As Batman lays injured, Bane works his way through Arkham Asylum, fighting his way against its madmen and madness, on a single-minded quest to reach Roger Hayden aka The Psycho-Pirate. But what is Batman’s ultimate game plan against Bane? What will happen when these two men collide?
Batman #19
“I Am Bane (Part 4)”
Publisher: DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Penciled by: David Finch
Inked by: Danny Miki, Trevor Scott & Sandra Hope
Colored by: Jordie Bellaire
Batman #19 was one of the most intense and expertly plotted comics I have read in a while. The pacing was relentless and the structure of the issue was fantastic. A sort of tour of Arkham and its inmates, it was the best use of Batman’s Rogues Gallery I have read since both The Long Halloween and Hush. And the art was pretty much untouchable. With all of that in mind, here are 11 things to love about Batman #19.
- The way writer Tom King captures each villain’s distinct traits and tropes with dialogue and speeches.
- The tense pacing – using timestamps to track the 24 hour period of Bane’s fight.
- Batman weaponizing both Arkham Asylum and its inmates.
- Alfred’s continued portrayal as a resourceful and much-needed asset to Batman.
- David Finch’s rendering of Bane (frightening) and all the other villains (terrifying).
- “Same Bat-time, Same Bat-Channel”
- King’s showing us a vulnerable and emotional Bruce Wayne
- “He hung my son from a rock in a cave.”
- The quick nods and easter eggs to New Gods and their technology.
- Riddler’s part in Bane’s plan.
- The much welcome appearance by Maxi Zeus, bookending the entire issue.
There you have it readers. Only one more issue to go in this current arc, and the build-up has been amazing. If it all ends next month as good as it has been so far, we may have the most definitive Bane storyline since Knightfall.
