Weekly Comic Book Review

By Peter J. Tomasi (writer), Adrian Syaf (artist), Nei Ruffino (colors), John J. Hill (letterer)

The Story: The Blackest Night in Gotham concludes, as the Flying Graysons are reunited, and it’s identity crisis all over again for the Drake family. As Dick and Tim are confronted by their deceased loved ones and forced to relive their tragic pasts, they must figure out how they can defeat these Black Lanterns. With the help of Deadman and DC’s favorite demon, Etrigan, the Wayne family continues to battle old familiar faces. 

What’s Good: Tomasi gives us a fast-paced, action-packed conclusion that delivers some pretty memorable entertainment. From Batman and Robin fighting off the Black Lanterns with their seemingly endless supply of firepower, to the emotional and haunting iconic moments these heroes have dealt with in the past, there’s just as much action to the moments we’ll always remember with these characters. Furthermore, along with all this excitement, Tomasi finds a way to fit in a logical and awesome team up with Etrigan.

As for the art, I would like to see Adrian Syaf become a regular artist for a Bat title. He provides the necessary cinematic action, through his paneling choice– carefully capturing and fitting the right moments in each frame, whether it be emotional or violent– and the detailed brutal blows our heroes deliver to their enemies. Just like Tomasi’s writing, Syaf’s art delivers in the entertainment and subtext departments. The images thrill and make us remember.

What’s Not So Good: Although Tomasi provides us an entertaining story, I can’t help but feel a little cheated with this series’ ending. It comes off as rushed and thoroughly thought through, as Batman’s discovery to effectively combat the Black Lanterns comes out of nowhere and accidentally. Or even, not exactly explained as to how he thought of that… Also I’m still disappointed that there was nothing in this mini series that spent any memorable amount of time on the possibility of the Wayne sons encountering Bruce. It was nice to see some of the Chris Yost Red Robin in one moment, but that was easily pushed aside as this series continued to turn its focus on Black Lanterns in Gotham. I suppose the Bat-fan in me is waiting a little too anxiously to see the real Batman come back.

Conclusion: Blackest Night: Batman concludes as a decent mini series that adequately accompanies the ongoing blockbuster. However, don’t expect much from this story as it’s no different from the basic Blackest Night side story; where a hero encounters a Black Lantern version of a loved one, and their minds and emotions are challenged and seduced into believing in them.

Grade: C-

-Ray Hilario