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Mother Panic (Single Issues) #13-18
Mother Panic: Gotham A.D.
The cybernetically enhanced vigilante known as Mother Panic has been transported forward in time--but the near-future Gotham in which she finds herself has changed beyond all recognition!
In this new reality, Batman disappeared years ago. Madame Gala and her sinister Collective now rule the city, creating masked heroes and villains as living art projects. Under the Collective's high-tech tyranny, unsanctioned costumed crusaders face a lethal zero-tolerance policy, which poses a problem for Mother Panic as well as her kid sidekick Fennec Fox--not to mention all the Jokers and Robins who are warring for Gotham's soul.
To rescue her mother and defeat the brutal Collective, Violet Paige will have to navigate a city whose streets and power players are now a warped reflection of the ones she knows so well. But can Mother Panic master this fallen world's twisted topology quickly enough to redeem Gotham City's future?
Find out in Mother Panic: Gotham A.D., a shocking new chapter in the ongoing chronicles of Gotham's White Witch from acclaimed talents Jody Houser (Stranger Things), Ibrahim Moustafa (Doctor Fate) and DC's Young Animal mastermind Gerard Way! Collects issues #1-6.
In this new reality, Batman disappeared years ago. Madame Gala and her sinister Collective now rule the city, creating masked heroes and villains as living art projects. Under the Collective's high-tech tyranny, unsanctioned costumed crusaders face a lethal zero-tolerance policy, which poses a problem for Mother Panic as well as her kid sidekick Fennec Fox--not to mention all the Jokers and Robins who are warring for Gotham's soul.
To rescue her mother and defeat the brutal Collective, Violet Paige will have to navigate a city whose streets and power players are now a warped reflection of the ones she knows so well. But can Mother Panic master this fallen world's twisted topology quickly enough to redeem Gotham City's future?
Find out in Mother Panic: Gotham A.D., a shocking new chapter in the ongoing chronicles of Gotham's White Witch from acclaimed talents Jody Houser (Stranger Things), Ibrahim Moustafa (Doctor Fate) and DC's Young Animal mastermind Gerard Way! Collects issues #1-6.
168 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2018
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83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 12, 2019
A solid sendoff to a character I winded up liking more than I ever thought I would. After Milk Wars ends, Mother Panic gets transported to an alternate future, dystopian Gotham where Batman disappeared years ago and Gala runs the city. The storytelling is clearer here and more straight forward than the previous run. I enjoyed the future version of all the Gotham characters. Violet's young murderous sidekick, Fennec Fox, injects a sense of fun and humor into the story. Ibrahim Moustafa's art is solid and has the right, gritty feel for future Gotham.
December 25, 2018
Mother Panic jumps into a future...we've seen this a million times. However, luckily, Mother Panic does a awesome job of it.
After the strange events of Milk Wars, we have our favorite super "don't give a fuck" hero taking down villains in a even worse Gotham than present day. Reminding me of Robocop like Detroit, this Gotham is overrun with crime even more than usual, and Mother Panic here decides to recruit her sidekick in battling the evils of this world. When a new group of maniacs come around, taking down some of the most fearful villains ever (including even the joker) things get dicey for our hero when there might be a hero-turned-bad who comes into play in this futuristic Gotham.
Good: The art is solid throughout, throwing some really cool fight scenes, and sick designs on some characters. I also love the way Jody writes everyone here, all feeling like real people, living in a crazy superhero world. I also thought the pacing was quick and fun, giving us enough world building to be invested but giving us character moments to care. The ending is satisfying even if it is the end (for now).
Bad: Sometimes the storytelling can go a little wonky and character motives don't make sense a bit too often at times.
Overall, very very fun. I want more. I really enjoyed the 2nd half of Mother Panic series and it's a shame it's coming to a end. Jody Houser did a great job of creating a new hero. Give me more please! A 4 out of 5.
After the strange events of Milk Wars, we have our favorite super "don't give a fuck" hero taking down villains in a even worse Gotham than present day. Reminding me of Robocop like Detroit, this Gotham is overrun with crime even more than usual, and Mother Panic here decides to recruit her sidekick in battling the evils of this world. When a new group of maniacs come around, taking down some of the most fearful villains ever (including even the joker) things get dicey for our hero when there might be a hero-turned-bad who comes into play in this futuristic Gotham.
