Detective Comics #968 Review

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A Lonley Place of Living, Alfred, Alvaro Martinez, Azeral, Batcave, Batman, Batwing, Batwoman, Cassandra, Clayface, Damian, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #968, Detective Comics #968 review, James Tynion IV, Nightwing, Raul Fernandez, Red Hood, Red Robin, Tim Drake, Tomeu Morey

Detective Comics #968

Review by Paul Bowler

A Lonely Place of Living reaches its astounding conclusion in Detective Comics #968, with Tim Drake now back on Earth, but he’s also brought a fearsome menace back with him – a future version of himself that has been tragically moulded by fate to become the Batman! This misguided Batman is determined to complete his mission to kill Batwoman and change the future, not even the Dark Knight and his allies can stand against him, and now Red Robin must fight to save everything that he’s ever fought and died for…

Suffice to say, Detective Comics #968 is not only one hell of an action packed issue, its also probably writer James Tynion’s finest story arc so far during his run on Detective Comics. With its throwbacks to A Lonely Place of Dying and nebulous links to the Mr Oz storyline going on over in Action Comics, this storyline with its timey wimey narrative has made for compelling reading, and effectively brought Tim Drake‘s story full circle as he returns to the fold in a battle royal with his future self who now wears the mantel of the Bat!

Tynion skilfully balances the cast of Bat-characters in this issue, with Batman, Red Robin, Nightwing, Damian, Red Hood, and Alfred squaring off against the future Tim / Batman in the Batcave, while Batwoman, Azeral, Cassandra, Batwing, and Clayface bravely confront a lethal attack from hacked Colony drones at the Belfrey. Everyone in the Bat-Family gets a moment to shine in the spotlight, the dialogue and banter positively crackles from the page, and the team dynamic that makes this book so strong will no doubt be made all the richer by the dramatic far-reaching implication of the events that unfold over the course of this issue.

Detective Comics #968 also dazzles with some especially striking artwork, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez, inks by Raul Fernandez, and colors Tomeu Morey, the bold, free flowing page layouts and panoramic double page spreads exquisitely relay the frenetic action and emotional beats in vivid detail; while the concise letting by Sal Cipriano ensures the dialogue seamlessly blends the narrative across each and every panel. From the face-off in the Batcave to the showdown in the Belfrey, the extensive cast of characters are all impressively rendered, dynamic perspectives give each location a distinct tone, and the temporal effect that intermittently manifests around the future Tim / Batman also provides an interesting visual flourish.

This story-arc has been nothing short of brilliant, and James Tynion IV has excelled once himself again with this issue. Detective Comics 968 delivers an extremely satisfying, powerful, and moving conclusion to A Lonely Place of Living. It’s great to finally have Tim Drake back after his apparent demise in the battle with the Colony and his subsequent incarceration outside of time by Mr Oz. A Lonely Place of Living has offered us an intriguing glimpse into the future (or at last one possible future), it will be fascinating to what happens now that Tim has returned to the Bat-family, and I can’t wait to see what Tynion and Co have in store for this team next!

Publisher DC Comics.

Writer James Tynion IV / Pencils Alvaro Martinez / Inks Raul Fernandez

Colors Tomeu Morey / Letters Sal Cipriano

Cover Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, & Adriano Lucas

Varian Cover Rafael Albuquerque

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Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman Return to Arkham Collection: Arkham City Completed!

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Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Bane, Batman, Batman Return to Arkham Arkham City Walkthrough, Batman: Return to Arkham Collection, Catwoman, Clayface, Gotham, Harley Quinn, Hugo Strange, Killer Croc, Mr Freeze, PS4, PS4Share, Ra's al Ghul, The Joker, The Mad Hatter, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two Face

Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman Return to Arkham

Arkham City Completed!

Hi, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone for checking out my YouTube channel while I’ve been playing the Batman Return to Arkham Collection. I’ve completed Arkham City now, well, the main story anyway. Its been great of fun to revisit Arkham City, the storyline is really action packed, there are plenty of side missions to complete, and the game features lots of classic Batman villains including Two Face, Penguin, Solomon Grundy, Bane, The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Mr Freeze, Mad Hatter, Victor Zsasz, Hush, Deadshot, Clayface, Ra’s Al Gul, Talia Al Gul, and of course the Joker! I also played the majority of Arkham City using the Dark Knight Returns version of Batman, so that features in nearly all of the videos I streamed of the game.

