Wow, what a time to be a Bat-Fan! I just finished issue #98, but #99 is already out and by the time you read this we will be over the century mark in this, the 3rd volume of Batman comics since Batman #1 hit shelves back in 1940.
Don't Sleep on Ghost-Maker
This run by James Tynion IV has already introduced us to some great new characters. There's Punchline, who appears to have all kinds of potential. Clownhunter, who at first glance seems to be the Punisher if he were a kid, with a Mohawk, in Gotham. Or maybe just the personification of Damian's vision for ridding the streets of super-villains and their henchmen. Don't forget the Underbroker and the Designer. Their potential is less clear to me, but these are clearly exciting times to be reading the Bat. Next up is a new villain, ready to jump into the presumed vacuum created by Joker War. Ghost-Maker makes his debut in Batman #102.
Batman #98 is a Great Issue
This issue doesn't introduce us to a new character and it's not the first cover featuring Punchline and Harley Quinn (that honor goes to Batman #92) so spec appeal seems limited in this atmosphere. However, if you are looking for a great read, this is it. I mentioned in an earlier post that I thought Julia Pennyworth might be a good replacement for Alfred. Apparently I should have added the possibility that Batman just continues to converse with Alfred even though he knows he is dead. There were some great Batman-Alfred moments in this issue but the best part to me was the battle between Punchline and Harley Quinn. They each think they have a good grasp on the other one's motives (and mistaken assumptions) which plays for some great back and forth.
Speculators VS Readers
I've seen this argument develop for some time now but the truth is, it is just a variation on an old theme. The true fan versus the [insert reason someone is not a true fan here]. Thirty-five years ago, I played this better than anyone. But with hindsight and a little wisdom gained along the way, I can confidently assert, "so what?" If you are a true fan, you've had Batman on your pull list since Dick Grayson spread his night-wings. Don't let the fact that comics are popular and cool and especially, profitable turn you off. You will miss great stories if you do. Just shrug your shoulders if you don't "get it," and keep doing you. To the speculators out there, glad to have you on board. I would suggest that this time of fantastic price appreciation won't last forever, so enjoy it while you can, and make sure you buy what you like, you may be holding it a while.
I say all that because there are plenty of things to be mad at in this world, but people sharing an interest in a great hobby isn't one of them.
Speech Over...What to Look For?
Starting with issue #92, Jorge Jimenez has created some great variant covers. These are 1:25 incentive variants and they feature a design theme of different characters. I would keep your eyes open for any of these that you can find and try to get your store to get you a copy of #102, with it's awesome Ghost-Maker cover. This is also his first appearance, so this one might be hard to nail down. Issue #92 features a beautiful purple Punchline cover. As my colleague Mr. Long/Short has pointed out, this is the one to have. Graded copies are consistently going in the $130 - $145 range, with a GoCollect FMV of $140. These are all beauties though and I would pick up any that catch your eye.
Do Yourself a Favor
What a great time to be reading Batman. I haven't even touched on the Batgirl-Joker War tie ins, I've read the first two (of three) and this is a great story that revisits the classic Killing Joke confrontation between Barbara Gordon and the Joker. But please, do yourself a favor, if you are a speculator, take a moment and read these stories. If you are more the reader/collector type, pick up these 1:25 incentive variants. In both cases, I think you'll be glad you did. Good luck out there!
