Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Jock
Published by DC Comics
Scott Snyder and Jock have done one hell of a job on this comic book series.
It’s fast and furious and just a little bit scary as well. I love that it has a flavor of horror in it but also serves as an action packed adventure. They both really have done an amazing job on this special limited series thus far.
The opening scene of this issue has the real Batman infected by madness and being attacked by the police. It’s a scene of violence and chaos that is beautifully drawn by Jock. Snyder’s words really do compliment the art well and it’s some of his best writing in a long time.
The scene turns into a nightmare and it’s horrifying to read.
You aren’t even sure if Batman is pretending to be a full blown villain or what. It’s kind of brilliant and I was deeply involved in what was going on.
Some of the imagery in this issue was seared into my mind for a few days after reading it. It’s that powerful.
We then get to see Commissioner Gordon fight against an infected Robin and the Grim Knight. It’s a crazy scene that just does not let up. I was at the edge of my seat throughout this scene and there are some surprises as well.
From there, The Batman Who Laughs holds a meeting with The Court of Owls. It’s a pretty brutal scene to read.
This leads into the “real” Batman and Gordon getting caught up with the Batman Who Laughs true overall plan. It also leads into an ending that made me so mad that it was a cliffhanger. It was that good that I needed to know what happens next right away.
Scott Snyder is taking us into some of the darkest places that we have seen in a Batman comic pretty much ever. And that really is saying something. He roots the story in psychology and it’s truly amazing.
And this is Jock’s best work. It’s tremendous. The art is careful and considered. It’s also incredibly well paced and strong as hell. The two creators are killing it on this title. I applaud their amazing efforts.
RATING: A