　

This video features one of my favourite boss fights, the battle with Mr Freeze in the old GCPD building. It was a bit of a tricky battle as you can only use each form of Batman’s attacks once before Mr Freeze adapts to your tactics. Then it was time to save Vicky Vale after the Joker has her helicopter shot down.

Batman takes the fight to Hugo Strange in his tower lair right at the heart of Arkham City for a final showdown! Took me a few goes to get past all the guards, especially the ones at the entrance. Sorry, I’m a bit rubbish at doing the combos with all the Bat-Gadgets, but I got through and defeated Hugo Strange eventually!

Time for the final showdown between Batman and the Joker in Arkham City! I really enjoyed this part, it was a great finale to the game!

　

The remastered graphics in Arkham City were every bit as good as those in Arkham Asylum. I liked the wider scope of Arkham City, the side quests are good too, and it was fun to play the DLC content as well. The Batman Return to Arkham Collection is the first time I’ve streamed games like this on PS4, usually I’ve just done clips or edited the best bits together, so it was interesting to just play through the games and see how things turned out. It seemed to go down well, becoming a really popular feature on Sci-Fi Jubilee.

Thank you so much for watching and supporting me, its become such a fun addition to Sci-Fi Jubilee as well, especially with all your comments and suggestions. I hope you’ve enjoyed my return to Arkham Asylum and Arkham City as much as I’ve had fun playing these brilliant games again, and please feel free to hit that like button and subscribe if you did. I really appreciate the great feedback you‘ve given me, so keep an eye out for more videos as I might stream more games like this on my YouTube channel in the future.

　

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Detective Comics #940 Review

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Batman, Batwoman, Brad Anderson, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #940, Detective Comics #940 review, Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows, Gotham, Gotham City, Jacob Kane, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Rafael Albuquerque, Raul Fernandez, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Spoiler, The Colony

Detective Comics #940

Review by Paul Bowler

Batwoman confronts her father and Red Robin battles against impossible odds as the epic showdown with the Colony reaches its thrilling climax in Detective Comics #940, and it’s an issue destined to rock The Dark Knight’s world to the core. Batman, Batwoman and their new team of young heroes will soon face the chilling reality that, no matter the outcome, this battle to save Gotham may have already been lost…

For me, Detective Comics, with Batman and Batwoman fronting the team consisting of Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and super-villain seeking redemption Clayface, has been the highlight of DC Comics Rebirth and the new Bat-Books in general. From the moment it was announced, this titles concept and team structure, along with the inclusion of Clayface, captivated my imagination, and I love the dynamic that’s evolved between this fledgling superhero team as its evolved and learned to work together under Batwoman’s stewardship.

James Tynion IV ensures that Rise of the Batmen: Part 7 delivers a powerful finale for this first arc. I really like how Tynion has developed the bond between Bruce and Kate over the course of this storyline. Now they are forced to face the most challenging and difficult of circumstances, with Batwoman finally confronting her father’s treachery, as leader of the Colony and the one responsible for unleashing this army of Batmen and drone on Gotham, while Batman faces a desperate race against time to reach Tim at the old Wayne Tower.

Eddy Barrows gorgeous artwork for this issue of Detective Comics elevates the drama and tension to the max, with dynamic, almost cinematic page layouts. The scenes on and around the Colony Airship are spectacular, Barrows dazzles us with smashing action-packed moments of high drama as Batwoman’s fury spills over, but it is the moments where – having made himself the sole target of the drones – Red Robin makes his stand against this ultimate no-win-scenario that will truly have you on the edge of your seat. Eber Ferreira’s inks complement Barrows’ art brilliantly, enhancing the finer details and nuances of every scene, and the colors by Adriano Lucas meld with sublime grace to reflect the action and emotional beats of the story perfectly.

Detective Comics #940 is good, frustratingly good in fact, because to say more would completely spoil it. Suffice to say, James Tynion IV that pulled out all the stops for this one, its a master class in storytelling, plotting, and characterization. This issue has some of most powerful and emotional scenes that we’ve seen for a long time in a Batman comic. Barrows, Ferreira, and Lucas have also made this one of their most visually impressive issues so far. The emotional fallout from the cataclysmic events in Detective Comics #940 are conveyed in the most heartrending way, its moving stuff, and, needless to say, the ending will completely blow you away.

