I bought Batwing #9 only because it was part of the Night of the Owls crossover. Don’t just me unworthy, even a geek with a blog has a comic book budget. I was impressed with this new hero and enjoyed Judd Winick and Marcus To’s tie-in to the crossover.
Spinning out of Batman, The Court of Owls have unleashed their Talons on targets all over Gotham City. Bruce Wayne’s trusted ally Lucius Fox has been judged unworthy. Batwing must stop the death sentence during a Batman Incorporated event.
The script was tight and action packed but gives you insight into David – and I was immediately engaged. It’s too obvious and cliche to say he reminds me of working man’s Black Panther because they’re both from Africa but I also see the some of Hawkeye’s personality in David. This was my first Batwing issue and the first of many more.
The Night of the Owls crossover events violently tears into Detective Comics #9 as Talons invade Arkham Asylum. The Court of Owls have judged Jeremiah Arkham unworthy. The inmates of Arkham may be the only thing saving him from a death sentence until Batman joins the chaos.
The pencils are plot are eerie and violent mirroring the madness and manipulation inside Gotham’s notorious address. The Black Mask, Clayface and all of Arkham’s “patients” are pawns in his plan to escape the Council of Owls’ assassins. This a thrilling hour during Night of the Owls you don’t want to miss.
In my interview with Tony Daniel (see below) the man behind Detective Comics expressed his hope to work on a Clayface story. In this issue the classic villain has brief moments that are a great tease for what Daniel might do with him.
This issue features a back story starring Two-Face. Tony Daniel (see his interview link below) takes Harvey Dent into a dark, seedy deal with a devil and sets him for an anti-hero to cheer for. Syzmon Kudranski created a murky violent underworld for Harvey to creep through on his mission.
Here’s my interview with Tony Daniel at Fan Expo Vancouver (with more video clips from the creator in his own words.) I asked Daniel about Batman’s Rogues Gallery, the Two-Face back story in Detective Comics, the villains he wants to use next and how rock legends KISS inspired him.
Attack on Wayne Manor. Night of the Owls begins in Batman #8. First one, then another, then waves of relentless Talons invade Bruce Wayne’s refuge. Like a creepy hybrid of Aliens and (fast) Zombies from the Dawn of the Dead remake, the assassins keep attacking.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo create a tension filled masterpiece with this issue as those owl eyes appear and Bruce must fight his way through a relentless series of attacks by the ruthless killers Alfred’s brief moment of glory against the invaders is short-lived as he discovers the horrible truth of what’s in store for Gotham City.
NIghtwing #8 courtesy DC Comics
Nightwing #8 picks up the action as more Talons target Gotham City and Batman’s allies try to stop assassinations. Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows take the ball (or maybe the blade would be a better choice for this story) and run with two stories. One in Gotham’s past and one in the present as Dick Grayson endures brutal, bloody showdown with a Talon tied to Dick’s haunted family history.
Night of the Owls is off to a thrilling start. This crossover may be the cure of event fagitue!
The just released Batman #8 and Nightwing #8 are preludes to Night of the Owls crossover kicking off next month and across the Batman family of books. The Court of Owls unleash their army of Talons on Bruce Wayne, his allies and Gotham City.
James Tynion IV will co-write a back story in the titles exploring Gotham City’s history with the Court of Owls and secrets of Bruce Wayne’s ancestors. The up and coming writer talked with DC about the project.
“I could see the epic size and shape of the story as it began last September. I was devouring every issue waiting to see what might happen next. When Scott offered me the chance to help him build the mythology of the Court with the backups, and help launch “Night of the Owls,” how could I have ever said no? The Court and their Talons are my favorite additions to the Bat-Mythos in ages, with each of those awesome assassins offering a glimpse of Gotham’s history. We’re launching “Night of the Owls” this week in BATMAN #8, and using the back-up to lead right from the action of the feature into the other Bat-family titles with “The Call.” And with “The Fall of the House of Wayne,” Scott and I are exploring the pre-Alfred years at stately Wayne Manor, with some incredible art by Rafael Albuquerque. I can’t wait for everyone to check it out.”
I’ll be devouring the preludes tonight and I’m eagerly awaiting the crossover – especially all the Talons designed by the mighty Greg Capullo!
