LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT # 171

This is the final part of a three part story called "Irresistable" which deals with Batman's struggle against--- a mutant! But those expecting a typical X-story, or even a typical Bat-story may end up sorely disappointed.

Those looking for something a little different may be pleasantly surprised. The villain, Frank Sharp, has a disfigured face and can control people by simply touching their skin. Obviously, such a baddie can be countered by a simple pair of gloves but this isn't a simple matter of outsmarting the enemy. Peyer gives us-- and Batman, a look into Sharp's life, his thoughts, his background, his feelings of malice and self-hatred. And in the end, Peyer resolves the conflict without resorting to the easy way out of Batman giving Frank a good thrashing.

This isn't the usual tale of mutant oppression or of the next stage of evolution, or some other grand concept. In fact, I don't think the word "mutant," is even used. It is a drama, told in human terms, even if some the protagonists appear to be more than human.

The nit-pickers can say that Batman behaves out of character in this story. Some could also say the resolution is overly-sentimental. But this comic has an impact of its own, showing that not every superhero adventure needs a violent conflict to tie things up.

The artists do a good job of emphasizing the humanity in the characters. Even Batman looks like a man in a costume and not some impossible action-figure. Some parts of the story could have used a greater hint of menace, to show that this was no walk in the park for Bats.