Good: The art is solid throughout, throwing some really cool fight scenes, and sick designs on some characters. I also love the way Jody writes everyone here, all feeling like real people, living in a crazy superhero world. I also thought the pacing was quick and fun, giving us enough world building to be invested but giving us character moments to care. The ending is satisfying even if it is the end (for now).
Bad: Sometimes the storytelling can go a little wonky and character motives don't make sense a bit too often at times.
Overall, very very fun. I want more. I really enjoyed the 2nd half of Mother Panic series and it's a shame it's coming to a end. Jody Houser did a great job of creating a new hero. Give me more please! A 4 out of 5.
August 24, 2018
A solid conclusion to this series! So I've been reading Mother Panic since day one, and I'm a little sad to see this series and the Young Animal imprint end! So the premise of this one is a bit confusing to start, after the events of Milk Wars, Violet Page is sent 10 years into the future, but on a different earth? The story follows Violet as she explores this different world and brings order to a Gotham, that has no Batman to protect it.
To start with what I liked, I really did enjoy the writing for this series, even if it can get confusing at times. The story is fast paced and is interesting as you uncover what exactly is going on. It had a bit of Dark Knight Returns feel to it, which I liked! The artwork as well is pretty good, not the best, but definitely better then very first issue, and I was glad to see one solid art style for this series, where the previous 2 volumes jumped between artists. And overall I enjoyed the story here, and how Jody Houser ties it all into the world of Batman.
The only real negative is the story can get confusing at times, the whole, its a future story, but its also a parallel earth, confused me until about #4. I guess Houser wanted to do a dark future for her last volume, but was afraid about messing up the Batman continuity, so she set in a alternate earth? Who knows, it could of been a editorial mandate, but it did make it jarring for me.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this series, and I highly recommend it! I hope we get to see Mother Panic again some day, since they can go full Elseworld if they wanted to!
To start with what I liked, I really did enjoy the writing for this series, even if it can get confusing at times. The story is fast paced and is interesting as you uncover what exactly is going on. It had a bit of Dark Knight Returns feel to it, which I liked! The artwork as well is pretty good, not the best, but definitely better then very first issue, and I was glad to see one solid art style for this series, where the previous 2 volumes jumped between artists. And overall I enjoyed the story here, and how Jody Houser ties it all into the world of Batman.
The only real negative is the story can get confusing at times, the whole, its a future story, but its also a parallel earth, confused me until about #4. I guess Houser wanted to do a dark future for her last volume, but was afraid about messing up the Batman continuity, so she set in a alternate earth? Who knows, it could of been a editorial mandate, but it did make it jarring for me.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this series, and I highly recommend it! I hope we get to see Mother Panic again some day, since they can go full Elseworld if they wanted to!
October 11, 2018
A nice end and surprising should have been good start to a series.
World: The art is something I really enjoyed in this series. The series has had good and awful art is equal measure and this last arc has good art, it's emotive, the colors are great and really sets the tone and the sense of motion is actually quite good. The world building here is surprising, after Milk Wars this series pretty much rebooted itself by putting Violet into a new universe and much like DC Elseworld books it allows for the creative team to play around with alternate versions of established DC characters and when done right (solid here) it's fun and interesting. It's much like the recent "White Knight" and "Nightwing The New Order" where the world was done well and drew readers in.
Story: I've found this series uneven and the writing to be problematic but with each successive book the writing has gotten better, the characters more defined and the story much more interesting, that's why it's a shame that the book ended on it's best run. This new setting works, it's fun and it's interesting and the world that this creative team has created allows for some nice stories and character moments to play out. There are still some choppy story issues with the different pieces from the Collective to the Bat cult and the Robinson park group, but overall the story is interesting and the characters make this story work. In the end we get a wonderful emotional end which I rather enjoyed and showed the progress of the writing in this series, it's a shame it's finished (I can't believe I'm saying that).
Characters: Violet is an interesting character, she reminds me so much of Kate that I had issues with her when she first came on the scene and honestly at the end of this series I still feel the same way, there is just not enough there to separate her from the rest of the Bat family and I understand why this series needed to end. I love that she is so flawed (just like Kate), I love that she has so much anger in her (just like Kate) and I love that at the heart of her she is a good character (just like Kate). Her arc does come full circle at the end of the series but as I said, this series didn't give us enough to make her anything special and memorable. Fennic Fox, well yes she is Hit Girl and that's all I can say, cause that's what she is. The alternate versions of DCU characters we got here were interesting in design and I would have love to know more about their past, I found them more engaging than I expected.
