Batman 12 -- Filling In The Gaps
As Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have closed out the Night of Owl story arc last issue, Snyder and James Tynion IV are ready to fill in the gaps between some of the earlier issues of the series. With artwork by Becky Cloonan and Andy Clarke.
The Good
Scott Snyder has really done a number with Batman in this series. His work with Batman has been nothing short but awe inspiring. While it may be easy to create a good story for Batman to dive into head first, it is pretty risky to delve into the history of Batman and add or change things that so few writers have written about. However, Snyder has mastered this technique -- of diving into the past -- and because of it many fans are enjoying the new stories he creates.
This issue is different from the other issues. This focuses more on Harper Row than it does Batman. While Snyder and Tynion write about how the two are connected, Snyder is trying more to build up the character development (and explaining her past) to the readers of the series than showing more of the past of the Owls and their connection to Bruce/Gotham City -- although plenty has been talked about in this series as well as others.
Scott Snyder has shed some light on the character, however it will be more interesting to see how her relationship with Batman will progress in future issues of this series. Who knows, she might actually get to be a Robin or something?
The artwork by Becky Cloonan resembles a lot like Mike Allred's artwork. The cartoon-like artwork design and the bright colors really standout and make Scott's story even more engaging and interesting. Andy Clarke (Batman & Robin) is a very talented artist and he really did a good job at capturing the characters as well, and really brought some of the panels to life.
The Bad
Not seeing Greg Capullo's artwork on this issue was a bit disappointing. However other than that, Scott and company have really pulled off this issue.
Verdict
Though not one of the most 'kept on the edge of your seat' issues, it was okay just to see how the character Harper Row fits in with Scott Snyder's version of Batman. It was great to see how he and Harper are connected and the comic had great artwork by both Becky and Andy. A bit of a change for usual readers of the book, but things should pick up in the following issues and story arcs. Overall 5 out of 5.
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'My Brothers Keeper...' - Issue 11 Review
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