“Kill Switch“
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artists: Jorge Jimenez
Color Artist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles & Jorge Jimenez
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #7 sees the much heralded return to DC’s flagship book of the biggest comic book
villain of them all, Joker! Does the return live up to its billing or feel like a retread of a well worn path? The truthful answer is a bit of both, but there is certainly a fresh dynamic to the situation Joker now finds himself in. Afloat in an isolation tank, looking like the bastard child of Darth Vader and Hannibal Lecter, this physically immobile version of the character feels just as dangerous as ever.
Zap
One critical element taken away from him is his most potent weapon, his voice. Rendered physically inert, his method of communication with Batman is by way of his thoughts being converted to text on the screen of his tank. What could have been an incredibly hokey narrative device is executed with chilling effect, for which credit must go to both Fraction for his writing and, equally as crucially, the art of Jorge Jimenez. Several panels depict the clown prince of crime as a close up head shot, tightly framed so the reader has no choice but to gaze at his eyes. If the eyes are a window to the soul, then we are treated to a grandstand view here. The smile is hidden but the eyes, never blinking, betray the true intentions of Joker, despite the erudite speech he puts forth here. Seemingly remorseful and more lucid than ever, experienced readers know that evil is always ready to jump to the fore.
Fly Fly Fly Little Bat
The stillness and serenity is extremely reminiscent of Anthony Hopkins’ performance in The Silence of The Lambs, as is the cat and mouse element of the quasi-verbal exchanges between the pair. Fraction layers on the tension in extremely generous helpings too, the civility of the dialogue barely covers a thinly layered animosity. Beneath the charm offensive, there is a real danger.
Speaking of what lies beneath, the true intentions of Dr Anika Zeller are yet to be revealed. Is she as altruistic as she seems, purely seeking to rehabilitate Joker, or does she seek to control him for some more sinister purpose. It remains to be seen.
The final panel is very intriguing stuff. Whilst Joker’s knowledge of Batman’s true identity has often been a grey area, we do get a more definitive answer here. The price of lucidity I guess…
Conclusion
Batman #7 is a thoroughly engrossing read from start to finish. Contained and taut, it is the best issue of Fraction’s run to date. The execution is flawless in both the writing and the artwork. Where we go next is anyone’s guess. Bring it on!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
