Batty Batty Batty
Written by: Tom KingArt by: David Finch, Jordie Bellaire and John Workman
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 1, 2017
Now that the two part "Rooftops" interlude is over, it's time to get back to the meat and potatoes with "I am Bane"! It's been a month since Batman trash talked Bane as he left him screaming for Venom at the end of "I am Suicide" and I want to see what the big guy is up to. I also want to see if Batman is finally going to get to helping Gotham Girl now that he has Psycho Pirate. I know that Tom King is working on a long term story here, but he's got to give us some of that, right? Well, let's find out...
The issue starts with a cold open as we see Batman checking in on Psycho Pirate as an unseen assailant enters Arkham Asylum. Before we know it, Batman is attacked by the mystery man and it turns out to be Bronze Tiger. Say it ain't so! In the meantime, the guard accompanying Batman and Jeremiah Arkham reveals he is either into Bane or Lil Jon...or both. He almost kills kills Arkham and Bronze Tiger before Batman punches in his stupid face (complete with an "I am Bane" grill-like smile).
Bronze Tiger then tells Batman (and the reader) how bad it is getting off the venom. It's a nice way to show Bronze Tiger's suffering while also reminding us one of the reasons Bane is on his way...Psycho Pirate!
We then head off to Batburger and while it's hilarious to see a Batman themed fast food restaurant, I was a little taken aback by the idea of awful Bat villains being glorified this way...until Bruce Wayne had the same problem! I see what you did there, Tom King.
After that, I could sit back and get a chuckle as Jason admits he likes the Joker seasoning and Damian is pissed he got a Red Hood figure in his Bat-Mite meal. In fact, I loved this scene so much because seeing the Robins out of costume and acting like brothers is so awesome! However, Bruce called them together to tell them that Bane is on his way, he needs five days to cure Gotham Girl and all of them have to leave Gotham City pronto!
Batman then heads off to answer the Bat Signal and instead of Gordon, gets Selina. It's a quick scene, but it makes so much sense. Bane is coming and Selina is scared...and it seems more for Batman's life than her own. I love Selina so much and it's very obvious that Bruce does too.
The issue ends with Batman taking Gotham Girl off to her first treatment, but before they leave they are greeted by a gory scene that can't be true, but shows everyone that Bane is in town...with a few days to kill!
Okay, this is what I've been waiting for! It doesn't completely redeem the "I am Suicide" story in my mind, but it surely helped me forget some of the pain. This book is filled with kick ass characterizations and seeing Damian, Dick, Jason and Duke together was well worth the price of admission. Tom King also gives us a Bane straight out of a horror movie...we don't see him, but we know he's there...somewhere...waiting. While the cliffhanger was a bit over the top for me, I am already fully invested in the story and can't wait for next issue.
David Finch's art is awesome. I loved it and it all boils down to the excellent job he did with Dick, Damian and Jason. I love seeing them out of costume and seeing them all here together was awesome!!!
Bits and Pieces:
If you loved "I am Suicide", you will love the beginning of this "I am Bane" arc. If you hated it, you will still love this. In fact, I can't see anyone not liking this beginning and can't wait to see what Tom King has in store next.
9.0/10
Maybe I am wrong but it seems that the I Am Suicide arc seems to get better as we get away with it. I realized that the intent of that arc was really just an exhibition for Mikel Janin's art and not really a sophisticated story. However key elements of that story have been revisited which in the format of story arcs is important.
ReplyDeletenever understood the hatejerk against this
ReplyDeletehatejerk? against what?
Deleteon CBR and ComicVine they act like Tom King is cancer or something
DeleteA lot of people have been hating on King's Batman. I haven't really understood it either. I can understand being down on it, but I really don't understand the hate it has gotten. I am Suicide conclusion was really the only thing that made me mad.
DeleteAgreed...an maybe #1 of rooftops. But all is good again!
DeleteAgreed...an maybe #1 of rooftops. But all is good again!
DeleteI LOVED this book so much. The "Batburger" stuff is probably my favorite moment in all of Rebirth. And we FINALLY got an issue with Bruce Wayne. I've b3een dying for a good Bruce Wayne issue since #1.
ReplyDelete"I know I shouldn't, Because of the Crowbar. But I love me some Jokerized Fries."
DeleteSolid gold. 10/10. *Chef kissing fingers motion*
ReplyDeleteI want more comedy from King.
Yeah I think this issue was amazing and I think when a collected edition of Tom King's run comes out and everybody reads it from issue 1 to like issue 24 it's going to be amazing as one huge badass story
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who thought the BatBurger moment was strange? Why would they meet there? Why would Jason of all people accept to meet there?
ReplyDeleteSince when do they act lile siblings (I mean no offense to Robin War and B&RE but, not only did they barely spend any time together, they acted like workfriends not siblings and they only lasted the span of about a week or two). And now suddenly they act like they're close. I mean I'd get it if the reason for the change had been mentioned but ir's not even the case (and since when does Damian care about the toys?).
The whole arc was weird but this part still makes no sense to me months after.