy what moments we can out of this one.

What I Liked
We had a nice moment that pretty much keeps within the established quo of the other books. We get reminded that Damian still has a bounty on his head, and we get a minor reference to Joker being on the loose. But that makes me wonder, how the hell do all the Bat-writers keep this shit straight? Aw well, let's ignore it and look at the truly good moment that this book had - where Bruce takes Damian up in the air to see an eclipse and fix a satellite.

And I can't help but think that we saw a little bit of the demise of Pennyworth. Anyone else notice that Titus had a very human looking bone he was carrying around?

The artwork by both artists were spectacularly done. Wait a minute, by both artists?

What I Didn't Like
Oh, no! Gleason had to take someone else to help him complete this issue. I seriously think that is the first time that's been done for this book. So sad, and disappointing. There had to be reasons for it happening, and I would rather see Gleason tackle Joker in all the goodness that can be in the upcoming issues.

Now, both artists were great, but they don't have the same style. At all. Gleason and Gray have worked together on a very ink/shadow heavy book. Giorello is not this. And it is very jarring when the switch is made, and it comes from out of no where. Just all of a sudden Gleason finished and then someone else took over the reigns. Sigh. So sad to see this. The silver lining is that Giorello isn't too shabby, and I would like to see some more from him.

And seriously, zombies? Bah. Not here. Not even some strange zombie wanna-be thing.

Panel to Remember
When Titus is carrying the bone to Damian and trying to put it in his lap. Something just tells me that this will be a very telling panel later on down the road.

Quotable
"What's the matter, rat got your tongue?!" - Damian, after throwing his friend rat on some mutant frog thing and the rat taking a good size bite on the frog's tongue. Rabies shots for all!

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10 - Would have been higher but the sudden change of artists just wasn't smooth.
Buy Next Issue: I'll buy the other filler book until the crossover hits.

Comics! Green Lantern #13

Green Lantern #13

Geoff Johns: writer
Doug Mahnke: penciller
Christian Alamy, Mark Irwin, Tom Nguyen, Keith Champagne, & Marc Deering: inkers

The Solicitation

• “Rise of the Third Army”!

• Earth’s new Green Lantern battles The Justice League!

• Meanwhile, The Guardians begin their final step in the destruction of the Lanterns by releasing the first of the Third Army soldiers!


Preview

Why I Bought It
I wanted to see if we were going to get more out of this Baz character or not. Let's see what we find.

What I Liked
More slow burn development just how Johns likes to write. Seriously, it isn't bad at all here with the developing back story, and at least we get a little more detail behind why he wears a mask. now to explain that whole gun thing...

For a Rise of the Third Army book, we get about 3 pages devoted to it. That's it. And that's about all you need to call this book a tie-in. It made me laugh, seriously. Because if you started with issue #0, those pages will throw you off just as much as Jordan and Sinestro's short appearance last issue did. Although to be fair, they get a better show time in this issue when they deliver the message to Baz about what he has to do with the ring.

What I Didn't Like
I'm going to preface this with a minor disclaimer: I don't like politics in the comic book world full of superheros. That being said, from time to time the President has to make an appearance. OK, cool. Sometimes it is a stand in or caricature of the current administrator. That's all cool. But then I spotted something a little off. Either it was the art, or I'm just reading too much into it.

We get Obama. And he looks like Obama on the first panel he appears in. Then on the next page, strange things pop up. His nose gets a little straighter with a pointy end. And his hair is the more alarming of it, because the artist has drawn him with slick back hair, the same hairstyle as any of the Muslim characters in the book. I'm not pointing fingers and calling things out, I just think that is kinda a weird thing. And I don't like it.

Also going with the second issue of Baz's story, we get the special guest stars. For this book, it is a last minute panel reveal of the Justice League. And boo to that, they came out swinging for some reason. Oh wait, that is a comic book superhero rule: heroes must fight when they fight meet up. Boo to that.

Panel to Remember
On the first page. We got a profile of all the previous Green Lanterns and more details about how the world sees and views them from the "ground level." And I'm kinda surprised that they don't know who Kyle Rayner is. Interesting.

Quotable
"...assimilate." - It is what the Borg/Agent Smith/Crap excuse for a Third Army thing says they want  to do to Baz. I'll just shake my head right now for that.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Let's draw this out and rely a little less on stereotypical superhero writing, shall we? Oh wait, probably not.

