Review: Batman #94
Despite what other bat books will tell you, this issue is the starting point for the upcoming Joker War and kind of restarts the pre-marriage proposal status quo between Batman and Catwoman.
With all of Bruce Wayne’s plans torn asunder he is probably at one of the lowest points of his vigilante career. No Alfred, no Cat, no commissioner, no Lucius and no fortune in which to fund and replace those wonderful town. He even lost the house!
For a story that serves as a prequel to a larger event, I think that James Tynion IV has done a great job in making it a fun and entertaining read. The plot points, twists and turns have had a logical feel to them, with maybe the exception of yet another big bad in existence that Bats didn’t know about. I mean, how good a detective is he if there are loads of big bads’ plotting and scheming for years? With the impacts of this run, Tynion has done a great job of keeping the Joker on the sidelines for the most part. I know that it’s the 80th anniversary of the Joker, but I have been sick of his constant presence for quite some time. Do you remember when Batman had an actual Rogues Gallery? This issue serves as an epilogue chapter, though there is still plenty of drama to be had. There is also a nice little throwback to Year One, in some of the mirroring of Batman’s mindset.
Guillem March and Rafael Albuquerque provide the art for the book. Both are great artists, but I absolutely love March’s pencils. His Selina is gorgeous! Some of the perspectives and body sizes can be a little off with other characters, massively broad shoulders for example, but the style works well. There is an odd element in that somehow Batman manages to redress in a new uniform at the end of the book even though the last time we saw him he had a busted leg, ripped uniform and had been shot before falling out of a window! The pair utilise a number of different camera angles to keep the mostly conversational book visually engaging. David Baron provides an excellent color scheme that packs a punch and gives the book a maturer than superhero feel. Finally, Clayton Cowles’ lettering is once again brilliant with clear fonts and placement that doesn’t detract from the art.
When the news came down the line that Tynion was replacing King on this book, I was hopeful. Tynion had written the in bat universe before, on the Eternal titles; on the flip, he has worked a lot with Snyder, would Tynion have the same flaws that I find in Snyder? Thankfully, my faith has been rewarded, with a tight story that suits the twice a month frequency of this book. Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give; I am actually looking forward to a Joker story!
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
Overall – 4.5 Stars
Written by; James Tynion IV
Art by; Guillem March & Rafael Albuquerque
Colors by; David Baron
Letters by; Clayton Cowles
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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