Synopsis:

Echoes from Batman’s past ripple out into Gotham City’s future…

Review:

We got a nice send off from series creative team Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo last issue. This time around to close out the 52 iteration of Batman, James Tynion IV and Riley Rossmo and Brian Level come on for a re-examination of the origins of Batman, as well as some early steps Bruce took to become who he was. The origins of Batman and aspects of Bruce training, and how it ties into an item being stolen in present day Gotham, was well done. In itself, the story is kind of pointless.  We have all seen and read a million iterations, and the conflicts that go with them, of the same points: young Bruce’s desire to train and become something more, Alfred’s constant desire for Bruce to be a normal kid, etc.  

While no new ground is really explored here, there are a few feel good “Bruce is loved” moments between he and Alfred and we got to see some of the “new” and improved Batman at work on what essentially is a throwaway villain of the week. Still, the issue served its purpose as filler until we get the revamped “Rebirth” Batman in June.

• The Hey!: A different type of story for Batman as we don’t typically get a “feel good” plot.

• The Eh: If this issue never existed, it wouldn’t affect or change anything.

• The What?!: While not on the level of Capullo, Rossmo delivers here pretty well and Plascencia and Boyd showcase some excellent color work.

• Who should read this series?: Well it’s over now, and at some point a reader will need to switch off to Batman Eternal for a bit, but over all this has been an excellent Batman run and I’d recommend any Batman fan to give a shot.

• Why should you buy this book?: Really just for a completionism bragging rights. To own all 52 issues of the New 52 Batman. Otherwise it can easily be skippable.

Score: B-

STORY BY

James Tynion IV

ART BY

Riley Rossmo, Brian Level

COLORS BY

Ivan Plascencia, Jordan Boyd

LETTERS BY

Steve Wands

COVER BY

Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, FCO Plascencia, Rafael Albuquerque

PUBLISHER

DC Comics

COVER PRICE:

$3.99

RELEASE DATE

May 11th, 2016