This Week in Comics: Batman vs. Deathstroke

The internets have been buzzing like a fridge ever since Ben Affleck dropped some test footage of Deathstroke, one of DC Comics’s baddest mamma-jammas. Since then, we’ve learned that the elite assassin will be a significant adversary in Affleck’s solo Batman film, and this week, Deathstroke #4 whet our appetites for a showdown between the Dark Knight and the one they call The Terminator.

Scott Snyder’s All-Star Batman slowed down, but made good use of that pace change with some solid (and some would say long-overdue) character development for Duke Thomas. Red Hood and the Outlaws not only survived the introduction of Bizarro, but had perhaps its best showing yet. Overall, this wasn’t the strongest week by any measure, but there were still some great reads.

A conversation with “Teen Titans” writer Benjamin Percy at NYCC 2016

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Art by Jonboy Meyers

I was at New York Comic Con this past Saturday, and as my day drew to its early close, I sat down with Teen Titans and Green Arrow writer Benjamin Percy to talk about the Titans. Along the way, we touched on such diverse topics as how one ought to pronounce the name of Damian Wayne’s grandfather, what a crummy dad Batman is, and the insanely good fortune Ben has had in getting teamed up with some amazing artists.

– Brian (read the full interview)

All-Star Batman #3

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Art by John Romita, Jr, Danny Miki, and Dean White

A bit slower than previous issues, but with much more focused storytelling. I’m a fan of things going absolutely nuts, and at times All-Star Batman delivers.

– Jay (read the full review)

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #3

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Art by Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbairn

If you’ve been enjoying the book, then you will continue to enjoy this title. If you’re like me, and have been expecting more, then you’ll most likely just grow more frustrated because more cracks are starting to form under the weight of the various plot threads. I’m still hanging in there, but just barely.

– Josh (read the full review)

Batman ’66 Meets Steed and Mrs. Peel Digital Issue #10

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Art by Michael and Laura Allred

Perfectly fine, though its enjoyability is due more to the series’ reputation than its own content. I liked what was there, there just wasn’t much there.

– Jay (read the full review)

Deathstroke #4

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Art by ACO and Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Christopher Priest has made it click, and in doing so has made Deathstroke one of the most surprising titles DC has put out this year.

– Jay (read the full review)

Detective Comics #942

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Art by Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbairn

The final chapter of “Night of the Monster Men” has arrived, and wouldn’t you know it, now it decides to start getting good.

– Brandon (read the full review)

Gotham Academy: Second Semester #2

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Art by Karl Kerschl

In and of itself, this is little more than setup for events to come. And while it’s important to lay groundwork for the story ahead, it feels very disjointed and unnatural in it’s presentation.

– Brandon (read the full review)

Red Hood/Arsenal vol. 1: Open for Business

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Art by Howard Porter and Hi-Fi

With all of the other things you could be reading, I can’t think of a good reason for you to spend your time reading this.

– Brian (read the full review)

Red Hood and the Outlaws #3

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Art by Gieuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, and Dean White

This is the last book I though I would enjoy going into Rebirth, and I have been delighted to have my expectations shattered. Beyond just being entertained, I find myself invested in what Lobdell, Soy, Gandini, and Esposito have built, and I’m optimistic about the future.

– Brian (read the full review)

Suicide Squad #4

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Although this issue takes a slight step down in quality this week, it’s still high energy and completely entertaining. If Williams and Lee have been delivering a winning formula for you so far, then this is sure to satisfy you as well.

– Josh (read the full review)