Batman #101 Review

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Batman, Batman #101, Batman #101 review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Gotham, Guillem March, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Lucius Fox, Punchline, Robin, Tomeu Morey

Batman #101

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new dawn rises over Gotham City in Batman #101 as the dust settles in the aftermath of Joker War. The full impact of the Joker’s reign of terror and the effect its had on the citizens of the city is now realised in the cold light of day. Batman chooses a bold new path for his war on crime as Bruce Wayne’s life is changed forever, and why exactly is Cole Cash – a.k.a.-Grifter, now working for Lucius Fox?

It’s time to ring in the changes as writer James Tynion IV sets out a new direction for the Dark Knight in this somber, emotional and reflective issue of Batman. Joker War might be over but the fallout from what the Clown Prince of Crime did to the city using the Wayne fortune will have long lasting ramifications for Bruce Wayne. Tynion delivers some terrific character moments for Batman and Lucius Fox as they reevaluate their lives in the wake of the traumatic  events they each suffered, both mentally and physically, during Joker War. Fox now has control of the Wayne fortune, the board of Wayne Enterprises want Bruce quietly sidelined from the company, and Batman is going to have to tighten his utility belt with a more cash strapped, low-tech, approach to crime fighting.

Guillem March’s strikingly detailed artwork for Batman #101 brings vivid clarity to the events in this issue. Numerous pages are awash with swapping vistas of Gotham as Batman looks back on simpler times, where Commissioner Gordon always stood by the Bat-Signal, Robin fought by the Dark Knight’s side, and Alfred was ever present in the Bat-Cave to offer advice.  Now all these constants in Batman’s life are gone, March’s artwork beautifully encapsulates these reflective, emotionally charged moments, whilst Tomeu Morey’s subtle colors heightens them perfectly in the Dark Knight’s powerful scenes with Lucius Fox and his tender soul-searching moments with Catwoman. Batman’s no-holds-bared fight with Lucius Fox’s new bodyguard, Grifter, is another highlight as well.

Along with having Bruce relocating his operations as Batman to a more modest location in Gotham, Tynion also acknowledges what Joker War will mean for Bat and the Cat relationship now. Tough decisions need to be made to accommodate the new status quo Bruce has adopted to allow himself to work off the grid as leaner, more self-sufficient Batman, and Catwoman being the number one target of Gotham’s underworld after stealing the Wayne fortune back from the Underwriter isn’t exactly going to make things any easier for them or their relationship going forwards.

Brief mentions of Punchline’s media message and Clownhunter’s vigilante antics also get thrown into the mix to keep those plot lines bubbling away in the background for future issue to explore. Although this issue comes across initially as being rather downbeat after Joker War, there’s a distinct move by Tynion here to really start to place his stamp of the character with a more back-to-basics approach. With its excellent character driven narrative by James Tynion IV and terrific artwork by Guillem March, Batman #101 heralds a new beginning for the Dark Knight – in more way than one!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist: Guillem March

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Batman #99 Review

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Alfred Pennyworth, Batgirl, Batman, Batman #99, Batman #99 Review, Batwoman, Bruce Wayne, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, Joker War Part 5, NCBD, Nightwing, Orphan, Punchline, Red Hood, Red Robin, Signal, The Joker

Batman #99

Review by Paul Bowler.

The endgame of Joker War looms in Batman #99 as the Dark Knight and the Joker prepare for the ultimate showdown. Batman knows he cannot win this war alone. He’s going to need the whole of the Bat-Family to help him reclaim Gotham. It’s time for a reunion with the first Robin, Dick Grayson, but is he ready and willing to return as Nightwing so soon after reclaiming his lost memories?

Everyone is in place as the penultimate chapter of Joker War unfolds, writer James Tynion IV delivers his most thrilling issue of Batman to date, and the rich level of characterisation he employs is mind-blowing in the extreme. We are treated to a frightening insight to the Joker’s twisted psyche and his anarchic vision of Gotham. Equally chilling is his warped use of the Wayne fortune, enjoying his luxurious new Jokermobile as he surveys the carnage he’s unleashed, and his ruthless demeanour towards his minions — including his new partner in crime Punchline – as he makes his final preparations at ACE chemicals highlights just how determined the Joker has become over the course of Joker War.

