Spoiler Warning:
First off, I’d like to apologise for this column being so late.
I’ve been quite ill with the flu, and also having a bad stomach
due to eating some chicken older than most of Dwight’s jokes. So
how are you? Have I missed much? Did Denver beat Colorado? Do I have any
idea about sports?
No.
So, what’s on the cards this week? Well…
For my reviews, I’ve always tried to stay away from books written
by Steve Niles. I think the fact that I know the guy, and help moderate
his forum would taint my view of his books. I’ve been into his work
for a few years now, but I thought I’d stay away from reviewing
it since it might taint my integrity. Then I realised I have no integrity.
So fuck it, (pardon the French) I’m going to review TWO Niles books
this week.
Integrity, who needs it?
Now, you probably don’t know what I thought of the first issue
of this series. I wasn’t a big fan, truth be told. I thought that
Batman on a jetpack was a really bad idea. I know some people dug the
idea, but I thought that it severed the link I have with Batman. I know
that he’s a billionaire martial-arts expert, but I’ve always
felt a connection with him. Batman’s one of us. If he gets shot
in the head, he’ll die. If he wants to get somewhere, he has to
use a plane or a car. His methods, however out of the ordinary to us financially
or physically, are somewhat grounded in reality. The fact that he can
now swoop out of the sky Superman-style and save the day, and then fly
off with a wink and a smile makes the story a little hard to swallow.
He’s no longer a regular guy, swinging on a rope; he’s a god
winging his way above the likes of us ordinary folks. It’s a small
niggle for some, but it’s a big one for me.
Thank goodness then, that the second and third issues have been a blast.
The third issue in particular is a brilliant change of pace and a nice
change of character for the Dark Knight.
The book revolves Batman trying to solve a series of home-invasion murders
in Gotham’s suburbs. These particularly grisly crimes become an
increasingly supernatural threat when the killer takes his own life, coming
back as a crazed, hideous zombie. This is Niles; zombies are expected,
but not unwelcome. This third issue has some truly great moments, including
appearances from Phantom Stranger and a long-lost Batman character whose
appearance will either delight or disgust you. Fortunately, I was on the
delighted side, it’s a nice touch from Niles, and a particularly
clever idea.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Niles manages to infuse Batman with
a somewhat lighter character. He’s not some wisecracking detective
or anything, but he’s certainly more human than in recent times.
We aren’t subjected to countless internal monologues where Batman
moans about his parents and how bad he has it. It’s a comforting
thing to see him actually have a little faith in himself for once, and
overcome some of his demons. It is certainly a take on the character I’d
like to see more of.
On the art side, I’d just like to say that I love Scott Hampton,
and I’m willing to marry him. The art is fantastic throughout this
series. The gritty, dirty style really fits the surreal world we find
Batman trapped in. The colours are bright, but still with that dirty tinge
that grounds us in reality. When zombies surround Batman, you can really
imagine how filthy it must feel. Poor Batman… guy can’t catch
a break.
Throughout the book, we see a little deeper into the Batman’s psyche
as he strives to overcome the adversity he faces, and it’s truly
refreshing. I really wouldn’t mind a monthly Batman series from
this creative team. DC, are you listening? Of course you are, who doesn’t
read my reviews?!
Any bad points? Well yes, the last page. That fucking jetpack!
So yeah, go buy it with money in a shop.
Grade: A
Grade for whole series: B+
Talk about It came from GAV! Batman: Gotham County Line here. |
