Better than my expectations for this new foe
After I wanted to start reading comics again, after not having done so in about 10 - 15 years, it was difficult to decide where to start. Every story line I'd ever read had moved on so much. Luckily DC had rebooted their universe so I had the chance to get in on the ground floor. First thing I've read from the New 52 is this and I couldn't have started at a better place. The story drags you with it to a deep dark hole where you have to climb out of all on your own. Though I must admit that they could have started with the story straight away, in the beginning I was a bit lost with the direction of the story. But that got instantly better after a couple of pages. In fact I'd forgotten all about them when I was at the end.
The artwork is dark (as you would expect from a Batman story), the story perhaps even more so. For centuries The Court of Owls have decided life and death over the people in Gotham City. No-one even knew they existed until now. What I've learned is that there are apparently many truths to be found within scary children's rhymes, and you should always pay attention to them and listen. It may one day save your life. Batman is pigheaded as ever and he won't let others help, but that's the bats for you.
This story line of 'The Court of Owls' has dragged me straight into Batman's lap and I'm staying. Luckily I'd already ordered volume 2 (I would suggest you do as well because the story doesn't finish with this issue) so I can go right back to reading more of this compelling story. I have the TPB and at the end of the story I was rewarded by extra art; all the variant covers and some storyboards/scripts which I always like.
If you like the Bats and you're new you should definitely add this one to your collection, but I'm guessing it's a good new place for the die hard Batman fans as well. Enjoy!
