SYNOPSIS: The mysterious Quiet Man continues his brutal takedown of the Gotham underworld! Bodies are piling up with the Quiet Man’s signature silver coins in their eyes, until the killer and Batman finally face each other in combat…with shocking consequences! Which of them will walk away? And what dark secret from Gotham’s past is behind the Quiet Man’s sudden killing spree?
After a quick tease of a shadowy figure working on something, “The Quiet Man, part 2” opens in the aftermath of last issue, with the Dynamic Duo investigating the scene of the titular villain’s deadly attack. There is nothing glitzy or glamorous now about the Iceberg Lounge, not when its occupants’ corpses are strewn across the floor, complete with silver coins resting on their eyes.
After questioning Cobblepot, Batman and Robin hit the streets, fighting some crime and pondering their recent life choices. I appreciate how PKJ weaves in characterization with action, keeping the pacing up while still allowing for character arcs. As with his time writing Superman, the writer knows how to strike that delicate balance.
Building off the last arc, the Caped Crusaders split their investigation up, with Robin getting paid a visit by the Gotham Irregulars. I like fleshing out the world and giving Robin a support squad of his own, allowing him a chance to socialize with people his own age who aren’t trying to kill him in a death match on a private island. It allows Damian the opportunity to be a mentor, and PKJ tones down the haughtiness Robin has shown before as he genuinely seems to be enjoying the engagement.
Of course, he’s not the only one socializing, as we see some familiar foes confab in an attempt to deduce who is after them. This leads to even more action as all the major players come together for the climax.
Artist Fico Ossio and colorist Marcelo Maiolo prove once again to be a dynamic duo themselves, making this book a visual treat to look at. Every page is filled with details, and Maiolo knows how to light a scene. There is considerable actio,n and I love Ossio’s rendition of The Dark Knight, who carries himself with an athletic grace and sense of menace simultaneously. Damian isn’t to be left out either-check out a fun training session he undergoes as he talks out the case with his father!
Phillip Kennedy Johnson makes this a fun issue, peppering in a lot of action to keep simple scenes moving. Ossio is proving to be a perfect partner for him, adding a gothic flair to the proceedings (and a Danny Devito-esque Penguin if that’s your thing). While I enjoyed the last storyline with Memento a great deal, this feels like it’s moving at a quicker pace and should be pleasing to most Bat-fans. There are a lot of Bat titles trying to blow you away right now, don’t let this one get missed! – Javier E. Trujillo
GRADE: B+