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BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #25
Recommended (8/10)
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DC Comics
"Bruce Wayne: Murderer? Part Four: No Exit"
Writer: Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Colors: Wildstorm FX
Letters: Bill Oakley
Editor: Bob Schreck
"Last Call at McSurley's"
Writer: Mike W. Barr
Pencils: Alan Davis
Inks: Mark Farmer
Letters: Pat Prentice
Editor: Mark Chiarello
Price: $2.50 US/$4.25 CAN |
What I know of the law comes from watching Law & Order and a
variety of other trial shows, but it does seem from that experience that Grayson
is playing a little fast and loose in order to get Bruce where he's supposed to
be for the crossover. However, she does so well within my suspension of
disbelief, and it seems clear from what occurs in this issue that the really
important parts of the "Bruce Wayne: Murderer?" will be taking place in the core
Batman titles. Where Grayson shines, as always, is in the examination of what
the events do to the characters, and her work on Oracle, Nightwing and Alfred in
this issue is top-notch.
I was quite impressed with
Grayson's structure in the first part of the story, showing Alfred's return
amidst a variety of overheard conversation about the events. It serves as a
barometer of public opinion, a nifty device to catch up new readers and a
reflection of Alfred's inner turmoil all at the same time. In addition, the
jumps between the trial, the media and Alfred's story allow us to get a sense of
the wider scope of the story, beyond the simple matter of Batman's current
jeopardy.
So far, the "Bruce Wayne:
Murderer?" story has been told from outside Batman's point-of-view, which is a
clever choice. We don't really know what Bruce is thinking, or what his
involvement in the murder was, and the reactions from his supporting cast are
more interesting anyway. It was great to see Dick and Alfred have a reunion and
get together, and I also enjoyed seeing Oracle's offer to Bruce, which shows how
personally she is involved in all of this.
Roger Robinson's artwork on
the issue is decent, but inconsistent in the details. For example, try playing
watch the disappearing telephone in the exchange between Oracle and Batman. In
addition, I thought that his work here with John Floyd lacked a lot of detail
and consistency in the faces and facial expressions of the characters. It's not
bad art, but it's a far cry from the best work that has been done on the title,
whether by Robinson or by Dale Eaglesham before him.
The issue is completed with a
black and white backup from Mike W. Barr and Alan Davis. As always, the back-up
is a treat, and possibly stronger than the lead story. Davis's art works
incredibly well in black and white, and Barr's story is a perfect choice for an
8-pager, a neat gimmick that explores an aspect of Batman's investigation and
delivers a clever and funny punchline for the ending.
Email Randy Lander comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board. |
