Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Mikel Janin
Published by DC Comics
This is the issue that is setting up Tom King’s last story arc on this title.
This is the last chapter of “The Fall and the Fallen.” This leads right into the “City of Bane” storyline. This issue is absolutely exhilarating. It’s just unbelievable the amount of drama and action King puts into this issue. I was on the edge of my seat throughout reading this and almost fell off a few times.
The Flashpoint Batman has been dragging Bruce through the desert for some unknown reason. He also is carrying around the body of Bruce’s mother, Martha.
Why is he doing this? What the heck is going on? We learn quite quickly in this issue what’s going on and it sends the entire plot up until now reeling.
The issue starts off with the two Batmen fighting Ra’s Al Ghul’s men in the middle of the desert. It’s rather cool watching the two of them fight together.
Mikel Janin draws an awesome action scene here. After they beat up their enemies, the two Batmen head off into the desert on horses.
Thomas Wayne talks about what he wanted for Bruce as a parent. They travel through the desert and head towards their destination. It’s a Lazarus Pit in the middle of the desert. That’s when things become extremely interesting. Just what does Thomas Wayne want with this Lazarus Pit? What are his plans?
We then learn that he plans to resurrect Martha Wayne in the Lazarus Pit. Thomas wants to make a family again for Bruce.
This is so messed up on so many levels and I commend Tom King for taking the story in this direction. It’s horrifying in a way I never saw coming.
Bruce then starts a fight with Thomas. There’s one hell of a twist. Then, one of the most cathartic moments of the entire series happens. It’s a beautiful ending too. It’s completely and utterly appropriate and just plain awesome.
We are moving into Tom King’s last storyline after this. It’s been a worthwhile adventure up until now. I’m dying to see where he takes us from here. I certainly can’t wait.
RATING: A
