Following up an age-old tradition, DC serves up a baker’s half-dozen of short tales presented by a host of little known or unknown creators, wrapped in a beautifully painted cover by Dustin Nguyen; this years Batman 80-Page Giant.
First up, “Intervention”, written by Eric Hobbs and art from Ted Naifeh. Hobbs is new to me but I feel like I have seen Naifeh’s work before, one of the most interesting aspects of this particular tale is that Bruce Wayne appears in more panels than his alter ego. While the theme is nothing new this story at least takes a new approach to answering the question why is Batman, Batman? Along the way, we are introduced to yet another street drug derived from the toxins created by some of Batman’s foes. I give this one 4 (out of 5) Bat-a-rangs.
Next, we have “Short Straw”, written by Matt Brady and Troy Brownfield and art by Thomas Nachlik. Here we have the story of a man with a mission told from the point of view of the antagonist. Without filling in very much background, the writers are able to convey that this man has been sent to test a battle suit by pitting himself against Batman. Who designed his armor and sent him on his mission remains unclear, but we witness his confrontation with Batman from his point of view all the way to the inevitable outcome. Solid art and an interesting concept. 4 Bat-a-rangs.
Then follows “Unspoken”, this Catwoman story conceived by David and Jennifer Skelly is told without dialog as the title indicates. With Bill Sienkiewicz as inker, it’s difficult to determine how much of Christina Coronas’ pencils came through, but the art was very evocative. More a vignette than an actual story, this is another page in the rocky “romance” between Batman and Catwoman. 3 ½ Bat-a-rangs.
Next up, “Waterfront”, by writer Guy Major and artist Eric Nguyen. Gotta love a story with Zsasz and the woman who wants to be “Harley” to his “Joker.” To say much more would give it all away. While the art seemed a little rushed, I still enjoyed this one. 3 ½ Bat-a-rangs.
Fifth in line is, “Danger Drive” by Terrance Griep with pencils by Peter Pachoumis and inks by Rodney Ramos. “So the Riddler and the Question walk into a game show…” Hilarious mayhem ensues, and the closest we get to ol’ pointy-ears is a cameo by Commissioner Gordon. “Exclamation points. What was I thinking?” 4 Bat-a-rangs.
In the number, six position writer Kaleb Monroe, penciler Jeoff Shaw and inker Jack Purcell give us “Fearless.” A tale of the rise of what maybe an interesting new foe for Batman. This was my personal favorite. 5 Bat-a-rangs.
Finally we have “One Lock, Many Keys” told by Joe Caramagna drawn by Joe Lalich and inked by Jack Purcell. No Batman anthology would be complete without one tale depicting the positive influence that Batman can have on young lives. This is a story about family and family struggles. It is also a story about hope. 4 ½ Bat-a-rangs.
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