Comics! Daredevil: End of Days #1

Daredevil: End of Days #1

Brian Michael Bendis & David Mack: writers
Klaus Janson: pencils
Bill Sienkiewicz: finished art and paintings
Matt Hollingsworth: color art

The Solicitation
Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Daredevil: End of Days #1, from the creative tour de force of Brian Michael Bendis, David Mack, Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkiewicz and Alex Maleev! When Matt Murdock’s greatest secret remains a mystery – there is only one man who can uncover it, investigative reporter Ben Urich! Witness the end of the Man Without Fear this October in Daredevil: End Of Days #1!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Wait, something must be wrong. I'm reviewing another Marvel book? It is only the third one I've purchased in the past year. Well, I liked Brian Bendis' original run, so let me see how he would end Daredevil.

What I Liked
Ah, in a Citizen Kane type of way.

On a more serious note, I kinda liked this. It had the perfect setup for everything you needed to know. It gave hints as to what happened in the past that you needed to follow what was going on with this book. It is a simple, albeit endlessly used, premise that happens to have Daredevil at the center.

The matches the style of a noir Daredevil book, although it does seem a little messy or sketchy at times. A little bit heavier on the inks might have done the trick to make it match the old style that Maleev used to do on the book, but I like this look still.

And the cover sets it all up. Daredevil covered in a white sheet with blood on it. Its perfect in that regard.

What I Didn't Like
The focus of the story is on Ben Ulrich, which I understand and get, especially considering the set up of this Citizen Kane style story. And when I think about it, it does come across almost as being pretentious. Matt even says a single word -"Mapone"- to match "rosebud."

My only other big problem with this book is the fact that it is 8 issues long and comes at a hefty price tag of $3.99 a book. That's $34 bucks that Marvel is getting from me at cover price if I stick with the book until the end in single issue format. I'm debating picking up the next issue, or just waiting for the eventual trade that will have some bonus materials.

Panel to Remember
The two page spread where Bullseye take's Matt's billy club and puts it into his head. It is just like "BAM!" Here I am. And off we go.

Quotable
"Mapone." Yea, it probably is a person, but let's wait and see how this one goes. The second goes to the Baxter Building Murders, which I can only assume is some potential future story line Bendis has for the Fantastic Four when he gets ready to disassemble them and make them Marvel's #1 book.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I'll debate it out, and then ultimately decide when the next issue is in front of me.

Comics! Animal Man #13

Animal Man #13

Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Steve Pugh
Penciller: Timothy Green II (pages 8, 9, 14, 15, 19, 20)
Inker: Joel Silver (pages 8, 9, 14, 15, 19, 20)

The Solicitation

• It’s the story you’ve been waiting for: “ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM”!

• Part one of a four-part epic in which the Earth has fallen to the Rot!

• Guest-starring Justice League Dark, Beast Boy and many other heroes and villains from the DC Universe!


Preview

Why I Bought It
Rotworld is finally here! This has been building and building and building and now I'm ready for it to be set!

What I Liked
I'm sorta at a loss of words. The art was split up in this issue, with one artist focusing on the Rotworld and the other focused on the "past" or current timeline, or whatever you want to call it. It was a smart way of dividing up the art so that the feel of each story had its own sense of self.

What I Didn't Like
This is just a little more disappointing than what I wanted to see from this book. With all the build up over the past year form the comic and it leads to an alternate take/look at the future kind of story that will just be undone later on? Seems just kind of predictable in a way I wasn't thinking would happen.

Swamp Thing matched the same feel for me with this issue, it just focused on the Green side of things. Here we are traversing through a world that is full of alternate takes to characters that have been around for a year. Hell, some of the characters I don't recognize or follow.

Trust me, the changes to Animal Man and the story I've been following has been great, but I was just hoping for a little more payoff than this. This Rotworld story seems to be a very generic story. My hope is that I'm wrong on this assumption, and I really do mean that. I'm really hoping we get just one artist and focus on getting this story to something better than a generic level for the character. So many tremendous and entertaining things have happened previously to this that I hope it amounts to something more.

Panel to Remember
There isn't one panel so much as a common thing I saw from certain characters. Take a small moment to reflect on the book and notice the protrusions of the canine teeth for characters. Rather interesting quirk, isn't it?

Quotable
"The bloody rot has already won!" - From John Constantine. Who we predictably know, will be proven very, very wrong.

Grades
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Eh. I don't know. Maybe?

