Review: Batman Damned #3 (of 3)
Three months after the original release date of March 13th, the last part of DC’s first Black Label adventure, Batman Damned #3 is finally here. The question is, after all this time, is the book worth the wait?
The series has been more than a tad controversial with a naked Bruce and a copulation of sorts between Bats and Harley, not to mention the re-imaginings of a number of magical guest stars. As this issue starts, Batman is saved from a coffin by a riddle speaking Swamp Thing. Add into the mix a demon and Constantine, it’s no wonder that the heroes turn to Zatanna, back in her her usual magician attire, for help and possibly a solution as to what the hell happened on the bridge?
Brian Azzarello is a busy guy it seems. Not only is this book out, his divine comedy about horror, love and sex, Faithless is also currently on the racks in comic book shops. Adding magic, spirits and horror always seems like a good idea for a creature of the night such as Batman. Here, Azzarello has charted his path well enough, with plenty of hints, tease and mis-direction to keep Batman, and by extension, the readers on their toes. The risk of that strategy is that the payoff has to be worth the muss and fuss and here, I am not quite sure it is. As Batman moves to the final act, he himself realises that he has been led a merry dance, which also means so have we. Sure, the styling of the writing is still there, the dialogue between most of the characters work, though I do feel that Zatanna gets a little bit of a raw deal from others attitudes, especially as she is the one with the real power. I have to say I disliked the ending and can’t help but think what was the point?
The art by Lee Bermejo us pretty much as you will have come to expect. Great painted panels sparkles with both greenery and the usual darkness. Throw in a nightclub and there you have it. The characters poses and faces all work, though again, whilst I love Zatanna back in her fishnets, I am not sure she needs a thong to complete the outfit, nor is a there a need for a Killing Joke reference. Those elements aside, Bermejo’s art has been fantastic throughout this series and this issue is no different  Jared K. Fletcher provides the lettering continuity, though that white on black/dark style is still a trifle hard to distinguish at times.
So there you have it; the first Black Label series is done, with the usual DC tomfoolery of adult content that’s “too adult” and a delay that gives the Doomsday Clock a run for it’s money. Was it worth it? If I am honest, I could probably live without the series. I applaud the idea of it, but like so many DC projects of late, the setup far outweighs the payoff.
Writing – 3 Stars
Art & Colors – 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Writing by; Brian Azzarello
Art & Colors by; Lee Bermejo
Letters by; Jared K. Fletcher
Published by; DC Comics / Black Label
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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