Rise of the Batmen has been a terrific start to Tynion’s run on Detective Comics. If this arc is anything to go by, I‘m sure Detective Comics will have become a must read Bat-Title for many fans, and now with the Night of the Monster Men crossover event about to begin, I can’t wait to see what Tynion and the whole creative team on Detective Comics have in store for us next!

Publisher: DC Comics / James Tynion IV

Art: Eddy Barrows / Inks: Eber Ferreira / Colors: Adriano Lucas

Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Barrows, Ferreira & Lucas

Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

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Detective Comics #936 Review

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Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batwoman, Brad Anderson, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #936, Detective Comics #936 Review, Gotham, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Rafael Albuquerque, Raul Fernandez, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Spoiler, The Colony

Detective Comics #936

Review by Paul Bowler

A new threat is rising in Gotham City. Batman and Batwoman have assembled a new generation of heroes against this secret army of the Colony and their extreme tactics. Now, in Detective Comics #936, Batman is missing, and the time has come for Batwoman to take charge. But will she able to make Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and erratic super-villain seeking redemption Clayface work together as a team?

Rise of the Batmen Part 3: Army of Shadows, continues the brand new story-arc by James Tynion IV, where Batman and Batwoman have begun training a new strike force of young heroes to face the soldiers of the Colony that have modelled themselves on the Dark Knight and begun scouring the city, ruthlessly dealing with anything perceived as potential a threat – including it now seems, even Batman himself!

Tynion deftly builds on the series’ new direction and concept with Detective Comics #936, as Kate Kane confronts her doubts about training Batman’s team over a drink with former love interest Renee Montoya (she was also the Question), who makes a long awaited return here after being absent from the DC Universe – for the most part – since the New 52 reboot. It is a powerful, moving, and insightful scene for both characters. However, Montoya can easily see though Kate’s tough façade, and her parting words of advice are tinged with bittersweet sincerity for them both. From there an emergency call brings Batwoman to the teams new Belfry HQ, where Red Robin presents Kate with the news that Batman has been ambushed by the Colony, and that its now up to her to must decide what they do next.

This issue rattles along at a cracking pace. Batwoman quickly ascertains the Colony forces have military form, but it is Red Robin who really helps Kate to address her issues concerning Batman and her ability as a leader. It’s a great scene for both characters, and it offers a fascinating insight into how they both perceive Batman and feel they’ve earned his trust. The time has come for Batwoman and Red Robin to summon Spoiler, Orphan, and Clayface to the Belfry and to bring them up to speed with their mission, together with some expert advice from Kate’s father, to prepare them for what they must face with Batman now MIA.

Detective Comics #936 is a mighty fine looking issue, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez and inks by Raul Fernandez, every scene flows seamlessly into the next, and the staggering level of detail on every page skilfully accentuates the many subtleties and nuances of Tynion’s excellent scrip. From Kate’s musings on her past reflected in a her own beer glass during a quiet drink in a bar with Renee Montoya, to the dual functionality and visual spectacle of the Belfry’s huge window, this issue also delivers its fair share of big-action set–pieces as well. The colors by Brad Anderson are another major highlight of this issue of Detective Comics, with glorious tones and rich shades enhancing ever scene, especially those set in the Belfry.

James Tynion IV has done a fantastic job with this issue; it’s packed from cover to cover with action, suspense, and great characterization. Everything builds to a thrilling cliff-hanger in Detective Comics #936, a hidden agenda is revealed, the Belfry comes under attack, Clayface’s unpredictable abilities prove crucial, and Batwoman finally learns that she has what it takes to be the leader that Batman trusted her to be.

