REVIEW: Batman #136

The Dark Knight is on the comeback trail in Batman #136. Back in his home universe and fresh off a battle with the robot Failsafe his psyche created to take him out if he every killed someone (the Penguin in this case no less). There’s a lot going on to say the least. Bats is on the mend physically but mentally? Not so much.

Of course everyone is worried about Bruce and of course Bruce isn’t letting anyone in…except Zur-En-Arrh who may or may not be plotting to take the mental reigns from Bruce all together. He reunites with Catwoman for a great scene. The true complexity (and perhaps eventual doomed nature) of their relationship is on full display. Chip Zdarsky’s writing is sharp, grounding their convo, and all of these far-out situations, in gritty reality.

The art is topnotch as well. It’s both colorful and dark (this is Batman we’re talking about after all). This version of Batman and the Bat Family is quite impressive artistically. The bathroom fight between Bats and The Penguin’s son is a particular highlight. And artist Belen Ortega throws in a couple of cool shots of him on a rooftop in the rain, ready to regulate, just to make this an official Batman issue.

The second part of the issue “The Plans Below” follows one of Bruce’s test runs of Failsafe. Zdarsky is the writer once again but the art is handled by Jorge Corona and Ivan Plascencia and is more colorful and stylized. The story gives context to why Bruce is creating something designed to kill him if needed but also tackles the classic conundrum of what really is “going too far” for Batman. It’s more excellent insight to the conflicting nature of this classic superhero.

In the end, what makes Batman one of the most compelling fictional characters ever created is not his amazing rogue’s gallery, his cool gadgets, or his unmatched combination of brains and brawn. It’s the fact that Batman’s biggest struggle has been the battle raging within him. And that is why this current arc is Batman storytelling at his best. As Batman struggles internally, he knows a storm is coming not just for him, but for everyone he cares about. And even though he’s trying to push them away, he knows they won’t stay away and because of him, they’re in danger. Is the end near for the Bat Family?

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Coloring – 4.5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Chip Zdarsky
Art by; Belen Ortega and Jorge Corona
Colors by; Tomeu Morey and Ivan Plascencia
Letters by; Clayton Cowles
Published by; DC Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.