Batman #105 Review

Tags

Alvaro Martinez, Batman, Batman #105, Batman #105 review, Batmobile, Bruce Wayne, Carlo Pagulayan, Christian Duce, Clownhunter, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Ghost-Maker, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, NCBD

Batman #105

Review by Paul Bowler

The Dark Knight and Ghost-Maker face-off in a no-hold’s barred showdown in Batman #105, with the fate of Clownhunter, Gotham and Batman’s austerity driven war on crime all resting on the outcome!

Batman #105 by writer James Tynion IV, artists Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce and colorist David Barron, is the final chapter in Ghost-Maker’s introductory story – Ghost Stories – before the regular Batman title takes a short two-month hiatus to make way for the Next Batman as part of DC Comics next big line wide comic book event  – Future State.

I’ve really enjoyed how Tynion has explored Bruce’s complex relationship with this childhood rival from his past, and how the new anti-hero Ghost-Maker has returned to wreak havoc on Gotham in the aftermath of Joker War. In this issue of Batman we finally learn the reason their friendship fractured so badly and how it impacted on their quests to become crime-fighters. The opening flashback in Argentina is beautifully written by Tynion, and its fascinating to see what caused Bruce and Ghost-Hunter to take such different paths. The rest of the issue also showcases Tynion’s character-driven writing style, there’s an emotional reckoning between Harley Quinn and Clownhunter, and a thrilling edge-of-your seat battle between Batman and Ghost-Hunter that unexpectedly brings their story full circle. 

My only really complaint in this issue is with the art by Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce and stylish use of color by David Barron, which is all adequate enough, but the differing styles do feel a tad disjoined and unsatisfying. Since Joker War the art team on Batman hasn’t been all that consistent, sadly Ghost Stories Part 4 does suffer as a result, and it tarnishes what has otherwise been a really good storyline. Batman is a flagship title after all, so come on DC Comics, get your act together and sort out a regular art team for Tynion’s run whydontya?

James Tynion has really begun to make his mark on this series and I look forward to seeing where thing’s go from here The conclusion of this epic tale involving Batman and Ghost-Hunter in Batman #105, does however, reach an intriguing conclusion that’s far beyond anything that could’ve been expected. With the tantalising prospect of a new Batmobile just around the corner Batman certainly seems to be keeping his friends close these days, and his enemies even closer…

Publisher DC Comics

Writer James Tynion IV

Artists Carlo Pagulayan, Danny Miki, Alvaro Martinez, Christian Duce

Colorist David Barron / Letterer Clayton Cowles

Cover Jorge Jimenez & Tomeu Morey

Follow @paul_bowler

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 #86 Review

Tags

Alfred, Batman, Batman #86, Batman #86 review, Brice Wayne, Catwoman, City of Bane, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Deathstroke, Gotham, James Tynion IV, Lucius Fox, Nightclimber, Slade Wilson, Tony S. Daniel

Batman #86

Review by Paul Bowler.

A new era begins in Batman #86, but the Dark Knight’s world has changed forever. Bane is defeated and one of Batman’s oldest allies is dead. Now as Batman begins to rebuild his life and embarks on his bold new vision for Gotham, Deathstroke arrives in town, hired under a deadly new contract that threatens everything Batman is striving to achieve…

New series writer James Tynion IV takes the helm of DC Comics flagship Batman title for this next chapter in the life of the Dark Knight, together with the epic new art team of Tony S. Daniel and Danny Miki, for a story that instantly sets the tone for an entirely new directions as Batman starts to pick up the pieces after Alfred’s death. Their Dark Designs Part 1 gives us poignant insight into Batman’s radical new approach towards Gotham, indeed Alfred Pennyworth’s untimely demise in City of Bane inevitably hangs heavily over this issue, and consequently because of these opening scenes it also resonates just as powerfully in the wake of Batman’s confrontation with Deathstroke as well.

Batman has other allies though who will seem to be just as crucial to the Dark Knight’s designs during Tynion’s run. So, with Catwoman undercover and working a room full of Gotham’s high-fliers at the New Wayne Campus and Lucius Fox crafting Batman new and ever more wonderful toys in an immense subbasement workshop, Batman is free to deal with the lethal contract killers he’s been monitoring. Tynion is clearly going all-out with some new, and inventive technological innovations for the Dark Knight’s arsenal, and this issue sees the debut of the perhaps Batman’s most fearsome vehicle to date – the Nightclimber!

