Batman #10
Story By: Scott Snyder
Art By: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion
Wow…there are very few comics out now that have been on a stronger roll than Batman. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo manage to increase the level of intensity this issue while also shedding light on their entire run on Batman thus far.
Batman is now the aggressor this issue after getting a tip from Lincoln March on who is responsible for the Court Of Owls. Snyder writes this issue pretty straight forward at first but as always starts to peel back the layers of the story and his most solid issue since Batman was trapped in the Owl’s maze in issue 5.
There are a few twists this issue. With the biggest reveal coming towards the end of this issue changing not only Batman’s but Bruce’s life forever. I don’t want to spoil the story for you but its safe to say that their will be people who love and hate this plot twist. In my opinion I think it’s a ballsy move by Snyder and shows that he’s willing to play with every corner of Bruce’s life. Hell if it makes things harder for Bruce and Batman as a whole why not?
I’m also completely in love with Greg Capullo’s art. He draws batman this issue full of rage and anger. You get the feeling he’s ready for this whole ordeal to be over but that he’s enjoying playing the role of Batman for the first time in a long while. Whether it’s a well placed bit of sarcasm towards Ms. Powers as he smashes an owl mask against steel bars or increasing anger that builds as he chases the mystery person behind The Court you feel his anger on each page grow.
Jonathan Glapion’s inks also have to be brought to light. He’s just as important to this book. I recommend anyone wanting to see how much he actually contributes to each page to look his name up and you tube and watch one of his time elapsed ink jobs he’s done so far.
The backup story written by James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder this issue serves to drive Snyder’s story home even further while also showing us the fate of Jarvis Pennyworth. It also shows us a side of Martha Wayne I’ve never seen. Long story short I think Bruce may have more of his mother in him than I was ever aware of. It’s all drawn hauntingly and beautiful by Rafael Albuquuerque. The painted style is a nice choice and goes along way to making the time period feel believable.This story is just as worth the price of admission as Snyder’s Court of Owls and both creators should have a long career at DC afterwards.
With the way this issue ends I cant wait to read the conclusion to what may be the best Story in comics this year. I know it sounds like I’m gushing over this book and I am. There is something to be said about a book when you’re at issue 11 and you want to immediately start reading issue one again to appreciate all the smaller nuances to the story you may have missed. This is a rare comic created by people who truly love their source material and are fearless to place their own stamp on Batman . Buy it , Read it , you’ll enjoy every page of this book.
Review Score : 10/10
Mike DeVivo
Follow me on Twitter @pandasandrobots
