Batman: The Widening Gyre

[WompuM]

I picked up the first issue today of Batman: The Widening Gyre, by Kevin Smith and art by Walt Flannigan.

Kevin Smith, for me, in comics, is quite the double edged sword. On one hand, he wrote Green Arrow: Quiver, which was, by all accounts, the first modern comic I have ever read. Smith brings sophisticated wand well versed writing that truly captures the characters and best off, isn't above a cheap dick and fart joke. Yes, sometimes it comes off as wordy and pretentious, but I feel as though that works for Batman. One of my favorite things about Smith is the fact that in his books, he is not shy to dive deep into continuity, whether it be Morrison's JLA, Final Night, or Long Halloween. Smith seems to be, above all, a well-knowledged comics fan writing comics, like if BrianWilly suddenly got hired by DC.

Anyway, as I'm sure we all know, Smith also sucks sucks sucks at getting his books in on time. I graduated high school and got through most of college without finding out if Spider-Man saved Black Cat from getting drugged and raped. I was pretty close to giving up on Smith altogether in comics. And the first issue of Cacophony didn't help. I felt the first issue was over the top and going for shock value and sacrificed value. It was more Mallratz and less Clerks. By the 2nd and 3rd issue, Smith found his voice, and luckily for me, I picked them up for a quarter each at my old shop's sale.

But on to Gyre. In this, Smith's series takes place right before Morrison's run-- somewhat of a last hurrah for Batman before his status quo was changed so heavily by, you know, having a kid and dieing and stuff. Smith's Nightwing is fantastic and catches the spirit of the character as, yes, being serious and knowing "the mission" but also, at his core, being a friendly and lighthearted guy. I really found Batman's comments on "Tim going Nightwing" and "the end of the Robin legacy" interesting, almost a commentary on Morrison's current work perhaps. And the bit with the Bat-Boat really showed Bruce's inner middle-aged man with too much money.

Walt drew a pretty sexy Ivy, and though Smith gave her more of her traditional characterization, ignoring some of her development from the 90's, it was pretty enjoyable. The idea of Batman getting stoned from cannabis in the air is fantastic. And speaking of Walt, I'd give his overall art around a B/B-. I just really dislike Batman with that long of ears. Other than that, no true complaints.

It was nice to see The Demon return. Smith must really enjoy showing off his vocabulary with Etrigan. This is the first time I have seen the Demon as a truly frightening entity, the exact opposite of Baby Etrigan from "Kid's Stuff."

So overall, I really enjoyed the first issue and am looking forward to the rest of the series. I just pray to God that Smith isn't late. Please let these issues come out on time.

So yeah, discuss I guess.

 

[gwynplaine]

Posted about it in the Batman titles thread before seeing there was a thread about it. I really disliked Smith previous Batman effort but I'm really enjoying this one so far. Better artist, better inspiration, better Batman comic book all around. Super sexy Ivy, great use of the Demon, interesting "new guy" popping up in the end. I hope Smith keeps it up and finishes it. Also I hope the Joker features more prominently later on.

 

[WompuM]

Walt Flanagan was the artist in Cacophony as well though.

But yeah, I agree with you. Smith did a great Joker at the end of Cacophony and I do hope he is featured more, assuming these issues will actually come out.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

I enjoyed the first issue, espicially the first half--Batman and Robin/Nightwing fighting neo-nazis in battle armor? Sign me up! t:

And I wouldn't worry about Smith being late--with Cacaphony, Smith gave them all three of the scripts in advance, so I'm sure they have something similar going on with Gyre.

 

[gwynplaine]

Walt Flanagan was the artist in Cacophony as well though.

But yeah, I agree with you. Smith did a great Joker at the end of Cacophony and I do hope he is featured more, assuming these issues will actually come out.

Obviously, I didn't realise that. Well, he stepped up his game imo.

 

[WompuM]

Yeah, Smith actually mentioned that. The DC Source had his introduction to Cacophony, and basically, the whole thing was saying that Cacophony was okay, but Gyre was really going to be phenomenal, so we should all be sure to read that. Naturally, I read that the day Gyre came out and it got me excited enough to buy the book. And I'm glad I did, cause it is my favorite series right now.

 

[WompuM]

A link for those who are interested.
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/0...-read-kevin-smiths-intro-to-the-cacophony-hc/

 

[gwynplaine]

Yeah, Smith actually mentioned that. The DC Source had his introduction to Cacophony, and basically, the whole thing was saying that Cacophony was okay, but Gyre was really going to be phenomenal, so we should all be sure to read that. Naturally, I read that the day Gyre came out and it got me excited enough to buy the book. And I'm glad I did, cause it is my favorite series right now.