With theaters now filling with Gothamites for a movie where the Joker will ultimately kill them all and Clown goons running riot across the city, Batman calls in the Bat-Family for a rooftop meeting to help him form a strategy to retake Gotham. It’s great to see Red Hood, Signal, Orphan, Red Robin, and Batgirl all reunited alongside the Dark Knight. Harley Quinn is also along for the ride, Batwoman and the GCPD are busy having recaptured Wayne Enterprises and saved Lucius Fox (as seen in Detective comics #1025), but of course the biggest highlight is the return of Dick Grayson to the fold. DC Comics have come to their senses and the whole Ric Grayson debacle is finally over at last! Dick has his memories back and is ready to work alongside Batman again to save Gotham, Tynion crafts a fantastic and moving reunion for Dick Grayson and Batman, and while its not quite the big set-piece hinted at on the cover this scene is still easily the standout moment of the whole issue.

Harley Quinn also gets a good share of the action and some wonderfully snappy dialogue. She challenges Batman’s plans, her furious aside to Red Robin is hilarious, and her heartfelt resolve to finish the Joker if the Dark Knight should fail is as touching as it is brutally frank in its examination of the terrifying schism and collateral damage that Batman’s never-ending conflict with the Clown Prince of Crime has wrought over the years. The only complaint I can really level at the issue of Batman is that Punchline is seemingly sidelined by the Joker himself, Clownhunter gets thrown into the mix as just an afterthought, and even Catwoman’s scheme to strike back at the Underwriter feels a little underwhelming by caparison with the bigger events going on in the  rest of the issue. 

Joker War has seen the work of artist Joege Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey elevate DC’s flagship Batman title to new heights of visual opulence, and Batman #99 is no exception to that rule. With its burning panoramic vistas of Gotham, the Joker’s bloodthirsty treatment of his Clown thugs, and the Bat-Family reunion are all highlights from this issue, but the star of the show has to be Batman’s arrival at ACE chemicals — beautifully rendered by Jimenez and sumptuously coloured by Morey these scenes in particular are almost cinematic and breathtaking in scale and intensity.

Batman #99 wraps with another nerve jangling cliffhanger and it seems Dick Grayson isn’t the only one who gets a costume change this issue either! The excellent creative team of Tynion, Jimenez, and Morey are on fire with this title, and everything is now set for the momentous 100th issue of Batman and the conclusion of Joker War!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

 

Batman #98 Review

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Alfred, Batman, Batman #98, Batman #98 Review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, DC Comics, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War Part 4, NCBD, oege Jimenez, Penguin, Punchline, Riddler, Scarecrow

Batman #98

Review by Paul Bowler.

Everything stops for tea in Batman #98 as the Dark Knight’s world reels from the chaos of Joker War. Joker has taken everything from Batman, his wealth, his arsenal of vehicles, and now Batman is more vulnerable than ever thanks to a massive overdose of Punchline’s new Joker Toxin. As the Dark Knight wrestles with haunting visions and darkness Harley Quinn must watch over him while he recovers, but Punchline is on her way, and she’s hell bent on killing the Dark Knight!

Writer James Tynion IV continues to weave his magic on DC Comics flagship Batman title with yet another spellbinding, emotional, and action-packed issue. Batman #98 crams so much into this fourth instalment of Joke War its difficult to surmise just how richly crafted and well put together it all is. Tynion has Batman tripping the light fantastic for much of the issue — thanks to a brew cooked up by Harley Quinn in her floral underground hideout to cleanse Punchline’s souped up Joker toxin from his system — and the Dark Knight’s ensuing hallucinogenic tea break with the dearly departed Alfred is both deeply moving and highly insightful. Alfred serves up a unique perspective on the twisted dynamic of the Batman’s and Joker’s eternal conflict. Tynion’s powerful script also manages to salvage a plausible outcome to the devastating fallout caused by Tom King’s idiotically deconstructive run on Batman, essentially turning lead into gold, and making Alfred’s senseless death and Bruce’s inability to face up to that loss seem all the more poignant and credible as a result.