I really enjoyed this last arc, it was not perfect and Violet still didn't stand out but I will miss this series and the writing was just finding it's feet too.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art is something I really enjoyed in this series. The series has had good and awful art is equal measure and this last arc has good art, it's emotive, the colors are great and really sets the tone and the sense of motion is actually quite good. The world building here is surprising, after Milk Wars this series pretty much rebooted itself by putting Violet into a new universe and much like DC Elseworld books it allows for the creative team to play around with alternate versions of established DC characters and when done right (solid here) it's fun and interesting. It's much like the recent "White Knight" and "Nightwing The New Order" where the world was done well and drew readers in.
Story: I've found this series uneven and the writing to be problematic but with each successive book the writing has gotten better, the characters more defined and the story much more interesting, that's why it's a shame that the book ended on it's best run. This new setting works, it's fun and it's interesting and the world that this creative team has created allows for some nice stories and character moments to play out. There are still some choppy story issues with the different pieces from the Collective to the Bat cult and the Robinson park group, but overall the story is interesting and the characters make this story work. In the end we get a wonderful emotional end which I rather enjoyed and showed the progress of the writing in this series, it's a shame it's finished (I can't believe I'm saying that).
Characters: Violet is an interesting character, she reminds me so much of Kate that I had issues with her when she first came on the scene and honestly at the end of this series I still feel the same way, there is just not enough there to separate her from the rest of the Bat family and I understand why this series needed to end. I love that she is so flawed (just like Kate), I love that she has so much anger in her (just like Kate) and I love that at the heart of her she is a good character (just like Kate). Her arc does come full circle at the end of the series but as I said, this series didn't give us enough to make her anything special and memorable. Fennic Fox, well yes she is Hit Girl and that's all I can say, cause that's what she is. The alternate versions of DCU characters we got here were interesting in design and I would have love to know more about their past, I found them more engaging than I expected.
I really enjoyed this last arc, it was not perfect and Violet still didn't stand out but I will miss this series and the writing was just finding it's feet too.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
August 27, 2025
Завершення історії Вайолет Пейдж відбулося в лімітці "Mother Panic: Gotham A.D". У ній Мати Паніка опинилася в майбутньому в паралельному світі, разом зі своєю сайдкікинею, де все знаходиться під контролем Колективу. Якщо вас спантеличує те звідки у Паніки взявся малолітній сайдкік та як вона опинилася в паралельному світі, то це сталося внаслідок кроссоверу "Milk Wars" між ЛСА та персонажами імпринту "Young Animal".
Сам сюжет можна розділити на дві частини, у першій Паніка намагається знайти свою матір і пізніше врятувати її з Аркему, у другій все йде до прямого протистояння між трьома місцевими групами, а саме Колективом, культом Бетмена, який знаходиться під контролем Джейсона, який тут збожеволів і вбачає в Мати Паніці фальшивого спасителя, а також супротиву під керівництвом Жінки Кішки.
Я не можу сказати, що ця лімітка є якоюсь поганою, у неї є певні цікаві моменти, малюнок Ібрагіма Мустафи хороший і я б навіть сказав, що він є золотою серединою стилів минулих художників. Однак читав я цю серію в основному з кам'яним обличчям, ми відійшли досить далеко від початкового концепту Вея, і ні місцевий сюжет, ні місцеве майбутнє, ні місцеві версії впізнаваних персонажів мене не змогли зачепити.
Підсумовуючи обидві серії то можу сказати, що Мати Паніка є досить цікавим концептом, який так і не зміг мене зачепити та який під кінець свого існування пішов не туди куди треба. І враховуючи, що Вайолет Пейдж у кінці "Gotham A.D" залишається в іншому світі то на якийсь камбек персонажа не сильно варто чекати і вона відійде в забуття як було з багатьма іншими персонажами до та й після неї.
Сам сюжет можна розділити на дві частини, у першій Паніка намагається знайти свою матір і пізніше врятувати її з Аркему, у другій все йде до прямого протистояння між трьома місцевими групами, а саме Колективом, культом Бетмена, який знаходиться під контролем Джейсона, який тут збожеволів і вбачає в Мати Паніці фальшивого спасителя, а також супротиву під керівництвом Жінки Кішки.