Of all the new comics that I’ve been reading recently, Detective Comics has easily been the standout new Bat-title from DC’s Rebirth event for me. Everything from the writing, the art, and its exciting cast of characters just seemed to click together right from the start. This creative team have really raised the bar with Detective Comics, its fresh, different, and TEC #936 is another excellent issue in this new story-arc.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: James Tynion IV / Pencils: Alvaro Martinez

Inks: Raul Fernandez / Colors: Brad Anderson / Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Martinez, Fernandez & Morely

Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

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Detective Comics #934 Review

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Adriano Lucas, Azrael, Batman, Batwoman, Cassandra Cain, Clayface, comics, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Detective Comics #934, Detective Comics #934 Review, Eber Ferreira, Eddy Barrows, Gotham, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Orphan, Red Robin, Rise of the Batmen, Rise of the Batmen Part 1, Spoiler

Detective Comics #934

Review by Paul Bowler

The Batman family must confront a new menace in Detective Comics #934, when an unknown enemy that looks suspiciously like Batman begins stalking Gotham City and using ruthless tactics against perceived threats. Batman and Batwoman unite to train the next generation of young heroes in Gotham: Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan (Cassandra Cain), and the reformed super-villain Clayface, to battle crime and protect their city. ..

As well as returning to its original numbering, Detective Comics now embraces an entirely new concept, and gets a new creative team with the advent of DC Rebirth, as writer James Tynion IV, artist Eddy Barrows, inker Eber Ferreira, and colorist Adriano Lucas usher in a new era for DC’s flagship comic series. Detective Comics #934 also marks the return of Batwoman to play a major role in the DC Universe, now working alongside Batman, together they will form a new team of superheroes with, Spoiler, Red Robin, Orphan, and Clayface, to confront the challenge of this mysterious new Darker Knight prowling Gotham like a vengeful predator, but can they work as a team, and is Clayface really ready to change his villainous ways?

You know, as excited as I am by Batman, Nightwing, and All Star Batman, of all the new Bat-Titles coming our way during DC’s Rebirth, its Detective Comics that I’ve really been looking forward to the most. I often feel that Detective Comics got a bit overlooked at times during The New 52, but I’m sure all that will change; especially now on the strength of this first issue by James Tynion IV and the exciting new premise it establishes.

The initial scenes of Rise of the Batmen Part 1 flashbacks to events as Gotham’s deadly new cape and cowl attacks Azrael, it’s a brutal fight, but with Batman’s arrival on the scene this strange doppelganger impersonating Batman soon beats a hasty retreat to the shadows. The new status quo and cast of characters is quickly set out as the issue unfolds, as Kate’s father’s sentiments are echoed later in Batman’s request for her to help him find out why Azrael was attacked and who is controlling the drones that have been spying on Gotham’s vigilantes. It’s really interesting to see Bruce and Kate working together so closely again, the unusual dynamic between them really plays to Tynion’s strengths as a writer, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Batman and Batwoman will work together. Given how tense and distant their relationship has sometimes been, this issue heralds a major turnaround on that front, it’s a terrific scene, and pivotal to forging their bond of trust and respect as equal partner in recruiting and running their boot camp for their new trainees.

James Tynion IV also does a great job at handling this ensemble cast of characters, a fact that really shines through as we see Batman and Batwoman assessing and visiting Spoiler, Red Robin, Cassandra Cain, and Clayface individually over the course of the issue, and brining them together as a team to survive this new threat. Even though each student has their own unique attributes, strengths, and skills, Batwoman makes it clear from the outset their training is going to be tough; and she certainly isn’t going to go easy on them!

Then of course we have, in my opinion, the masterstroke move by Tynion and co, of having Clayface becoming part of the team! The scene were Batman and Batwoman recruit Basil Karlo proves to be a really powerful and emotional scene for the character, I found it genuinely moving, and the dynamic between Batman and Batwoman here is pitched perfectly. Ok, hands up, I admit I’m more than a little biased here, because Clayface is my all-time-favourite villain from Batman’s rogues galley, and I’m thrilled to see the character become such an integral part of this series, but is he really ready for redemption? Only time will tell…

Detective Comics #934 features some gorgeous artwork by Eddy Barrows and inks by Eber Ferreira. The page layouts are bold and dramatic, Barrow’s art is finely detailed and conveys the often kinetic action with an almost fluidic sense of pace and movement, all the characters are impressively realized, and Ferreira’s inks really brining out the finer nuances of Barrow’s work to such a degree that each scene literally bursts from the page with the sheer immersing power of characterization and spectacle in this issue. Likewise, colorist Adriano Lucas builds the tension and drama with a subtle blend of rich hues and bold tones, while the clever use of light and shadow accentuates the mood of countless scenes to make this issue an outstanding synergy of storytelling and art. This issue has so many highlights: Batman standing framed in light in St Michael’s Cathedral before the fallen Azrael, Batwoman swinging across the Gotham skyline, the recruiting of the individual team members, and the stunning welcome to boot camp at the Bat-Signal that emulates this issues stunning cover by Barrows, Ferreira, Lucas is a sublime move that neatly bookends the issue in fine style.

