It’s a new chapter in the latest issue of BATMAN, part of DC’s “All In” initiative. Focusing on classic characters we know, and new titles (ABSOLUTE), DC seemingly is giving every fan something to enjoy.
Here, Bruce Wayne is running Wayne Enterprises more directly, facing criticism from a particular group of Gothamites. Edward Nygma, recently exonerated for his crimes, is working from a building not too far away with his company Nygmatech. On the night side, Batman has coffee with Gordon, keeps a close eye on Nygmatech, and journeys down onto the ground level of the city during daylight hours. Meanwhile, Mayor Nakano is facing the heat from different angles and is confronted by an individual who speaks for….an organization.
All of these threads tie together in a knot by the issue’s end.
Writer Chip Zdarsky continues to command this legacy title and does a pretty good job of setting the table. He puts all of the pieces in specific positions on the Gotham chessboard and moves them appropriately.
My qualms and concerns are mostly what he does with them. Firstly, Zdarsky makes multiple nods to this recent notion that “Bruce Wayne should do more to help Gotham”, which to me is eye-rolling. We also take quite a jump to Nakano being sort of unlikeable, when he’s actually been a good character. And lastly, not to spoil it for anyone, but the implication of that last page/panel has me worried about where this story will go.
Zdarsky just came off a big story where he revisited Grant Morrison’s run to expand on it, yet it didn’t need any expansion. I worry he’s about to do something similar here, with another popular run, that doesn’t need expanding. I’m not in the meeting room, so I don’t know, therefore I’ll wait and let it play out.
Jorge Jimenez is back drawing Gotham, and everything on his end remains impressive. Great action, atmosphere, and settings. He does some cool angular work with Batman’s cape that I think has become his signature. As usual, no complaints about the art.
Overall, a good setup for a new arc that I did enjoy. Where it’s headed has me a little on edge, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. – Ryan Lower