Comics! Batman: The Dark Knight #0

Batman: The Dark Knight #0 

Gregg Hurwitz: writer
Mico Suayan and Juan Jose Ryp: pencils
Vicente Cifuentes: inks pages 11-20

The Solicitation
• Batman takes on the most important case of his career as a detective – who murdered his parents? • Meet Joe Chill and explore the epic conspiracy to wipe out the Wayne family!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I liked Hurwitz's issue with the Court of Owls, and I was intrigued to see how this comic would look after letting it go so long ago.

What I Liked
In a slight departure from other Batman books, this one focused on Bruce and his journey to find his parents' killer and bring reason to what happened to them. It was an interesting story to show, mostly because I didn't know what they would focus on. I remember that writer Geoff Johns had originally brought back Joe Chill as the face of Martha and Thomas Wayne's killer, and that seems to be the same direction they are going with this one.

Just like Detective Comics, this origin story seems like it would fit in with the recent Batman trilogy if they hadn't already covered Joe Chill in the first movie. And by fit in, i mean that it would reside in an alternate universe where Chill wasn't connected to the mob and Bruce had a chance to point a gun at him. Besides that, this would fit right in with that universe.

For not featuring Batman in costume at all this issue, it certainly was beautiful. I was surprised they didn't have Batman appearing on the last panel or anything standing over his grave in a similar fashion as young Bruce was in the beginning of the comic with the empty clothes of his parents laid out besides him. That image was an excellent one to show as it clearly demonstrates the grief that Bruce is feeling from the incident.

What I Didn't Like
I don't know if it was the author's intent or not, but this book was moving along very nicely until it had a picture of the Joker next to Bruce. Well, it wasn't a picture so much as it was melting paint on a wall. That moment sorta pulled you out of the picture of a relatively well written comic. And it wasn't just the Joker image, it was the line of text they had next to it - "At the end of the day, my parents died because a guy wanted a pearl necklace."

If we go with the idea that the Joker image, which came seemingly out of nowhere, was supposed to be way of looking at that line as a sex joke, then it was a bad one.

Seriously, if that wasn't intentional, then it is just sad, sad timing.

Panel to Remember
If we take away the Joker image, then I'm going with the title page where Bruce was sitting next to the empty clothes of his parents. That just hit a mark that was wonderful to see.

Quotable
"I didn't mean to." - Joe Chill after meeting a grown up Bruce Wayne. And if you aren't dead right now, then there are probably a legion of super villains willing to take you out.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: This would have been 9/10 all the way for both, but that last panel really stuck with me, in the wrong way. I would consider getting more books from these guys though.

Comics! Aquaman #0

Aquaman #0 

Geoff Johns: writer
Ivan Reis & Joe Prado: artists

The Solicitation
• It’s the first appearance of Atlantis – and Aquaman’s first encounter with Atlanteans! • How will this story of Arthur’s past set the stage for his future? Find out here!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I bought the first couple of issues, and was able to get a hold of some of the remaining issues up to this one. It was a quick, quick read. So, now fully caught up, let's see what happens with this issue.

What I Liked
This should have been issue #1.

I am so serious. It plays on all the story telling techniques that Johns has been giving us and runs with it. It also gives the reader some knowledge about Atlantis, the history, and Aquaman's role.

Every so often Johns has a way of delivering a single issue that just hits all the marks and leaves you feeling thrilled to read the story. This is that comic. This is the one that Johns does so much good with the character and sets everything up so nicely that it makes it feel worth it to the reader to hang a round for a couple more issues just to encounter another one like it. And it feels like Johns is actually telling a story instead of letting the artist take over everything and tell the story instead, which happens in the first fee pages, but then gets to the good stuff.

What I Didn't Like
The art is fantastic, don't get me wrong. But when pages of the 20 page comic focus on Aquaman simply diving into the sea, showing the creator credits, and then him punching a shark (which was cool) and then you are already halfway through the comic? That's a lot of wasted story space.

And it seems like a theme that everyone has encountered someone who is a former Atlantian. Isn't that convenient?

Panel to Remember
I'll go with the Aquaman punching a shark panel.

Quotable
"Welcome to Atlantis, King Arthur. From now on, your life is here." - And this tells me exactly where the story for this series should have started and stayed at during the first year. Not the flashback BS that tends to happen with Johns' writing, but actually telling the story in that perspective. Other books in the New 52 started out "5 years ago..." so why couldn't this one?

Grades
Words: 9/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I would so be down with this book and buy it if it stayed in the past. I really would, because that is where Aquaman's story is. Not above ground, sitting in a restaurant and being asked if he talks to fish.

