Batman: Bad Seeds – Streets of Gotham #1 (DC COMICS)
Gotham City is under the attack of the Green in “Bad Seeds”.
While the Bat Family can’t be everywhere at once, the citizens of the this crazy place don’t back down to fights.
Get ready fpr a look at the residents who find the strength and courage to take on the Green threat!
BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 by Matt Fraction, Mariko Tamaki, Bruno Abdias, Rossi Gifford, Jorge Fornés, Steve Lieber, Brian Ching, Gretel Lusky, Pedro Estouco, Miguel Muerto, Dave Stewart, Adriano Lucas, Lee Loughridge, Clayton Cowles & Ariana Maher (DC Comics) is a six story book focusing on the proud residents of Gotham City.
Let’s take a closer look at this special edition.
BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 by Matt Fraction, Mariko Tamaki, Bruno Abdias, Rossi Gifford, Jorge Fornés, Steve Lieber, Brian Ching, Gretel Lusky, Pedro Estouco, Miguel Muerto, Dave Stewart, Adriano Lucas, Lee Loughridge, Clayton Cowles & Ariana Maher (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue has a compilation of multiple stories. Due to the amount, the overview of each tale will be shorter than usual reviews.
“The Party” by Tamaki, Abdias, Estouco, & Maher
A building goes dark as power fades away in Gotham. Two Crooks try taking advantage of the situation until one encounter changes everything. Tamaki shows the power of kindness through dark times to change course for the story. It is backed by the conflicting looks of Abdias and Estouco. Readers watch as one life is reflected in another soul’s as compassion is shown for those in need. It ends ona very strong note & great pace-setter for the issue.
“The Long Walk Home” by Fraction, Gifford, Muerto & Cowles
A young woman’s revenge plans go awry as she encounters a lost boy on the unsafe streets. Fraction stages their dialogue as two opposites trying to find their way in insanity of the event. It doesn’t take long for them to stumble onto trouble. Gifford’s art brings the tension to a nice spot. This is turned upside down with a guest star and fats action. The aftermath steers the pair into safer territory before bowing out. Very solid short story.
“The Stand” by Tamaki, Lusky, & Maher
With the power out, a group of four kids take to the streets to pull their best Batman impression. Tamaki shows the inspiration of the Dark Knight in their actions. This leads them into a fun, but uncharted space. Lusky’s art is very animated in presentation. It captures the hope of youth in the dark times. Another solid finish teases some light in the fading sun of Gotham.
MORE FROM bad seeds!
“PRIMARIES” by Fraction, Fornés, Stewart & Cowles
Fraction tells the story from a TUCO Officer’s point of view. The writing shows the blind reality of Savage’s enforcement while he goes on patrol. It also brings in The Signal, continuing the “Bat Bounty” from recent issues. This lets Fornés and Stewart craft gritty panels as the officer’s run-in turns tragic in a blink of an eye. The result delivers a tragic ending as one character gets a crash course in blind faith of justice.
“BALLADEERS” by Fraction, Ching, Lucas, & Cowles
Tim Drake makes his debut in this chapter with a story of the eyes of the city reporting on the event. Fraction takes this story into a few avenues while keeping the focus grounded. Ching’s art locks in on some great action near the story’s conclusion. It ends on a bittersweet point for Drake. The finish is a great addition to this issue’s overall sense of finding hope in the darkness.
“THE PITCH” by Tamaki, Lieber, Loughridge & MAHAR
Tamaki ends events with a fun look at Gotham Tourism at its finest. The writing shows a brainstorming session as the Green makes its way through town. Lieber and Loughridge captures the calamity unfolding. Even when a superhero shows up, the story never breaks away from its’ quirky charm. It proves to be an enjoyable finish as the new tourism slogan comes into view.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
While the Dark Knight is at work, its’ citizens find courage in community with a fantastic compliment special to “Bad Seeds”. Each story differs in look and take but hovers around finding inner strength during crisis. It serves to prove not all heroes wear capes or in this case, cowls.
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