Interesting. It is also one of my favorite series right now and I'm going to keep on buying it.

 

[OtherwiseKnownAs]

Is this a sequel to Cacophony or is it a stand-alone?

 

[Mee]

I can't bring myself to buy this or Cacophony cause Flannigan's art doesn't seem to fit Batman at all. (from the Cacophony previews I saw)

 

[WompuM]

Is this a sequel to Cacophony or is it a stand-alone?

I mean, it is as much of a sequel as anything I guess. They are both pre-Inifinite Crisis Bat-stores told in the DCU proper.

I can't bring myself to buy this or Cacophony cause Flannigan's art doesn't seem to fit Batman at all. (from the Cacophony previews I saw)

Whatever Flanagan's art lacks, Smith's writing makes up for and them some. Aside from issue 1 of Cacophony, all of their issues have been superb. I would pick 'em up if you spot 'em.

 

[WompuM]

Hmm... was just reading the solicits and it said it was a 6 issue series, but I was under the impression it was 12. Perhaps they are splitting it up in two volumes.

 

[sethcohen]

I mean, it is as much of a sequel as anything I guess. They are both pre-Inifinite Crisis Bat-stores told in the DCU proper.



Whatever Flanagan's art lacks, Smith's writing makes up for and them some. Aside from issue 1 of Cacophony, all of their issues have been superb. I would pick 'em up if you spot 'em.

flanagans art has vastly improved sinces cacophony, though... im still very much on the fence on this mini as a whole

 

[WompuM]

Preview for issue 2.

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/09/24/kevin-smiths-batman-story-continues-in-the-widening-gyre-2/

I wonder if this amusement park villain has any ties to the Sandman serial killer from, what, the 2nd arc of Sandman?

 

[knightrightnow]

Yeah, when Poison Ivy has her legs wrapped around Batman, I say, this comic book works for me. Lol

 

[Saved]

Dang it. I heard about another Kevin Smith Batman series coming out this year but I never heard anything else about it til now and I was interested in getting it. Anyone know if Issue 1 or 2 went to a second printing?

 

[WompuM]

Issue 2 came out today, so you can easily find a copy, and issue 1 probably didn't sell out. There are not any second printings thus far, but again, it shouldn't be too difficult to find both.

 

[gwynplaine]

Just bought issue # 2. Looking forward to reading it.

 

[gwynplaine]

Read it. Loved it.

 

[ultrasuperduckman]

I almost bought issue 2, but was gonna' wait 'till I can find 1. I've read your guys thoughts, so I'll probably pick it up. I love Kevin Smith....but not to keen on his comic work so far.

I heard a quote that he was kinda' worried about trying to keep doing funny movies because of Apatow and what not. I kinda' hope he jumps into comics full time and really becomes a well respected writer in the genre.

 

[BojacRedleif]

Bleh, I think I'll be passing on later issues. And that spin-off that's coming out in like a year from now.

 

[sillyfrog]

Nice article. Thanks for sharing.

 

[WompuM]

...Your welcome? Feel free to add your thought at any time, and welcome to the Hype.

 

[WompuM]

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/1...he-guest-stars-in-batman-the-widening-gyre-3/

Preview for numero tres. Anyone not reading this series deserves a minor choking.

 

[WompuM]

Issue 3 came out today, and it's about time Batman finally got some tang.

I had a few minor issues with the book. First, I highly doubt Bruce would be willing to run off everyday to continuously bone silver. This would take away from his coveted prep time and negate his mission. But oh well, I guess Batman needs to nut as much as the rest of us. Second, and very minor, is that they showed Tim in his OYL robin outfit when this series is pre-infinite crisis (what with Bludhaven and Arthur being in it).

Baphomet seems like he has a lot of potential. I hope the series doesn't end with him turning evil or something of the sort and Batman has to take him down. I don't think Smith would take it in such a predictable direction anyway so I'm not too worried.
The exchange between Tim and Bruce in the beginning is again, some of the best Batman & Robin dialogue I have ever read. It truly captures both characters perfectly. Smith really has a knack for writing Robin.

I finally figured out why I think Flanagan's Batman looks so odd. I think it's because his Batman cowl design is exactly like Batman Beyond-- the long ears and solid body. It looks especially Beyondish on the first page with Black Spider, where Bruce's face is shadowed out.

So yes, again, I highly recommend this series. Wish more of you guys were reading it. this issue is probably the lessor of the three released already, and yet still chalked full of great writing and pretty fair art. This issue alone is worth picking up because it has Aquaman riding a narwal. I'm sure reddit will be all over it shortly. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've ever seen Aquaman come out of the water and looking like his har is actually wet.