Living Up to Expectations: The Tale of Two Badasses

Batman #680
Written By: Grant Morrison
Art By: Tony Daniel

What defines a Badass? Is it the way they dress, the way they are always so suave and smooth, and do they just plain kick the crap out of their opponents? For Bruce Wayne… it’s all of the above. This weeks books were full of badassery (yes, that’s right) and the first book on the chopping block this week is Batman #680. From the creative team of Grant Morrison (New X-Men, Final Crisis) and Tony Daniel (Teen Titans, Flash: Fastest Man Alive), this is part five in the much-acclaimed Batman R.I.P. series. Up to this point it has been a confusing yet intriguing trip through Bruce Wayne’s psyche that develops into a story, which only Grant Morrison could tell. I don’t understand all the undertones and complications of the story so you will have to bear with me. We see the continued journey of the batman from Zur En Arrh, a fictional Batman that was developed in case Bruce Wayne’s mind would ever come under attack. The plot of the mysterious Black Glove continues to unfold as we see this whole scenario is a gamble for the rich and powerful. Bat-mite, a fifth dimensional (imaginary) Batman, continues to help Batman but upon on entering the lair of the Black Glove he states that, “reason will not fit through the door” and then departs. We also see one of the most frightening Jokers that has ever been portrayed in comics. The most interesting thing about this story is how it’s a puzzle. The plot is not spoon-fed to you and it requires some in-depth thinking. Though sometimes I can be utterly lost when I read Grant Morrison, I feel that Batman R.I.P. is a good mix of both psychological thriller and badass Batman action. There is a shocking reveal at the end of this issue and Morrison sets the stage for the final act in this epic Batman tale. Don’t miss it.

Jonah Hex #36
Written By: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art By: Rafa Garres

When confronted with the question: who is the most badass DC comic character, people often refer to the most powerful such as Superman or the most dark such as Batman. Up until about twenty minutes ago I would agree with these answers. That is until I read Jonah Hex. Jonah Hex #36, written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and art by Rafa Garres, shows just what being a badass really means. After many months of Scott speaking praises on this book, I decided to pick it up and see for myself. Though every issue is a stand alone issue and you can jump on at any point, this issue is especially a good jumping on point because it dives into the past and briefly explains the history of Jonah Hex and the world he lives in, 1866 America. The Civil War has just ended and racism runs rampant through the south. In this heated and violent racial “Tug O’ War,” Jonah Hex gets caught in the middle and his values and conscience are tested. I don’t want to ruin it if you do decide to get this book, but the mixture of story telling and violence really makes this book different and compelling. If you are a fan of the Saint of Killers from the Preacher series, westerns, The Dark Tower, anything that is cool, there is no reason why you should not get this book. I also loved how the art really reflected what was happening in the story and I felt drawn back to the 1860’s. There is a little more text then what is usual for a comic, but I don’t mind for it provides for an excellent story. I won’t go into much detail, expect this to be mentioned on ComicDorksCast # 35. Stay Tuned….