How much can you pack into one issue?
A date night fallout, a limo full of bad guys, monster men, father-son scolding, a hug, a Strange, a break, a bladed gauntlet (x2), a Batmobile, and a twist.
Whew!
Writer Matt Fraction fits all of that into this month’s issue of BATMAN, appropriately titled “Long Night”. Building on the previous 5 issues, I was able to keep up with this fast-paced issue. However, it’ll definitely pay to revisit, as we basically check in on each plot point thus far, with some (1 particular) feeling a little hazy on the specifics.
That didn’t keep me from enjoying the hell out of this one, though. Last month’s “cliffhanger” was resolved in this issue, but with a twist that I found humorous and valid. Fraction finds a good way to get there, and doesn’t spend too much time dwelling on it. This Dr. Zeller (whom we first met in the opening pages of the first issue) seemed fun and innocent enough, but the end gives us some insight into what she’s cooking up behind the scenes.
And it’s quite a punchline.
Jorge Jiménez continues penciling this run and does another stellar job. There’s a great balancing act between character and action moments, which the artist keeps improving on. Manga definitely being an influence, Jiménez breathes life into Batman kicking-ass, as well as the energy behind a Batmobile tearing through Gotham. I thought this issue, more than the previous ones, had moments feeling like Batman of the 70s. Is his suit blue? Damn straight it is (like in the 70s), but it doesn’t bother me. It looks good.
This team is cooking up some fun monthly issues and is on a hot streak. I’ve enjoyed the last 3 more than the previous 2, and I hope they keep this momentum going. – Ryan Lower
(AUTHOR’S NOTE: I don’t think Tim Drake fans will be happy, as it totally felt like “We don’t know what to do with him…eh, let’s take him off the board.” For a beloved character, DC (for some reason) continues to be lost with him and doesn’t know what to do. Maybe this was a good temporary solution? We’ll see if he pops back up, and how often. – RL)
GRADE: B+