Ding! Ding! Seconds out… because the rest of the issue, as you’ve probably guessed by the cover, is indeed taken up by the face-off between Harley-Quinn and Joker’s new partner, Punchline. If, like me, their first clash left you feeling a bit underwhelmed then you will be pleased to know their showdown in Batman #98 is a real kick-ass fight that finally showcases both characters to their full potential. Tynion ensures the dialogue is as razor sharp as their combat, we also get to understand more about what motivates Punchline, and how she ingratiated herself with the Joker.

This issue features some truly fabulous artwork by Joege Jimenez’s as well. Stylish, overlapping page layouts capture the tone and pace of the story perfectly. Every scene focusing on Bruce’s conversation with the imaginary version of Alfred is beautiful crafted, with characters expressions conveying warmth, depth and unparalleled honesty. Punchline’s fight with Harley Quinn is — by stark contrast — a like ballet of exquisite violence and hate, with no quarter given and none taken. Jimenez’s art is enriched further by the striking tones and hues of colorist Tomeu Morey which makes Bruce’s hallucinogenic state and the stunning backdrop of Harley’s underground hideaway seem to almost leap from the page. Even the brief interludes with Catwoman as she recuperates at Penguin’s secret refuge along with the rest of the Gotham rogues to wait out Joker War are finely realised by Jimenez’s and Morey. 

While this issue doesn’t redact Alfred’s death, it does go a long way to finally making Alfred’s loss feel less senseless than is once did. Finally this issues iconic “I’m Batman” scene is no-doubt the punch-the-air moment that we’ve all been waiting for since Joker War began, and its great to see Bruce putting his old friends advice — imaginary or otherwise — to good use without at moments hesitation.

Batman #98 is another terrific issue from the dynamic creative team of Tynion IV, Jimenez and Morey. They have revitalised the Dark Knight’s world with strong characterisation and striking visuals. Now with the penultimate chapter of Joker War and the landmark Batman #100 on the horizon this series continues to impress on every level, and I for one can’t wait to see how everything turns out.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

 

Batman #91 Review

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Batman, Batman #91, Batman #91 review, Bruce Wayne, Catwoman, DC Comics, Deathstroke, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Penguin, Riddler, The Designer, The Nightclimber

Batman #91

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight squares off against Deathstroke in Batman #91 as the mysterious Designer’s grand plan begins to overwhelm Gotham. In order to help Batman save the city Catwoman will have to undertake the greatest heist in Gotham’s history. However, with Joker, Penguin and Riddler involved, and with a team of assassins on the loose Catwoman must reluctantly team-up with Harley Quinn while Batman confronts Deathstroke alone…

Writer James Tynion IV gathers numerous plot threads together in Their Dark Designs Part 6, as the pieces of the Designer’s scheme woven from the betrayal of the major players of Gotham’s nefarious Rogues Gallery of villains begins to unfold. Batman #91 starts chillingly enough. Joker has a tale to tell, one where he’s naturally the star of the show of course. It’s a glorious retelling of the Joker’s, Riddler’s, Pernguin’s, and Catwoman’s past encounter with the Designer from last issues flashback to events at Tartarus House, and its frighteningly relayed to the Joker’s captive audience. Add an intriguing phone call, together with the fact that the Joker War storyline is rapidly approaching, and this interlude with Joker clearly lays the groundwork for even darker things to come.

After reigning in Harley Quinn following her brief stint on drone duty, the primary focus of the issue is Batman’s high-octane chase and showdown with Deathstroke, Once again Tynion’s brings some superb characterisation to the fore here as Batman confronts Deathstroke with the Nightclimber, highlighting some striking parallels between them as Batman strives to make his case for saving Gotham City. Likewise, Catwoman and Harley Quinn are thrown together again and have to fight their way out of trouble. There’s a great dynamic between them too which leads to some hilarious asides and observations from Harley Quinn on the whole Bat-Cat relationship!

Batman #91’s artwork is shared between Rafael Albuquerque, Jorge Jimenez, and Carlo Pagulayan. Each of their distinctive artistic styles is perfectly suited to the trio of plot lines they’ve been allotted to render. The varying styles overlap nicely and don’t jar as a result, action sequences flow seamlessly alongside the more character driven moments, and the colors by Tomeu Morey accentuates the dark, brooding atmosphere of the issue perfectly.

