Battle Cry introduces us to new heroes and a mysterious new Batman, but could this be the return of an old hero or the beginning of a new legend? You know, I really wish I could buy all these issues, but I can't due to personal issues that I will not mention. So sadly, I can't even pick up all these brand new awesome comics that have been coming out. Ok, so, lets start the review and I'm going to try to keep it spoiler free. Now, the reason I am doing a review of this volume it's because I'm looking forward to Vol. 4
Plot. Last time, Dr. Fate, Flash and Green Lantern had defeated Wotan and prevented custody from the World Army. At the beginning of the story, we learn more about Al Pratt's past and how he became the wonder known as The Atom. Afterwards, The Atom is on the hunt of a ruthless criminal selling Parademon technology on the black market. On the other side, Alan Scott, Jay Garrick and Khalid Ben Hassin find themselves on the front lines of the war with Dherain, where the Apokoliptian Steppenwolf plans his assault on Earth to take it for himself this time, and not for Darkseid. Together with the World Army's team - The Atom, Sandman and Red Arrow - the heroes hope to defeat their foes and achieve victory. But things don't go right after Steppenwolf unleashed his super-powered warriors, The Hunger Dogs. Does the key to victory lie across the globe with Captain Steel as he unvers a fire pit in Brazil? Or will it be uncovered by Hawkgirl as she investigates more into the death of Sam which leads her to a mysterious figure...who might be Batman? One thing is certain, this will be a major battle in which humanity will never know safety again.
Panelings. Nicola Scott is as masterful as she is when she draws all these awesome battles in this graphic novel. Now, this new Batman's symbol is red colored and so are his eyes, which reminded me so much of the Flashpoint Batman. Like the Flashpoint Batman, this one is just as ruthless and you don't only see him throwing batarangs, but bombs as well. The Hunger Dogs look extremely powerful and they're gonna be very hard to beat. Also, I liked the battles in Dherain between our heroes and the Hunger Dogs.
Concept. This comic not only introduces a new Batman, but also other Justice Society heroes such as Captain Steel. About Captain Steel, in the classic DC Universe he's American, but in New 52, he's a Filipino adopted by a scientist. In the last volume, other heroes were introduced, Barda and Mister Miracle. Mr. Terrific also returns as one of the good guys, since in our last volume he was under the control of the now bad guy, Terry Sloan. In the classic comics, Terry Sloan was the original Mr. Terrific before Michael Holt existed. And we also saw in the last volume construction of the Red Tornado, and in The New 52, The Red Tornado is a female. I just hope to see more New 52 versions of the heroes of the Justice Society such as Dr. Mid-Nite and Wildcat.
Dialogue. James Robinson continues to impress me with the lines he had written in this awesome comic series. The more I read this, the more I truly enjoyed it. Unfortunately this would be the last time that he would write such an awesome story. I hope that his replacement is doing a great job at least.
Impressions. I really like that after The Tower of Fate the story begins to get darker, grittier and even more intense than ever before. The battles become even MORE violent and much more brutal than before. What also impresses me is how the heroes are becoming more and more diverse with New 52 such as changing their ethnics, sexuality, religion and so on. Earth 2 is a primary example of such awesomeness.
Overall. I am seriously and completely hooked up to this incredible, epic and kick ass story. Scott, Robinson and Cinar were incredible in this one. My final score for Battle Cry is an A-
God Bless and Enjoy the Show!