Я не можу сказати, що ця лімітка є якоюсь поганою, у неї є певні цікаві моменти, малюнок Ібрагіма Мустафи хороший і я б навіть сказав, що він є золотою серединою стилів минулих художників. Однак читав я цю серію в основному з кам'яним обличчям, ми відійшли досить далеко від початкового концепту Вея, і ні місцевий сюжет, ні місцеве майбутнє, ні місцеві версії впізнаваних персонажів мене не змогли зачепити.
Підсумовуючи обидві серії то можу сказати, що Мати Паніка є досить цікавим концептом, який так і не зміг мене зачепити та який під кінець свого існування пішов не туди куди треба. І враховуючи, що Вайолет Пейдж у кінці "Gotham A.D" залишається в іншому світі то на якийсь камбек персонажа не сильно варто чекати і вона відійде в забуття як було з багатьма іншими персонажами до та й після неї.
May 13, 2020
5
I've enjoyed the Mother Panic series and this last volume after Milk Wars is a fitting send-off. I hope they return to the series to help close that finale, but if they don't, this is still a series worthy of your time. Young Animal has closed off most of the characters and I had hoped Mother Panic might continue on at some stage. Jody Houser and the artwork are incredible here. I had been sceptical of what Jody Houser had planned for this volume after the first two volumes, but I shouldn't have questioned the storyline, it works.
Why the 5?
I honestly think this is my favourite of all the Mother Panic volumes. The way it plays with the mythology of the Batman universe and rips the heart clean out of the body. Jody Houser has the option to take everything we know about the Gotham world and change everything. The alternative universe isn't a brand new idea but this volume benefits from the Milk Wars Saga and it leaves this series open ended. I want the storyline to continue as I believe they can focus on closing the cliff-hanger style conclusion. Mother Panic has been my favourite of the Young Animal Imprint but Eternity Girl quietly crept into my view last week so I'm now torn. This is a volume that showcases what Young Animal is capable of doing and I hope we see this character again in the future.
I've enjoyed the Mother Panic series and this last volume after Milk Wars is a fitting send-off. I hope they return to the series to help close that finale, but if they don't, this is still a series worthy of your time. Young Animal has closed off most of the characters and I had hoped Mother Panic might continue on at some stage. Jody Houser and the artwork are incredible here. I had been sceptical of what Jody Houser had planned for this volume after the first two volumes, but I shouldn't have questioned the storyline, it works.
Why the 5?
I honestly think this is my favourite of all the Mother Panic volumes. The way it plays with the mythology of the Batman universe and rips the heart clean out of the body. Jody Houser has the option to take everything we know about the Gotham world and change everything. The alternative universe isn't a brand new idea but this volume benefits from the Milk Wars Saga and it leaves this series open ended. I want the storyline to continue as I believe they can focus on closing the cliff-hanger style conclusion. Mother Panic has been my favourite of the Young Animal Imprint but Eternity Girl quietly crept into my view last week so I'm now torn. This is a volume that showcases what Young Animal is capable of doing and I hope we see this character again in the future.
March 8, 2019
Wow. This was a great conclusion to Houser's series. It was emotionally fitting and wonderfully unique. The Gotham she finds herself in after Milk Wars, where Batman hasn't been seen for ten years, is the exact world that needed Mother Panic.
And Fennec Fox is the best homicidal sidekick there ever was.
And Fennec Fox is the best homicidal sidekick there ever was.
November 5, 2024
Another son who tries so hard. Things splinter in your grasp.
This is like a different DC multiverse where a woman is the protagonist.
I've read a few Mother Panic comics; hence I checked out the graphic novel just to find out what it's all about.
February 25, 2020
2.5 stars
September 6, 2018
I truely loved this volume and, upon learning that the series would end, I feel it is very unfortunate as I felt Jody Houser's writing and story were really improving as the series moved along.
It obviously helps if you have read the first 2 volumes of this series to really get to know who Gala, Pretty, and the supporting characters to Mother Panic are. With Gotham A.D., this story can really be read as a stand alone since it takes place in an alternate reality and, similar to what someone else has said, puts you in the mind set of The Dark Knight Returns. It helps to understand that this volume only happens because of the very odd crossover event called "Milk Wars" that came out in early 2018. Our would be hero, Violet Paige, has been pulled into a future time line set in an alternate reality. At times the story may be confusing but I made sense of it. We get to see some very terrible moments for many members of Batman's Rogue Gallery. We even get to rehash events from "Death in the Family". We get some surprising cameos (and dont think Kate Kane went unnoticed).