James Tynion IV has done a terrific job with Detective Comics #934, the new premise and mission scenario is set out for Batman, Batwoman, and their new team in a way that gradually builds the mystery and suspense, before the issue closes with a startling glimpse at the true scale of the menace they will all soon have to face. James Tynion gives all of the characters a moment to shine, while Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas ensure the issue is busting from cover to cover with impressive visual, along with concise letting from Marilyn Patrizio, collectively gets this new creative teams run on Detective Comics off to a great start!

Publisher: DC Comics / James Tynion IV / Art: Eddy Barrows

Inks: Eber Ferreira / Colors: Adriano Lucas / Letters: Marilyn Patrizio

Cover by: Barrows, Ferreira & Lucas / Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque

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Batman #20 Review

Tags

Alex Maleey, Basil Karlo, Batman, Clayface, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, James Tynion IV, Lucius Fox, Scott Snyder, The New 52

Batman #20

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

 

Clayface has returned to Gotham City, embarking on a lucrative crime spree,  using his powers to blackmail and terrorise his wealthy victims. While investigating the death of Brain Wayde, the architect developing the Gotham Initiative, Batman discovers that Wayde was murdered by Clayface. It seems that the magical properties of the clay that turned Basil Karlo into Clayface has mutated Karlo’s DNA. Clayface can now actually become the people he mimics, but his own DNA is gradually being corrupted by the clay. Bruce Wayne arranges to meet Lucius Fox at Wayne Enterprises, to order a protective suit for Batman, but he is shocked when Lucius transforms into Clayface and attack him.

Cornered by Clayface in the Wayne Enterprises R & D Lab, Bruce Wayne is powerless to stop Clayface ransacking the armoury. Bruce tries to use a squad of Bat-Bots to defend himself, but Clayface mimics Wayne’s voice and deactivates the robots. Clayface reveals how he killed Brian Wayde before capturing Bruce and throwing him into a crusher with Lucius.

After using a prototype Batman suit to escape from the crusher, Bruce leaves Fox to recover while he goes after Clayface. Having used Bruce Wayne’s identity to rob a bank, Clayface flees the scene on a motorbike, using tendrils of clay to cover his escape back to Wayne Enterprises. Once inside he is attacked by Batman in his new armoured suit. Batman uses a barrage of chemicals and solvents against Clayface, even a massive electrical charge, but Clayface is too powerful and overpowers him. Commissioner Gordon and the Police arrive just as Clayface is about to rip open Batman’s faceplate, and reveal the Dark Knights secret identity…

Batman #20 follows on from last issues brilliant cliff-hanger with Bruce Wayne in mortal danger as Clayface attacks him in the armoury at Wayne Enterprises. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have done a superb job of realising the full potential of Clayface; the way his powers have mutated makes him a deadly adversary. What is even more chilling is how Basil Karlo is losing himself in the identities of the people he duplicates.

There are some terrific scenes of carnage in the R & D Lab, brilliant rendered by Greg Capullo’s art, with inks by Danny Miki and colours by FCO Plascencia. The raw power and strength of Clayface is terrifying to behold, as he tosses a Batmobile around like a toy. What is really disgusting though is how he swallows Bruce Wayne whole, drawing him into his body, before disgorging him later to dispose of him with Lucius in the compactor. As the walls of the compactor begin to close in on them, Bruce and Lucius search through the mangled pieces of equipment, where they find a prototype Bat-Suit amongst the discarded junk. Bruce puts on the red-winged Bat-Suit and uses it to get them out of the crusher. I never thought I’d ever see anything like a Star Wars Trash Compactor scene in a Batman comic, but this was fantastic. It was pure genius on Scott Snyder’s part to make the prototype Bat-Suit a clear homage to the animated Batman Beyond series, particularly when Lucius says how the armour is faulty and would take at least twenty years to fund and perfect.