Following Batman’s unexpected alliance with a deadly foe, everything builds to an exciting cliff-hanger as another player steps into the fray to take their turn in the Designer’s game. Although the story is starting to feel a little conventional with yet another mysterious villain seemingly knowing the Dark Knight’s every move, Tynion’s excellent writing keeps things engaging enough, the art is also very good, and the action-adventure tone ensures this is another exciting issue.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV /

Art: Rafael Albuquerque, Jorge Jimenez, Carlo Pagulayan, and Danny Miki

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Jimenez and Morey

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

New Justice League Trailer!

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Aquaman, Batman, Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne, Cyborg, DC Comics, Ezra Miller, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Justice League, Justice League Comic Con Traler, Justice League movie, Justice League NYCC Trailer, New Justice League Trailer, Steppenwolf, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Zack Snyder

New Justice League trailer!

Warner Bros have released the new Justice League Official Heroes Trailer!

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions!

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a story by Snyder and Terrio, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Justice League opens in theaters on November 17, 2017.

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Brand New Justice League Trailer Released At Comic-Con

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Aquaman, Batman, Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne, Cyborg, DC Comics, Ezra Miller, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Justice League, Justice League 1st official trailer, Justice League Comic Con Traler, Justice League movie, Justice League sneak peak trailer, New Justice League Trailer, Steppenwolf, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Zack Snyder

Brand New Justice League Trailer Released At Comic-Con

Warner Bros have released a new Justice League trailer at Comic Con International San Diego. The special sneak peak Justice League trailer reveals loads of new footage!

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a story by Snyder and Terrio, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Justice League opens in theaters on November 17, 2017.

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Justice League 1st Official Trailer Released!

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Aquaman, Batman, Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne, Cyborg, DC Comics, Ezra Miller, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jason Momoa, Justice League, Justice League 1st official trailer, Justice League movie, New Justice League Trailer, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Zack Snyder

Justice League 1st Official Trailer!

Warner Bros. have released the new trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Check it out, this looks amazing!

Justice League, directed by Zack Snyder, stars Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons Alfred Pennyworth, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Connie Nielsen Queen Hippolyta and J. K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon

Justice League’ is release November 17, 2017.

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Batman #50 Review

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Bat Bot, Batman, Batman #50, Batman #50 Review, Bruce Wayne, comics, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Gotham City, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Nathan Fairbairn, Scott Snyder, Superheavy Part 10, The New 52, Yanick Paquette

Batman #50

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight returns to Gotham City in the extra sized Batman #50 for the thrilling conclusion of Snyder and Capullo’s epic Superheavy story-arc! Bruce Wayne has regained his memories and reclaimed the mantel of the Bat to join Jim Gordon in the battle against Mr Bloom and save the city they have sworn to protect.

Batman #50 sees the return of Bruce Wayne to the cape and cowl as Mr Bloom and his super-powered-seed army lays siege to all of Gotham. With the city reeling from Mr Bloom’s onslaught, Batman, Jim Gordon, and Powers Internationals army of GCPD Bat-Bots unite against Gotham’s towering new super villain, and the fate of the city will be decided as Batman’s showdown with Mr Bloom reaches its thrilling conclusion!

Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s Superheavy arc saw Jim Gordon step up as Gotham’s new Bat-Bot suited Dark Knight following Batman’s apparent demise in Endgame while Bruce Wayne – now without his memories of being Batman – forged a new life with his old flame Julie Madison. Jim became the Batman the city needed at this dark time, but Bruce’s past wouldn’t rest easily, the Joker also survived Endgame, albeit radically changed by the experience, and now Mr Bloom’s rise to power has forced Bruce to sacrifice his newfound life to become the Batman again. Superheavy Part 10 stands as the total culmination of everything Snyder and Capullo have achieved with this story-arc, and it is only now that we can begin to fully appreciate the immense scope and scale of this game-changing storyline as it races towards its city shaking finale!