Comics! Flash #0

Flash #0

Story by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art by Francis Manapul

The Solicitation
• At last, it’s the origin of The Flash! • The loss of his mother put Barry Allen on the road to becoming a hero, but only when he gains his powers will he understand her most important lesson.

Preview

Why I Bought It
Well, let's see if we have an origin story that I could care about with the Flash!

What I Liked
Longtime fans of the Flash will know that Geoff Johns was the one to retcon the fact that Barry's mom was killed by Barry's father, or at least accused of it. That seems to be the story that they are sticking to in this new 52, which is just fine. I think it is an overused idea that the death of parents help create the hero, as we see it happening in most all of the new origins for the Justice League (think about it for a moment, then know it is fact).

The art is very nice in this book. Manapul gets creative with break away story panels that adds to the story telling without detracting from it too much. It can be a very showy thing, and as we've seen in the Annual issue, not very many artists can pull it off with a sense of style.

And you know what? This could have almost been a better first issue than what was issue #1. The big difference is that it at least gives Barry a back story in this book.

What I Didn't Like
The idea behind Barry's costume. If you go through and tell the reader that spandex won't work, and then that metal doesn't work, but then don't name the new stuff you create? That's cheating. And it seems like it is a process the make the different panels for Barry's costume, but the panels seem to change each issue with the Tron-like lines all around it. Add to the fact that if this was my first experience with Flash, and since this is a Zero issue, you should have a scene where the costume pops out of the ring. It gives a sense of payoff to the one page detailing the shrinking or whatever it is that is going on with the costume and why the ring has lightning around it.

If anyone could explain to me how Flash was able to break through the car door window at the end of the book and be able to look like he is in mid-fight sequence in the front seat of the car then I have a science lesson or two to talk to you about. It is as if the inside of vehicles are like the TARDIS for Manapul, it's all bigger on the inside.

And teasing about a new member of the West family showing up is just a big tease. I have a couple of ways that Wally could have been reasonably put into the new 52, which is pretty simple to do if you are going to give Batman a 10 year old son. West could have been the poster child for legacy characters and the idea for them in the new 52, but DC chose not to go forward with it. Argh.

Panel to Remember
The first panel that Barry appeared as the Flash. It is just a straight up shot of Flash running towards the reader, but it works. It is the first time you see the Flash in costume and it is pretty enjoyable.

Quotable
"This is so cool..." - Barry after creating the ring. And I'm sure it is cool, to the writer and artist of the book. But it is one thing for this to be cool, and another thing for some simple explanation.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm stuck on this title for life, which is getting better at times than it did a year ago.

Comics! Batman Incorporated #0

Batman Incorporated #0 

Story by Chris Burnham & Grant Morrison
Script by Grant Morrison
Artwork by Frazier Irving

The Solicitation

• Batman, Incorporated wants you!

• Batman has a war to fight, but first he must recruit an army to combat the menace of Leviathan.

• See how The Dark Knight assembled his lieutenants!


Preview

Why I Bought It
This would be interesting, because we did get to see the beginnings of Batman, Inc, but it was more after the facts. Let's see what this story will tells us especially when we see it through the filter of the New 52.

What I Liked
The art. I like seeing something different that your regular superhero book, and this book just lets the art fly. We do get some sense of a traditional, grounded artwork when Wayne tells the board at Wayne Enterprises what they are doing with the formation of Batman, Inc. Outside of that, we generally get a tone or two for the other stories and as they come together the colors combine to have everything come into focus. It was really nicely done.

We also get some New 52 beginnings for all the characters, which some had previous origins told and others did not. The one I liked a lot was Bruce's own when he came up for the idea of Batman. It was a nice way to set the scene for anyone who didn't really follow Morrison's Batman before, but I imagine that isn't the case with most people. For being a Zero issue, it fairs better than most other Zero issues, but knowing a bit about Batman helps make his origin story page pay off better.

What I Didn't Like
This issue isn't too good of a Zero issue unless you know about Batman or Morrison's previous work. There are a lot of things in there, and a general overall narrative to follow, but some of the details will fly over people's heads. It feels very much like the post Batman R.I.P. issues where Morrison had to go back over what happened to Batman from Final Crisis and the previous issues of Batman. Familiar territory that needs to be retold or retreaded just isn't a strong point with Morrison's writing as he likes to push forward.

Panel to Remember
For me, it was the one page that Damian and - I am assuming - Nightwing as Batman made a cameo appearance. Damian was sitting there ready to punch whoever he could and it made for a funny moment.

Quotable
"I'll happily punch him." - Damian's one line in the book.

