Dark Knight III: The Master Race #6
Written by: Brian Azzarello, Frank Miller
Art by: Klaus Janson, Andy Kubert
Cover by: Andy Kubert
Variant cover by: Greg Tocchini, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Klaus Janson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Klaus Janson, Frank Miller
Is Gotham City ready for a new Batgirl?!
Batman and Robin prepare for war with the Master Race, and an ally returns from an unlikely place… Things are looking grim for Batman, Gotham, and the people of Earth. But, like so many Batman stories before, Batman has a plan.
The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #5 is an interesting comic in that it has some cool moments, but there’s an emotional connection that just isn’t present. It goes through the motion as it builds towards its final page, but for me the reader, it’s just not enough to get me to say “fuck yeah.”
That lack of connection has plagued this third part of Frank Miller‘s Dark Knight trilogy. It’s an improvement over the second chapter, but so far there hasn’t quite been enough new or different to get me really jazzed. This is just an average comic.
The writing is interesting and how the issue progresses is nicely paced, but that special something is just missing for me. Even in that final panel, the reveal is just there. Miller and writer Brian Azzarello are going through the motions but missing that spark.
The art by Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson continues to be some of the best aspects of this series. The two evoke a style that’s reminiscent of what came before. What little cool factor there is exists due to these two’s art and what they present on the page.
Not sure what else there really is to say. The comic isn’t bad, it’s just not as good as it should be. It lacks that something special that existed in the first volume and was clearly missing in the second. It’s very readable and in some aspects entertaining, but modern classic, this one isn’t.
Story: Brian Azzarello, Frank Miller Art: Klaus Janson, Andy Kubert
Story: 6.95 Art: 7.8 Overall: 7.1 Recommendation: Read
It’s new comic book day! What’s everyone excited for? Anything you can’t wait to read? Sound off in the comments.
While you wait for your comic shop to open here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Around the Tubes
Kotaku – Remastered Batman Arkham Games Have Been Delayed – Yeah, this game series seems to be having some issues.
Motoroids – BMW G 310 R to be promoted via a new graphic novel – Very cool. Hopefully it’s a good comic.
Comics Alliance – Where Have All The Good Men Gone And Where Are All The Gods? Reflections On The Rifts In Superhero Fandom – A very interesting read that gives a lot to think about. Agree? Disagree?
ICv2 – Live-Action ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ Remake Planned – Well ok then. Again, is there any comic not being made into a movie or tv series?
Newsarama – STELA Co-Founder Exits as Questions about Its Creator-Owned Titles Emerge – This doesn’t sound good.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Newsarama – The Dark Knight III: The Master Race #5
The Beat – Retrofit offers tons of excellent comics by women
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Captain America: Steve Rogers #2 (Marvel Comics) – With all the controversy over the ending of issue one, how could it be anything but? Is Cap really a HYDRA agent? Or is there something much larger at play? I love anything that gets us fans talking and draws attention to our joy. So depending on how this is written it could be a good thing. I remember when Brubaker brought Bucky back as the Winter Soldier and now, he’s absolutely beloved. I refuse to believe this is our Steve but I am looking forward to finding out more.
Dark Knight III: The Master Race # 5 (DC Comics) – Well this comic and I are completely love hate. I hate that it’s always late, but I love the train wreck that unfolds in the pages. I’ve long decided that Miller’s master work is the Dark Knight Returns and he will never top it. These attempts at trying just get even more ridiculous. As a die hard Superman fan, it’s a macabre curiousity at seeing what ol’ Frank is going to do to tear down the Superman legacy even more every time he touches the character since it highlights how out of touch he is. Plus I love cranky Bruce Wayne and Carrie Kelly. After this Frank needs to stay the Hell away from DC Heroes. He just can’t write them, and obviously Azzarello is taking his cues from Miller. If not, it’s a bigger cluster than when Singer made Superman Returns to honor Richard Donner. I know it’s awful but it’s almost satirically bad that I can’t wait to see it even worse. Remember folks, Jersey Shore was popular for a spell there too. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the insanity.
