Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Battle for the Cowl: The Underground One-Shot
DC Comics
Yost & Raimondi
This one shot issue explores the villains of Batman as the event occurs around them that is to determine who will wear the cowl. The issue isn’t as much of a one shot as it is a gap-filler in the main mini series. In that regard the issue really belongs in the main series. Or on the other hand it’s proof that the Battle for the Cowl mini series is just trying to jam too much into the story. It’s a good issue but it’s one for someone who wants the full picture of the Battle for the Cowl event.
The issue follows the Riddler as he is recruited for a job by the Penguin. The Penguin and Two-Face are at war over Gotham. However, the Black Mask has infiltrated Gotham and is taking valuable ground that previously was possessed by either the Penguin or Two-Face.
Matters get even more confusing as Catwoman starts to track the villains. But the Riddler runs into Harley and recruits her help. As Catwoman confronts various villains, she comes across the gun Batman. They battle and this is where the issue ends.
The setup of the villains making side deals and working (or seeming to work) with each other is a very good plot. The scope of bringing in almost all the villains except the Joker is also a good idea. However, the issue jumps to the end without really resolving anything and it adds in one of the Batmen to almost force this whole initial plot to a halt. It essentially goes from being a villain’s comic to being a Catwoman versus Batman comic, which is pretty much the type of thing we’ve seen in the Battle for the Cowl mini series. Personally, I would have preferred more villains scheming and fighting but that’s a personal preference.
The art is a lot of fun. The issue really takes a cinematic view of the characters. For example, the Penguin looks much more like Danny DeVito from Batman Returns than the Penguin we generally see in the comics. I found the art to be very detailed and didn’t shortcut any corner in the issue.
This issue is really for those that are completists. The idea that this issue is all about the villain’s plot in this event is really only partially true. However, the infusion of Batman turns the first sixteen pages on its side. Could it work out that this issue makes more sense after the series? Sure, let’s say the gun Batman ends up being the Joker. Then it would all fit together. But then again this issue wouldn’t really be a good one shot would it? This was a good comic that kind of lost its way by including one too many characters in the end. If you love the event then this issue is a can’t miss one for you.
3 out of 5 geek goggles
