Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Batman Inc #1
DC Comics
Morrison, Paquette & Lacombe
Morrison begins the next phase of Batman here in what he described as a Brave and the Bold type title. True to form, this issue has Batman team up with Catwoman as they head overseas to recruit Mr. Unknown to join up with the new Batman Incorporated. The book is a fun read that introduces (or reintroduces) some fun characters while managing to give a different feel to the book as it switches from Gotham to Tokyo. This was a good start to what looks to be a fresh and interesting series.
Batman enlists Catwoman's help in stealing something (you can read what it is yourself) as the issue picks up the pace after a murder opens the issue. This is a great reintroduction to characters to start off the issue. Bruce finds his level ground with Selina while the two let their alter egos "play" a little bit, including battling robotic rats. The pair have great interaction and even provide some playful comedy.
Bruce heads to Japan to find Mr. Unknown. Bruce used his detective skills to figure out Mr. Unknown's identity, except he is discovered to have been murdered. It now becomes a race to find his sidekick before he gets rubbed out too. Good thing Bruce brings along Catwoman for the ride because he needs her help.
The title is at its best with the artwork. Paquette draws a tangible, sexy Catwoman and a muscular and menacing Batman. Paquette makes the story flow perfectly and gives excellent expression to the characters at the key points in the comic book. One other aspect worth noting is how amazing Paquette draws the cityscape in the background of the different settings. He captures the cultural shift perfectly as Batman heads abroad.
Morrison brings his Club of Heroes arc into this issue with the death of another variation of an international Batman. The villain also brings a level of intrigue and danger to the comic book. Even without all of the motivations enumerated in this issue the set up is all very well done. Morrison showing, yet again, how he can loop in new or underused characters and bring them to life in a short amount of space.
Morrison brings some fun into this book and provides a level of mystery that will require some of Batman's detective work. It's nice to see the Morrison Batman book take a break from the science fiction aspect of storytelling. I think this issue is a very good frame for the relationship between Batman/Catwoman and Bruce/Selina. Batman Inc is looking like it will be a fast and entertaining book to read. This was a good first step.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
