Comic Book Reviews (Week Dec 18, 2019): Batman Issue 85, Money Shot Issue 3, and More!

Hey, all! Welcome to my comic book review roundup for this week (December 18, 2019). I’ll be going over all of the titles I’ve read. My review list includes Batman Issue 85, X-Force Issue 4, Money Shot Issue 3, Catwoman Issue 18, Black Panther Issue 19, and many more. So, let’s begin!

I’ll begin with Batman Issue 85. This week’s installment brought Tom King’s run on the Batman solo series to its long-awaited conclusion. King’s story has been controversial (to put it mildly). Many readers have still not forgiven him for pulling that stunt in Issue 50. As far as my opinion goes, some of the story beats have been amazing in this series, while some were nothing more than glorified filler.

Of course, the biggest question was whether or not Bruce can be happy and still be Batman. Most of us already knew the answer was going to be a yes. So, seeing it be dragged out for more than 80 issues wasn’t a completely fun journey for certain readers.

I did like the callbacks King added in Batman Issue 85. I do think his run will be more appreciated when read together. Having us wait for issues to be released every month when telling such a story (that included filler) was part of the problem.

As far as the Catwoman and Batman relationship is concerned, the two are together, which, yeah, no surprises there. Again, many of us knew what their ending was going to be like. Just seeing it take this long to reach the current conclusion was something I would have changed.

Let’s see what King has planned for Bruce and Selina when his new Batman/Catwoman comic book series is released next year. I would like to see how the rest of the Bat-Family responds to having Selina, technically, being the mother. 

Recommendation: Might as well read the conclusion if you have been sticking with this story for so long.

Catwoman Issue 18

After Batman Issue 85, let’s talk about what Selina was up to in her solo Catwoman run. Issue 18 was a fun installment that showed Selina and Zatanna teaming up. It didn’t necessarily move the story forward, but I still enjoyed reading it. 

Recommendation: While I won’t ask everyone to read this Catwoman series, it’s obvious that writer and artist Joelle Jones is having a blast working on it.

The Low, Low Woods Issue 1

I decided to check out this new horror comic book on a whim. I was surprised to find queer representation in there. The debut issue felt a bit slow. Writer Carmen Maria Machado seems to be going for an eerier feel. So, I guess I’ll have to stick with it for a couple of more issues to learn where the narrative is headed? The art by Dani has a surreal feel and goes well with the creepy town setting our leads are living in.

Recommendation: Pick it up if you’re into women-centric queer representation in horror.

Teen Titans Issue 37

From writers Adam Glass and Bernard Chang, we finally got to know about the identity of The Other. And considering everything, the reveal did make sense.

Recommendation: Meh!

Black Panther Issue 19

Similar to Tom King’s Batman, I can understand when certain fans say Coates’ Black Panther story is moving too slowly as well. Everything is coming together for a big battle. So, fingers crossed we get something epic in the upcoming issues.

I did enjoy how Shuri dragged T’Challa for all of the bad decisions he had made in the past. Shuri also mentioned (twice) about Storm being a real Goddess. Now, if only the other Marvel titles would follow suit.

Recommendation: I think you can skip this issue if you want to.

Marauders Issue 4

Writer Gerry Duggan opened Marauders Issue 4 with a fun scene showing Storm not having any time to waste when it came to saving young mutants from bigoted humans. While I would have liked to see more Ororo in the rest of the issue, it was understandable when the focus shifted to Kate and Bishop’s team-up. The two were perfect for the type of rescue mission they had to accomplish. There’s a lot of humor and politics involved in this series and I can’t wait to read more.

Recommendation: You need to start reading Marauders if you aren’t already.

X-Force Issue 4

I only picked up this issue because I knew there was going to be a panel featuring Storm telling Sebastian Shaw to shut up during a meeting of the Quiet Council.

Other than that particular scene, this issue did nothing for me. I’m not saying it’s a bad story. I just don’t like how the X-Men (with decades of combat training) continue to come across as incompetent against some villainous secret organization made of humans.

Writer Benjamin Percy seems to be going for shock value rather than offering something interesting.

Recommendation: Meh!

Runaways Issue 28

Something is going to go wrong in this story. It’s only a matter of when. Writer Rainbow Rowell offered another interesting read. We saw Nico learning how to fight with her staff instead of using it for just casting spells.

Also, Doc Justice is supposed to be someone wanting to use the Runways for fame, or is he an actual villain? I hope we find out soon.

Recommendation: You should consider reading this series.

Money Shot Issue 3

From writers Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie, Money Shot continues to be an interesting comic book series about a group of scientists who decide to start a pornographic video streaming business to earn money (for funding their research projects, of course).

I was pleasantly surprised with all of the queer representation we got in this issue. Also, the nudity is balanced amongst the characters. So, it’s not like naked women (or female aliens) are being exploited. The final panel has me very interested in seeing what happens next. Channeling orgasmic energy to wipe out an army? I’m here for it!

Recommendation: It’s incredibly wacky. Pick it up!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 46

You already know how I feel about this series. IT’S GREAT! Writer Ryan Parrott offered another amazing issue this week and I want more.

With all of the talks about making another Power Rangers live-action reboot, this comic book is proof that what the fandom needs is an animated series. I enjoyed reading the conversation Kimberly had with Billy about one day leaving the team and moving on with life.

We also got to see a new villainous team take shape. I can’t wait to read the next issue, especially after where this one ended.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Which comic books did you read this week? Did you enjoy Batman Issue 85? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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