Synopsis: As if Batman didn’t have enough trouble containing the Spider in Arkham Manor, now he has to contend with the newest inmate to arrive: Mr. Freeze!
Arkham Manor’s time is running out…both in the story and as a title. The book is only going to last 6 issues, with #4 already coming out this week. Can every story get wrapped up in just 3 issues?
That’s a simple task for author Gerry Duggan, the man behind Manor, because there actually isn’t a whole lot going on in the title. Due to Eminent Domain mentioned back in the first issue, Bruce Wayne’s home is taken over as the interim Arkham Asylum. At the end of that issue, we learn there is a murder and Bruce, now in the form of inmate “Jack Shaw”, is on the case. This week, we have the mixture of Clayface and Joker (Clayker? Joface?) hunting down inmates, with Shaw on his trails. Realizing this is a task he can’t handle himself, eventually calling on his “cool pal” Mr. Freeze. This, on top of the problem of another murderer still on the loose.
That’s the basic premise of the series with fun little tidbits along the way. Simple isn’t always a bad thing. The series is straightforward and enjoyable. Scott Snyder is already dishing out (and nailing) dark and complex and we need something different if we’re going to have as many Bat-titles as we do. I’ve read each issue of Manor twice and am enjoying just cruising through. Do I know who the killer is? Not a chance… and that’s fine with me! We only have a few issues left and we’ll get a conclusion before we know it.
Overall, Arkham Manor is what it is and I mean that in a very positive way. It’s fun, it’s simple and treats the Dark Knight with respect. I’ve committed myself and you should too.
Rating: 8/10