Grades
Words: 7/10
Pictures: 8/10
Buy Next Issue: I will be down until Morrison finishes this epic. A part of em wants him to set the endgame in motion and just finish it already, but the ride is still a little fun.

Comics! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14 

Story: Kevin Eastman & Tom Waltz
Script: Tom Waltz
Art: Andy Kuhn

The Solicitation
Splinter instructs Raphael in the true way of the ninja, and Casey's life is irrevocably changed! The Turtles have a new mission, but Shredder's ambitions could put an end to it before they begin. Plus, Krang unveils his master plan! This issue lays the groundwork for a thrilling new story arc that plunges the Turtles into two epic wars! Don't miss it!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Turtles. Plain and simple.

What I Liked
Hey, The Technodrome is here!

We also get a lot of Krang's back story played out in this issue. While that isn't too bad, it does two things of importantance: 1) makes Krang's character a little more sympathetic leaving you wondering if it is all lies or the truth, and 2) firmly brings in the idea of Dimension X into the Turtle lore. What about the Fuigitoid issue? Well, that was printed out of order, as the last page in this book shows with it saying that Fugitoid comes out next week.

The story also makes the case for wanting to kill off Shredder. The fact that it is coming from Splinter makes me wonder if they will go down that route or not. It would be interesting to do, and with the cliffhanger of this book, it makes me wonder if Leonardo will be the one to deliver the deathblow.

What I Didn't Like
The art. The more I see of it, the more I just don't like it. I've gone into some detail before about it, so I'm not going to re-hash it. I will say that whenever there seem to be aliens involved or anything that you don't need to focus on the eyes of the character, the better the artwork looks. That's kinda weird to see happen, but it surprisingly works well.

Panel to Remember
The introduction to the Technodrome. It gives a small sense to the size of the Technodrome, but I can only imagine what it will be doing when it is allowed to fully be unleashed.

Quotable
"An inter dimensional being - do not confuse the two again, Stockman." - Krang to Stockman when Stockman states that Krang is an extra-dimensional being. Spot on observation by Krang.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 5/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm down, but I don't know how long I can stay with this art.

Comics! Talon #0

Talon #0

Plot by James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Guillem March

The Solicitation
• A new series featuring the Court of Owls’ unstoppable killing machine! • Meet Calvin Rose, the only Talon ever to escape the grasp of the Court of Owls. This former assassin just wants to live a normal life...but that’s impossible, since he’s being hunted by his former masters!

Preview

Why I Bought It
Well, this seems like an interesting concept. Or at least one that I've seen before with Azrael, the Jean Paul Valley version. Let's see where this one takes us.

What I Liked
This is a true Zero issue as it tells us the entire back story for our Talon turned anti-Talon, Calvin Rose. Well, maybe not anti-Talon yet, but we know it will happen.

Interestingly, this story takes place in the past. Five years ago to be exact. Will it be brought up to speed with the rest of the DCU? I don't know. But it makes it a little interesting because then our main title character has the ability to be in a DC universe where there aren't any heroes, save for Batman rumbling around someplace. (At least, that's the idea that DC is tossing around). That will be interesting to see where it goes.

What I Didn't Like
There was something familiar about this book. The setup, the story. I knew the Court of Owls was familiar to be with the whole Azrael connection, but there was something else about this story that just tickled the back of my head. Where have I seen this before?

Calvin Rose is Jason Bourne. Trained killer who volunteered for the job who then loses track of their programming when a child's face enters the picture. Add in the escape artist thing and then you have a match.

And with that established, I just can't read the comic the same way again. It is Jason Bourne's intro to the DC universe.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the one where the old man from the Court of Owls came by for a visit. He had very owl-like qualities that just set the tone for him. But that was really the only standout moment for me.

Quotable
"Yes." - and thus Calvin decides that killing is going to be OK, but don't worry, he overcomes that emotion later on.

Grades
Words: 5/10 - Overall this is a good character intro, but you are essentially putting Jason Bourne into the Batman universe.
Pictures: 5/10 - The art just wasn't working for me.
Buy Next Issue: I'm half tempted to see where it goes, but if I can't afford it then I won't go out of my way to make room for it on the pull list.

Comics! Red Lanterns #0

Red Lantern #0

Writer: Peter Milligan
Penciller: Ardian Syaf
Inker: Vicente Cifuentes

The Solicitation
PROLOGUE TO THE THIRD ARMY! • Don’t miss this secret chapter of the Red Lantern Corps, as the legacy of Atrocitus’s violent past unfolds! • Witness a prophecy that threatens to change everything!

