“Happy Endings”
Writer: Chip Zdarsky & Kelly Thompson
Artists: Mike Hawthorne & Mattia De Iulis
Color Artist: Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Mattia De Iulis
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #152 is an issue that continues the coverage of Batman and Catwoman’s covert mission to retrieve Amanda Waller‘s Mother Box, as part of the ongoing Absolute Power arc. Outnumbered and seemingly outmatched, the odds are truly stacked against our heroic duo.
Prep Time
Zdarsky does great work in this issue, as he manages to combine wall to wall action with real character beats. It is a highly effective method that he employs, albeit a well worn one. Integrating the fisticuffs with Batman’s interior monologue puts the reader right into Batman’s psyche. Every move he makes is explained this way, with his ability to weigh up an opponent instantly and devise a plan of attack spotlighted superbly. This is the Batman that I know and love, as we get to understand exactly why he employs different tactics for different adversaries rather than being a blunt instrument.
Against the likes of Bizarro, Gunsmith and Deadeye, Batman’s tactical genius certainly comes to the fore. Catwoman is a great foil for the Dark Knight, as her physical capabilities are almost on the same level as his. Able to execute his instructions to the nth degree, she is able to work against all comers here and never seem to be outmatched on a one on one basis.
No spoilers here, but the way in which Batman utilizes the Mother Box is superb. As the box summons a certain ruler of Apokolips to it, a swift exit from Czarnia is required, but only a sound mind and steady hand over the box will ensure an arrival to a place less threatening. It is an interesting insight into the way the boxes are actually used, as they require a generous helping of focus and thought to get the desired effect rather than just simply pressing a button.
We Met On A Beach
The final destination of our heroes does allow for some much needed pause and reflection. Whilst it is nice to see them become ever closer, it is somewhat repetitive to see them ruminate on the nature of their relationship. Discussing how they want to be together but cannot have that happy ending has been done before and it does feel like a discussion that we don’t need to hear again.
The bonus story here, entitled Emotionally Compromised, is a beautifully drawn short story about the after effects of the first encounter between the Birds of Prey and the Amazons. Whilst readers not familiar with the backstory might find it to be a confusing read, it does work well as a little aside and a nice bit of bait for potential readers. The artwork from Mattia De Iulis is sensational stuff, I strongly recommend checking it out if you can.
Conclusion
Batman #152 is an issue that is well worth reading. Whilst it doesn’t move the overall narrative of Absolute Power along too far, it does give you a lot of bang for your buck and gives the reader action galore. It does set up Batman’s entry back into the main thrust of Absolute Power though, and I recommend picking up issue #3 of that run to see how the Mother Box is utilized.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