The beard may be no more, but Bruce Wayne is well and truly back in Batman #50 all kitted out in a new Bat-Suit and ready to give the citizens of Gotham a Batman they’ve never seen before – the Dark Knight they’ve deserved all along. Meanwhile, it’s all going to hell in Gotham as Mr Bloom and his seed-powered minions go on the rampage, while Julia Pennyworth tries to get the injured Jim Gordon to safety, and the Robo-Bat-Suited Commissioner Sawyer leads Gotham’s robo-suited Finest in the fight against Mr Bloom.

Just when it seems that all is lost, the one, true Dark Knight finally returns, rising from the shattered vestiges of Gotham’s most iconic symbol. It’s the rousing moment we’ve all been waiting for since Superheavy began and Snyder delivers it with a series of fan-pleasing moments, revitalized by the Dionesium and with Penny One to welcome him back, its clear Batman is relishing every moment of being back in the cape and cowl. This issue, perhaps more so than any before, exemplifies everything that Snyder and Capullo have done during their tenure on Batman. Sure, Batman #50 is packed with city smashing drama, but as fun and exciting as all the Bat-Bot action is, it is instead the emotionally charged character moments Snyder uses to punctuate the drama at key moments that really strike a chord, especially the moving reunion between Batman and Gordon, we also discover what happened to Duke Thomas’ parents, and there’s a bizarre connection amidst some recently acquired evidence that provides a sinister and unexpected connection to Mr Bloom’s origin.

Greg Capullo has well and truly surpassed all our expectations with his artwork on this issue. It looks absolutely stunning! Every page will have you mesmerised by the way Capullo maintains the fluidity and pace of the plot, infusing every scene with a staggering level of detail that almost defies description, to make Batman #50 one of his finest issues ever. From the symbolic moment of Bruce choosing of a new costume, to its eventual reveal, the nail biting tension in the Bat-Blimp high over Gotham, though to Gordon’s resolve to find another way to get the job done, and the bombastic smack down between Batman and Mr Bloom, Capullo pulls out all the stops here, along with Danny Miki’s brilliant inks, and FCO’s glorious colors, to deliver the rousing finale for the conclusion of Snyder’s epic Superheavy storyline. If this issue was a gym session, then suffice to say it’s probably the most extreme work out of Capullo’s artistic talents we’ve ever seen.!

The redesign of the Bat-Suit is both subtle and effective, with some classic embellishments – one in particular being a symbolic fusion of the old and the new in a way that I‘m really pleased to see carry over from Gordon‘s EVA Bat Suit – along with new gloves and cape, but despite all the upgrades and tech its still good to see that some things never change; especially when it comes to Batman getting the boot in during a fight!

In the build up towards its climatic moments, Batman #50 finds all the players in place for the final fight against Mr Bloom. With the Collider kicking off like Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun all over Gotham, Batman and Mr Bloom going toe to toe in scenes that makes Man of Steel look positively tame by comparison, a daring rescue that will grab you by the scruff of the neck and leave you punching the air with glee, and Gordon calling on his Rookie one last time to bring us to possibly the biggest moment of the entire arc as the fate of Gotham City teeters on a superconductive event horizon that burns with hope for a better tomorrow…

Batman #50 also features an eight page coda, written by Scott Snyder, and featuring terrific artwork by Yanick Prouette and colors by Nathan Fairbairn As epilogues go, this little interlude actually proves to be just as powerful and as moving as the main bulk of the story in the issue. The initial focuse is on Jim Gordon, there are some wonderful scenes here, lots of familiar faces, and it seems that there are going to be some pretty major changes at the GCPD as well. Of course it’s when Jim and Batman finally discuss everything that happened since Endgame as they survey the wounded city before them that are really this codas finest moments, and there’s even time for a reconciliation between Duke and Bruce, and some poignant reflection for Julie Madison.

Well… here we are. Yes, as we now know, Batman #50 is indeed Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s penultimate issue of Batman. Their run on this series has been a tremendous achievement; and its brought us so many incredible stories and iconic moments. Snyder and Capullo have redefined the mythology of the Bat itself, and then some! Having announced their tenure will conclude next issue with Batman #51, Snyder and Capullo have been saying for a while now that they plan to reunite on another project in the near future. In the interim, Batman #52, by James Tvnion IV and Rafael Alberque will bring this current volume to an end before Batman relaunches in June with a new creative team as part of DC’s forthcoming Rebirth event.