Mother Panic will become a new symbol in a world that calls for a symbol. The odd thing though is that even though there is a major gang war going on, The Collective still remains active and we do not really get any resolution by the end. Still, I loved this arc and I share the opinions of others when I say I really hope we can walk down this aisle again. Mother Panic has been a great original character.
It obviously helps if you have read the first 2 volumes of this series to really get to know who Gala, Pretty, and the supporting characters to Mother Panic are. With Gotham A.D., this story can really be read as a stand alone since it takes place in an alternate reality and, similar to what someone else has said, puts you in the mind set of The Dark Knight Returns. It helps to understand that this volume only happens because of the very odd crossover event called "Milk Wars" that came out in early 2018. Our would be hero, Violet Paige, has been pulled into a future time line set in an alternate reality. At times the story may be confusing but I made sense of it. We get to see some very terrible moments for many members of Batman's Rogue Gallery. We even get to rehash events from "Death in the Family". We get some surprising cameos (and dont think Kate Kane went unnoticed).
Mother Panic will become a new symbol in a world that calls for a symbol. The odd thing though is that even though there is a major gang war going on, The Collective still remains active and we do not really get any resolution by the end. Still, I loved this arc and I share the opinions of others when I say I really hope we can walk down this aisle again. Mother Panic has been a great original character.
July 7, 2020
After the Milk Wars event, Mother Panic was re-launched with a new first issue and given the subtitle Gotham A.D. Unlike the first series, the second volume is set in a dystopian future where masked vigilantes are outlawed, and Batman having abandoned Gotham. Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. collects all six issues of the 2018 series.
Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. covers one six-issue story: "Different Bat Channel" with four one-issue back-up stories "Different Bat Time", "Closing Line", "Roots and Leaves", and "Storytime".
"Different Bat Time" has Violet Paige as Mother Panic trying to figure out her new reality and try to find out what happened to the allies she has garnered. With the help of Rosie as Fennec Fox, this dynamic duo tries to find some utopia in a dystopian world by destroying the reign of the Collective in Gotham City. As a Robin fan, this world has an interesting take on Jason Todd as Lord Robin.
The four one-shot back-up stories are extensions to the universe. With "Different Bat Time" shows how the Collective rules Gotham City, "Closing Line" showed what happened between Batman and the Joker that caused Batman to abandon Gotham City, "Roots and Leaves" is the story and fate of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, and "Storytime" is a delusional story told by Rebecca Paige.
Jody Houser penned the main series as well as the four one-shot back-ups and for the most part, I am rather intrigued by the storyline. Although six issues are not enough to adequately conclude the series, it was a wonderful send off for the character. The one-shot back up stories provide and interesting back-story to the new universe, which filled out the this continuity rather well, albeit a tad insufficient.
Ibrahim Moustafa penciled the main story (Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. #1–6) with Paulina Gamucheau penciling the first three back-stories and Shawn Crystal penciling the last back-up story. For the most part, their penciling style complements each other rather well, yet remains distinctive, which makes the flow of the trade paperback somewhat smooth – artistically speaking. The penciling has improved drastically from the previous series.
Overall, I rather liked this short series. Although, having Mother Panic taken out of the main continuity was a misstep. I still would have liked to see Violet Paige's journey from being a vigilante out for revenge to one that turns into a masked hero. Even if the series ended, future writers could still use her in future stories with the Bat Family. However, having her stuck in a different time and continuity restricts that somewhat.
All in all, Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. is a some-what well conclusion to a very interesting character. I hope that it will not be the last time we would see of her.
Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. covers one six-issue story: "Different Bat Channel" with four one-issue back-up stories "Different Bat Time", "Closing Line", "Roots and Leaves", and "Storytime".
"Different Bat Time" has Violet Paige as Mother Panic trying to figure out her new reality and try to find out what happened to the allies she has garnered. With the help of Rosie as Fennec Fox, this dynamic duo tries to find some utopia in a dystopian world by destroying the reign of the Collective in Gotham City. As a Robin fan, this world has an interesting take on Jason Todd as Lord Robin.
The four one-shot back-up stories are extensions to the universe. With "Different Bat Time" shows how the Collective rules Gotham City, "Closing Line" showed what happened between Batman and the Joker that caused Batman to abandon Gotham City, "Roots and Leaves" is the story and fate of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, and "Storytime" is a delusional story told by Rebecca Paige.