Needless to say the artwork that graces the pages of Batman #86 is little short of phenomenal. The pencils by Tony S. Daniel combined with Danny Miki’s inks are like a match made in heaven, and together with the vibrant colors by Tomeu Morey this issue is a veritable feast for the senses. From the opening rain-swept scenes over Gotham with a contemplative Batman, to witnessing the hired killers gathering in secret, and the deft inter-cutting between Batman’s conversations, first with Catwoman and then Lucius, there is a rich fluidity and consistency to the art that is staggeringly beautiful. Of course, Deathstroke is the one who has been brought in to lead this band of hired killers and the showdown with Slade Wilson – though brief – is still impressively depicted.

Closing things out with an intriguing mystery, a night sky full of memories, and a dark epilogue Batman #86 gets the new creative teams run off to a pretty good start. However, Batman #86 follows what has arguably been one of the most divisive runs in recent times for Batman comics. So is Batman #86 a bold new era or damage control? I honestly cannot decide as this issue felt like a little of both to me. I still feel that Tom King’s run has done immeasurable harm to the legacy of the Dark Knight, but, if anyone can fix things I’m sure James Tynion IV is the man to do it. Fingers crossed, eh?

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: James Tynion IV

Pencils: Tony S. Daniel Inks: Danny Miki Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letterer: Clayton Cowles Cover Tony S Daniel & Tomeu Morey

Follow @paul_bowler

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

All Star Batman #1 Review

Tags

All Star Batman, All Star Batman #1, All Star Batman #1 review, Batman, comics, Danny Miki, DC Comics, Dean White, Declan Shalvey, Duke Thomas, John Romita Jr., Jordie Bellaire, My Own Worst Enemy, Scott Snyder, Two Face

All Star Batman #1

Review by Paul Bowler

After the phenomenal success of his five year run on Batman, critically acclaimed writer Scott Snyder is back with an all new Batman series, one that will reimagine many of the Dark Knight’s Rogues Galley, along with legendary artist John Romita Jr. – the first of many of the industries best artists who Snyder will work with on the title – to bring us All Star Batman #1, and the first villain of the piece is Two Face!

Taking an extreme course of action Batman decides to bring Two Face to a secret location outside Gotham, but the scarred villain’s warped duality has devised a terrifying quandary for Batman. Bound together by circumstance and trapped on a highway to hell, with every two-bit assassin, gun for hire, and even ordinary citizens out to kill the Dark Knight, get ready for a Batman and Two Face story quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

In many respects, All Star Batman #1 makes it abundantly clear from the outset that it will redefine what we expect from the way Scott Snyder writes Batman. It’s still connected with the rest of the Rebirth DCU to a degree, but this is a decidedly fresh take on the Dark Knight. All Star Batman is tonally very different from anything Snyder has done before, both story wise and visually, and it all kicks off with My Own Worst Enemy: Part 1, drawn by John Romta Jr. and featuring a remarkably dark and terrifying new version of Two Face.

Following his recent corrosive attack on Gotham, Two Face has been captured, and now Batman is flying him to a special place outside the city in an attempt to counteract Dent’s increasing reign of power in the city. But what should have been a routine trip goes drastically awry when Two Face after manages to make a surprise proposition that reaches out to everyone in the state, in which he claims, that providing anyone can stop Batman from delivering him to his fate and free him, Two Face will offer up the hidden fortunes of three of Gotham’s biggest crime bosses, and his stake in this deadly game doubles down on everyone’s untold secrets just for good measure!

From the everyday peace shattering opening, the issue unfolds in a flurry of flashbacks across minutes, hours, and weeks, all blended masterfully in with present events, where bombastic action and brooding drama infuse every scene. The insightful verbal and psychological sparing between Batman and Two Face during the early stages of their journey is marvellous, and Snyder presents us with a chilling examination of the flipside of darkness Two Face’s unflinching defaced gaze can see within all of us. We’ve had the big Joker and Riddler storylines, now Snyder brings us a story that provides Two Face’s moment in the spotlight, this is very much Two Face’s time, the heavy hitters in Gotham’s criminal fraternity are even rattled, and All Star Batman #1 will certainly gives us all cause to reconsider our preconceptions of this duplicitous villain because Scott Snyder makes Two Face more diabolical, manipulative, and ruthlessly cunning than you ever could’ve thought possible.

This story also gives Snyder a chance to write Batman in an entirely new and much more exuberant way. This is, after all, a Batman renewed after the events of Superheavy, there’s such a fresh sense of vibrancy and energy about Bruce now that really shines though here in spite of the incredibly dark themes this story tackles, and its clear that Snyder is having an absolute blast writing this reinvigorated Dark Knight outside of his usual Gotham environment.

