Comic Book Review: Superman #22 - DC Comics (2017)

"Black Dawn"
Chapter 3

Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Pencils by Doug Mahnke
Inks by Jaime Mendoza and Ray McCarthy
Colors by Wil Quintana

Lois Lane is searching for her husband Clark Kent and their son Jon.  The boys were out with Damian Wayne(Robin) looking for Batman.  Lois finds out there is much more to her missing family and friends as "Black Dawn" continues.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Rebirth run on Superman thus far.  The "Black Dawn" story line had the seeds planted many issues ago and I feel that this is something that really sets DC Comics apart from many other comic book companies.  There is a plan in place and the stories have been wonderful because of it.  This isn't to say that you need to read all 21 issues leading up to this(plus an Annual and some cross-overs with Action Comics).  If you did read them, it's an added bonus.

The "Black Dawn" stories read a lot like a horror story.  We are also given these stories from multiple perspectives.  The majority of this comic book is from Lois' perspective as she uses her journalistic prowess to find Clark, Jon, Damian and Bruce.  Because this is Lois, we get to see her find much more than she had originally bargained for.  We also are treated to how tough she can be as she takes on assailants and gets to drive the Batmobile.  Superman is the person whose perspective is given to the readers.  There is a revelation at the end of this book that left me clamoring for more.

Doug Mahnke is one of my favorite artists and I am always happy to see his name on the cover.  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason have been putting together incredible stories and they are that much better when Mahnke is in charge of the art.  The inks were nice in this comic as the use of black in some of the more eerie panels was beautiful.  The visuals are spectacular and Wil Quintana's colors add to the spooky feeling.

What are your thoughts on Superman?  Do you like the family dynamic that is used in this series?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?

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Comic Book Review: Trinity #1 - DC Comics (2016)

"Better Together: Part One - Family Dinner"

Script, Art and Cover by Francis Manapul

Lois Lane invites Batman and Wonder Woman over for dinner.  This is a surprise to Superman.

For those that may not know, Superman of the current DC Universe has died.  The Superman from the previous DC Universe had been in hiding, coming out every now and then to secretly save the day.  Batman and Wonder Woman want to know more about the Clark Kent that is now in their universe and what he truly stands for.  I feel that this book will be excellent in the exploratory nature of finding out how well the Trinity works together.

Francis Manapul is doing it all for this series.  Not only is he writing an excellent story, he is providing incredible artwork.  The artwork doesn't stop at pencils and inks as he is also in charge of colors.  Manapul has his own style and it definitely works for this series.  Trinity is a great looking book and is worth the $2.99 cover price.

The introductory issue does not have anything Earth shattering happen in it which is good.  I wanted to see the interaction of the characters.  Superman tells a funny story about Batman and Robin from his "world" which of course does not amuse Bruce Wayne.  There is also interaction between Lois and Wonder Woman which is cool since the Amazon had a relationship with the now deceased version of Superman.

If you're a fan of these three heroes, go out and pick up this book.  I don't think you will be disappointed.

What are your thoughts on Trinity?  What titles from the DC Rebirth are you enjoying the most?  Are there any other comic books you would like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?

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Movie Review: Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice - Warner Brothers (2016)

Zach Snyder directs his second film for the DC movie universe, bringing his particular style of directing with him.  Whether you like that type of thing is entirely up to you.

Batman V Superman gave us the fight we were anticipating and also introduced the audience to some new characters.  The pacing of this movie was pretty slow going early on with an artsy dream sequence explaining Batman's(Ben Affleck) origin.  Much of Batman's view of the world and Superman(Henry Cavill) being in it is fueled heavily on his delusional dreams(of which he has plenty).  I had a hard time figuring out if Bruce's butler/assistant in the Bat-Cave, Alfred(Jeremy Irons) is the voice of reason or someone feeding into Bruce Wayne's fears.  Bruce Wayne is Batman for you non-superhero loving folks.

The world is starting to fear Superman and he's being framed for violence across the world.  The framing of the Man of Steel seemed a bit of a stretch but you got to do something to get this movie going.  With all this fear, Lex Luthor(Jesse Eisenberg) is on the hunt for Kryptonite after discovering how it affects the other Krytponian, the now deceased Zod.

I won't go to much further into the plot points of this film but I will give some of the higher and lower points of the film.

• The fight between Superman and Batman went as expected.
• Amy Adams as Lois Lane was great.
• Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor was much better than expected.
• I wanted more of Wonder Woman(Gal Gadot).
• The funeral scene was Peter Jackson long!  I could have went to Mordor and back by the time that ended.  

Overall I liked the movie.  It was worth watching.  I didn't love the movie however and I am in no rush to see it again.  If you need a comic book movie fix, go check it out.  If you wait for blu-ray, I wouldn't blame you there.

What are your thoughts on Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice?  Is this on your must see list?  Please respond in the comment section below.

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Check out my good friend Handsome J's review as well here.