SYNOPSIS: Robin has been kidnapped—stolen away by Memento in a killing blow to Batman’s psyche. Now, with his body broken and his mind fractured, the Dark Knight must fight his way through a gang war, Memento’s cultists, and his own decaying mental state to save his son before it is too late!
Opening with a flashback again to The Knight era of Batman (with visuals by that series’ artist, Carmine Di Giandomenico) we get more of Professor Blye’s encounter with Memento as he fires “Jack” and Katherine from the case, primarily for their safety. What transpired? Well, more to come on that later in the issue…
Jumping to the present, “The Gotham Cycle, Part Two” finds Batman and Katherine staking out a performance of Aida at the Vauxhall Opera House. Lautrec is laying into the Dark Knight for endangering Robin, making it all the worse for him when he has to ask for help regarding his kidnapped son.
Johnson really excels at the character moments here. To see Batman so humbled and asking his long-time acquaintance for help is a massive deal and emphasizes not only how much he cares for Damian, but how troubling the case is. Javi Fernandez, who handles the art in the present day, stages everything dramatically, knowing when to focus on characters’ close ups and providing scope when it is needed.
When the action begins, the characterization doesn’t stop, with Batman’s inner monologue adding to the suspense, but also adding some inspiration to his heroics, thanks to imagining what this guy named “Clark” would say. It’s hard for me not to think of The Dark Knight Returns whenever I see something like that, so indelible is that dialogue, but Bruce is not being derogatory here. Even when he’s not present, Superman inspires, and Johnson gets that. No surprise there, given his excellent run on Action Comics!
To the best of my knowledge, this issue also serves as an introduction to the Gotham Irregulars, a group of adolescent malcontents who assist Batman, going where he cannot. Inspired by the Baker Street Irregulars, this is a fun bit of connectivity to Sherlock Holmes, who has also teamed up with the Dark Knight! There are some shades of Jason Todd, too. I’m curious for more.
As expected, the ending whets your appetite for more! I’m enjoying this modern gothic mystery. Is this a supernatural case? Is there a grounded reason behind it all? Johnson keeps the intrigue up and is once again aided by stellar art. Fernandez really shines with his shot compositions, and Marcelo Maiolo dazzles with colors, perfectly setting the mood. I keep saying it because it’s true — this should be on your pull list! – Javier E. Trujillo