Batman #7 exposed a secret that cut into Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson’s alliance. It was another twist of the knife turned by the Court of Owls. This sinister society has been manipulating Gotham City for decades and is launching an all out war on Batman, his allies for control of Gotham.
The Night of the Owls prelude begins with this week’s Batman #8 and Nightwing #8. DC Comics offered a preview of Dick Grayson’s title by Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows. Can Nightwing save the Mayor from the Talon.
Avengers vs. X-Men #2 Captain America wants custody of Hope. Cyclops blasted Steve off the island. The Avengers storm Utopia.
Batman #8 Bruce Wayne is battered. The Court of Owls will strike at the heart of Gotham City. This is the prelude to Night of the Owls when the Talons attack Batman’s friends and allies. A new back story begins chronicling the secret history of Gotham City, The Court of Owls and the Wayne family.
Manhattan Projects #2 A horrific tale of altered history. Creating the nuclear bomb was just a cover for the mad science writer Jonathan Hickman is formulating in this series. This chapter delves into the hidden history of fall of Germany in World War II.
Rachel Rising #7 Rachel can see the impending death of others but her ability is a blessing and a curse. A supernatural thriller by award-winning creator Terry Moore.
Wolverine and the X-Men #9 What happened when Captain America went to the Jean Grey School? How did Steve convince Logan to come with him to Utopia? But will Wolverine remain on the Avengers side? Will the students and teachers follow their headmaster?
Night of the Owls begins this week with Batman #8 and Nightwing #8. The Court of Owls and their army of enforcers, the Talons, launch a full-scale assault on Gotham City and the Batman family.
Batman writer Scott Snyder previews the battle for Gotham’s soul and massive crossover.
“Night of the Owls is here, and it’s about time.”
“I think that’s what a lot us on team Batman have been feeling these last few days. Because for us, this is the moment – the moment we’ve been excitedly working on and building towards for months. This is it, and now it’s really here! This is the night when the Court of Owls makes its move, sending close to 60 Talons out into the skies of Gotham, each with a deadly mission designed to help bring the city to its knees. Of course, the missions will also bring the Talons crashing into conflict with almost every member of the Bat-family, and even though this whole story takes place on one single night, for many of Gotham’s heroes, these clashes will have terrifying consequences that linger long after Gotham’s fate is decided.
Batman #5 courtesy DC Comics
“Night of the Owls is here, and it’s about time.”
“There’s another reason that phrase sticks with me, though. And that’s because the story itself is about time, about history. For one thing, with every Talon having come from a different era of Gotham’s past, they’ll be plenty of glimpses literally and figuratively into Gotham’s history, with a lot of shocking secrets from the past being revealed. Basically, the story is about Gotham’s dark past being brought to bear against the heroes of the present – about the evil from decades, even centuries of corruption emerging from the shadows to crush the spirit of the city – and the Bat-family – once and for all, in one single night, now.”
This Geek’s Opinion: The Court of Owls story is one of the most gripping stories I’ve read. As much as I enjoy Batman’s Rogues Gallery, it’s a credit to Snyder and artist Greg Capullo that they’ve taken an enemy (in this case, it’s an organization, an idea of evil) and made them so impactful. Greg Capullo deserves huge accolades for his incredible, haunting art. The Owl masked Council members and the Talon are so simple yet terrifying. And Batman #5 alone is a stunning achievement in storytelling. Capullo has designed an intricate army of Talons from various eras.
Most fans suffer from event-fatigue but we still buy the crossover anyway. I’m anticipating and eagerly excited for every chapter of Night of the Owls.
The Night of the Owls is set to begin this month as the Court of Owls unleash an army of Talons on Batman, his allies and Gotham City. DC Comics is already teasing the final chapter with the July solicits for the the Batman family of titles.
Batman #11 courtesy DC Comics
This is cover of Batman #11 which DC calls the “stunning conclusion to the Court of Owls epic.”
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have created a modern classic. It’s unlike any Batman story I’ve ever experienced. Issue #5 alone was a breakthrough in comic book storytelling. I can’t wait for this crossover.
Meeting Capullo at Emerald City Comicon recently was one of my top highlights. I got to ask him about the process of creating looks for so many Talons from different eras. Every Capullo cover is a haunting pop art masterpiece and this latest cover is a perfect addition to his gallery.
