At first glance, you might think to yourself that you're reading a simple fill-in issue of BATMAN. We've been neck deep in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Superheavy story arc with a new Batman going up against a new villain known as Mr. Bloom. Once you start reading the issue, you'll discover it's so much more than a simple fill-in issue.

You'll immediately notice the amazing artwork by Jock. Jock has recently been collaborating with Snyder on WYTCHES. With this story taking place in the past, there's a really great Black Mirror vibe going on (despite it being Bruce under the cowl and not Dick Grayson). Having Brian Azzarello on board as well just pushes this over the top.

Going back to an early point in Batman's career, we get to see that younger and more arrogant version. The only problem for Bruce is the crime he finds himself investigating. You could say it's 'ripped from the headlines' but Synder and Azzarello do it justice. When a teenage kid is shot and left for dead, it's a horrific situation that really brings the story closer to home. Because of Batman's attitude, he thinks he can immediately solve the case. The story is heavy, gritty, and suspenseful. You can see how focused Batman is. This is Batman the crimefighter. This is Batman the detective. This is Batman, the hero of Gotham, trying to fight the evil in the dark corners.

Adding to the story and Jock's art, we get the amazing colors by Lee Loughridge. It may not necessarily be a creepy story but you'll definitely get chills when you see the vibe going on here.

BATMAN #44 is the comic you didn't realize you wanted. No one digs when we have a fill-in issue interrupted a story arc. Scott Snyder takes the idea of a fill-in to a whole new level. Joined by Brian Azzarello, Jock, and Lee Loughridge, BATMAN #44 is a superb stand alone issue which actually does tie into the current Superheavy story arc. If you've been missing Bruce as Batman and the early detective days, you just can't miss this issue. The story is heavy and will give you a slight punch in the gut but you'll love every minute of it.

Snyder's fill in stories are so much better than his multi-issue ones.

This and issue 34 are just great.

This issue was amazing. It shows a human Batman doing what he should do protecting the people of his city no matter how big or small is their problem. 5/5

Has any Batman issue NOT gotten a 5?? It's amazing!

@the_stegman: (a few times, yes)

Whelp- another month, another Snyder Batman issue to buy.

On an unrelated note: Did anyone else think for a moment that "Black Mirror" referred to the TV show and then got confused when the review said that Dick is Batman?

I must be the only person in the world to not like Jock's art, and the only person to actually think this issue was just ok.

When did it go from 3.99 to 4.99…

@ob1on3r said:

LOL I just noticed that too

Agreed.

They bump the price whenever they get an excuse.

But normally it is 3.99.

@squalleon: what was the excuse this time though? This is just a regular issue. Its not even the conclusion or oversized or the start of a new story or anything.

Loved the tone of this book. I wish detective was more like it.

Azzarello,Jock and the origin of Mr.Bloom. I never said the excuse it good...

Anyway, 4.99 is too much for a comic of 30 pages(with ads!), even 3.99 is pushing it.

I'll still buy it. Snyder has done a great job.

@squalleon: Yeah I agree that excuse is terrible. At least DC still has 2.99 books though, from what I've seen, every single marvel book is 3.99

I heard dis was gud

~MiB

@squalleon: Dude. Court and City of Owls were both Phenomenal. Also Zero Year is just as good if not better than Year One. I loved Endgame too as Snyder's definitive Joker story.

@vandinejd_1991: nah,you are not the only one. I honestly didn't dig the art that much,and the issue itself was good,but didn't feel all to wowed by it.

This was awesome. Best issue in months! You can tell Azzarello's magic touch in this story. And the art... Jock delivers the goods.

@surza7: Thank you

@surza7: there didn't seem to be much of an origin of Mr. Bloom either...

@supervalley: Yea I thought we would be getting more of him and his origin,felt kinda odd to me.