SYNOPSIS: Batman and Guy Gardner delve into a realm of high strangeness that is truly out of this world as they confront the grey alien that has crash-landed in Gotham. And last, but far from least, Hayden Sherman dazzles with a brand-new Batman Black & White story that needs to be seen to be believed.
Batman is once again relegated to backup story status as Nightwing and Deadman share the spotlight, making for a quick read this time out if that is your sole interest.
“The Invader, part 2” begins its eight pages with Guy Gardner continuing to be an annoyance to the Caped Crusader, who is still in his Bat-hazmat suit. Guy’s ring is having problems functioning, which he swears never happens to him. Writer Joshua Hale Fialkov makes the most of this odd couple’s humor in the space allotted.
The art by Lisandro Estherren continues to remind me of a surreal storybook, no doubt thanks to the painterly colors by Patricio Delpeche. As Batman continues his search in the woods, a nice sense of foreboding emanates from the pages, climaxing in a confrontation that the Scarecrow would be envious of.
Closing on the requisite cliffhanger, a nice sense of danger is created, even though we all know Batman will get through this just fine…right?
“The Evidence Remains” was a well-told Batman: Black & White entry, written and drawn by Hayden Sherman. The opening page is a 9×6 grid of small boxes, each highlighting the routine Batman endures night after night during his crusade. I love how you can look at it from left to right or top to bottom and have a different experience in how the story unfolds.
Sherman tricks up the grid layout on the following pages, making for some compelling layouts. Then he lets the hammer drop midway through and floors you with the Dark Knight’s doubt. The layouts continue to astound, highlighting some memorable moments from the career of The World’s Greatest Detective. It’s brilliant and effective. The last page is, as Ryan Lower would say, “chef’s kiss”!
While not a lot of Batman, you do get one good and one great Batman story to read. Once again, the Black & White entry is the standout. Worth the price of admission, though? I can’t say, but you do get other stories that have The Flash, Booster Gold…and the Jurassic League. Plan accordingly! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: B (for the Batman stuff)
