“The Dying City” – Part Three
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artists: Jorge Fornes
Color Artist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #155 is an absorbing issue that takes the reader on a cerebral journey.
Our titular hero is investigating the killing of Mayor Nakano that appears to have been carried out by the unlikeliest of candidates, Jim Gordon. Zdarsky uses flashbacks as a highly effective narrative device, filling in the blanks to show the burgeoning relationship between Gordon and Mayor Nakano’s wife.
The circumstances for it do seem mostly plausible too, so not a lot is asked of the reader to invest themselves in it and believe in what they are seeing.
The Last Good Man
Whilst the notion that Jim Gordon, that paragon of virtue, could be capable of murder is a real leap of faith, the story is told in such a way that it seems incredibly likely that he did murder the mayor. Of course, the circumstances behind it are not so cut and dry. No spoilers here, but the conclusion of the issue does illustrate that outside influences were heavily at play. The next issue should certainly be revelatory.
Spill The T
A huge amount of kudos must go to Jorge Fornes for his stunning art in this issue. He has adopted an extremely retro style here. On consuming the panels, I was instantly transported back to 1987 and the seminal artwork of David Mazzucchelli in Batman: Year One. But, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a carbon copy. Instead it feels like an homage to greatness. Fornes is standing on the shoulders of giants but retaining just enough of his own identity too.
The intrigue surrounding Bruce Wayne’s alleged long lost half brother continues too, although we still get to see William Pureford in the flesh, just his entourage, which includes a certain Leonid Kull. This does point to the involvement of a certain shadowy cabal, with grave intentions towards Bruce. I am intrigued to see how this plays out.
Conclusion
Batman #155 is a very enjoyable read that puts a lot of meat on the emotional bone. It clears up some questions but effectively poses new ones too. As Zdarsky’s tenure starts to reach the end stages, I have the feeling he is going to leave the stage with some highly charged moments. I cannot wait to see how it all plays out.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