Preview

Why I Bought It
I'm a sucker for books that I used to read getting the Zero treatment. When last I checked in, Bleez was off rebelling and recruiting her own corps and the corps was dying or something like that. I forget.

What I Liked
So the artists for Batgirl and Red Lanterns switched. Both tend to put normal humans in weird poses, and both look a little better on Red Lanterns where alien biology is best suited to bend to their artistic abilities.

That first panel was a good introduction. It reminded me a little of Grant Morrison's first page of his New X-Men run. big tall robot, little person showing it what's up. In X-Men's case, it was Wolverine. Here it is Atrocitus' daughter.

The story is about the "secret history" of Atrocitus and how he formed the Red Lanterns. Interesting, because I wonder how they get formed in this new 52 universe. I think that previously Atrocitus was tortured for eons, his sector forgotten about and hidden. In this new history, it seems that Abin Sur, the Green Lantern who was a predessosor to Hal Jordan's ring, had a hand in getting Atrocitus chained up. So now I wonder just how long the Red Lanterns have been known about, and how long they have been kept a "secret." Although, this book does continue with the overall Green Lantern narrative that Abin Sur had a hand in everything related to the rainbow spectrum before Jordan even knew about it.

Basically, Jordan has done nothing in his Green Lantern career in the new 52 but chase Abin's shadow. But that's for Green Lantern.

What I Didn't Like
Direct contradiction to the events in issue #1.

By the same writer of issue #1.

I would think it is fairly easy to do what I did and go back and read the published version of issue #1. See how the story went down there, and then make sure the story you are currently telling matches those events. Look at how the killing of Atrocitus' family went down and you will see where my frustrations come from.

I can understand if a new writer is coming on and changing the past, just like how Superboy #0 did. But this is the same writer. How does that happen? I can now understand why this book isn't that popular.

The big challenge that this book has is to make the reader sympathetic to Atrocitus' plight. And I am sorta there with it. I can follow a bit, but there is just something missing. I think it lies in the fact that Atrocitus and basically went all in with the power of the Red Lanterns and there isn't anything he can turn back to. Trying to flesh him out like this just doesn't feel natural or seem like it would lead to anything for his character arc.

And BTW, if the Third Army prologue is what panel I think it is, then calling this a tie in to the Third Army story is bogus.

Panel to Remember
I'm going with the first page. It just had that moment that is iconic to me and sticks in your head.

Quotable
"And I think you're pretty stupid." - Yep, about sums up how I feel about this one and the girl's feeling about the Manhunter.

Grades
Words: 4/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: Nah. I'll stay away from Red Lanterns, wait for the cancellation, and then start reading whatever title replaces it.

Mini Bio and Where To Follow Me.

Who I Am and Where I Am At

Hello All,

Let's call this an introduction. My name is David Jetter, and this is Jett's Blog. Used mostly as a comic book review site, I've been giving this site an almost daily trashing of my thoughts on the comic books I buy and the news that comes out of the industry. It's a hobby.

Recently some people have been reading this blog. OK, a lot of people. I am thankful for that, for it has given me the chance to be recruited for another comic book site, Capeless Crusader.

Over at CapelessCrusader.org, they have reviews, news, and general commentary about the industry. They have it on a much more regular posting schedule than mine can be at times, and somehow have tapped me to do some reviews and news for DC Comics. Either humbly or foolishly, I agreed to it. 

What does that mean for this blog? Oh, it will still be here. I read plenty more than DC stuff, but have no problem sending my reviews for both places. So, on occasion, you will see a post directing you to go to Capeless to review my blog over there. For example:

Teen Titans #0 is up and over at Capeless Crusader, make with the clicky and check it out!

Now, for those who are coming to this blog for the first time, let me introduce myself. I've been a comic fan for over 20 years. My first comic on memory is either Batman or X-men, it gets a little fuzzy. I am a fan of DC Comics, and love a lot of independent comics. I have four tattoos, with three of them comic book related. My book shelf is full of all types of graphic novels, trades, collections, and I have over 7 long boxes featuring almost every Wally West Flash book, and -except for a couple of single issues - every Batman and Detective book published since Year One. 

I know a good comic when I see it. I know a bad comic when I see that one in my cross-hairs. Comics are more than superheroes, and comics can be anything. Words and pictures. Two simple words, but a median of awesome when used to its potential. I enjoy the good and the bad, and I don't mind sharing that with anyone who gets bored and wants to see what I have to say.

As if I am important or anything.