Cryptocracy #1 (Dark Horse) – What’s this? A non DC or Marvel book on my list? That’s right true readers. This one caught my eye. Nine clandestine families that secretly control and manipulate reality? Hmmmm sounds interesting and I’m getting in on the ground floor. Seems cool enough to give it a shot, but I am not expecting anything world bending here.
Alex
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – The first issue was a brilliant start to a crime caper about four kids walking into a bank. A charmingly intelligent comic that deserves your attention, the first issue was amazing, and if you can find it you should snap it up. I’ve been waiting for the second issue for awhile, and I am so excited for this.
Lobster Johnson: Metal Monsters Of Midtown #2 (Dark Horse) – Lobster Johnson is one of those characters that evokes the feel of the pulp heroes from the late 30’s, which is already something I’m a fan of, and then when you add in the fantastic period art work and the steampunkish element of the Metal Monsters and you have a miniseries that is right up my alley.
Will Eisner’s The Spirit #12 (Dynamite Entertainment) – This has been one of the most entertaining series of the last year, hands down. Every week this comic comes out is a good week.
X-O Manowar #47 (Valiant Entertainment) – Pound for pound, Valiant have the best superhero universe out there, but when the premier title in the Valiant universe is coming to a close with an explosive story… I can’t wait to see where this is going. Plus, there’s a bonus print with the physical comic, so that’s also cool.
Anthony
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – Matthew Rosenberg already knocked it out of the park with We Can Never Go Home and returns with another series for Black Mask Studios with Tyler Boss’s imaginative and playful artwork. The first issue was an amalgamation of so many awesome things (with an array of wonderful movie poster-inspired variants) and proved to be one of the most endearing reads of the year so far. This is a must buy.
East of West #27 (Image Comics) – Jonathan Hickman is a long form, comic book version of a mad scientist. His titles are consistently well crafted and can take their time to manifest, but when they do bloom, it is certainly worth the wait. East of West is Hickman at his best with the striking visuals of Nick Dragotta to put to life this futuristic American backdrop. Things have been really heating up as tensions continue to rise between the numerous factions.
Jupiter’s Legacy Vol. 2 #1 (Image Comics) – Mark Millar and Frank Quitely return to Jupiter’s Legacy! Millar has done a pretty solid job at deconstructing the superhero genre with recent titles like Huck, Jupiter’s Circle and the first volume of Jupiter’s Legacy so it will be interesting to see the direction that the creative team will be taking in this sequel series. Frank Quitely’s art will surely be worth the price of admission alone.
Bloodshot Reborn #14 (Valiant Entertainment) – Jeff Lemire has continued to present a more nuanced, emotional and humanized tale of Bloodshot that proves the character is more than just a government controlled killing machine. The new arc entitled ‘Bloodshot Island’ sounds like a Doctor Moreau-esque storyline that will feature Mico Suayan’s incredibly detailed line work and Valiant’s reliable colourist David Baron.
Jade Street Protection Services #1 (Black Mask Studios) – If Black Mask Studios is releasing a new series, it is an absolute must buy. The publisher has been releasing a steady flow of confident, gritty and fun titles over the last couple of years and Jade Street Protection Services looks to aim to be among those books. Judging by the solicitations, Fabian Lelay’s illustrations with Mara Jayne Carpenter’s colours are going to provide a vibrant, manga-like pop to the words of Katy Rex.
Paul
Top Pick: Extraordinary X-Men #11 (Marvel) – It’s a throw down with the X-Men fighting in the future against Apocalypse’s horsemen. The Apocalypse Wars have been a fun read, and I’ve been really enjoying this title exploring another possible future, with the younger students grown into X-Men. Nothing earth shattering happening, just a fun read.
Captain Marvel #6 (Marvel) – A Civil War II tie in…and Carol is pissed! She has clearly chosen her side in this new civil war, and the stakes are getting high. It’s going to be interesting to see how far she’ll go to for what she believes in.
Mockingbird #4 (Marvel) – This is just a guilty indulgence for me, being a long time fan of Bobbi’s. The missions are exciting, the humor is fun and this issue she’s off to save her ex, Hawkeye. It’s also interesting to see her check ups and monitoring of her health after receiving the infinity formula and the super soldier serum. I’m just waiting to see something big happen. Fun all around.