Scott Snyder ensures that Batman #20 dovetails nicely into the flash forward – where Bruce Wayne robbed a bank and shot Gordon – that opened the previous issue. The action never lets up for a moment as Clayface returns to Wayne Enterprises, where Batman confronts him wearing his new Bat-Suit with heavy epidermal protection. Batman uses every chemically based strategy in his arsenal against Clayface, but nothing seems to have much effect. Clayface begins to morph horrifically during the fight, taunting Batman with disembodied faces from his Rogues Gallery.

It’s very clever how Batman manages to trap Clayface in a panic chamber, using his own mutated DNA against him, to create the perfect cage for the shape shifting villain. Batman also manages to prevent his secret identity being revealed, although it does stretch credibility a little to think how close everyone is to knowing Bruce’s secret without even realizing it. This minor quibble aside, Batman #20 still manages to provide a highly emotional climax.

After Clayface unwittingly taunts Batman from inside the panic chamber, he transforms into Damien Wayne, little knowing what a profound affect his distorted observations will have on the Dark Knight.

Later in the Bat-Cave as Bruce discusses the case with Alfred, he admits how deeply Damien’s death has affected him, but that he is not losing himself in his grief like he did when Jason died. Alfred offers to sit with Bruce a while and they view the playback of Damien’s last mission with Batman against the Reaper using VR goggles. This poignant conclusion to a Requiem for Robin is all the more remarkable as it says so much by saying so little.

The back up story by James Tynion IV and Alex Maleey sees Batman and Superman facing dark supernatural forces summoned by two teenagers in an old apartment block. Superman does his best to hold back the Will O’ The Wisp, but its magic weakens him. Batman approaches the spirit of Becca, who helped summon the demonic creature. With her help Batman finds a scrap of paper they used to summon the creature. Batman translates the Gallic writing and sends the creature back to its own dimension. Becca’s spirit gives Superman some sound advice, before slowly fading away. Ghost Lights has been a great supernatural adventure for Superman and Batman, and it also manages to address some of the issues Batman has over Damian’s death.

Batman #20 is another thoroughly entertaining issue from Snyder and Capullo, and it leaves us eagerly awaiting the start of Zero Year next month.

Batman #19 Review

Tags

Alex Maleev, Basil Karlo, Batman, Bruce Wayne, Clayface, Damien Wayne, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, James Tynion IV, Reaper, Robin, Scott Snyder, The New 52

Batman #19

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

 

With Batman still reeling from the devastating loss of Damien Wayne, an old enemy returns to Gotham City, one who is capable of evading the Dark Knight himself to strike at Bruce Wayne when he lease expects it. The shroud of Robin’s tragic death still hangs like a dark cloud over Batman #19 as Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo explore the depth of Batman’s grief.

It begins ordinarily enough, with Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Bullock dealing with an armed bank robbery. But when Bruce Wayne walks out holding a female hostage at gunpoint, with explosives strapped to her body, things take an inexplicable turn as Bruce pulls a shotgun on Gordon as he makes his escape on a motorbike.

Events then shift back six days where we rejoin the Dark Knight as he studies the Cowl Archives in the Batcave, lost in thought, as he recalls stopping the Reaper’s plan to deliver a truckload of poisonous flowers to the Falcone wake with Damien. As the memory fades Alfred bring news of the Brian Wayde’s death, the architect of the design company that Bruce Wayne hired to build his Gotham Initiative. He was a trusted ally, who was also terminally ill with Myelodyplastic Syndrome, which makes his apparent suicide all the more unsettling.

With his suspicious raised, Batman investigates Wayde’s apartment, but it would seem the architect has faked his death when he suddenly emerges from the shadows and attacks Batman with a flame thrower. After a brief fight Wayde flees the scene, using an elevator to escape, Batman gives chase but soon looses track of Wayde after he runs into the subway station. After analysing a sample of Wayd’s blood the DNA seems to match, but traces of a Chimeric Code point towards another, more likely suspect – the shape shifting criminal Clayface.

