SYNOPSIS: What should have been a run-of-the-mill charity banquet for Bruce and Damian has, quite literally, gone up in flames—and now, without access to their costumes and gadgets, father and son find themselves fighting for their lives at the hands of the mysterious specter known only as Memento. But who is this new villain who set the blaze that threatens to disintegrate the Dynamic Duo, why does it replicate an infamous, century-old tragedy from Gotham’s history, and what is Memento’s connection to the Dark Knight’s past? Nothing can prepare you for the answers to these questions, so join us and bear witness to “Memento,” part two.
After an explosive debut issue, writer Philip Kennedy Johnson and artist Javi Fernandez are back, revealing the resolution to the death trap they left Bruce in the last issue! With Damian also occupied in another part of the building, they created a great sense of tension while showing off Bruce’s analytical mind. It felt very old school seeing him work out a method of survival and the ticking clock that began last issue heightened the sense of peril!
Damian is the focus of this story, and Johnson displays why he is so good at characterization. From Damian’s worry over another to trying to find his own place, he has a strong arc that strikes a balance with what Bruce is dealing with.
Fernandez once again knocks it out of the park, be it an action scene or showing the characters’ emotions. However, this issue isn’t just him. Carmine Di Giandomenico makes a welcome cameo as artist during a quick flashback to Bruce’s Batman: The Knight days as we get another piece of the mystery that is the new villain Memento.
I find myself intrigued by this new threat. Something about Shush felt very gimmicky to me and I never really got invested in the villainess or the mystery behind her. Memento is different. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but I think part of it is the unknown history of the character. Is this the original that Bruce secretly dealt with? A copycat? How far back does this identity go? Johnson adds some flavor by having online groupies who have been following the case. It feels very contemporary for a villain whose origin may go back far longer than we suspect.
Marcelo Maiolo deserves a shout-out as the colorist as well. Each scene is very atmospheric and roots you in that specific place with the color palette. Bruce and Damian training looks very different from when Batman and Robin are investigating the charred ruins of Sacred Heart. He brings Fernandez’ art to life with every panel and helps bestow a gothic feel when need be.
This book is exactly what I want it to be right now. Thrilling action, detective work, and illuminating characterization which helps you understand our heroes better. With killer writing and art, this book should be on every Bat fan’s pull list! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A
