One
of the things I enjoy about Batman Beyond
is the opportunity to take things in any direction. The series is not beholden
to established continuity. But as it’s progressed, it has edged closer to
repeating past history – and dare I say (dare, dare) predictability. It’s
disappointing from such an experienced comic writer as Dan Jurgens.
The Joker
has been resurrected. How is not important; it happened to Jason Todd, so just
roll with it. His first target is Commissioner (Barbara) Gordon. His second is
the new Robin. Really? Gonna use a crowbar on him, Mister J? Why not bring
along Harley wile you’re at it?
Artists
Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund channel Jim Lee and Scott Williams in their
rendering. I’ve come to see New Gotham City as a polished metropolis of gleaming
towers, which has worked when rendered by previous artists. But in this issue,
the environment assumes a scratchy, rough texture I wouldn’t expect. But
considering how much time is spent in the ruins of the collapsed Wayne tower, I
can see the merits.
But to
Jurgens credit, he played the long game by seeding the Joker’s return several
issues ago. Some readers (including myself) may have chosen to not believe what
our eyes showed us, only to have forgetten it a month later when the following
issue was released. IN this chapter, Bruce mentions the voice, but that’s the
failing of reading vs. listening: you don’t actually hear the voice. Otherwise we may have recognized Joker for who he
was.
Rating:
6/10