DC Comics And Beyond – Talon #1

Last month at this time, I talked about DC Comics’ excellent Talon #0. I don’t like to repeat myself, but this week, Talon #1 is the book of the week for me!

Here’s the comic’s description: “After many years on the run, Calvin Rose returns to Gotham City to investigate the fallout from ‘Night of the Owls!’ Can the Court of Owls finally be defeated? Could Calvin have the one thing he’s been seeking his entire life: his freedom?”

I know it’s probably confusing, but this is actually the second part of the origin of Calvin Rose. If you didn’t buy the “Zero” issue last month, I highly recommend you pick it up before reading this book. Things will make a lot more sense if you do.

Last time, we got to see Rose’s human side. This month, we get more into the set up of how Talon will combat the Court of Owls.

Now that Batman is moving on to tackle the Joker (enjoying that tremendously, by the way), someone needs to go after the Court of Owls. Lucky for us, Mr. Rose is going to fill that role spectacularly, if these two issues are any indication.

Like last month, James Tynion IV and co-plotter Scott Snyder’s pacing is very enticing, keeping the reader moving through the comic quickly. Also, Guillem March’s art is clear and engrossing, so he does his part to keep us all deeply into the story as we read.

By the end of this book, we have a fair idea just how Talon will function each month. There are some similarities to Batman, but Mr. Rose is now ready and properly motivated to battle the Court. How Batman’s “brother” will play into this is something I’m anxious to see explored.

It’s high-octane mystery and action that clearly fits the Bat-family! Wow! Don’t miss this strong new addition to the Batman group of comics! Get in on the ground floor while you still can!

This Week’s “New 52” Reviews:  Batman: The Dark Knight #13 continues the powerful story with the Scarecrow. I also really enjoyed The Flash, in which the Scarlet Speedster fights Gorilla Grodd with the help of the Rogues. Teen Titans focuses on the origin of Wonder Girl. Next, I enjoyed Superman, which begins the much-publicized transition of careers for Clark Kent. The Savage Hawkman shows Hawkman fighting Shayera! Justice League Dark has two magical “houses” thrashing it out. The Fury Of Firestorm is the first issue with Dan Jurgens at the helm. Batman, Inc., introduces us to Wingman and Redbird. All-Star Western features Jingles the Clown who, oddly enough, resembles the Joker. Imagine that! Red Lanterns #13 reveals a weakness in the Third Army. I, Vampire has another cool cover, then shows Mary, Queen of Blood, as she embarks on her new life as a human! Fun reads all!

Other books worth picking up this week included National Comics: Madame X #1 from DC Comics; Invincible #96 from Image; Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who #6 from IDW; Hero Worship #4 from Avatar; as well as Lord of the Jungle #8, Shadow #6 and Warriors of Mars #5 from Dynamite!