Batman: Arkham Knight #28 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by:Robson Rocha
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 28, 2015

Test Score

I really enjoyed last week's issue of Arkham Knight.  In fact, I gave it a 10/10 and I stand by that score.  It's still surprising, though, because it was a Tim Drake story and I have never been a member of  "Team Drake"...until now.  Peter Tomasi made me a fan and at the same time reminded me of how much I love Robin as well.  This issue ends "The Apprentice" mini arc and I have been looking forward to it since I read the cliffhanger last week showing Tim under attack from some baddie wannabes.  Did this issue live up to my expectations?  Let's find out...




The issue picks up mid firefight and while first impressions make Tim look like a coward, Peter Tomasi actually shows us why he's one smart cookie.  After one crazy (and painful) diversion, Tim suits up and Robin is in the house...err lab.

It was so great how the three villain cosplayers mirror the training session from the beginning of last week's issue.  While it's not the real Bane, Clayface and Killer Croc, the thrill of watching Tim take them out is still awesome.  Kind of Clayface is first and I'm sure the guy wished he could turn into clay when Tim played a little motorcycle wheel-meet-face game with him.

He then goes off to save his students and while one of them should get a month's detention for having a potty mouth, he gets them all to safety.  With everyone clear, it's time to take on pseudo Bane and Croc.  It is a great action scene that shows that Tim has been paying close attention during those brutal training sessions.  In a nice little twist, he takes off the costume and plays the part of cool, but totally knocked out teacher as the GCPD arrives to pick up the pieces and the bad guys.

I have to admit that while this issue was non-stop action, it didn't live up to the awesome setup from last week.  UNTIL...Tomasi pulls back the curtain and shows that these three clowns weren't just after Wayne Labs' supply of Titan, but the whole thing was a test.  A test put together by the Arkham Knight.  Holy crap!  While Tim passed with flying colors, that may be the worst thing that could ever have happened to him.  The issue ends with another great bit of inner monologue from Tim that ties this two part story up all nice and neat and totally awesome.

Please don't look at the score below and think that this issue was anything short of incredible.  Sure, I liked last issue better, but as a duo, they are pretty dynamic.  The end just blew my mind and while I can't wait to see Tim again, I'm afraid of what will happen when we do.  Don't worry yet because next week...Calendar Man!

I loved Robson Rocha's art in this issue and here is where this issue may outdo the last.  The action scenes were great and the final page was a fanboy's dream come true.

Bits and Pieces:

Peter Tomasi and Robson Rocha finish up "The Apprentice" arc and while it was only two issues long, it was such a great story.  If you aren't aware of how good a digital comic can be, check these last two issues out and if you have already been reading Arkham Knight, prepare yourself for a crazy reveal.  This issue wasn't just the side story it was pretending to be.  Next week gets back to the main story, but I wish we were staying with Tim a little bit more.  Highly Recommended.

9.0/10