Sunday, December 16, 2012

Batman #15

In the only comic that has really been focused on the Death of the Family crossover, writer Scott Snyder gives us an awkward standoff between Batman and the Joker and an even more unnecessary rehashing of events with the entire Bat-Family over whether or not the Joker knows who they all really are and why Batman would keep that from them.

The comic picks up from the end of the last issue with Batman trapped by the Joker who keeps flirting with the Dark Knight about knowing all the Bat-Family's identities without ever proving it. Batman's escape includes the Dark Knight Detective removing his gloves (off-panel, and for no logical reason shown or discussed in the comic) which allows the Joker to dose Batman with Joker toxin and make his escape.

The New 52 version of the Bat-Universe, in nearly every way from Harley Quinn's makeover to the gritty feel of every story, has screamed Arkham Asylum ripoff. I guess it's fitting then that this is exactly where Snyder was headed all along. The Joker in recent months has taken over the asylum and has been preparing it for a very special party.

Don't get me wrong, I think Arkham Asylum is a hell of a video game - but it's story, design, and logic kinda sucks. I certainly didn't need a comic, yet alone the entire Batman Family across all of the DCU, redesigned in it's image. The comic isn't a total waste as it does deliver an okay back-up story between the Joker and the Riddler, but that's hardly enough from me to recommend spending $4 for this one. Pass.

[DC, $3.99]

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