I wasn't expecting much from this first issue of Batman: Family. I didn't care much for the Tracker backup story in Detective Comics that led up to this limited series, and the earlier scenes in this book featuring the rather generic character seem to indicate I was in for more of the same. But as the issue progressed, a greater complexity and innovative plot revealed themselves, drawing me further into the urban danger that is Gotham City.
The vigilante known as the Tracker has been causing problems for mobsters lately; actually, he seems to have targeted one particular operation, that of Gabriel Rossetti. The Tracker's unknown motives and methods give the Batman cause for concern, not to mention Rossetti, who hires another costumed figure to deal with the problem. Meanwhile, speaking of problems, the new CEO of Wayne Enterprises is trying to oust Bruce Wayne from the board of directors, and he's not sure if it's a good move or not.
Gaudiano, Hoberg and Feeny manage to capture the dark atmosphere of Gotham nicely, but the tone of the artwork shifts a fair bit throughout the book. At times, the look is quite cartoony; I'm put in mind of Rick (Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure) Burchett and Tim (Batman: Gotham Adventures) Levins. At others, there's a stark quality at play. It makes for an inconsistent look overall. Furthermore, I don't care for the Predator-esque design of the Tracker. Mind you, the Suicide King's look is sharp, and I look forward to seeing more of the character.
(Addendum: Stephano Gaudiano contacted The Fourth Rail to explain that he and Rick Hoberg shared both pencilling and inking duties on this comic book, which he suggests might explain some of the perceived inconsistencies in the artwork. We appreciate Stephano sharing that glimpse into the process, and offer it here to give readers even more information on what to expect from this book and why.)
At first, the Tracker/Rossetti/Suicide King conflict struck me as rather tired and cliched. I saw little in the Tracker that I hadn't seen 100 times before in other Batman wannabe characters. And then we're hit with a big twist in the climactic battle scene in this issue, and suddenly, the Tracker and those he works with are transformed into an entirely different animal. Moore has added a fascinating, complex and different element into the world of the Batman, and I look forward to how it will develop.
Even more interesting than the Tracker group plotline, though, are the corporate machinations and backstabbing in Wayne Enterprises. There's plenty of untapped storytelling potential in the corporate side of Bruce Wayne's life, and I'm pleased to see Moore exploring it here.