Following his run on Superman and Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade, John Romta Jr. now brings his dynamic artistic style to All Star Batman, and the result together with Danny Miki’s exceptional inks and the striking palette of colors employed by Dean White, are truly astounding. To have Scott Snyder and John Romata Jr. working together on Batman is like a dream come true, John Romata Jr.‘s art syncs in perfect harmony with Snyder’s intricate storytelling and characterization, and the page layouts and settings both in and outside of Gotham are all beautifully realized.

Who’d have thought that such bright wide open spaces could feel as ominous and as threatening as Gotham’s dark streets? There’s also a slightly grittier, harder edge about John Romata Jr.’s work on All Star Batman which gives the Dark Knight a defined, yet somewhat more rugged appearance. The action is fast and furious too. Romata Jr’s Two Face is equally impressive, the contrast depicted between the healthy and scarred side of the character – both physically and mentally – is genuinely unsettling at times, and the depiction of his hideous looking scarred color blind eye and Two Face’s uncanny perception of the world is ghoulishly chilling.

Numerous standout moments in All Star Batman #1 will make you want to read this issue many times over just to immerse yourself in the thrilling experience this new Bat-Title has to offer. Those initial scenes in the diner blindside us with a false sense of ordinariness, but as the full scope of the narrative kicks in a surprising roll call of villains, a wonderfully moody scene between Gordon, Batman, and new sidekick Duke Thomas, there’s also an iconic horror themed addition to Batman’s arsenal that is simply brilliant, and the powerfully staged exchanges between Two Face and Batman all collectively add up to make this first issue a gripping read indeed.

The back up stories featuring Duke Thomas and his training by the Dark Knight is another key ingredient of All Star Batman that makes this new DC Comics series feel so special. The Cursed Wheel Part 1: written by Scott Snyder, featuring pencils and inks by Declan Shalvey, and colors by Jordie Bellaire sees Duke’s training really begin in earnest. I love how the characters address the enormity of the task ahead, with the role of being a “sidekick” transcending even the moniker of simply being defined as Robin, to evolve into a refined challenge that will make Duke into the hero he will become… Tautly plotted by Snyder, and with striking visuals – that view of the Bat-Cave is a real showstopper – by Declan Shalvey and colors by Jordie Bellaire, the first part of this backup story complements the main storyline in the issue perfectly.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating All Star Batman #1 and I was totally blown away by how good it was. It’s everything I could’ve hoped for, and then some! Scott Snyder and John Romita Jr. have crafted one hell of an issue here, you’ll see Two Face in a completely different light afterwards, and those killer final moments are guaranteed to make your jaw hit the floor! All Star Batman soars beyond all expectations, with its brilliant all star creative team and wealth of variant covers, this is one Bat-Max fury road trip that you won’t want to miss for anything!

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Scott Snyder Pencils: John Romita Jr

Inks: Danny Miki / Colors Dean White Letters Steve Wands

Cover & Variant by Romita, Miki, White

Variant Cover: Jock

Variant Cover: Declan Shalvey & Jordie Bellaire

The Cursed Wheel Part 1 Writer: Scott Snyder / Pencils & Inks: Declan Shalvey

Colors: Jordie Bellaire / Letters Steve Wands

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #51 Review

Tags

Alfred Pennyworth, Batman, Batman #51, Batman #51 review, Batmobile, comics, Danny Miki, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, FCO Plascencia, GCPD, Gotham, Gotham City, Gotham Is, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Scott Snyder, The Bat-Cave, The Court of Owls, The Joker, The New 52

Batman #51

Review by Paul Bowler

In the wake of recent events Batman #51 sees the Dark Knight facing a new challenge. Batman has battled so often to protect Gotham from his deadly rogues gallery of villains over the years, from everyone to the Joker, the Court of Owls, and now Mr Bloom, so how will Batman deal with a quiet night in Gotham City..?

Scott Snyder has written for three different characters who have worn the mantel of the Bat, including Dick Grayson during his initial stint on Detective Comics, to Bruce Wayne on Batman, and Jim Gordon in the recent Superheavy arc. Now as Scott Snyder’s incredible run on Batman with artist Greg Capullo concludes in Batman #51, we can reflect on how their collaboration on this title has transformed it into a modern classic, and their tenure in Gotham is sure to down in history as including some of the finest Batman stories ever told.

Now that Mr Bloom is presumably pushing up daises somewhere, Batman #51 presents the Dark Knight with an unusual challenge – a seemingly uneventful evening in Gotham City! Scott Snyder’s final story in this run is a clear love letter to both the character of Batman and the fans themselves as past and present become one. Centred around the powerful resonance of a small life-styles piece in the Gotham Gazette, Gotham Is delves into the world of Batman and the Gothamites he has vowed to protect in a way quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. From the wonderful opening scenes in the Bat-Cave featuring Bruce and Alfred, which Snyder makes both emotionally moving and brilliant fun; wounds old and new are simultaneously healed via a patchwork quilt of new developments, before Batman races away into the night on a clear road to Gotham in spectacular fashion!

