Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Batman #17

By Avi Weinryb
February 17, 2017 - 14:15

After getting his butt handed to him by Batman, Bane is coming to Gotham looking for revenge -- and for Psycho Pirate. And for Catwoman. In fact, anyone Batman cares about or needs is fair game.

It’s always fun to crack open an issue of Batman and see a crisp Superman appearance. A pleasant surprise when the Man of Steel encounters the Dark Knight. But this issue makes a fatal mistake. Batman has delivered the frozen bodies of Tim, Dick and Damian to Superman, to keep them out of harm’s way while he deals with Bane. He does this knowing they’d disobey him and seek to help fight Bane, leading to their deaths. So Batman deploys Superman as a babysitter. But what if instead, Batman said, “Hey Supes - how about we fly back to Gotham right now and you can just stop Bane for me? No sweat, right?”. But that would mean a very short story.

I mean, I get it, Batman makes it sound like this is an issue of honor and pride, and he needs to face Bane alone, but considering that he got his back broken by this guy and it’s arguably his most fearsome adversary, perhaps a little help is in order? Especially when Batman has long been emphasizing the need for a team, either by building his Bat-team or by participating in the Justice League. So maybe Superman should have just been left out of this altogether rather than using him as a prop to explain the absence of the supporting cast of heroes. And on that note, why not also freeze the bodies of Batwoman, Batwing, Batgirl, etc? The writers of the various Batman series can’t have it both ways in the same continuity. Either Batman is the leader of a pack or he’s a lone wolf. Switching back and forth seems a bit forced.

Beyond that quibble, the dialogue by Tom King continues to be top-notch. Characters are dynamic and their lines are memorable. Alfred’s grumblings about King Lear are just one fun bit in this action-packed issue.

David Finch never disappoints, with pristine illustration every step of the way. Action sequences, struck poses on rooftops, emotions pouring across characters’ faces. He can do no wrong. Danny Miki’s inks complement his pencils beautifully.

Extended gripes aside, this is a solid issue of Batman

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12