Sunday, December 2, 2012

Series Review: Batman, the Dark Knight

Batman, the Dark Knight DC Comics - In the midst of all the excitement over Death of the Family, and all the critical acclaim for creators, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, one Bat Book has been largely overlooked.

While the Court of Owls flock and nest and scheme to regain what they lost, and the Joker plots  madness and mayhem on the grandest of scales, deep in the darkest corners of Gotham City, the most twisted of Batman villains are digging into the darkest corners the very psyche of Batman himself. Batman, the Dark Knight's current story arc, which began with issue ten is written by Gregg Hurwitz and drawn by David Finch. The tale features none other than that Master of Fear, that Potentate of Terror, the Ever Frightening Scarecrow!

In the opening scene of issue 10 we are witness to Professor Jonathon Crane's latest descent into the depths of his particular psychosis as he is graphically depicted sewing his own lips together in a bizarre imitation of his namesake.  As the story progresses we are given glimpses of Crane’s  ongoing childhood abuse, perpetrated upon him by his own father, in the name of scientific research.

An interesting side plot concerns the continually evolving relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian, and it creates a sharp counterpoint to Crane’s deplorable past.

Along the way there is, of course the obligatory death trap and the inevitable escape, with Scarecrow apparently destroyed in a fire, but then we learn that the villain is still alive and his plot has yet to reach fruition, as another, unexpected player is brought into the game.

I highly recommend this series to all fans of the Bat. It is my current favorite of all the Bat Family of books.

9 bat-a-rangs!

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