Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Illustrated by Doug Mahnke
Published by DC Comics
This issue begins with one of the most horrifying single page images that I have seen in comic books in recent memory.
Dr. Leslie Thompkins has been hit with something that is turning her Joker-like and Bruce is in a panic trying to save her life. The image is emotional and completely and utterly terrifying. The rest of the issue follows suit.
Peter J. Tomasi has written a tale that is leading up to the 1000th issue of this title. It’s a great one.
Batman races home while Alfred develops a toxin to counteract the Joker poison. It’s a tense sequence that is expertly drawn by Doug Mahnke.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this!
Batman does get Leslie to the Batcave! It doesn’t look like he made it in time. So he grabs the paddles and tries to start up her heart. We see flashes of Bruce’s past with Leslie as he tries to save her.
Things however, did not go as I expected and it left my heart stone cold. That’s all I’ll say on that.
Then came the part that I couldn’t believe. Alfred is randomly stabbed. That part is shocking enough. But the person who seems to have stabbed Alfred Is Zorro!
Whatever is happening, elements of Bruce’s past over the years have come back to haunt him in a major way. It’s frightening and a well constructed read. I have no idea where it’s going but I’m thrilled by the whole storyline thus far.
This leads Batman to Arkham Asylum. He is determined to figure out just what the hell going on. It leads to a crazy last scene and a cliffhanger that needs to be read to be believed. It really is just a classic comic book storyline in the making.
Tomasi and Mahnke are a dream team. The writing and the art are of the highest caliber. I can’t wait for the next issue. It will be on the top of my reading list for certain. It’s amazing.
RATING: A