Of course, we all know there’s no such thing as a quite night in Gotham City, or is there? A sudden power outage soon brings with it some more pressing concerns and a new threat to the city. Scott Snyder’s dazzling writing style and excellent characterization makes Gotham Is an absolute joy to read, we are treated to a wonderful scene with Jim and Batman next to the Bat-Signal, there’s an intriguing mystery right at the heart of the story for Batman to solve, and plenty of our old Arkham favourites are on the loose as well!

Needless to say, Greg Capullo’s artwork for this issue of Batman is as stunning as ever. From those stylish and fun moments in the Bat-Cave, to the dramatic face-off in Arkham, Capullo channels the narrative of Gotham Is across a wondrous montage of interconnected scenes that beautifully addresses elements from previous arcs, and sets everything up for a glorious final page that will simply take your breath away. Danny Miki’s inks brilliantly highlight every nuance of Capullo’s work, but it is in those shadow swathed scenes during the blackout, on the rooftop of GCPD, then deep below ground, and high over a silhouetted Gotham skyline where Danny Miki really excels. FCO Plascencia’s colors infuse this issue with an uncanny blend of vibrant and muted tones throughout, with flashes of bright purple enhancing the inside the new cape while the vivid yellow of the new Bat-Insignia on Batman’s chest that skilfully blends the old with the news almost leaps off the page at you, and that stunning final scene… Quite frankly, this issue looks incredible!

Featuring a stunning regular cover by Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and FCO (Which, incidentally, I think would make an brilliant poster, please make this happen guys!), as well as a terrific variant cover by John Romita Jr. , Batman #51 concludes in the most fan pleasing way imaginable, as Scott Snyder rounds off the narrative of his previous story-arcs in fine style, and effectively brings his tenure with Greg Capullo on Batman full circle in the most heartfelt, exciting, and moving way imaginable. It’s a thoughtful, funny, intense, dialogue-heavy issue, and to say more would spoil it, but suffice to say I enjoyed every single moment of it – even though my enjoyment was tinged with a little sadness that Batman #51 is Snyder’s and Capullo’s final issue.

DC’s Rebirth event has initiated a major wave of change throughout the DCU that is going to herald some big developments in the Bat-Universe. Even though Scott Snyder is indeed moving on from DC’s flagship Batman title, he isn’t leaving the Dark Knight behind completely; in fact, Snyder will now be fronting the brand new monthly series All Star Batman that will also feature art from some of the finest talents in the industry: including John Romita, Jr, Jock, Sean Murphy, and many more. With its epic storyline All Star Batman allows Snyder to use some of the villains that he never got to focus on that much before, such as Two-Face, Mr Freeze, and Catwoman, together with a rotating roster of superstar artist, and back-up stories featuring Duke Thomas. Meanwhile, Greg Capullo will be busy over the next six months working on an uber secret project with Mark Millar, and that’s certainly something that we will all be looking forward to as well. Scott Snyder has also confirmed that he will be working with Greg Capullo again on a new project for DC Comics in 2017 at some point, and I’m sure we will all be excited to see what that will be.

So, as we say farewell to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo with Batman #51 and their brilliant run on Batman with Danny Miki and FCO Plascencia, there’s still Batman #52 written by James Tvnion IV to look forward to before this current volume of Batman ends and everything changes in the Rebirth event. With Tom King taking over on Batman, while James Tynion IV helms Detective Comics, with Tim Seeley on Nightwing, and with Scott Snyder writing All Star Batman, these are certainly exciting times for Batman fans!

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing nearly every issue of Snyder’s and Capullo’s run on Batman. Their take on Batman got me back into reading comics regularly again with Batman #1 (2011). Actually, I was still recovering from badly injuring my left hand at the time – a glass broke while emptying the dishwasher and sliced right though my middle finger, palm, and thumb – but their amazing storylines helped inspire me though that particularly dark time, and now I’m writing and reviewing comic books and stuff here on my blog, and on other sites now as well. So, thank you Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo for your legendary run on Batman, because thanks to you guys, for me, and I’m sure for many others besides, Gotham Is: “Batman, fan, forever.”

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

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

Cover: Capullo / Miki / FCO / Variant Cover: John Romita, Jr.

