Writer: Brian Buccellato
Artist: Ronan Cliquet
Source: Net Galley
First Publication: November 2014
Publisher: Dynamite
Collects issues 1-12
Graphic Novel Challenge #63
From Amazon: The classic pulp vigilante, reimagined for a new generation! Tony Quinn is a brash defense attorney to the mob who compromises his ethics for financial gain. When he refuses to cross the line and commit murder, he is tortured and blinded by his gangster employers. When a fortuitous meeting with a covert agency gives him a chance to make amends, Quinn transforms into the Black Bat and embarks on a redemptive quest to right the wrongs of his past. Collects the complete story from issues #1-12 of the Black Bat comic book maxi-series.
As in many cases, it is easy to see where the inspiration for many of the modern super-heroes can be found in the pulps. I imagine that some of the origin of Daredevil came from this character. A brash attorney becomes a blind hero. Daredevil took a different path after starting with some of the same concepts. Daredevil never became a lawyer for the mob for one thing. And the Black Bat was given a way to compensate for his blindness by a shadowy organization.
Brian Buccellato impressed me with his work on the New 52 reboot of “The Flash”. His writing, in conjunction with Francis Manapul, helped to make that title a success. He continues to turn in good work with “Black Bat”. I have enjoyed many of the Dynamite series based on the pulp characters. I am adding this to the Dynamite list that includes “The Shadow”, “Doc Savage”, “ Green Hornet” and others.
This is a great collection to pick up since it contains all of the issues of the maxi-series. If you are a fan of pulp characters or just good storytelling, definitely buy this one.
Writers/Artists: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date: Aug. 19, 2014
Source: Netgalley
Graphic Novel Challenge Book #21
Summary (from Amazon) : The fourth volume of Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul's New 52 breakout hit - The Flash!
A mysterious and powerful Speed-Force killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake and only Barry has the power to stop him. But when the killer stays one step ahead of him, Barry finds himself face to face with the Teen Titans and Kid Flash for the first time. All this will lead to a confrontation with the Flash's most deadly foe, The Reverse Flash!
Collects THE FLASH #20-25, and #23.3: REVERSE FLASH.
I have enjoyed the New52 version of the Flash. Manapul and Buccellato have done a great job of recapturing the feel of the classic Barry Allen stories while using modern storytelling methods.
One of the things that really stands out is the graphic design. I always look forward to seeing how they are incorporating the title into the story. I have only seen a few other artists use this method. Will Eisner, Frank Miller, Jim Steranko, and various artists on Don MacGregor's "Black Panther" have made the title part of the art. Sometimes it appears as part of a structure, sometimes as part of the background or debris. It catches the eye while not taking you out of the story.
"Reverse" is the culmination of a plot that began in issue #1 (and even before that in the "Flashpoint" mini-series). Manapul and Buccellato have slowly built suspense by revealing little clues. The slow burn build up made the payoff in this collection all the better.
The only disappointment with this collection is that it is the end of their run on "The Flash". This team will be missed.
Highly recommended.
As in many cases, it is easy to see where the inspiration for many of the modern super-heroes can be found in the pulps. I imagine that some of the origin of Daredevil came from this character. A brash attorney becomes a blind hero. Daredevil took a different path after starting with some of the same concepts. Daredevil never became a lawyer for the mob for one thing. And the Black Bat was given a way to compensate for his blindness by a shadowy organization.
