Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Lee Weeks
Published by DC Comics
Well, the wedding issue happened and there was a worldwide backlash. Not because of what happened in the issue. That was great.
It was because somebody supposedly “spoiled” the issue.
Here’s the thing: The issue was great and nobody can really spoil a good story.
Still, this is the first issue since that happened.
And how is it?
It’s damn good, kids. I love the direction Tom King is taking after such a landmark issue. Something happens to Bruce Wayne that I have never seen before. He gets selected for jury duty!
King has again taken something that is relatable to a lot of people, and includes it into the writing. It’s airy and fun and it’s a great concept to base a Batman story on.
So he goes into the court room and who is on trial? Mr. Freeze! In an ironic twist, Freeze pleads that the case should be dismissed as Batman was brutal and used unnecessary excessive force on him. So of course the media jumps on the bandwagon of Freeze’s claims and everything gets shot to hell.
All this and Dick Grayson is going around filling in for Batman!
It’s great that King uses this story for Bruce to examine his own methods as Batman. King is daring too in the way he tells the story. He intercuts Bruce going into the courtroom with flashbacks of Batman beating the hell out of Mr. Freeze. It’s a dynamic and cool way to tell the story and it works incredibly well and in a way you wouldn’t expect.
The best scene is the book is when Commissioner Gordon takes the stand. It’s a one page scene that is so well done. His last line of the scene is “The Batman is not licensed.” I love that. It was beautiful. The last moment of the book is also priceless as well. I won’t spoil it.
The art by Lee Weeks is amazing. Weeks is one of the great unsung heroes in comics. His art is always dynamic and always a treat. His art works wonderfully here again re-teaming with King. I’m glad he’s still around. He also draws the best Mr. Freeze ever for my money.
This is the beginning of the second half of King’s Batman epic. If this is any indication of what is coming, it’s going to wind up a classic. Because as good as the first half was, the second half looks even better. And that’s something again that nobody can spoil.
Let’s just all sit back and enjoy the ride at this point.
RATING: A
