THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week- #192 ____________________________________________________________________
Reviews by John Norris, August 25, 2010

BATMAN BEYOND #2: “Hush Beyond, part 2: Past Crimes” (Teen/Young Adult)

Adam Beechen (w); Ryan Benjamin (p); John Stanisci (i); David Baron (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by Dustin Nguyen

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Long after the original Batman disappeared, teenager Terry McGinnis stumbled upon the reclusive Bruce Wayne and his secrets. Tempered by personal tragedy, and given Bruce's blessing and guidance, Terry now fights crime in the Gotham City of tomorrow as BATMAN BEYOND.

In this issue : A mysterious new threat targets the original Batman's villains, and only Terry McGinnis – the Batman of the future – has a chance of finding and stopping him. But of a Catwoman stalks into the picture, Terry is torn between the lady she appears to be and the deadly tiger she might turn out to be! (from dccomics.com)

Review: As the mystery unravels, Batman's original villains are targeted using the techniques of…Batman's original villains. We also learn more about Batman's history with Hush. This series is doing something that few others do: it's drawing me in and making me more excited with each turn of the page. Beechen's script is wonderful, particularly the banter between Batman and Catwoman. And the art, including the double splash of Batman pursuing Catwoman, is just as great.

Look out for: blood

BATMAN: BRAVE AND THE BOLD #15: “Minute Mystery” (All Ages)

Sholly Fisch (w); Robert Pope (p); Scott McRae (i); Heroic Age (c); Rob Clark Jr. (l); cover by Pope & McRae with Hi-Fi

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Jumping out of your TV and into your comics comes the highly anticipated new cartoon BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD ! Each month, The Dark Knight Detective faces challenges that only he can solve – with a little help from his DC Universe pals! Thrill as Batman visits new places and old friends. Chill as he chases down the most powerful villains in the DCU , armed with only his Bat-gadgets and his wits!

In this issue: The race is on between Batman and The Flash to find out which hero is the world's fastest detective! All they have to do is solve the case of the Minute Mystery...or die trying! (from dckids.kidswb.com)

Review: It's a well-known fact that the Flash and Superman have raced before, but this is the first time I've known Batman to go up against the Scarlet Speedster! Someone has stolen some crystals from a jewelry store in Keystone City , and the city's resident hero is eager to show Batman what he can do. So the race is on to identify the thief, find them and recover the crystals. I love the references to Flash history as well as the “Batusi” in the opening.

BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #14: “Back in Black” (All Ages)

Art Baltazar & Franco (w); Mike Norton (p/i); Zac Atkinson (c); Travis Lanham (l); cover by Norton & Atkinson

Publisher: DC

Format: monthly series

Concept: Welcome to the brand-new, all-fun adventures of Billy Batson as the World's Mightiest Mortal — Captain Marvel!

In this issue: Black Adam's made a shocking new friend - and Freddy Freeman may be just what it takes to tip the scales and bring an end to Captain Marvel! It's a history-making brawl in the Natural History Museum , with art by fantastic new series regular Mike Norton ( BLUE BEETLE, GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY)! (from dckids.kidswb.com)

Review: What started as a school field trip has turned into an event that Billy, Mary, Theo Adam and Freddy Freeman will certainly never forget! The Natural History Museum may very well BECOME history after this! I like that Baltazar & Franco stop the action for a moment with the “temple” scene without losing any momentum built up to that point. I love Tawny's hilarious scene. And I love that Norton really makes both Theo and Black Adam really LOOK like the villains they are through fantastic facial expressions. Finally, I like the fact that Adam uses brains as much as brawn; for all the physical damage he does, his worst act is convincing Freddy Freeman to help him…and he knows just how to do it.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

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