I will look to the future with a mixture of sadness, trepidation, and anticipation for the future of this title, along with Rebirth and the changes it brings to DC Comics, and excitement for what Snyder and Capullo will do next. For now though, let’s not dwell on goodbyes, or what the future might hold just yet. Instead, we should celebrate this incredible giant-sized 50^th issue of Batman, along with the momentous accomplishments that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have achieved on this title together with Danny Miki and FCO Plascencia. What a team! Batman #50 is a full-on epic issue in every sense of the word, the story and art will blow you away, and you will be left with an overwhelming sense that you have just read one of the greatest Batman issues ever made.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder / Art: Greg Capullo

Inks: Danny Miki / Colors: FCO Plascencia / Letters: Steve Wands

Epilogue Art Yanick Parquette / Epilogue Colors: Nathan Fairbairn

Cover: Capullo / Miki / FCO

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Batman #49 Review

Tags

Alfred Pennyworth, Batman, Batman #49 review, Bruce Wayne, comics, James Tynion IV, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Nathan Fairbairn, Scott Snyder, Superheavy, Superheavy pat 9, The Bat-Cave, The New 52, Yanick Paquette

Batman #49

Review by Paul Bowler

With the chaos unleashed by Mr Bloom engulfing Gotham, the time has finally come for Bruce Wayne to reclaim his past in Batman #49, as he descends into the Bat-Cave to face his destiny. But can Bruce truly find it in himself to sacrifice his new life free of the shadow of the bat that easily? Can he embrace the legacy of the Bat again, to confront the past and become one with all the horror, madness, and violence that consumed him before as Gotham’s Dark Knight Protector. Now, in this special issue the fates of Bruce Wayne and Batman converge once more, and the Dark Knight’s world will never be the same again…

Last issue saw Gotham’s new Batman, Jim Gordon, captured by the gargantuan Mr Bloom, while the new super-villains super-powered-seed army emerged to wreak havoc. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne, having begun to recover the memories of his former life as Batman, suddenly encountered the Joker, whose memories of his past life as the Clown Prince of Crime have also seemingly been wiped away like Bruce’s were after their violent showdown in Endgame. Now in Batman #49, part nine of the Superheavy arc reaches a major turning point, as writer Scott Snyder and co-writer James Tynion IV, together with artist Yanick Paquette, and colorist Nathan Fairbairn, bring us Bruce’s darkest, most challenging ordeal so far as he prepares to risk everything to become the Dark Knight once more…

It has all been building towards this moment, now its here at last! Alfred is now all that stands in the way of Bruce Wayne rediscovering the full knowledge of who he really is in Batman #49, as Scott Snyder and co-write James Tynion IV steer Bruce on a journey that will encompasses a myriad of infinite possibilities which will test his resolve, willpower, and perhaps even his sanity, as an inexorable date with destiny looms.

The copious multi-layered aspects of Bruce’s life that Snyder and Tynion IV have spliced into the ongoing narrative of the Supeheavy arc in this issue are mind bogglingly sublime. At times it almost feels as if we’ve sidestepped into the Martrix, with all the fragments all jostling for our attention, before two clear junctures in Bruce’s life slowly begin to run parallel to one another… Alfred is now all that stands in the way of Bruce Wayne rediscovering the knowledge of who he really is in Batman #49, unfolding at Wayne Tower and Wayne Manor as time itself simultaneously becomes a portal to save the future and the last barrier to lock away the past. Its heartrending stuff, the scenes between Bruce and Alfred are truly moving, but with the machinery that will restore Bruce’s mind in such a dire state of disrepair, the key to Bruce’s resurrection rests with what is perhaps the most unexpected – yet ironically obvious – act of trust and foresight of all.

With Greg Capullo busy getting ahead with Batman #50, Yanick Paquette (Wolverine, Batman, Swamp Thing, Wonder Woman) and colorist Nathan Fairbairn (Batman INC, Multiversity, Wonder Woman: The Trial of Diana Prince) take over the artistic duties for Batman #49, and what an awesome looking issue it is! I really like how Yanick Paquette alternates the more futuristic scenes with those in the present day, with the multiple projections of Bruce’s lineage often coalescing like temporal thought bubbles, and the uncanny symmetry between the dual entrances into the cave are both magnificently epic and ominously foreboding.

