Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batman #42
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo, Miki & Plascencia
"Batman" continues with the new arc that sees the robot-like Batman patrolling Gotham. With the new lead character we are getting some new villains for him to face up against. I found the issue to be a slow read and not of the same level of imagination that prior arcs of this title seemed to hold. Once again, the artwork is stunning, helping to make this comic look the part of being an epic. This is still a good read but an average one by this team's standards.
Gordon as Batman is still in the beginning stages. This book focuses on him getting used to the city from his new view, the suit and the toys that it comes with. The book veers off in a strange direction as the Maggie Sawyer seems to try her hardest to convince him to give up being Batman. This struck a nerve with me that carried over from the previous issue.
The previous issue was very dismissive about why Gordon opted in. This issue then takes a complete turn as those that supported him being Batman seem to want him to give it up and the reason cited is the bureaucracy. The idea that Batman operates inside of any rules seems a little ridiculous. If the Gotham brass are holding their prize Batman back but the person in the suit is willing to push on would they really pull the plug on everything? Would Gordon stop short of what needs to be done because someone threatens him to take away his suit and toys? Seems like a real stretch.
The comic introduces a new villain for Gordon and the idea is a solid one. I would like to see the comic go back its detective roots in future issues and it seems like Gordon is already on that path. The comic ends with quite a revelation.
The comic works well because of the artwork. Page after page there are stunning layouts, pencils and colors. The fight sequence is perhaps the main draw to this book, but the new Batmobile is pretty special as well. As usual the artwork helps to elevate this book above just about anything else that is being published today.
As far as "Batman" standards go this issue is fairly average. Gordon continues to polish his Batman game while he tries out some new toys. A new villain is introduced as Gordon continues to use some detective skills to figure things out. The comic book is backed up with fantastic artwork, especially during the big fight. The missteps in Sawyer trying to convince Gordon to throw in the towel don't quite add up. Perhaps Snyder is going with the theme that Gordon is full of self-doubt and hesitation? It's unclear where this subplot is going at this point. Overall, this is a good read but nothing near the high standards that this team has set for to this point.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