Jody Houser penned the main series as well as the four one-shot back-ups and for the most part, I am rather intrigued by the storyline. Although six issues are not enough to adequately conclude the series, it was a wonderful send off for the character. The one-shot back up stories provide and interesting back-story to the new universe, which filled out the this continuity rather well, albeit a tad insufficient.
Ibrahim Moustafa penciled the main story (Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. #1–6) with Paulina Gamucheau penciling the first three back-stories and Shawn Crystal penciling the last back-up story. For the most part, their penciling style complements each other rather well, yet remains distinctive, which makes the flow of the trade paperback somewhat smooth – artistically speaking. The penciling has improved drastically from the previous series.
Overall, I rather liked this short series. Although, having Mother Panic taken out of the main continuity was a misstep. I still would have liked to see Violet Paige's journey from being a vigilante out for revenge to one that turns into a masked hero. Even if the series ended, future writers could still use her in future stories with the Bat Family. However, having her stuck in a different time and continuity restricts that somewhat.
All in all, Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. is a some-what well conclusion to a very interesting character. I hope that it will not be the last time we would see of her.
November 18, 2018
For most of this, I thought, "I like this except that it's a Mother Panic book." It moves Violet ten years into a dystopian future Gotham, which is also an alternate universe. AUs are terribly overdone in comics, but this one had a deeper lived-in feeling to it, not just shallow changes, and I liked that. It interested me, except that it's all about Batman and his influence after his death. A) Mother Panic has never had any feelings about Batman so what's the point, and B), I've never gotten behind the whole "Batman is the most important person in Gotham, nay, IN THE DC UNIVERSE" trend. I love Batman, but it doesn't make sense. So, I liked Jason Todd and his cult, and Poison Ivy, and the Collective running Arkham (along with everything else), but it just felt weird for Mother Panic to be the avenue into that, even if the colorful, twisted style suits her comic rather than a traditional Batman AU.
In the end, though, I think maybe they were just trying to get Mother Panic where she should have been all along. I have always said that I thought the series was set in Gotham's future, was disappointed when it wasn't, and still felt like it should be. It could've added something if set in the future, in the aftermath of Batman, but instead it was another layer on an already over-filled Gotham City. This seems like an attempt to fix that fundamental problem, especially since
So, I think what we have here is a Star Trek: Beyond situation. If it had been a first effort, I'd be totally on board, but it was the third, and maybe it was too little too late.
In the end, though, I think maybe they were just trying to get Mother Panic where she should have been all along. I have always said that I thought the series was set in Gotham's future, was disappointed when it wasn't, and still felt like it should be. It could've added something if set in the future, in the aftermath of Batman, but instead it was another layer on an already over-filled Gotham City. This seems like an attempt to fix that fundamental problem, especially since
So, I think what we have here is a Star Trek: Beyond situation. If it had been a first effort, I'd be totally on board, but it was the third, and maybe it was too little too late.
June 18, 2022
This final volume is just as well written as the first two, but it feels less satisfying as it leaves the series incomplete.
Milk Wars has blasted Violet and her new kid sidekick Fennec Fox into an alternate universe where The Collective has taken over Gotham and killed or destroyed all the superheroes and villains.
This volume is a lot more cameo filled as we meet this world’s versions of Joker, Catwoman, Harley, Ivy, Freeze, Scarecrow, etc. This is somewhat interesting but feels like a diversion from Violet’s developing narrative.
Jason Todd also features, as one of the main villains of the piece: Lord Robin. As the last living member of the Batfamily, he’s gone crazy and started an evil Batman cult. It’s not the best take on the character.
Mother Panic remains a very compelling protagonist and her development into a true hero reaches completion here. Her relationship with her now sort of adopted daughter is also very compelling, although Fennec Fox’s Hitgirl-style violence and desire for killing feels a little immature here.
Gala, the Collective’s resident homicidal artist also returns here though it’s the alt universe’s version. We’re left lacking in final epic showdown between Violet and Gala once again though.
A strong volume for a great character. An unsatisfying conclusion.
Milk Wars has blasted Violet and her new kid sidekick Fennec Fox into an alternate universe where The Collective has taken over Gotham and killed or destroyed all the superheroes and villains.
This volume is a lot more cameo filled as we meet this world’s versions of Joker, Catwoman, Harley, Ivy, Freeze, Scarecrow, etc. This is somewhat interesting but feels like a diversion from Violet’s developing narrative.