Yanick Paquette brings this gloriously mined seam of craziness that Scott Snyder’s and James Tynion IV have created to life with such vivid detail, the sheer power of the emotional scenes will take your breath away, while the stunning rendering of Bruce’s struggle across fracturing realities unfolds over numerous two-page spreads that will simply blow you away with the sheer scope and scale of it all. Batman #49 also features some of the very best Nathan Fairbairn colors you can possibly imagine, Nathan Fairbairn makes every scene come alive in exquisite detail, utilizing a rich pallet of colors that complement the story perfectly.

The final moments are heartbreaking in the extreme. Although we all knew this moment was coming, now that we are finally here, the reality of Bruce’s struggle, along with the sacrifice he’s prepared to make, are really hammered home. This is no mere sci-fi cliché resolution either. Scott Snyder has kept us guessing every step of the way with the Superhavy arc, we’ve had a glimpse of the man Bruce might’ve been if he’d never set foot in crime alley as a child, but now the time has come to pull the trigger on that new found life and happiness, and the way in which this point is finally reached is guaranteed to break everyone’s heart.

Batman #49 is a superb issue from Scott Snyder and James Tynion VI. It’s one that mixes truths and consequences, where raw emotion and devotion cascade towards the memorial waterfall of a time immemorial, until we reach the threshold of the one line that even the Batman cannot cross… The haunting cover by Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbairn is like a Bat version of The Scream with a side order of Nosferatu to send a chill down your spine, lets hope they do a poster or print of this stunning cover one day, its brilliant, and there’s also a terrific Neal Adams variant cover to look out for as well. Batman #49 is a fantastic instalment of the Superhavy arc; everything is now set up for the momentous 50^th issue. Hell yeah, its time to go to work!

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV

Artist: Yanick Paquette / Colors: Nathan Fairbairn / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Yanick Paquette & Nathan Fairbairn / Variant Cover: Neal Adams

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Batman #48 Review

Tags

Bat Bot, Batman, Batman #48, Batman #48 review, Bruce Wayne, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Gotham, Gotham City, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Scott Snyder, Superheavy, The New 52

Batman #48

Review by Paul Bowler

Mr Bloom’s deadly seeds begin to flourish in Batman #48, unleashing an army that could turn everyone in Gotham against its new Batman. Gordon must face the chaos that Mr Bloom has unleashed on the city, but his robotic nano-carbon Bat-Suit has been destroyed, and the new Dark Knight is running out of options fast… Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne’s new life without the shadow of the Bat is thrown into turmoil, when he encounters a stranger whose return instigates a chain of events that might change Bruce’s life forever…

Batman #48 finds Jim Gordon reeling after the attack from Mr Bloom’s super-powered-seed army, just as he was on the verge of unmasking Gotham’s newest super villain. Now, as Batman emerges from the wreckage of the Bat-Truck, this eighth part of Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s Superheavy arc becomes a nail biting battle for survival for Jim as Mr Bloom’s grand design for Gotham blossoms amidst a super-powered riot of violence and damnation. Meanwhile, Bruce returned to the park bench where his new life began after Endgame, where he meets a mysterious man who also miraculously survived an “accident” nearby.

Yes, the Joker is back, and it seems the clown prince of crime has also survived Endgame without the memories of his past life, or so it would seem… Now that Bruce’s memories have begun to return following his argument with Duke and the haunting vision in the subway station in Batman #47, it is perhaps ironic that Bruce Wayne has met this man – who we are led to believe is the Joker – that also just happens to be in the same state of mind which Bruce found himself in after he survived the events of Endgame. I love the ambiguity of these scenes, Snyder has pitched it so well, and you will find yourself hanging on every word.

