I have seem to be labeled as (among other harsher titles) as a prude. Let me say this: While I totally think anything cheesecake really sets back women in terms of artwork…..I am a man. I’m not some guy who will just oppose something and sticks with it (see my Millar/Old Man Logan bashing….still picked up #72). Since I am a guy, I have to give in to some ‘adult’ artwork. Besides, this comic has Paul Dini writing the story….so there’s my excuse!

When I reviewed the ‘Lovers and Madmen’ HC last week I mentioned that: While Paul Dini loves to write Batman, he puts a lot of effort into the side characters of a story. Mainly the villains. If there’s anything else Dini loves to write; it’s his three favorite girls Harley Quinn, Pamela Isely, and Selina Kyle. While his ‘Streets of Gotham’ focuses on a more broader approach to Gotham; Dini is using the three anti-hero females of Gotham as his focial point. Before we get to the art, let me say that by no means is Dini degrading women. Sure he might like the girls to wear skimpy clothing now and again…but you can really tell he cares for these characters. Dini is up there with the likes of Greg Rucka who just know who to write a woman for a comic. There is good characterization here and I love how Kyle interacts with the other two ladies. One of the strongest strengths for this title will be the characters interacting with each other. I dont know how far a series like this could go, but with Dini I am not so much worried on the writing.

Okay now to the porn…I mean soft core porn….I mean art….I mean Guillem March’s pencils. Yes that’s do….Seriously, as talented as March can be; this is soft core porn. The artwork in this is very appealing to the male eye if you get my drift. About 99% of the panels shown either have a butt load of cleavage shown or a big ass hanging out. It makes me laugh more then anything else. Maybe March has more control over the layout of the art then Dini does in the scripting….but it’s just ridiculous on how much (and how close to see) women’s ‘naughty bits’ in every page. But if you look past the cheesecake, you will see great detail in the characters and in the backgrounds. I think his action sequences are a bit rough and not well established. But who’s really going to pay attention to that with these girls showcased on the page?

So while we obviously know why this book is gonna sell. Let me state there is very good writing in this book and people should buy it more for the story then the art. I hope I dont come across as a prude when it comes to cheesecake, I just think it’s a bit unflattering in some cases when it comes to comics. Now if you excuse me….I need to be alone….

…..LEAVE!!!