“Batman: Dark Age” – Book Three
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Michael Allred
Color Artist: Laura Allred
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Review by Carl Bryan
Welcome to Batman: Dark Age #3, where a Robin rises from the ashes! In this issue, Bruce Wayne discovers that he may wield more power without a mask than with one, as he reenters society to rave reviews.
However, when an ambitious Carmine Falcone takes over Gotham with the help of his False Face Society, Batman realizes the only way to win the war is with allies. Will the next generation be up to the task, or is Gotham doomed to continue living in this dark age?
Mark Russell and Mike Allred continue to give audiences a look at Batman as a figure in American history fighting for justice in a world gone mad.
Do I look like I have an appointment?”
– Batman to a security guard at Wayne Enterprises
Drugs…
Russell walks us through how a society fails its people through painkillers and manipulation. If ever there was a sub-commentary about war, it would be the numbing aspect of warding off pain and the subsequent jacking up of drug prices. I applaud the writer for not just making a Batman comic, but also for giving young readers a warning, “This is how they get ya!” Well done, sir!
Punch harder…
Batman’s dialogue is perfect because although he’s winning the battles, he’s not winning the war. At this turning point, he’s a nuisance, but he’s not making the change he wishes to. So, what do you do but punch harder? Not to mention that his company hired Jonathan Crane… albeit in a bit different role to what we may have become used to, but it still makes every comic a page-turner when that name comes up!
If you want deep dialogue:
They did their best to make us forget that we were a city. That we had chosen to live here. Together. They tried to make us forget… that we were worth saving.”
Again, Russell hits the mark!
Did you Ever Kill Anybody…?
The conversation between Superman and Batman is very interesting, as the Man of Steel indicates the loss of his world and how he would even welcome seeing the worst of his kind. He also offers some advice… just because you can, that doesn’t mean you should. It’s a really poignant moment and delivers some brutal honesty from this version of Batman. This is a lens this reviewer has never before seen used on Superman, but I will from now on! Again, kudos to Mark Russell’s writing!
Super Friends… Please Call Me “Wonder”
It’s hard not to draw comparisons and when I turned the page to see the Hall of Justice illuminated in all its glory… well, that will take you back to Saturday mornings if you’re of a certain age. However, we also get an entirely new perspective on how Batman perceives the new Super Friends; there are some folk that have bigger fish to fry, but the Dark Knight always has Gotham in his heart.
Cliffhanger
The cast of characters expands in Batman: Dark Age #3. There are names you’ll recognize with roles amplified with a Tarintino-esque twist at the end. Keep in mind that this is a Bruce Wayne who’s writing his memoirs, just to make sure that all his memories stay intact. He’s just trying to remember.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