It is here, in Batman #48 that we begin to see how Snyder is brining the pieces of the Superheavy arc together. We’ve watched as Gordon stepped up to become Gotham‘s new Dark Knight, seen the introduction of the new robot Bat-Suit, addressed the very essence of what Batman really stands for, and witnessed the surprise return of the amnesic Bruce Wayne living a new life with Julie Madison and working at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth. Now in Batman #48 we have a chance meeting that sees Bruce and the Joker sitting on a park bench, as if they were just two ordinary guys, and with the menace posed by Mr Bloom also drawing notable comparisons with terror threats and social divisions now faced in the world today, everything is now eclipsed by the impending conclusion of what is Scott Snyder’s most innovative and cathartic Bruce Wayne story of all.

Just like the Joker was to Bruce’s Dark Knight, in many ways Mr Bloom has become the arch nemesis to Gordon’s new Batman, and this issue presents Gotham’s new super-villain with a chance to really up his game. With the seeds of Mr Bloom’s influence now sprouting like weeds from the cracks in society all over Gotham, the full extent of Mr Bloom’s powers, his plans for Gotham, and its citizens becomes clear. Even Jim finds himself unable to escape from the gip of his foes schemes and paraded as an example to reinforce Mr Bloom’s warped ideology. Yet, on a park bench, the lives of Bruce Wayne and the Joker have been inexorably drawn together in Gotham once again, but this time their fates are converging from drastically different perspectives, and it’s a sure bet everything will hinge on the outcome of this bizarre turn of events.

Snyder has explored the dark, almost symbiotic parallels between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime in ways that few could have imagined possible: from the raw terror unleashed on the Bat-Family by the Joker in Death of the Family, the early origins were then revisited in Zero Year and remoulded, before the savage showdown in Endgame brought both of their worlds crashing down around them, and now we reach a point where everything culminates with their resurrection in Superheavy. Of course the sublime twist this time is that Bruce and the Joker now find themselves on the opposite sides of the mirror. The scenes here on the park bench between Bruce and the Joker are some of the most intense, thought-provoking, and memorable that Snyder has ever written for the characters. Yes, Jim Gordon’s role as the new Batman has been fascinating to explore, all the new gadgets, the Bat-Bot, and giant robots are great fun, but these are the moments that now repay our faith in Snyder and the entirety of this arc as a whole.

Greg Capullo has certainly pulled out all the stops for this issue. Every page is a mesmerising tour de force of striking visuals from Capullo, from Gordon confronting the unnervingly creepy Mr Bloom and the onslaught of his super-seed-powered doppelgangers, to the beautifully crafted scenes with Bruce and the Joker, and Mr Bloom’s monstrous new form, Capullo’s work on Batman #48 is some of his finest ever. Danny Miki’s inks bring added definition and clarity to every page and FCO Plascencia’s sumptuous use of color immerse us totally in the atmosphere of the story. The sheer scope and scale of this issue is immense: from the turmoil sweeping across Gotham, Mr Bloom cuts a swath of terror that slices right into the very heart of the city itself, unearthing the dark parallels with many contemporary issues, and the scenes in the park resonate powerfully with the raw emotion of the decision that Bruce knows he now faces. The team on this book are simply amazing, the story, the art, it all clicks together so perfectly and it makes every issue breathtaking to read.

Batman #48 is a resounding success on every level. Frankly, if this issue doesn’t dispel any doubts you might have had about this arc; then nothing will! The thrilling events over the final pages will have you on the edge of your seat as horror strikes at everything Bruce has come to cherish, while Gotham and Gordon writhe in Mr Bloom’s clutches, the path to the island of stability goes critical, and Geri Powers finally gives the order we‘ve all been waiting for. But nothing, absolutely nothing can compare to the way the heartbreaking closing scene kicks the door in at the last possible moment to make your jaw hit the floor…

So, after the all shocking events in this issue, were will things go from here? Will Bruce end up having to give up his new life with Julie Madison and his work at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth helping the deprived areas of Gotham to become Batman again? After all, that “final invention” is still sitting there in the Bat Cave gathering dust. Could it be that the Joker will end up being the one that ironically gets the chance of a new life instead of Bruce? Whatever the final outcome, I’m sure Snyder’s labyrinthine imagination has conjured up a resolution in Batman #50 that will completely blow our minds, and we won’t even see it coming!

Publisher DC Comics / Writer: Scott Snyder / Art: Greg Capullo

Inks: Danny Miki / Colors: FCO Plascencia / Letters: Steve Wands

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