Follow me on Twitter - @djetter0801

I have a Google + account as well. Follow me there for a healthy dose of sanity.

I'll review books here at this blog.

I'll review books and give ya some DC news over at www.capelesscrusader.org

See ya next time.

Comics! Red Hood and the Outlaws #0

Red Hood and the Outlaws #0 

Written by Scott Lobdell
Art by Pasqual Ferry, Ig Guara & Brett Booth

The Solicitation
• Learn how Jason Todd came back to life after being killed by The Joker. • Do you really need another reason to check out this issue?

Preview

Why I Bought It
Well, the solicitation was right., that's why I'm here for this comic. So let's get into it!

What I Liked
Y'know, this isn't too bad of an origin story for Jason Todd. The first part of the book reads like total cliche about the bad time Jason had growing up. But when he meets Batman, that's when things take a turn for the better in the story.

There are some changes that are made from his previous origin in the old 52. In the old 52, he boosted the Batmobile's tires and that is what caused Batman to find him out. In this universe, he was stealing drugs and got in the good graces of Leslie Thompkins. Its not really know what happened for Dick and Batman to split, but I understand Bruce's reasoning for bringing Jason into the Bat-family.

The big moment for me was right before Jason dies at the Joker's hand. The inner monologue reveals that he never got to say goodbye, thank you, or sorry to Batman before the bomb went off. That was a nice touching moment for me that matched what we have seen before. Kudos to Lobdell for that.

I am also liking how Todd came back through a Lazarus Pit. It keeps with the origin from Under The Red Hood, the Batman movie that made some changes to the original "re-birth" of Jason to the old DCU. I much like this one better. It is nice, simple, and should have been the obvious way to go from before.

What I Didn't Like
The cliche writing at the beginning. It had a nice moment or two, like when the Batarang bruise was shown, but outside of that it felt cliche. And the art made Jason's mom look pregnant with Jason hanging around, which makes me dread any idea of a future story that has Jason searching for a sibling. I hope that story never sees the light of day, or the dark of Batman night.

The end story of the comic is interesting, and I'm hesitant to dislike it too much or love it outright. The basic idea is that the Joker is the one who set everything in motion for Jason to become Robin, and then killed him. Then Jason had to go and come back and Red Hood, which Joker found amusing. The idea is interesting and paints this Joker as one with a master plan that is just full of crude punchlines. But the linchpin to this whole thing lies in the idea that Joker has to know who Batman really is. That, or he knows that Batman and Leslie Thompkins are connected and is trying to play off that connection.

It is a stretch. A serious stretch. I'm willing to toy with that idea a bit before making a final judgement. My hope is that Lobdell actually has a plan of where to take that idea. If he doesn't then I'll back away from the idea and chalk it up to Joker telling the story and he is just lying about it. But it is a nice twist, just has to have a few holes filled.

Panel to Remember
Jason's face right before the bomb goes off. It hits perfectly with the thoughts that we see in the narration.

Quotable
"Or "I'm sorry"" - then boom goes the bomb.

Grades
Words: 7/10 - Only because the first third is cliche, the middle is decent, and the end needs some time to judge it.
Pictures: 6/10 - The art was a mess to me. Three artists were on this book. How last minute was the script given out?
Buy Next Issue: The next issue won't pick up the story from here, that is where the next Bat-crossover comes in. I'll wait and buy those issues, unless I hear of something good happening in the next issue.

Comics! The Quick & The Read: New Guardians & Revival

The Quick & The Read:

Green Lantern: New Guardians #0

Tony Bedard: writer
Aaron Kuder: artist
Andrei Bressan: artist - pg. 5-6, 17-19
Greg Adams: inker pg. 15, 16

Preview

What I Liked
We finally get to see Star Sapphire make her new 52 debut, and her costume is now covering her up a little more. Guess they gotta make that change if they plan on having Kyle become a Star Sapphire at some point.

What I Didn't Like
This isn't a zero issue with an origin story, it just shows where this book will go next. And if you didn't read anything before this or wonder who all is on the cover, this book doesn't do much to tell you or explain things. Almost a fail on all fronts for me.

And that art. Did you see the cover? All those characters would have broken backs. Especially Star Sapphire. Show me the perspective that you would have to be looking at her for that pose to make sense.

Grades
Words: 5/10
Pictures: 4/10
Buy Next Issue: Negative, Captain. Looks like there will just be one Green Lantern book going for me.




Revival #3

Story by Tim Seeley
Art by Mike Norton

What I Liked
This story just keeps on getting interesting. Bring me more of this "rural noir" that you speak of. Yes...