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #50 Review

Tags

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

Follow @paul_bowler

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

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #47 Review

Tags

Batman, Batman #47, Batman #47 review, Bruce Wayne, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Gotham City, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Scott Snyder, Superheavy, The New 52

Batman #47

Review by Paul Bowler

Following a surprise attack by new super villain, Mr Bloom, Jim Gordon must now face the ultimate test as Gotham’s corporate funded Batman. Having learned the full scale of the Powers Batman Programme, Jim Gordon tracked Mr Bloom to a long forgotten pathway in the Narrows. But his enemy has a nasty surprise waiting for him. Now, as Jim battles for survival in his confrontation against Mr Bloom, Bruce Wayne has a startling recollection about the past that could well change his life, and Gotham City, forever…

Batman #47 finds the new Batman caught in the vice-like grip of his own robotic Bat-Suit after Mr Bloom – Gotham’s new super villain who has been selling seed implants to criminal gangs that give them superpowers – turned the tables on him! This latest instalment of Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s exciting Superheavy arc entwines several key plotlines, with Jim Gordon fighting for his life, Batman #47 also heralds some unexpected developments for Bruce Wayne, and Mr Bloom’s grand schemes begin to blossom.

After refitting the Robo-Bat-Suit with a blocking device to neutralise Mr Bloom’s powers, Gordon tracked his foe to the area that was once know as Blossom Row in the Narrows. But when Mr Bloom somehow overrode his commands and turned Gordon’s “rookie” partner against him, Jim Gordon suddenly found himself at the mercy of his own Bat-Suit! Scott Snyder piles on the tension and suspense here as Gordon battles the combined threat from his own Bat-Suit and Mr Bloom. Meanwhile, Duke must find a way to escape from the new Iceberg lounge, and Bruce Wayne’s new life without the legacy of the Bat following the events of Endgame is thrown into turmoil when he is forced to look into the shadows of the past.

I really like how this issue unfolds. Snyder certainly puts Gordon though his paces in Batman #47, there’s a sense of poignancy and urgency in Gordon’s fight against his robotic partner, and the way he outwits his own suit whilst still managing to stay one step ahead of the super-powered attack of Mr Bloom shows just how far Jim has come since he stepped up to become Gotham’s new Batman. The scenes between Bruce and Duke in the subway station are another big highlight of this issue, and it’s a defining moment for these characters as Bruce’s past converges with the present as it screeches down the shadowy tracks of fate towards him.

Greg Capullo’s art remains as spellbinding as ever. The dynamic panel layout places us right at the heart of the action, especially during the fight between Gordon and his robo Bat-Suit. Gordon’s struggle reaches some death defying heights, and there is a distinct claustrophobic feel to Batman’s face-off with Mr Bloom as well that feels extremely disquieting. But it’s that aforementioned scene between Bruce and Duke in the subway station where Capullo really shines this issue, with a magnificent fusion of story and art – one that also packs an incredibly powerful emotional punch; and will no doubt probably become the most iconic moment of this arc. As ever, Danny Miki’s intricate line-work makes every aspect of Capullo’s art leap from the page, and FCO Plascencia’s glorious use of color and tone makes this issue of Batman a veritable feast for the senses.

This issue rounds off with Gordon and his team returning with a prisoner, but their victory is short lived, and its not long before Mr Bloom is able to strike back. Well, as another Bat-Truck bites the dust, it’s almost impossible to talk about this issue of Batman without totally spoiling the killer twist that awaits us in the closing pages. So, even though this review will be going out a bit late, let’s just say that a certain someone is back, and while this characters return might not have been wholly unexpected – especially considering Bruce’s surprise return at the start of this arc – it’s certainly a lot quicker than any of us could have expected!

Batman #47 is packed with big game-changing events, Scott Snyder gets right to the emotional core of this arc with this issue, and together with Greg Capullo’s excellent artwork; they bring a whole new slant to the Superheavy storyline in the most dramatic, and entirely unexpected way imaginable as we gradually begin progressing towards the conclusion. One thing’s for sure, waiting for Batman #48 is going to be no laughing matter…

Publisher DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder

Art: Greg Capullo

Inks: Danny Miki

Colors: FCO Plascencia

Letters: Steve Wands

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #46 Review

Tags

Bat Bot, Batman, Batman #46, Batman #46 review, Bruce Wayne, comics, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Gotham City, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Scott Snyder, Superheavy

Batman #46

Review by Paul Bowler

Jim Gordon faces his toughest battle yet in Batman #46, with his future as the new corporate funded Robo-Suited Batman in doubt, the former Police Commissioner and Marine must show this city he is the Batman they need as he confronts Mr Bloom – the new super-villain in Gotham that’s been selling seed-like implants to criminals to give them super-powers. Batman’s mission to stop Mr Bloom will take him to the darkest corners of Gotham City, but it could prove a risky move against such an unpredictable adversary…

Batman #46 sees the fate of the new Batman hanging in the balance. However, it wont be the corporate big-wigs that will decide Jim Gordon‘s future, but instead the outcome of Batman’s battle with Mr Bloom – who has just spectacularly gate crashed the press conference at the Powers Building! Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s new Superheavy story-arc kicks into high gear in Batman #46 as Batman finally gets to square off against Mr Bloom!

