Things start out in an interesting way. Andrea Beaumont; yes that Andrea Beaumont, is back in Gotham. After surviving the fire that seemingly took her life and returning from her cruise (see Mask of the Phantasm), Andrea is looking for her 14 year old son, Andrew, who has gone missing in Gotham. Of course, she turns to the world’s greatest detective, who in turn has Catwoman around to help, hinder and romantically distract him. What follows is the first part of a past present and future story that has a number of convolutions.
Whilst writer Tom King’s tenure on Batman could be viewed as mis-paced, here there is a set amount of issues to complete. How many will be fillers not thrillers is of course up for debate. Still, for a first issue, King sets the stall out well in an engaging manner, at least plot wise. Dialogue, well…. when it comes to King on Batman, you know you are not going to get an explosion of words, given that he likes to hint and intimate character motivations. This is especially true with the possible love triangle that makes an odd appearance. King also throws in a small homage to proceedings with a certain scene that is reminiscent of the movie. and a seemingly oddly placed action scene.
Given how disappointing Heroes in Crisis was, one of the highlights was the gorgeous art of Clay Mann. Here, focussed mainly on Batman and Catwoman, Mann’s clean lines only serve to emphasise Catwoman’s curves and Batman’s frame. Mann doesn’t just settle for the pin-up or the sexy; the action pieces have pace and vibrancy to match the extension of limbs. If there was any concern of Mann’s work, it could be that at times his work could be considered over inked in place. This isn’t too distracting, although I would hate to own that black cat. Colors are provided by the excellent Tomeu Morey whose lighting scheme impacts, tinges the characters, at times giving the book an 50’s type of environment, Finally, Clayton Cowles, the go to guy for the letters in the big event books delivers yet again.
With so much interest in the book, coupled with the problems with HiC, this could be a bit of a big deal for Tom King. From this first issue, the meandering is still there, yet with a set issue limit hopefully the problems of the past will not reappear. Also, despite the fact that many people, me included, love Mann’s work, he has been accused of sexualising his female characters. I am glad to say that Mann hasn’t let the detractors change his approach or art style. More Selina in fishnets please! Seriously though, this is a great book and a fantastic example of the quality of maybe not cannon storytelling that the Black Label can deliver.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating]
Written by; Tom King
Art by: Clay Mann
Colors by; Tomeu Morey
Letters by; Clayton Cowles
Published by; DC Comics / Black Label
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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