“Crown of Storms”
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artists: Jorge Jimenez
Color Artist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles & Jorge Jimenez
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #3 is once again, more of a cerebral read than an action fest. Fraction is certainly playing the long game with his storytelling thus far, which isn’t a bad thing in the age of instant gratification we now live in. Following on from the previous issue, there is a tangible sense of impending doom for our titular hero. Vandal Savage’s endgame is in sight, as he is now using his position of power in the GCPD to frame the dynamic duo as cop killers. By way of planting fake evidence, coercing witnesses into giving false statements and being an all round rotter, Vandal is certainly doing his utmost to rid his newly adopted city of its protectors.
Family Getway
Amidst the travails of crime fighting, there is still time for Bruce Wayne to engage in family affairs. Crucially, Fraction chooses to have his heart to heart with Damian set within the context of a full contact sparring session. Trying to discuss the merits of the fairer sex whilst trying to land a sweet right hook is both hilarious and effective. Remember, when all else fails, a swift boot to the balls tends to win any fight!
Peace of Mind
There is also a mystery at play here too, involving mind control experiments being conducted at Arkham Asylum. Again, Fraction’s writing is pretty clever here. Using Riddler’s repertoire of conundrums to gradually allow the penny to drop for Batman. I have always found it fun to try and guess the answer to Nygma’s riddles and there are some zingers in here.
Jimenez is on form again with the art in here. During the aforementioned Bruce/Damian scrap, he does a fabulous job of showcasing the younger Wayne’s almost balletic grace as he flies through the air in a succession of panels that show him endlessly pirouetting and striking. Art this good enhances any book, Jimenez is at the top of the tree right now.
Conclusion
Batman #3 is another slowburner of an issue. I do hope that the pay off justifies the slow walk to the finishing line, but I have every faith in what is going on here. I look forward to the floodgates opening and all hell eventually breaking loose.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
