The storytelling in this latest chapter of the "War Games" crossover is much clearer than those that came before, but my interest in the rather ambitious (but seemingly pointless) story remains low. Furthermore, the pace isn't breaking any records. Sure, the action is hectic, and the creators do a good job of conveying that. But the story is advancing by babysteps. I suppose that's to be expected, though... after all this story has to last for three months.
The Batman and his allies scramble to save lives and to put a stop to the chaos in which the entirety of Gotham City is embroiled. The Dark Knight makes the most of the man he has working on the inside -- Orpheus, the hero who's gone undercover as the leader of the Hill gang -- and orders him to strike an alliance with another underworld faction. Meanwhile, the Penguin makes a rather ambitious and daring move in order to become the king of the criminal heap in Gotham.
Walker's pencils are rather strong here, bringing an edge and some realism to the over-the-top action of the Gotham gang war. The action sequence featuring Batgirl on a motorcycle is a lot of fun. On the other hand, the scenes at sea could have been presented with a much greater degree of clarity. By the end of those scenes, it's clear what went down, but during the action, it's difficult to discern. The colors are appropraited dark and muted throughout this issue, given the dire tone of the plot.
Despite my overall negative reactions to this storyline, I have to admit there are elements I'm really enjoying. The notion of Batman placing another vigilante as his mole within the criminal underworld is a fantastic one. The creators have also convincingly depicted the insanity of the orgy of violence, though the lack of any real casualties among the bystanders is a bit hard to swallow.
Perhaps the greatest flaw in this story is that it ignores the greater context of a world full of super-heroes. The Batman admits he desperately needs help, but he doesn't call in the JLA or any other superhuman allies. There's only one plausible reason for the hero to forego that option, and it's ego. And I don't buy that a hero would put ego over lives.
While the following comments have nothing to do with the quality of the storytelling here, I find I have to point out an odd coincidence. This comic book and this week's issue of Nightwing -- both "War Games" books -- were the only books in DC's First Look package that were selaed up in plastic bags. The bags are to keep in a CD-ROM promoting the upcoming Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow film. Great... nice piece of coin for DC Comics. Unfortunately, it also prevents readers from quickly flipping through the comic book in stores to see if they want to follow the crossover. The reader only gets to glimpse the goodies by plunking down the cash. I can't help but wonder if it'll bite DC in the ass. Of course, conversely, the inclusion of "collectible" Sky Captain posters might prove to be a boost for sales.