Uncanny X-Men #9 (Marvel) – Magneto and Psylocke are trying to save Archangel from being taken over by Apocalypse; Sabretooth and M are exploring the Morlock tunnels and come across a ghost from M’s past. Again, nothing earth shattering happening here, just a fun read with decent action. Psylocke and Fantomex meeting up should be good.
Javier
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – The first issue was amazing, and I wasn’t the only one to think so. It has a large and well-deserved mass appeal.
Jade East Protection Services #1 (Black Mask Studios) – So far Black Mask’s line of books have failed to disappoint. There’s already a lot of buzz out there, I hope it lives up to the hype.
Indoctrination #1 (Z2 Comics) – Another indie title with possibilities. It has all the apocalyptic themes I’m into.
East of West #27 (Image Comics) – Even more end times lore, set in a dystopian alternate timeline.
Brett
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – It says something when so many of us have this series as our top pick. The first issue was absolutely amazing and was a damn near perfect set-up with characters that are some of the most relatable in comics. It’s been a bit since that first issue, but that doesn’t diminish my excitement for this second issue.
Chum #3 (ComixTribe) – I’m a sucker for a good noir/crime story and this surf crime comic has been entertaining for the first two issues.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis (DC Comics) – Am I the demographic this graphic novel is aiming for? Probably not, but that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying my advance review copy. It’s a solid debut comic that’s perfect for the audience intended, younger kids.
Indoctrination #1 (Z2 Comics) – I read the first issue some time ago and it’s a weird mix of X-Files and occult story. Really good and can’t wait to check out future issues.
Jade Street Protection Services #1 (Black Mask Studios) – A new series from Black Mask? Yes please! All ages badassness? Yes please!
For those collectors who like a complete collection Knight Models, the company behind the Batman Miniature Game, has revealed an exclusive cover for Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 that’s available through their website. The twist? The comic is in Spanish!
Check out the cover below an you can order it now.
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
4001 A.D. #1 (Valiant) – Valiant’s Summer Event technically kicks off with this issue, but 4001AD #1 is a direct continuation of the events from the last couple of issues of Rai’s solo series. While you don’t need to read them to enjoy this issue (there is a stunning recap page or three) it certainly doesn’t hurt matters. Despite the possibility that some readers may not be as familiar with the characters here, this is a beautiful comic book – or at least it was on my iPhone screen – and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy (expect a bigger review next week). If you’re Valiant fan, this should be on your pull list, and if you’re not it’s still well worth a read. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Smosh #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Was… kinda interesting, but not really my cup of tea. I’ll probably read the next issue or two, but I can’t justify recommending it yet. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read it if you’re curious, but it’s more of a Pass
Kings Quest #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Despite being labelled as a first issue I felt like there was more of a back story than was explained (and I don’t think it’s a case of Just Wait Ad All Will Be REVEALED!), but other than that this was a good diversion for ten minutes. There’s some moments that made me laugh, and that almost made up for my disorientation when reading the issue. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read
Assassin’s Creed: Templars #1 (Titan Comics) – I honestly never expected I’d be rooting for a Templar in the Assassin’s Creed universe, but with this series I find that I am absolutely doing that. Templars is a solid comic; the artwork is appropriately dark and swathed in shadows, deliberately obscuring the Black Cross at times. It’s a nice touch, and one that helps the character come off as the boogeyman that he’s supposed to be. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy if you an Assassins Creed fan, Read it anyway if you’re not.
