DC Comics
Batman #18
By Avi Weinryb
March 5, 2017 - 23:50

DC Comics
Writer(s): Tom King
Penciller(s): David Finch
Inker(s): Danny Miki
Colourist(s): Jordie Bellaire
Letterer(s): John Workman
Cover Artist(s): David Finch, Danny Miki and Jordie Bellaire; Variant by Tim Sale and Brennan Wagner



Batman18_1.jpg
Holy intensity, Batman! This issue is packed with grit, blood and Bane. With Psycho Pirate tucked away by Batman, thanks to the machinations of Alfred, Bane will need to destroy everything Batman cares about to get to him. But if you think the Dark Knight is going to make that easy for him, you just don’t know Batman.

Tom King does something really delightful here, giving readers a side-by-side comparison of how Batman and Bane came to be. It shows us what makes them tick and how they eventually were set on a paths toward each other. This actually takes up a good chunk of the book, with the Dynamic Duo of David Finch and Danny Miki bringing these panels to life. The composition and dialogue matches, leaving an indelible impression on readers.

When Bane towers over Batman, his monologue is brilliant in its simplicity; he crudely describes many of the members of Batman’s rogues gallery, outlining how he is distinct from them all. It’s quick and effective and is liable to make one’s blood run cold.

The conclusion of this issue is very much welcomed and the final page - actually the second to last page - is both eerie and thrilling, promising a trip down a very dark rabbit hole.

A proud addition to the new Batman series.