“Long Night“
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artists: Jorge Jimenez
Color Artist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles & Jorge Jimenez
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #6 is an issue that covers a lot of narrative ground, with Matt Fraction making some changes to the status quo in Gotham City. After the capers of the previous issue, the tension between Bruce and Annika is played with an awkward sense of humour, dragging itself out over several silent panels. It works to great effect as the reader is not quite sure what she now knows regarding the fact that Damian is Robin and what that in turn makes Bruce. The payoff is a strange one, although one does wonder, based on the final page of the book (no spoilers), if Annika is now playing a very different game. Time will tell…
Father and Son
Speaking of Robins, Tim Drake makes a huge decision regarding his role in the Bat-Family. Whilst seeing Tim step away from his heroic alter ego isn’t a new thing, the fact that it is based on him wanting an honest relationship with his boyfriend that doesn’t go hand in hand with the vigilante life, I can see his motivation for leaving the cape behind. It does however seem a little bit too easy to do, and lacks a sense of permanence. It certainly won’t be too long before he decides to don the costume once more, as let’s face it, heroes never stay out of the game for very long.
Strange Doctors
This issue also sees Hugo Strange making his return to the big stage, by way of him bringing his Monster Men back to the table. Their return does seem to vibe with Fraction’s take on The Dark Knight, which is a slightly more fantastical, outlandish take than others have done recently. Indeed, the return of the blue and grey costume under his watch makes the character seem less grounded, less camouflaged and a little more 80s. Not a bad thing in my opinion. The armoured look is believable and just fine, but the occasional reminder that the character is a superhero is a smart strategy,
Speaking of which, seeing Bruce Wayne punch clean through a punch bag in a matter befitting Steve Rogers is a badass moment. Talk about peak human condition!
The final pages of this episode are extremely intriguing indeed. Seeing the return of Batman’s biggest nemesis might be a case of going back to the well too often for some people’s tastes, but the way in which he is presented here is a new twist on the character, at least for now. Where this iteration goes should prove for a captivating next arc in the story.
Conclusion
Batman #6 is an issue that covers a lot of ground, establishes new situations in the lives of some principal characters and creates an enticing new version of a classic villain. Batman #7 should hopefully pick up the ball and run with it. Let’s take a look in March and see what comes next.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment