Gotham Is... Nothing Without Batman
What an issue, and please, do not take that statement lightly. This is the type of issue that Batman fans, both new and old, will be able to embrace whole-heartedly. This book was ranked as a pretty high priority on my 'New 52" buy list... and I'm so glad it was. Thank you to the entire team that made this book possible. That being said, there's really no need for me to continue this review, but for the sake of doing a review that might do this book justice, I'll give it a shot. Here I go:
The Good:
- Everything in between the covers.
- Okay, on a more serious note... I enjoy suspense, and this book is dripping with it. Scott Snyder takes you on a rollercoaster throughout the entire issue. At one point (and if you've read the book I'm pretty sure you can guess which part) I found myself saying aloud, "No! This can't be happening! Batman wouldn't do this!" But then Snyder works his magic, almost as if he sees your disbelief and is like, "Gotcha!" and then the story returns to its nostalgic feel "Whew!". Oh, and the twist at the end? Ohhhhhhhh. I can't wait for the next issue.
- Accessibility: It doesn't matter if you're a long time, die-hard Batman fan, or if you've never heard of the Dark Knight (I doubt that, but if that's true let me be the first to welcome you to the world. I hope your rock was nice) this book brings classic Batman into a new era of epicness. No background knowledge of previous story arcs needed. As long as you have a basic understanding of the Bat Family and who Bruce Wayne is, this book should hook you in and make you ask yourself why you didn't jump on the bandwagon sooner.
The Bad:
- The fact that it ended... I need more!!!!
- Okay, you caught me. If I had one gripe, it would be that the Bat Family looks a little too young here with the exception of Damian, of course. It's obvious that we are a little further into Batman's timeline so everyone should be looking a little older by now. But that detail is minor. Don't let it detract you from this awesome story!!
The Verdict:
Alright, it should be quite obvious by now that I absolutely adore this issue. Batman has never looked so good. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy, but not only for yourself. Spread the love, buy one for your mom, your dad, you uncles, aunties, neighbors, friends... even people you hate because this book has the potential to bring about world peace. Now, stop reading this review and go buy this book so that you may read and experience this gem. And if you've already read it go read it again.
Rating: 5 Batarangs out of 5