Jason Todd also features, as one of the main villains of the piece: Lord Robin. As the last living member of the Batfamily, he’s gone crazy and started an evil Batman cult. It’s not the best take on the character.
Mother Panic remains a very compelling protagonist and her development into a true hero reaches completion here. Her relationship with her now sort of adopted daughter is also very compelling, although Fennec Fox’s Hitgirl-style violence and desire for killing feels a little immature here.
Gala, the Collective’s resident homicidal artist also returns here though it’s the alt universe’s version. We’re left lacking in final epic showdown between Violet and Gala once again though.
A strong volume for a great character. An unsatisfying conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2019
Mother Panic has so far been the most traditional of the Young Animal books. It's some combination of Moon Knight, Batman, and Daredevil...a street-level super hero series with just a touch of the trademark Young Animal insanity.
The third volume, Gotham A.D., brings mostly the same kind of action with a few new twists. First, following the events of Milk Wars, Violet now finds herself in an alternate timeline/dimension, where Gotham is run by the Collection. The second addition is Rosie, who serves as Violet's sidekick and is a child that doubles as an unflinching killer and comedic relief. The character is very reminiscent of the Gabby character Tom Taylor introduced as a sidekick to Laura in his recent All New Wolverine run.
The alternate timeline helps the story avoid getting too stale following the first two volumes. Houser paces the book well and scripts good action. Moustaffa is a good fit for the book with his thick lines that remind me of something you'd see in the Marvel Knights era. This book isn't anything too special, but it seems to know what it is...a perfectly fine street-level super hero yarn.
The third volume, Gotham A.D., brings mostly the same kind of action with a few new twists. First, following the events of Milk Wars, Violet now finds herself in an alternate timeline/dimension, where Gotham is run by the Collection. The second addition is Rosie, who serves as Violet's sidekick and is a child that doubles as an unflinching killer and comedic relief. The character is very reminiscent of the Gabby character Tom Taylor introduced as a sidekick to Laura in his recent All New Wolverine run.
The alternate timeline helps the story avoid getting too stale following the first two volumes. Houser paces the book well and scripts good action. Moustaffa is a good fit for the book with his thick lines that remind me of something you'd see in the Marvel Knights era. This book isn't anything too special, but it seems to know what it is...a perfectly fine street-level super hero yarn.
September 2, 2020
Probably my favorite volume of Mother Panic, but a pretty disappointing finale. Violet finds herself flung into an alternate future after Milk Wars and fights against a Gotham City controlled and gentrified by Madame Gala. So why is this my favorite volume? For starters, Houser's dialogue is better. Violet isn't constantly spouting expletives and seeing her relationship with both versions of her mom helped her feel like a human being worth caring about. I've become a bit of a fan of Mrs. Paige too since I've learned more about her as a character and what she brings to the table. Violet gets revenge on her brother this volume, but it's not *her* brother. Just this future's version of him. So while it's cool to see Violet finally confront him, the result just feels empty. It's an interesting choice having Violet decide to stay in this future, but it still feels like this was not the intended ending for the character and keeps her isolated from the rest of the DC universe. There's way more stories to tell with Violet Paige and I hope one day shes reintegrated back into the main universe.
July 31, 2020
Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. Review:
Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. is the 3rd and supposedly the final story for the character. It is from DC's Young Animal and it takes place after the events of Milk Wars. It is still written by Jody Houser. Volume 1 is a disappointment and while volume 2 is an improvement, it is still not the good imo.
Gotham A.D. is easily the best one of all the Mother Panic stories. It has improved so much that this one is actually a decent book. Mother Panic is a case in which each story it improves. The artwork is still good and the character has gone a good character growth since volume 1.
The story is much more interesting and definitely much more coherent. There are some surprises in the story and it is also a suprisingly a decent ending for the character. While it isn't a good book overall, it was still pretty decent and easily the best one of all the Mother Panic books.
6.5/10
Mother Panic: Gotham A.D. is the 3rd and supposedly the final story for the character. It is from DC's Young Animal and it takes place after the events of Milk Wars. It is still written by Jody Houser. Volume 1 is a disappointment and while volume 2 is an improvement, it is still not the good imo.
Gotham A.D. is easily the best one of all the Mother Panic stories. It has improved so much that this one is actually a decent book. Mother Panic is a case in which each story it improves. The artwork is still good and the character has gone a good character growth since volume 1.