Shean
Paybacks Volume 1 (Dark Horse Comics) – When it comes to superhero parodies, Mystery Men, The Tick, and Kick Ass , come to mind , and a few forgettable ones, all come to mind , as they mostly make fun of the genre, with only a few actually honoring it, enter the Paybacks. Just like the Watchmen, touched on the realities of being a superhero, so does this book in rollicking fashion. As we meet a cast of characters, who resemble a few of your favorites much like the way Image’s Sex does, they go about repossessing different superheroes properties as they default on their loans. Within this first story arc, a killer is on the loose, and clues through the story lead the reader right to who it is. Story: 9 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
Ryan
Jacked #6 (DC Comics/Vertigo)* – A very satisfying if thoroughly unsurprising conclusion to what’s been, all told, an excellent little series that’s largely flown under the radar. Eric Kripke’s story has combined super-hero revisionism and mid-life regrets in a manner both seamless and painfully, joyously human, while John Higgins’ art has been a “warts-and-all” feast for the eyes. I’ll miss having this on my monthly pull, and while it’s set up nicely for a sequel that will probably never come to pass, it stands just fine (and then some) on its own. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #4 (DC Comics)* – Only this series could give you an issue where Superman fucking dies (whoops! Spoilers!) and somehow make it feel like a complete waste of time. The story plods along as Carrie Kelly assumes another new identity (this time that of Batgirl), and the former inhabitants of Kandor continue their bog-standard takeover techniques. Brian Azzarello achieves the dubious honor of somehow making a contemporary Frank Miller script even worse via his contributions, while Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson keep on keepin’ on approximating the original “Dark Knight Returns” look to the best of their ability — a task which, at this point, is just getting sad. Overall : 3 Recommendation: Pass
Power Lines #2 (Image/Shadowline)** – Jimmie Robinson’s topical exploration of how superpowers (could) affect the urban/suburban and black/white divide certainly continues to be interesting, but while his art remains gorgeous to look at, this issue’s story is perhaps a bit too earnest for its own good, devolving into outright preachiness on many occasions and reducing characters that seemed reasonably fleshed out last time around into mouthpieces for various points of view. Also, no mention whatsoever of the intriguing Native American mythologically-based origins of these powers is anywhere to be found. The whole comic feels like it could’ve benefited from some tighter editing. Still intrigued enough to keep going, but this was a big step back from an excellent debut. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read
Batman #51 (DC Comics) – So, the Scott Snyder/Greg Capullo era comes to a close with an issue that can best be described as an epilogue, but at least it seems a reasonably heartfelt good-bye. There’s no real “threat” on offer here — one is hinted at, but you know it ain’t gonna amount to squat — but as a 22-page victory lap for a couple of creators who’ve had a good run, I can’t fault this book in the least. And it’s nice to see them bid farewell not just to Batman, but to all of Gotham. You’re not going to get choked up or anything, but you’ll probably think to yourself “that was a nice way to go out.” I certainly did. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Buy
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
The weekend is almost here! What geeky things will people be doing? Who’s taking part in International Tabletop Day? Let us know in the comments!
While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Around the Tubes
Kotaku – The Highs and Lows of X-Men Video Games – So many lows.
Around the Tubes Reviews
ICv2 – A Goofy Guide to Penguins
CGM – Batman: Europa
CBR – Dark Knight III: The Master Race #4
Comic Attack – Power Man & Iron Fist #3
Nothing But Comics – Saga #36
Newsarama – Best Shots Rapid-Fire Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man #11, Justice League #49, Sex Criminals #15, More
The Master Race will rise. Cities will fall. Bruce Wayne is dead. What will the heroes of the world do to save it?
DC Comics‘ big event, Dark Knight III: The Master Race has been interesting and this fourth issue continues what is a series that’s been big on ideas and themes and thin on some of their execution.
The latest issue dives into the battle between Superman and the Master Race of Kryptonians hellbent on taking over Earth. The issue feels a bit choppy right off the bat as if there was a slight skip between the last issue and this one. And for the most part the issue is a straight up fight between the zealot Kryptonians and Superman with Batman and the world at large watching on.
The issue has some very interesting ideas such as threats by terrorists, the impotence of not acting while an execution takes place, and surrendering your way of life to appease terrorists.
All of those things are interesting themes and topics worthy to explore and the one issue presents them all without much exploration. So, going by that, it all feels rather thin. The series written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller begin with a bit more of an exploration of some of these topics, but this issue and the previous one feel more like the setup before the giant climactic battle takes place. I hope we’ll see actual discussion, even for just a few panels, or hell one speech by Batman.
The art by Klaus Janson and Andy Kubert is as solid as it has been as I’d expect. Years later the comic feels right at home with its predecessors and the action feels brutal on the page. If you’re a fan of the art of the previous volumes, you’ll dig the continuation.
