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GRAPHIC CONTENT PICK OF THE WEEK: THEoDEAD – ‘Batman: Gates of Gotham’ #2

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Last month Lonmonster and myself both chose “BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM” issue #1 as our pick of the week, and to stick with some sort of nonofficial tradition here at Graphic Content I suppose that it will be happening again this month with issue #2. That’s only half true, because my fellow staff writer and I just seem to have perfect taste in illustrated literature. Deep sarcasm aside (for now), Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins’ debut issue of the series was just as impressive as critics and fans everywhere had assumed it would be, and to put it bluntly the duo are single-handedly redefining the type of quality we come to expect each month out of a Bat-Title. Read on for the skinny…

WRITTEN BY: Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Trevor McCarthy

“Murder, mayhem and the building of an empire! Issue #2 throttles up the action as Batman tries to find the source of the attacks before the killer can strike again. But with the reveal of the fourth family of Gotham City and an old case from the early days of the city, is Batman playing right into the villain’s hands?”

Recently it was announced that in the wake of the DC Relaunch campaign veteran scribe Scott Snyder (“AMERICAN VAMPIRE”) would be the new fulltime writer for the flagship title in the Bat-Family monthlies. A move that should not be overlooked in the slew of announcements surrounding the controversial event, and if there is a silver lining to be taken away from the entire thing then this should be it. While I am left (like many) with a bad taste in my mouth knowing that certain storylines (like “GOTHAM GATES”) will possibly be left rendered useless after the ubber-mulligan of a Relaunch, I am also left hopeful for the future of the entire “BATMAN” franchise as a result.

But let’s move on to the Belle Of The Ball, shall we? When “GOTHAM GATES” debuted last month I was one of the many who had gone on record in saying that the series would be a major success for the “DETECTIVE COMICS” scribe and the rest of the creative team. The title, just like all of Snyder’s other yarns, was brilliant in almost every capacity, and rendered a version of Gotham City that seemed fresh and unique. This is no easy feat anymore seeing as how the franchise has some 5+ titles running each and every month. But when left to the devices of creators such as Snyder and Higgins, “BATMAN” shows once again why he has stood the test of time as being one of the absolute best heroes in comics history.

The story itself is epic in scope, and introducing a new family into the world of Gotham is always a tough task, but you wouldn’t be able to tell after reading issue #1. The introduction of these characters and the imposition of the story into the Bat-Continuity is seamless. Another aspect that should be handed to the boys as a major highpoint is the decision to shy away from Bruce Wayne as a central figure, and to focus instead on supporting characters such as Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. Sure, there is nothing wrong with ol’ Brucey, but the interesting dynamic between the two ex-Robins is always a page-turner, and it makes the price of admission seem like a bargain. The chemistry is there with Dick leading the charge and Tim doing what he does best in support. In a Gotham City without the constant watchful eye of Bruce Wayne’s Batman major storylines such as this garner just that much more interest in that readers want to see how the rest of the cast react without Daddy looking over their shoulder. It also introduces a little more suspense knowing that our hero isn’t just one pep talk from his Butler away from kicking your ass and saving the day.

True to form, Trevor McCarthy shone once again on pencils for the first issue, delivering a dark and realistic feel to the characters and (most importantly) the city itself. Everything felt sharp and finished, and there were several instances within the series’ first issue that left you with goosebumps after looking at them. Case in point: when Dick Grayson was observing the carnage left after one of the many “Gates of Gotham” were demolished. Never once did it feel as if McCarthy was over-matched by the rest of his creative team, and that isn’t a very easy thing to accomplish when you are working with writers of the pedigree of a person such as Scott Snyder.

When all is done and read, “BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM” is merely a reflection of things to come. A bold and fresh new voice in the world of characters that really didn’t need any improvement to begin with. If “GATES OF GOTHAM” is anything before or after the DC Comics Relaunch then it is a battle-cry from a writer who is on the echelon of greatness. Scott Snyder may not have reached that tier of household name writers that frequently work on these books, but if I were a betting man then I would say he is going to be very soon. This is a very exciting time to be a Bat-Fan, and I could not be any more thankful for that.

“BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM” Issue #2 Drops Wednesday, June 22nd From DC Comics! (MSRP – $2.99)

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‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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