Review: "Batman" #52

Who would have thought that seeing Bruce Wayne as Batman chasing an eccentric criminal through Gotham could be so refreshing? But after a year of Commissioner Gordon as the Caped Crusader and Scott Snyder's final issue last month, which was more of a love letter to Batman and his fans than a classic Batman story, this just feels so good. Writer James Tynion IV has already proven that he can pen some excellent Batman stories in the past, and this one is no exception.

Initially, the frequent flashbacks to the time right after the murder of Bruce's parents up until his return to Gotham seem like the same old story told all over again, but Tynion focuses on the parts of the story that are less well documented, offering an intriguing (even though sometimes a bit too sentimental) take on Bruce's trauma. He also takes the opportunity to introduce Crypsis, a brand-new Batman villain. What stands out most about this small-time thief with the ability of short-range teleportation is the surrealism and eeriness artist Riley Rossmo composes him with.

In general, Rossmo manages to bestow everything in Gotham, from Batman himself to its architecture, with an aura of unrest and uneasiness. The new Batsuit and the comeback of the Batmobile continue to impress, while Rossmo adds some additional grit and drama to their presentation. Hopefully Tynion will continue his great take on the Dark Knight with his run at the "Detective Comics" series after the DC rebirth.


9/10

Further links:

DKIII: The Master Race #4

Batman #51