Batwing #30 Review

Written by: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by: Eduardo Pansica
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 2, 2014

Underground Fallout

Luke goes invisible and does his Jean Claude split attack.  Menace looks like a monster, but at least he doesn't kill children.  A laser knife gets you a disguise and so much more. Batwing picks door number three, but doesn't like the surprise waiting for him.  All this and more in Batwing #30.

Gotham Underground is ridiculous.  A huge multi-leveled city underneath Gotham being ruled by various crazy looking gangs?  With Palmiotti and Gray writing it, count me in!  It is so much fun which is no shock to fans of both writers.  However, all is not fun and games.  The Underground arc and the tragedy happening to Luke is changing him.  He has become ultra-violent and bent on revenge.  I'm sure Batman is going to have a Dr. Phil sit down with him in the near future, but until then I am enjoying the body count.  This issue continues everything I've enjoyed so far with the added bonus of a little Rat Catcher, a little more Menace and a great cliffhanger.

Luke is looking for his little sister and nothing is going to stand in his way.  He bashes in faces with no remorse, throws batarangs at every opportunity and even uses really long named experimental tech to get what he wants.  He also is a little too trusting.  That trust leads him right back in the arms of the Anubis Gang. What's a superhero to do?  Kick more ass, that's what.  I guess he never learned "hands are for helping, not for hurting."  I'm so glad he didn't.  However, the issue ends with a cliffhanger that may be a little bit overdue, but should be worth the wait.

I'd be a horrible person if I made it seem like this issue is just Luke cracking skulls.  There is also humor, including a hilarious Fallout reference for you video game fans out there and heartbreak.  That is where Lucius Fox comes in.  He is furious at everyone, especially Batman, for what has happened to his family. The kind of anger and heartbreak that  makes you think no one else can understand.  He basically says this to Batman.  Batman, people.  Probably the one guy who does understand, but also the one guy who can't admit it.  It's such a sad moment for Lucius, but more so for Bruce.

Eduardo Pansica's art is bold, action packed goodness.  Everything jumps off the page and slaps you right in the face.  In a good way of course.  I'd also like to remind everyone, when Pansica draws Batwing's costume in the dark...solid gold.

Bits and Pieces:

Batwing #30 is another great issue.  Luke Fox may be going down a darker, more violent path, but Palmiotti and Gray also throw in humor and heartbreak.  Pansica's art is action packed andsome of the best in the New 52.  Highly Recommended.

9.0/10