“Operation Peregrine“
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Ryan Sook
Color Artist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Max Byrne
Batman #9 is an interesting issue, as it feels very much like a precursor to a new status quo being established in Gotham City. The cover art depicts the caption “One Will Fall”, accompanying Batman and Batgirl standing side by side. Which of them gets taken off the board in this issue? Well, that would be telling, but it does feel like it is all part of a much bigger Bat-plan to take back the city from the clutches of Commissioner Vandal Savage.
No Easy Way Out
Bruce is shown laying out the plan for the evening to his subordinates. He even states that they will lose due to sheer weight of numbers. Always being the man with the plan, the evening is about damage limitation. Ensuring certain items do not fall into enemy hands and leaving nothing behind that cannot be destroyed. No spoilers here of course, but the finale of this issue depicts the ultimate willful destruction of a Wayne asset that has to be seen to be believed. There is very much a sense of ” If I can’t have it, then neither can Savage”, but it makes the sense of profound loss no less huge. This has happened before of course, across different media, but make no mistake, this is big!
Locked In
The pacing throughout this issue is breakneck, as we see the various members of the Bat-Family racing across the city to accomplish their individual missions whilst avoiding the relentless pursuit of the GCPD taskforce. The artwork of Ryan Sook is something special throughout, as he depicts the action sequences with a real verve and kinetic energy. His work has a slightly cartoonish edge to it, which works very well in tandem with Fraction’s narrative style. No wasted panels, a constant forward motion. It certainly helps to make the reading experience a pleasurable one.
The coming together of Bruce and Damian is a heartwarming one. Spurred on by a pep talk from Alfred (is he a ghost, or part of Bruce’s fractured psyche?). The reconciliation of father and son feels very genuine. Stripping away the costumes and superhero antics, this is a real family dynamic that is prey to the same pitfalls as the rest of us and I applaud Fraction for not shying away from it.
Conclusion
Batman #9 is compelling reading. It has set up a huge arc to come with Barbara Gordon’s new circumstances taking her to a new, harsh place, playing itself out in the public eye. I cannot wait to see how Savage counters Batman and how it all plays out over the coming months. The standard of this run is high, long may it continue.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
