By Judd Winick (Writer), Ed Benes (Pencils), Rob Hunter (Inks), and Ian Hannin & JD Smith (Colors)
The Story: In this epilogue to Battle for the Cowl, Dick Grayson deals with the haunting reminder that Bruce Wayne is dead, as he faces the remaining issues surrounding the absence of Batman. Throughout the grieving process, Grayson is confronted by the anarchy in Gotham City, and the lingering issues with 2/3 of the Trinity.
What’s Good: Unlike Battle for the Cowl, Winick’s Batman story is not rushed and filled with chaos; instead, plot and character study are not compromised. But what is probably the best thing about this book is the fact that Winick slows everything down and doesn’t fast forward the state of the Batman folklore; rather he gives us a very simple story in which a man deals with a loss. In this issue, Winick simply and masterfully concentrates on Batman; through Dick Grayson and his path to taking up the mantle, to the effect on everyone with Batman gone for just a brief period.
There is nothing more you can ask for as you witness the believable heartache and personal growth that Nightwing goes through right before becomes Batman. From isolating himself and dealing with the loss on his own, to really taking a look at his current situation and acting out on his options, you will be sold on the change and the maturation process in the former Boy Wonder.
Furthermore, along with the personal and emotional conflict in hand, the plot moves forward with a secondary story of Gotham City still in shambles with Batman still absent. Winick carefully and subtly shows us how a family deals with the loss that they were never ready for.
What’s Not So Good: In an issue that’s packed with lots of emotion and character development, one must really deliver in selling us the general feel of the situation. Unfortunately, Ed Benes didn’t do that. Instead, he gave us overly beefed up characters with lips pumped with collagen, and jaws classically squared. If it weren’t for the compelling writing, this book could’ve been a disastrous story where ridiculously muscular people pose as they deal with a loss in the family. Benes’ work fails to complement the memorable realism present in Winick’s writing.
Conclusion: Judd Winick successfully cleans up after the chaotic mess of an ending in Battle for the Cowl, as he offers us a truly fresh start. Furthermore, he gives us the logical and believable (and much needed) “before moment” where Dick Grayson chooses to become the new Batman. As this book manages to be pretty new reader friendly, it also provides fans the logical transition and closure to the death of Bruce Wayne. With that, Winick promises us a Batman that’s worth reading.
Grade: B-
-Raymond Hilario
Grade
Conclusion