And the art just keeps going strong. The picture of the flying wiener dog just made me laugh!

What I Didn't Like
I was slightly confused by some parts, but thanks to having the recent issues within arm's reach got things sorted out.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 9/10
Buy Next Issue: I'm down. Thinking this one might be for the long haul.

Comics! Batwoman #0

Batwoman #0 

J.H. Williams III: co-writer/artist
W. Haden Blackman: co-writer

The Solicitation
• See how Kate Kane shed her life of excess and disgrace to become the costumed vigilante known as Batwoman! • Has she truly put her demons to rest?

Preview

Why I Bought It
Because this one is interesting, for a couple of reasons. First, this book already had a Zero issue about a month before the relaunch. The second is that Williams is coming back to the book for art duties. Let's see what we got.

What I Liked
It was surprising to see yet another origin story for Batwoman, but still walking away a little bit enjoying it. But honestly, this should have been issue #1. The writing reveals a lot more about the character and tells her story so much clearer than I think it ever has before. The one thing this book is lacking is a lot of Batwoman in the costume, which I found to be great, but probably would have been shunned by DC at the time of the relaunch.

The art was very consistent from page to page. That's not saying that the art has been terrible before, but Williams has a way of changing art styles to match the perspective of the story. It is something that I missed form Batwoman and am glad to see it back. There are only a couple times when the art does a change for perspective, in the beginning, middle, and bookmarking the end. The placement in the middle does it just enough to show you were a change in character came for Batwoman.

What I Didn't Like
This was just another one of the Zero issues that I wish we had ages ago. Don't get me wrong, the first issue was pretty good, but this one knocks it more out of the park.

This issue shows me that the writers have a clear sense of direction with where to take this character. A few issues ago I dropped this book because it was lacking in both art and story. If I was confident that it could stay at this level then I would keep with it, but knowing that Williams is going to be heading over to draw the new Sandman book with Neil Gaiman, I just don't feel confident that another artist could come around and make the story work just like he did. Williams works best when he is scripting for himself to draw, not for others.

Panel to Remember
Pick any panel when young Kate is kicking the shit out of the boy who just skinned her sister's knee. It was awesome to see.

Quotable
"I came back as Kate Kane." - An important line and distinction from Batman. She isn't all about the mask, she is all about herself.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 10/10
Buy Next Issue: Nah, but I might pick it up in a trade later on.

Comics! Womanthology: Space #1

Womanthology: Space #1

Bonnie Burton, Jessica Hickman, Sandy King Carpenter, Tanja Wooten, Alison Ross and Stephanie Hans, Ming Doyle, Jordie Bellaire, and Stacie Ponder

The Solicitation
Womanthology: Space, the follow up to the hit Kickstarter project, Womanthology: Heroic, starts off with the first of five out-of-this-world issues: Moon. Each issue contains three 6-page stories, plus pinups, how-tos, and more, by women of all ages and experience. Check out a haunted space station, a snarky robot, and so much more in this debut issue.

Preview

Why I Bought It
It was intriguing. I don't buy that male creators are better than female creators or the other way around. What I expect out of this book is a good collection of some people wanting to use the median to tell a story. Let's see if any of them have the talent.

What I Liked
A lot more than I thought I would. That's not down talking to the talent here. Going into this I expected to see some amateur work or work I was unfamiliar with. There is in some parts, but each of these stories have a story to tell, and it is done decently for some, but better on others.

There are five different varieties of art on display here, and all are good in their own right. Only a couple really tell a story the way I expect most comic art to be able to do. I think out of all of it, I thought that the first story had the most comic book audience appeal to it, while the Scaling Heaven story was something that I could personally relate with and want to see happen in real life.

What I Didn't Like
The second and fourth stories were OK. Dead Again seemed to be lacking something with the story telling. The Adventures of Princess Plutonia was a decent story, just not one I am into.

I bought this issue thinking it was a one shot, but am surprised it will be five issues. That at least leaves Space Girls with a cliffhanger, and I'm torn on whether on not I should get the next issue. I think it may be one of those type of books that I will flip through at first to see if something catches my eye.

Panel to Remember
I loved the slightly ambiguous ending to Scaling Heaven. Definitely a story I want to see happen in real life before 2040 though.

Quotable
"I am a speck of dust in a sunbeam." - Aren't we all? Nicely done.

Grades
Words: 8/10
Pictures: 7/10
Buy Next Issue: It's a toss up, but if things look promising then I will pick it up.