Batman: White Knight #6 Review

Joker Me This

Written by: Sean Murphy
Art by: Sean Murphy, Matt Hollingsworth, and Todd Klein
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 7, 2018

This has been one of my favorite books since it came out and to me, it's the unique package of story and art that is hitting on all cylinders.  I say unique because as some have noticed, I haven't been enjoying many of my books lately.  Sure, some stories are good and some art is even great, but it is few and far between where both shine.  Of course, Sean Murphy being the "writist" on this book helps matters as his vision of an alt Batman versus Joker story is sharp as hell and undiluted.  It's a sad thing that it's nearing completion, but I think the sales are going to make sure that we get at least a volume two and maybe even more.  Okay, enough of my gushing...Is this issue as good as the rest?  Is it even better?  Let's find out...

The issue opens with Jim Gordon changing the rules of the new GTO...he wants to arrest Batman and he wants Nightwing and Batgirl to tell him his secret identity asap.  While Batgirl is livid, Nightwing is all for Batman being arrested, but after punching Jack Napier in the face, wants the secret to remain.  Good for Batgirl, though, as she just ups and leaves the bullshit behind!

After Dick "acquires" some older vehicles, it's a race to take Batman down.  Batman may be the one who's always prepared, but Sean Murphy does a great job here showing us the step-by-step way the GCPD take him out.  It's a reverse detective bit playing against the great Detective and I loved it so much.  Other writers (especially Batman ones) should be taking notes.  Maybe start with "Batman is..." and then let Murphy guide you from there!

We then get a bloodied and bruised Batman coming face-to-face with Jack Napier and it's They Live time, just without those pesky sunglasses.  Remember, this goes well with the setup issues ago when Jack asked Harley to train him to fight the Bat.  It's not exactly a fair fight what with all that Batman has gone through, but it's more about Jack's reaction to beating Batman than the actual victory.  It's a "tweest" that is subtle in how it's played out here, but huge as far as story progression goes.

That's when Neo Joker and her team step up to the plate (you didn't forget about her, did you?) and get everyone in Gotham's attention.  It does, but also leads us to Batgirl who is hanging with Mr. Freeze (not Mr. Cooper) and after getting some conspiracy theory information that happens to be true (complete with a very appropriate name!) Murphy redeems Victor and explains his connection to the Waynes.  After all that he kind of bows out and refuses to help Babs, but hey, the guy has his reasons!

The issue ends with pill popping (what's that pills?  You want me to keep writing this review? Okay pills, whatever you say!), the suggestion that will lead us back to the first scene of this series, and a really fucked up cliffhanger that kind of springs out of nowhere, but also doesn't.  

I love this series and loved this issue.  I have read and reviewed a lot of these mini and maxi series and the third to last issue is usually full of setup that goes until the cliffhanger of the penultimate issue.  You know, get everyone pumped for the big finale.  Well, I guess this is set up, but it feels so much more than that.  Sean Murphy paces this issue so well that it never lets up peppers it with reveals, twists, and turns that really keeps the reader off balance, but in a very, very good way.  I can't say enough about the art but want to make sure I say that it just gets better with each issue.

Bits and Pieces:

Sean Murphy gives readers another great issue of a great series and there is no reason that everyone shouldn't be reading this book.  The story and art are sensational and while this issue is heavy on setup (pretty much the only negative I could find here), it's great setup that's littered with character moments, reveals and twists.  Highly recommended!

9.3/10