Now incarcerated, Alexis Kaye, AKA Punchline is waiting for her day in court. Of course, this being a Joker twist, she is actually going to plead not guilty. In the process, Punchline has gone from public enemy number one, to “free the Punchline one!” It’s all part of a nefarious plot that sees a split in the extended bat family of Harper and Cullen Row (yes, there are still kicking around!).
The book is written by James Tynion IV and Sam Johns, the former the current head of the Bat writer and the latter having recently contributed to the Crimes of Passion and Joker War one-shot. Between the pair they have delivered a book that whilst tries hard to fit into the seriousness of the Joker War, it also has an odd after taste. There could be any number of reasons for this, the first being does anyone really care about Cullen Rowe? You would have thought with Punchline being a major player, she would warrant a bigger Bat presence than Bluebird and a strangely de-aged, again, Leslie Thompkins who seems to have also changed medical specialities. Is this DC’s new flagrant disregard to continuity in play? The pair move the story away from Punchline, keeping her almost off the board, allowing the impacts of her personality shape the actions of others, specifically Cullen who seems entranced by Punchline’s life to date.
The art is supplied by the fantastic Mirka Andolfo of Mercy fame. Here the fine pencils lean more towards the cartoony effect often seen with people such as J Scot Campbell. or even Jorge Jiménez Normally, I am a big fan of this style but here; whether its preferring Jiménez work on the main Batman book or Andolfo taking a step toward the cartoony elements too far, like the story the art just feels a little off. I am not saying the art is bad; there are some fun panels that evoke the crazy in the whole situation. Colors are provided by Romulo Fajardo Jr. making the move from some stellar work Wonder Woman. There is a mix of bright colors, mixed with darker elements. Finally, the letters are supplied by Gabriella Downie who uses a simple font hat often accentuates some of the other louder moments well.
I am totally on the fence with this book. Whilst there are parts I like, there are more parts that I am uncertain about. I am also not particularly fond of DC’s recent move to not supply an actual ending to this over sized issues, rather preferring to sow the seeds for next year.
Writing- 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; James Tynion IV & Sam Johns
Art by; Mirka Andolfo
Colors by; Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters by; Gabriella Downie
Published by; DC Comics
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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