BATMAN #23
by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, James Tynion and Rafael Albuquerque
Whereas Trinity War was somewhat of a letdown this week, Zero Year kicked ass. What is this world coming to?
So yeah. An issue of Zero Year that I've fully liked. While the story REALLY slows down in this issue, Snyder delivers one of the most original takes on one of the most important moments of Bruce's past in a while. Snyder's characterization of young Bruce finally clicks, and starts making sense, while the stuff with Phillip Kane and Eddie Nygma come to a head. The one thing I've really disliked about Zero Year is very prevalent in this issue, with it being a retelling of Batman's origin, but que sera, sera.
So yeah. An issue of Zero Year that I've fully liked. While the story REALLY slows down in this issue, Snyder delivers one of the most original takes on one of the most important moments of Bruce's past in a while. Snyder's characterization of young Bruce finally clicks, and starts making sense, while the stuff with Phillip Kane and Eddie Nygma come to a head. The one thing I've really disliked about Zero Year is very prevalent in this issue, with it being a retelling of Batman's origin, but que sera, sera.
Greg Capullo's art goes back to the darker style he used in the Court of Owls, and Death of the Family, as this issue is set almost entirely at night, and in the shadows. And thankfully, it still looks great. While I did notice a really small flaw in the art that really ticked me off (OK, so if Bruce was beat into submission by the Red Hood Gang, and was able to stumble all the way to Wayne Manor, which is on the outskirts of Gotham, and his penthouse was deep into the downtown slums, how was he still alive after loosing so much blood, and still bleeding when he collapsed in front of Wayne Manor?)
However, the backup story is the real star of the show. "The Pit" by Scott Snyder, James Tynion and Rafael Albuquerque is one of the best backups I've read in a while. In simply showcases Bruce at his best, and delivering the most badass Batman scene since Bruce beat up the Joker while sweet talking him in DOTF. Also, Rafael Albuquerque's art can make ANYTHING look good.
Batman #23 came as a huge surprise for me. Probably because my expectations were greatly lowered after the last two issues. But still, I hope Snyder and crew can keep up this quality for the rest of Zero Year.
STORY: 4/5
+ Finally, Bruce is written correctly!
+ Lots of interesting developments
+ Lots of interesting developments
+ Great take on a pivotal Bat-moment
- It's still retreading old ground
ART: 4/5
+ A much darker setting and look
+ Looks great during aforementioned pivotal moment
- How much blood does Bruce have?
BACKUP: 5/5
+ The most badass Bruce Wayne moment ever
+ Rafael Albuquerque. Seriously.
VERDICT: 4.25/5
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