The series is about what I expected and continues its big on concepts, low on exploration of those concepts. But, that leaves a story that the readers can debate with each other and themselves. Honestly I expected a voice and perspective that hasn’t quite played out as I expected. A comic you can debate is a success in many ways, and I continue to look forward to see what’s to come.
Story: Brian Azzarello, Frank Miller Art: Klaus Janson, Andy Kubert
Story: 7 Art: 7.8 Overall: 7.1 Recommendation: Read
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d folks get? What’d you enjoy? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below!
While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Around the Tubes
Newsarama – New Details Emerge in Alleged DC Editor Misconduct Complaints – Some more details.
Kotaku – Neversoft’s Spider-Man Was The First and Best Comic Book Adaptation – It was a great game.
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Aliens: Defiance #1
Talking Comics – Batman #51
Comic Vine – Batman #51
The Outhousers – Blood Stain Vol. 1
Newsarama – Dark Knight III: The Master Race #4
Comic Vine – Justice League #49
Comic Vine – The Ultimates #6
Talking Comics – The X-Files #1
Newsarama – Best Shots Reviews: Batman #51, Avengers Standoff: Omega, Justice League #9, Dr. Strange #7
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Alex
Top Pick: Faith #4 (Valiant) – Why is this my top pick? Because it’s so bloody good! It is one of the best series you’ll read this year, and feels like this generation Spider-Man, but, you know not from Marvel. I’ve loved every issue so far, and I can’t wait for this.
Batman #51 (DC Comics) – With Bruce back in the spandex, and Superheavy concluded, I want to see where the series goes from here ahead of the Rebirth.
Old Man Logan #5 (Marvel) – After the lackluster ending to #4, I’m hoping that this issue returns to the heights of the earlier issues, but with an Old Man Logan who is slightly more accustomed to his present.
Patrick
Top Pick: Dark Knight III: Master Race #4 (DC Comics) – I have fond memories of reading the third issue, but it’s been so long they’re all a bit hazy now. I’m excited to see if the zig-zag narrative continues. Actually I could say a lot of sarcastic things but in the end I’m just a nerd waiting for the next issue.
X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever #3 (Marvel) – This book is fresh and amusing enough to make it a fun departure from the decades of “what the hell is going on now?” X-Men stories.
Paul
Top Pick: Old Man Logan #5 (Marvel) – Being one of the very few (I think) who hasn’t read the original Old Man Logan storyline, I didn’t know what to expect from this book except for knowing Logan was back and, well, old. But WOW has this book impressed me! Following Logan as he tries to change his future; watching him slash his way through the bad guys; seeing him encounter people he thought long gone. This is dark and gritty and everything a Wolverine book should be. If you haven’t been reading, this is #5…catch up already!
Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat #5 (Marvel) – This is a title I didn’t think I was going to enjoy after I saw previews. Happy to say I was wrong. Totally not what I usually read; this is a really lighter look at the Marvel U. It’s funny, it’s sometimes campy, it’s cartoony….It’s Patsy! And it works.
Brett
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #1 (Black Mask Studios) – A fantastic debut issue that introduces us to four kids (shocker) and their father who has some bad men looking for him. The comic is all set up, but the focus on each kids personality and quirks is beyond fantastic giving each life in ways so many other comics miss.
Aliens: Defiance #1 (Dark Horse) – Today is Aliens day, but tomorrow sees a new Aliens comic hitting shelves. Dark Horse is doing some great things with the Aliens/Predator/Prometheus universe creating comics that can be read on their own, but when brought together they tell an even more entertaining story.
Chapterhouse Archives Captain Canuck #1 (Chapterhouse Comics) – It’s Captain Canuck. I’ve been loving what Chapterhouse has done with the character, so the more Captain Canuck, the better. His series is that perfect mix of fun and entertainment without the grim and gritty
Faith #4 (Valiant) – Speaking of fun and entertaining without the grim and gritty… a fantastic comic for so many reasons, one of which is the main character is a normal person in her attitude and looks. It’s great to read a comic and see someone that actually looks and acts like a real human being.
Micronauts #1 (IDW Publishing) – The classic comic characters and series is back! We’ll see how it holds up today. I’ve been looking forward to this debut since it was announced.