The fight between Batman and Mr Bloom in this issue has been a long time coming, but it certainly proves to be worth the wait! Mr Bloom seems to relish using his extraordinary powers, the meticulous precision of his attacks is shockingly graphic, cultivating a swath of terror across the rich lawn of Gotham’s high society, and his contribution to the fundraiser ensures that even Geri Powers gets to look evil right in the eye. Fortunately for the Powers CEO, Gordon, in his black-yellow EVA Bat-Suit, still has “rookie” mode and Julia to watch his back at a crucial moment, but the outcome of this tense encounter proves as insightful as it does unexpected.

Scott Snyder orchestrates the slick action and character moments in this issue to perfection, making this easily one of the most impressively structured issues in the Superheavy arc so far. Having survived Endgame, Bruce Wayne’s life is no longer overshadowed by the legacy of the Bat. Bruce is deeply committed to his new role at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth, where he is working tirelessly to help the deprived areas of Gotham after the horror and destruction caused by the Joker virus, and he’s also in a relationship now with his former sweetheart Julie Madison. Scott Snyder continues to explore this brand new era for Bruce’s character in Batman #46 with an especially moving scene between Bruce and Julie, where we learn more about the uncanny connection from the past that has subsequently entwined their fates to bring them together in the present, which culminates in a beautifully romantic moment between them.

Greg Capullo’s artwork for this issue is as exceptional as ever, his work on this series never ceases to amaze me, and there are some spectacular pages and layouts in Batman #46 that will simply leave you in awe of Capullo’s artistic talents. From the unflinching violence of the opening moments as Mr Bloom and Batman slug it out, though to the steamy interlude between Bruce and Julie, there’s also the imaginative birds eye view which oversees Duke’s mission at the new Iceberg Lounge where ice breaks the ice in the most poignant way imaginable, and the “prototypes” of the Batman Programme whose names alone will send your imagination stomping all over Gotham City are just a few of the many highlights in this issue of Batman. Danny Miki’s inks hone the fine details and nuances of Greg Capullo’s work to perfection, while FCO Plascencia’s exquisite color palette matches the tone, emotion, and atmosphere of ever scene magnificently.

Superheavy Part Six finds Jim and his allies facing the most difficult of decisions in the aftermath of Mr Bloom’s attack on the Powers Building. The full extent of Powers Batman Programme becomes clear as a result, danger strikers at the Iceberg Lounge, and Batman goes all Daryl Dixon on us with a new Batmobile as he races to a showdown in a long forgotten pathway in the Narrows…

Batman #46 is another superb issue from Scott Snyder, together with outstanding artwork by Greg Capullo; it takes the Superheavy arc to a whole new level. There’s a few surprise plot twists thrown into the mix to keep us on our toes, and the gripping conclusion is sure to keep us all hanging in suspense until the next issue!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder

Art: Greg Capullo

Inks: Danny Miki

Colors: FCO

Letters: Steve Wands

Follow @paul_bowler

 

Batman #45 Review

Tags

Bat Bot, Batman, Batman #45, Batman #45 review, Bruce Wayne, comics, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Gotham City, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Mr Bloom, Scott Snyder, The New 52

Batman #45

Review by Paul Bowler

Following last issues post Zero Year introduction to Mr Bloom, Batman #45 returns to the present, where Jim Gordon is Gotham’s new robo-suited Batman. However, it seems Bruce Wayne survived Endgame! Without the shadow of Batman in his life, Bruce now works for the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth, and is reunited with his former sweetheart Julie Madison. When Batman breaks into a warehouse to investigate Mr Bloom – the new super-villain selling seed-like implants that give criminals extreme powers – Gordon finds himself trapped. Now, after Batman’s close call with the Devil Pig Gang, Jim Gordon must re-examine his role as the new Dark Knight protector of Gotham before time runs out for city…

Batman #45 finds the former marine and Police Commissioner Jim Gordon facing his greatest challenge so far as Gotham’s corporate funded Robo-Batman. Trapped in a furnace, seemingly with no way out, this latest instalment of Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s new Superheavy story-arc places Gordon in mortal danger and confronts him with a situation that makes him question if he really has what it takes to wear the cowl.

