BATMAN “The Man Who Laughs” hardcover

BATMAN “The Man Who Laughs” hardcover contains the Original Graphic Novel from 2005, and a 3-part story from Detective Comics #784-788 titled “Made of Wood”.

The link between the two tales is they are both written by Ed Brubaker, and perhaps coincidentally, feature Commissioner Gordon. I’m suspecting that DC Comics are trying to release anything and everything Batman before the Dark Knight film is released!

“The Man Who Laughs” is a flashback story featuring an early confrontation between Batman and the Joker. “Made of Wood” is actually a superior tale with Alan Scott , the original Green Lantern, helping Batman solve a fifty years old murder mystery.

Two well-crafted tales, Batman is at his best when he’s being a detective, and Ed Brubaker knows that best!

7 out of 10.

WONDER WOMAN “Who is Wonder Woman?”

This post-Infinite Crisis WONDER WOMAN “Who Is Wonder Woman?” hardcover contains issues 1 to 4 and the conclusion from the 2007 Annual.

I’m going to overlook Allan Heinberg’s much delayed completion of this story (apparently writing/producing TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy” is time consuming!?), and will review this hardcover on “face value”.

Storywise, Diana Prince has resumed from her one year exile, ready to take on the role of Wonder Woman, which has been held by her “sister” Donna Troy, while absent.

Diana Prince has now taken up the role of secret agent with the Department of Metahuman Affairs, but is torn between choosing her life in the role of a human or as a goddess. Personally, I’ve actually always preferred Diana Prince in the super spy/ambassador role.

Heinberg’s story isn’t too bad, and the dialog is often quite excellent and Terry Dodson’s art is never confusing to the eye.It’s not a classic, but it’s a competent re-boot of the character, clearly re-established her origin, purpose and environment.

6.5 out of 10.

DMZ “Public Works”

DMZ volume 3 “Public Works” contains issues 13 to 17.

Having already been manipulated by both sides of the civil war, journalist Matty gets mixed-up up with a terrorist cell network combating the U.N. approved private sector security force, who are attempting to control and bring order, in order to rebuild Manhattan.

This is a solid, consistent volume, Wood’s writing continues to be excellent and Burchielli’s art flawless.

I’m enjoying the series, but am glad to have waited to read it as a series of trade paperbacks, as I think the comic would be less coherent and less effective if read in single monthly installments.

7.5 out of 10.