DC at its cheesiest
My husband took one look at this cover and made some kind of snarky remark about DC's ridiculous costumed supervillains. They do look ridiculous most of the time but they are so much fun. I love this updated version of the Clock King (since Batman:TAS) compared to how used to look with a giant clock head and clocks all over his costume like something out of a bad Schumacher Batman sequel. Robin's feathery cape details are little over the top too but I have always loved Tim's Robin suit.
And as much as I love Clock King, I really can't stand Granny Goodness. This is one of those characters that is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I'm not quite sure if this plot is really something the Clock King would play out. He's all about getting revenge but here he's just kidnapping superheroes to sell for gladiator battles to the Dark Side Club. Is this really how Clock King would behave? I'm not so sure.
SPOILERS
The team believes Ravager to be killed in an contained explosion but she is shown, battleworn but in the shadows. With Robin being pummeled by the Clock King due to his advantage of precognition, Ravager will probably the one to have to save the day.
The plot is far from original. Kidnapping heroes to fight in battles has been done a million times. The trick is to do it well. Let's face it, when it's done with depth and intrigue and enough tragedy, you get a very memorable story. Which movie would you rather see: "Gladiator" or "The Running Man?" Sometimes you want shallow cheese where you know the hero is going to win and other times you want a serious drama where you just don't know how it will end.