The story is much more interesting and definitely much more coherent. There are some surprises in the story and it is also a suprisingly a decent ending for the character. While it isn't a good book overall, it was still pretty decent and easily the best one of all the Mother Panic books.
6.5/10
August 2, 2019
I would say that this is the best volume of Mother Panic yet. It holds onto everything engaging about the character while also delivering tighter storytelling and a twisted version of Gotham unlike the one we are used to.
Having not read Milk Wars yet, it's quite possible I missed some of the lead-in to this story. That being said, I found it clear enough. The re-imagined city and characters lead to some interesting dynamics as we get a new vision of Gotham in an alternate near-future that could be. Violet's ongoing search for belonging drags her headlong into the conflict of her new surroundings as new and familiar faces prove themselves to be allies or enemies in unexpected ways.
As this team wraps up the character, Gotham A.D. delivers a dark, complex storyline with strong talent and plenty of entertainment.
Having not read Milk Wars yet, it's quite possible I missed some of the lead-in to this story. That being said, I found it clear enough. The re-imagined city and characters lead to some interesting dynamics as we get a new vision of Gotham in an alternate near-future that could be. Violet's ongoing search for belonging drags her headlong into the conflict of her new surroundings as new and familiar faces prove themselves to be allies or enemies in unexpected ways.
As this team wraps up the character, Gotham A.D. delivers a dark, complex storyline with strong talent and plenty of entertainment.
November 13, 2018
A pretty unsatisfactory Elseworlds-type continuation of the confused Mother Panic series. There aren't any new ideas in here, and everything recalls the last time you read it - although that last time was in books that had better grounding, characterization, and resolution. Gala is a one-trick-pony villain who should have been retired at the end of the first 6 issue arc. Man... I wish this had been a good book. I like the character design, and the Tommy Lee Edwards artwork on the first series was beautiful (he provides covers this time around - to mixed effect).
Skip it, folks - sadly, this goes for all of Young Animal except for Doom Patrol, which is officially playing second fiddle to Way's bigger priority, Umbrella Academy, now.
Skip it, folks - sadly, this goes for all of Young Animal except for Doom Patrol, which is officially playing second fiddle to Way's bigger priority, Umbrella Academy, now.
December 28, 2020
The rebooting of context after Milk Wars somehow did wonders for this character/book. Once divorced from the "in Batman's world but totally different" vibe of the first two volumes, this one managed to somehow feel the most connected to Batman lore, while also feeling like it's most independent thinking with the characters of Violet and her mother. A lot of layered factions and motives make this Elseworld's-feeling story a bit convoluted at times, but overall a quicker, and more free-thinking entry into this canon.
4/5 Hobo Jokers
4/5 Hobo Jokers
August 22, 2021
A reimagining of Gotham and the land of the Bat. The lettering here is superb. I enjoyed reading this script. A fun read with drawing out where the different worlds were different and what that meant. I will go back and read other in the series.
December 4, 2018
Really well written and drawn. I'm a bit lost, but still really digging the character and the adult themes.
January 27, 2019
Honestly, Mother Panic in another dimension is probably best for plot purposes.
March 8, 2019
Public library copy.
An adult reimagining of Gotham, well drawn and written. Dark themes, bloody and with, quite often, strong language.
An adult reimagining of Gotham, well drawn and written. Dark themes, bloody and with, quite often, strong language.
May 11, 2019
The conclusion to Mother Panic is an excellent reimagining of Gotham City and the Batman mythos. This would have only gotten better if it continued.
January 2, 2020
Alternate Batman universe. Even the good guys are a bit deranged.
January 30, 2022
this slayed love gay people
March 13, 2023
i am so grateful that this was given a concrete finale because it was absolutely the best book in the run
Read
September 4, 2018Violet Paige is thrust into a future/alternate Gotham, because let's face it, in comics the line is normally porous where dystopia is concerned. And doubly so for Gotham, which is pretty dystopian to start with, not least because its more famous vigilante is such an utterly shit protector. But here, he's gone, and his villains are broken. Instead, a ruthless police force presides over a regime of gentrification. And yes, this is a story with real resonance for what's happening to our cities, not just in the US but from London to Istanbul and beyond...but superhero comics have already told it better elsewhere (Ms Marvel had a particularly strong example a year or two back), and here it just feels cheapened by the alternate world angle and the ties back to the loose ends of Violet's own story. Which, with Young Animal shuttering after this arc concludes, feel like they've themselves been ill-served by the abrupt twist on the setting.
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