Scott Snyder turns up the heat for the new Batman in Superheavy Part 5, as Gordon has to find a way to escape from the industrial furnace before his Bat-Suit fails. Snyder really gets inside Gordon’s head during these opening scenes, as Jim rapidly assesses the situation Batman-Style, while also keeping his personal feelings in check, and finding the right mindset to ensure that all that Batarang practice finally pays off! Outgunned and outnumbered Jim now faces his most crucial lesson of all about what it really means to be Batman…

A number of plot threads entwine during this issue. Bruce and Julie Madison are busily helping the kids at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth, the area is still littered with the wreckage of the trophies from the Bat-Cave the Joker used for his parade during Endgame, and the horror and devastation caused by the Joker virus is still clearly evident. The relationship developing between Bruce and Julie is really moving, we get to learn more about Julie’s past, and the bond they share is inexorably linked with paths their lives have taken.

Batman #45 is one hell of an action packed issue, Greg Capullo’s art captures the essence of every scene perfectly, and the way Capullo has Gordon evaluate the situation and escape from the furnace is brilliant. The Bat-Bot goes into full “partner mode” this issue, it’s another action-packed moment, and it works so well seen the context of Jim’s predicament. Danny Miki’s inks accentuate the finer details and nuances of Capullo’s art, especially in the scenes between Bruce and Julie, there’s also an interlude featuring Duke and Daryl that nicely refers back to the events of Batman #44 & We Are Robin #1, and FCO’s sublime colors take us from the roaring orange-purples-and reds of the furnace to the icy blue depths of Gotham were the Collider that Jeri Powers company has built to make one giant leap for man – and the periodic table – to the “island of stability” bring all the elements of story and art together in a way that is quite simply astounding. As for Mr Bloom, well, suffice to say we finally see him in action, and its blooming incredible!

Bruce’s solution for dealing with the trophies proves to be utterly inspired too, and completely indicative of everything Snyder and Capullo have set out to accomplish with this arc. Batman #45 builds towards an exciting climax, with the powers-that-be poised to decide the new Batman’s fate, Jim must step up and show who’s the boss – just as terrible danger prepares to strike during a key moment of “censored” dialogue!

Batman #45 is another excellent issue in the Superheavy arc from Scott Snyder, with terrific artwork by Greg Capullo, this storyline continues to throw new and unexpected curve balls our way with every new issue. The various plot strands seem to be coming together now, all of the characters get a good share of the limelight as well, and the stage is now set for one hell of a face-off between the new Batman and Mr Bloom!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder

Art: Greg Capullo

Inks: Danny Miki

Color: FCO Plascencia

Letters: Steve Wands

Cover Capullo/Miki/FCO

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #43 Review

Tags

Bat Bot, Batman, Batman #43, Batman #43 review, Bruce Wayne, comics, Danny Miki, DC Comics, FCO Plascencia, Greg Capullo, Jim Gordon, Scott Snyder

Batman #43

Review by Paul Bowler

In the aftermath of Endgame, Jim Gordon is now Gotham’s new robo-suited Dark Knight. Batman’s investigation into the deceased criminals with enhanced abilities, who were poisoned by the radioactive implants that gave them super-powers, has now become personal. In Batman #43 a new super-villain begins to make his presence felt in Gotham City, but what can Batman uncover about this mysterious Mr Bloom?

Batman #43 sees Jim Gordon’s life as Gotham’s new corporate funded Batman getting even more challenging, as Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s new story-arc finds the former marine and Police Commissioner seeking assistance in his investigation from someone with a connection to the Bat-Suit’s technology – Bruce Wayne!

Entwining flash-forwards, flashbacks and the present with superlative ease, Superheavy Part 3 continues to enrich and develop Jim Gordon’s new role as Batman. Following Bruce’s apparent death in Batman #40 while battling the Joker, issue #41 and #42 then went on to reveal that Bruce Wayne had indeed survived, and was now working at a Recreation Center in Gotham. Now in Batman #43 last issues surprise cliff-hanger begins to unfold as Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne meet for the first time since Jim took over as Batman.

Scott Snyder deftly wrong-foots us again with another surprise plot-twist that few could have expected or predicted. Yes, Bruce’s back, well, sort of, but he’s not exactly the same man he used to be either. Bruce is working at the Lucius Fox Center for Gotham Youth, where he has dedicated himself to the charity helping the neighbourhoods badly affected by the chaos unleashed in Endgame. Gordon has gone to Bruce to ask for his opinion on the seed-like implants Mr Bloom has been selling to criminals in the area. But Jim also needs Bruce’s help with the co-opted Waynetec in the Robo-Bat-Suit, so he can work more covertly as Batman without his every move being monitored by Powers Corp and the GCPD. However, this is a very different Bruce Wayne now, one whose been building the foundations of a new life – with goals and ideals which he cares deeply about.

