SYNOPSIS: “May the hour of the devil begin…”The harrowing journey through the dark heart of Gotham reaches a fever pitch in this penultimate installment of Rafael Grampá’s visionary series! Batman’s investigation leads him into the deadly lair of Doctorgeist—where his presence is not only expected…but welcomed. Their savage fight for the soul of Gotham—and the soul of Bruce Wayne himself—will send shock waves through the city from which it might never recover. And elsewhere, the fugitive Crytoon makes a twisted acquaintance that finally gives him something to smile about…
It’s been a while…
…since I reviewed this title. December of 2023, as a matter of fact.
Typically, with a wait this long, I’d revisit the prior issues to acclimate myself to the story once again. Like I said, it’s been a year. However, it’s the holiday season and I don’t have the time to binge one hundred pages before tackling this fifty-page comic, so a quick flip-through of #2 will have to do!
Fortunately, I could jump right back into this powerful vision of Gotham! It didn’t take long for Grampá to work his magic and immerse me in this detailed and visceral world he’s conjured.
Picking up with the respective perils we left Batman and Gordon in, both heroes have their work cut out for them, with Gordon’s situation not what it seems. Grampá balances the two narratives well, with Batman taking the priority and having the greater threat. There is some impressive-looking action as Batman deals with Geisterman Wounder and the group. We’ve seen Batman take on a crowd before, but the emotional element of the Dark Knight being manipulated mentally heightens the stakes.
Aided by the Ratz, who have infiltrated the sect, Batman is able to escape but is barely conscious. Their mysterious leader is able to unlock some of Bruce’s memories, particularly his mother’s telling him about gargoyles and the night of their murder, adding some interesting wrinkles to the legend. Grampá makes it feel fresh, with his art and the perspectives he chooses making the scenes feel more intimate and tragic.
While there’s no shortage of action throughout, it’s the revelations of Batman’s backstory that really captivate the reader here. What does Doctor Geist have to do with any of this? Has Bruce been manipulated since his parents died? Is his crusade any less noble or is it even really his? Grampá doesn’t have answers for us yet, but I am fascinated by where this is all going. Bruce is definitely on a character arc, learning empathy for the least fortunate among us along the way.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the debut of Little Joker, whose appearance dominates the main cover. Their origin and role in all this may be unclear, but one thing not in doubt is this is a terrifying debut. Grampá homages the famous scene of Red Hood emerging as the Joker from Ace Chemicals in The Killing Joke, having Little Joker assume the oft-repeated pose, but this is a far more unsettling debut.
Using finger paints to recreate that killer smile, combined with the penmanship of a child in elementary school for all the laughs that fill the panel, mixed with that stare that won’t break its gaze from you, is the perfect cocktail to haunt your thoughts long after you close the book. The glee Little Joker has as they murder their victim is more than a little disturbing and is expertly crafted to make you feel right in the middle of a horror movie.
Grampá’s visuals steal the show yet again, offering a masterclass in visual expression, with fine detail elevating every panel. Every page has power, every panel packs a punch, and you’ll read it again and again to soak up every detail and brushstroke.
It should be noted that DC Comics is once again offering this in a standard color version alongside a Noir edition. You can’t go wrong with either one. While the Noir version offers beautiful art in all its stark glory, minus some splashes of color for maximum impact, the standard version comes with the sublime work of colorists Matheus Lopes and Valentina Napolitano. They bring so much to Grampá’s imagery, adding depth and life to a stunning-looking book. The bold red of blood in the flashbacks, the cool blue of jolts of electricity, and the in-you-face yellows of the onomatopoeia all leap off the page!
Bruce Wayne is very callous in this iteration, but Grampá gives you fifty pages of why, making for a compelling comic book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s been a long wait for this installment, but every page is simply breathtaking, transporting you to a Gotham you won’t soon forget! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: A+