Batman realises the awful truth, that the mystical clay that infected Basil Karlo and transformed him into Clayface, has somehow begun to mutate its hosts DNA, causing Clayface to actually become the people he mimics while his own DNA is slowly eroded by the clay. Bruce Wayne arranges a meeting with Lucius Fox to organise a new suit for Batman, one that will give him heavy epidermal protection, but he may already be too late as Clayface prepares to strike at his next victim…

Batman #19 allows Scott Snyder to really explore the profound effect that Robin’s death has had on Batman. When we first see Batman it’s almost as if he is maintaining a silent vigil for Damien as he examines the Cowl Archive in the cave. There is a flashback to Batman’s last encounter with the Reaper, where he intercepted his truck and its deadly cargo, where Damien realizes that their exposure to the flowers toxins will kill them both in five minutes. As Batman calmly tells him that antidote is on the Bat-Bike, there is a great moment where Snyder heart-warmingly encapsulates Damien‘s character, as Robin smiles and makes light of them both being dead men walking.

Alfred is unable to broach how Bruce is coping with Damien’s death, his concerns are quickly dismissed, especially when he mentions the damage already inflicted by the Joker after his campaign against Batman and his allies. Batman seems to welcome the distraction of Brian Wayde’s apparent suicide, even though it means dealing with the loss of another close ally, it enables Bruce to withdraw from his grief for a time by focusing on his life beyond the cape and cowl.

The return of Clayface is another welcome surprise, and it offers Snyder a fantastic opportunity to bring a whole new dynamic to yet another classic villain from Batman’s rogue gallery. The bizarre opening scene where Bruce Wayne robs a bank and shoots Jim Gordon suddenly becomes clear. As the Batman examines the DNA evidence that reveals Brian Wayde was really Clayface, we are treated to a fresh look at Basil Karlo’s origin, the actor who allowed the mystical properties of the clay he discovered to infect his body so he could become Clayface. I really enjoyed how Scott Snyder rationalized Clyaface’s abilities with the stories of shape-shifters throughout history: drawing comparisons with examples from the cultures of the Rakashasa and the Kumiho, Norse folklore, and Navajo legends of skin walkers. What makes these accounts all the more compelling is how the shaper-shifter slowly loses themselves after each transformation, their humanity gradually being whittled away, until the very essence of their being is consumed by the magical forces inhabiting their bodies.

Greg Capullo returns this issue to bring his own distinctive style to Snyder’s dark take on the legacy of Clayface, moulding the taught storyline around Batman’s all consuming grief, brining considerable weight and power to the opening moments were Bruce Wayne shoots Commissioner Gordon – as well as the beautifully understated flashback featuring Damien Wayne. The inks by Danny Miki bring an added depth, and the colours by FCO Plascencia are also excellent. I really like how Capullo manages to capture how Clayface has become so immersed in the character of Bruce Wayne that he doesn’t even seem to realize what great secrets he now holds within his rapidly diminishing DNA. There is even a reference towards Snyder and Capullo’s next story arc, Zero Year, by Gordon, which continues to resonate long after Wayne‘s “doppelganger” has escaped the scene. As a villain, Clayface has enjoyed something of a renascence of late. In the past he has often gotten a bit of a raw deal, being portrayed as just a super powered brute, without any real focus or cohesive storyline. Snyder and Capullo have really taken the potential that Clayface has to offer and built on it, taking the concept of identity theft and possession to the extreme, while also underlining the awful truth of what price Clayface is unwittingly suffering for his incredible powers.

This month’s backup story, Ghost Lights, is by James Tynion IV and Alex Maleev. It features Batman and Superman as they investigate the strange happening at a rundown apartment block. Having travelled to see how Batman is coping after Robin’s death, Superman’s attempt to get the Dark Knight to open up about what happened to Damien is cut short when a bizarre incident occurs inside the building and draws their attention. As they make their way towards the apartment Superman begins to feel unwell. Once inside they discover that a dark ritual has been performed, one that has unleashed a terrifying supernatural entity.

I really enjoyed the first part of this new back up story. This dark supernatural tale by Tynion draws Batman and Superman together in the most improbable of circumstances. I like how Superman was as uncomfortable about the magical forces inside the building as Batman was about discussing Damien’s death. Another great aspect about Ghost Lights is the art by Alex Maleeve, which really helped build the spooky atmosphere of the story.

Batman #19 also features a striking gatefold cover by Capullo and FCO Plascencia that really blindsides you about what to expect from the story, and it keeps you guessing about where Clayface will strike next right up until the final moments. This is a terrific issue by Snyder and Capullo, it brings a whole new element to Clayface’s powers, and goes to great lengths to underpin the Dark Knights grief in a story where not everyone is quite what they seem.