“I am Bane” Part 3
Writer: Tom King
Artist: David Finch
The third installment of “I am Bane” shows the tables being turned on Bane in a wall-to-wall action issue.
Tom King showed why Bane is Batman’s intellectual rival and physical superior. The recurring theme of Bane being Batman’s dark reflection is more literal here.The comic is partially Bane versus Batman inter-spliced with their respective origins. It has been done before, but King presents it in a highly effective manner.
Besides showcasing Bane and Batman fighting, King also highlights how cunning both sides are. If the last issue was about “How will Bane counter Batman’s plans?” then this issue’s hook is “How does Batman turn the tables on Bane?” It is fun watching two master strategists go head to head and find ways to counter each other’s contingencies.
However, King’s script is not perfect. There is a twist near the end that does not make sense. King purposefully left out the details to preserve the drama of the reveal, but it just makes readers scratch their heads and wonder, “How did that happen?” To confound the confusion, the issue ends on a vague, cryptic note. It is difficult what to anticipate next issue because I am not even sure what Bane is doing at the end exactly.
Over on the art side, David Finch’s work is a mixed bag. While he shines in the action scenes, the origin sequences showcase his shortcomings. His Bane looks appropriately imposing and he conveys the action in a dynamic way. However, the origins sequences are not a good fit for his artistic style. It is a sequence that requires softer tones and deep acting from the characters’ facial expressions. Finch’s art style tends to flounder during the quieter moments.
Conclusion
This is a fun issue that compares Batman and Bane in a intriguing way. It is decent, but slightly flawed because of the abrupt ending and inconsistent art.
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment
