Take a look at Tony Daniel's first book since 'Battle For The Cowl'
'Batman' #692
Writing and pencils by: Tony Daniel
Inks by: Sandu Florea
Tony Daniel has once again taken on the task of writing and drawing Dick Grayson as ' Batman' following his work on ' Battle For The Cowl' with issue 692 of 'Batman.' There is no question that he is both a superb penciller as well as a writer. While the details of certain panels exemplified his talent as an artist and writer; there was something off at times. As far as writing is concerned, I felt that he really got Dick Grayson as ' Batman.' Finally having transitioned the character from being insecure in the cape and cowl, Dick seems to have made it his own. No longer does Dick Grayson question and compare himself to his predecessor. I really like the fact that Commissioner Gordon is still uneasy dealing with the new "Dark Knight," but I am surprised he still does not know who is beneath the cowl, considering he dated his daughter! If Grayson is not yet comfortable as the new 'Batman,' then Daniel certainly has me fooled. The book moves relatively smoothly, but is confusing at some points and the primary adversary is still unclear. Will it be Black Mask, or will we see a resurgence from the Falcone's?
You can always tell when an artist really knows what he is doing based on the way he or she structures and draws his panels. The great thing about Tony Daniel is that oftentimes his art itself will tell the story and there is no need for the word bubbles. A good example of this are the panels where Daniel uses black and white photographs of the Falcone characters
to reference Jeph Loeb's ' The Long Halloween' story arc. The photographs referencing the past are strategically placed over the panel depicting the present, adding a gorgeous dynamic to his storytelling. Overall, I liked this a lot. I enjoy where Daniel is taking the story. Both the art and writing is great, but some things could be better organized. It is however, still the beginning!
3 out of 5