Batman: The Devastator #1 Review

Doomed

Written by: Frank Tieri and James Tynion
Art by: Tony S. Daniel, Danny Miki, Tomeu Morey and Tom Napolitano
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: $3.99

These Dark Knights one-shots have been decent enough diversions, but I can't say they have been must buys.  While we get some background on these perverted Batmen from the Dark Multiverse, I haven't read anything that has impacted my enjoyment of the overall event.  On the other hand, they haven't hampered it too much either, so I guess I am pretty middle of the road with these so far.  I have been interested to see what's what with the Devastator and actually grabbed it from Eric to review.  Was that a good decision on my part?  Let's find out...



The issue opens with a quick look at Superman while we get narration from the Devastator about hope, love and failure.  It continues as we see the Big Bad ripping through Lobo on Earth 0 and if you've read the Flash Bats out of Hell tie-in, it fills in a little bit more, even if it doesn't jive completely.

Things get crazier in Metropolis with Lois and Jimmy talking about Superman being missing right before Lois runs into Bruce.  What What?!?  It turns out to be the Devastator in human form (yep, he can do that), but only for a second.  We get an awesome look at him before learning what he's all about...protecting everyone from Superman!

It's then off to Earth - 1 to see that Batman had a very legit reason to do what he did...Superman went nuts and even killed Lois Lane! Oh yea, he also heat visioned Batman's arm off.  It's all a buildup to see the desperate measure Batman took to defeat his Man of Steel.  We get a little peak at his power set, the idea that the Virus was corrupting him and a decent reason for him to head off with the Batman Who Laughs to Earth 0...again, it's all about Superman.

Back on Earth 0, the Devastator tries to explain things to Lois, but is interrupted by Supergirl, Superwoman and Guardian.  It shouldn't matter if you are fans of these three to realize how cool it is for them to be here.  Unfortunately, we don't stay long, but follow Lois back to her apartment where she does what she has to do with Jon before becoming Doomsday Lois.  It's a bit touching, but also seems to take Jon out of the Metal equation from here on out and if that is the case...Boo!!!  We will have to wait and see I guess.

The issue ends by tying up a loose end from Flash #33 and then giving us a slight continuation of the cliffhanger of Metal #3.  While it's not a whole lot, just having those two things in here makes this issue feel much more important that most of the one-shots that came before it.  Nice job guys!

I have to say, this is my favorite Dark Knights one-shot yet.  The story is just as good as the Merciless and having it tie more into the Event as a whole kicked it up a notch.  Then there is Tony S. Daniel's art which is totally awesome and pushes it up even further.  Most importantly, this book feels important!

Bits and Pieces:

While these Dark Knight one-shots have been up and down, the Devastator feels like it matters to the overall Metal story and that's one of the reasons I liked it so much.  That and the cool story and awesome art!  If you haven't been picking these up, you still might want to give this one a closer look.

9.0/10