As much as the Superheavy arc has been about Jim stepping into the role of Batman, this issue illustrates how its still very much a story about Bruce Wayne, primarily by address the burning issues of how Bruce Wayne came back, and why he stopped being Batman. As detailed in Alfred’s especially moving account to Clark Kent, the extraordinary circumstances of Bruce’s resurrection means his life is now free of the dark shadow of his parents murder, and in this remarkable issue Scott Snyder provides us with a fascinating insight into what kind of man Bruce would be if the Batman died and only Bruce Wayne came back. While Bruce is not exactly suffering from amnesia, he’s now a man who could no longer be the Batman, certainly not in the way we once knew, and on the flipside, with Jim Gordon becoming the new Batman, it’s also highlighted the enduring power of Batman’s legacy like never before whilst simultaneously re-examining why the Dark Knight matters so much to the people of Gotham, and the world itself.

Characters from Zero Year also return in Batman #43, including young Duke Thomas, and Bruce’s former girlfriend, Julie Madison, is back as Bruce’s new love interest. Julie Madison is also working with the kids at the Rec Center set up by Lucius Fox; which is open to all the neighbourhoods of the Narrows to provide a safe environment for the kids to play and meet up. Julie brings a fascinating dynamic to this storyline, she’s someone who understood Bruce long before he was Batman – and it’s clear she will have a key role to play in this arc. Alfred also makes a welcome return this issue – in perhaps one of Snyder’s best scripted scenes ever – alongside a rather bemused Clark Kent as the circumstances of Bruce’s miraculous return become apparent…

Batman #43 is a glorious fusion of story and art. Greg Capullo’s work on this issue is nothing short of outstanding: from the barbed enticement of a flowers allure on an impressionable young mind, to the everyday setting of the rec center, along with the beautifully dream-like quality of Alfred’s monologue, the unsettling implications of the final invention, and the excitement of the action-packed closing moments all collectively – in my humble opinion – make this one of Capullo’s finest issue to date. Every aspect of this issue is brought to life in vivid detail; each emotional beat of the story resonates perfectly, effortlessly drawing us into the characters lives and their surroundings.

Bruce is also sporting a new look, with slightly longer hair, and with the beard completing the transformation, Lumber-Bruce will certainly be an interesting change of pace for the character. The scenes between Gordon and Bruce were another big highlight of this issue, surpassed only by the interlude with Alfred and Clark, and of course we also get our first look at the new villain of the piece – Mr Bloom – whose gangly distinct look sublimely befits the character in more ways than one. Danny Miki’s inks bring added flourish to enhance Capullo’s art further, making every detail jump from the page, and FCO Plascencia’s wonderful colors are as exquisite as ever.

As you may have guessed from Greg Capullo’s stunning cover for Batman #43, Mr Bloom finally steps from the shadows in this issue. So far, Mr Bloom’s true motives have remained unclear, although Jim has a hunch about links with events that happened in Gotham years ago. Mr Bloom’s plans begin to take shape this issue, as his unique brand of evil – which has taken root in the cracks in society caused by Endgame – begins to flourish in the Narrows of Gotham. Scott Snyder has created a complex and compelling new adversary for Jim Gordon, and it looks like Mr Bloom will certainly be a challenge for the new Batman.

This issue builds to a tense and menacing climax. Stepping out from the Bat-Bot for the evening, Jim takes to his black and yellow-trimmed EVA Bat-Suit to investigate a warehouse – with Julia Pennyworth providing backup via the com-link – and figure out how Mr Bloom has drawn all the gangs to him. Web spinning wisecracks and Robocop references quickly spiral into a mash-up of bullets, sharks, and batarangs that tips Batman out of the frying pan and into the fire while Mr Bloom’s clandestine business dealings proves that he is no mere weed as be begins blossoming in the fertile soil of Gotham’s dark garden of crime…

If any doubts remain about the direction of this current arc, this issue goes a long way to put them to rest. Far from just killing Bruce off in Endgame simply for the sake of it and putting Jim Gordon in the Bat-Suit to shake things up in the Bat-Universe, we can now begin to see the whole picture, and its evident that Scott Snyder is crafting a story here that brings a new aspect to the 75 year mythos of Batman in a way that’s entirely fresh, and exciting.

With Bruce’s return I was expecting this to be a less Gordon-centric issue, fortunately that’s far from the case, if anything, it actually puts Jim and Bruce right at the heart of this storyline, and I’m really enjoying how this arc is developing. Batman #43 is a sensationally good issue, this is a master class in storytelling from Scott Snyder, and Greg Capullo’s art continues to make every issue of Batman a visual epic on every level.

 Follow @paul_bowler