Batman #66 is available now where all good comics are sold!
Synopsis
The “Knightmares” storyline continues! Something-or someone-is forcing Batman to live through some of his darkest fears, amplifying the Dark Knight’s anxieties and reimagining some of his worst traumas. Now that Batman has become aware of the nature of these delusions, he must find a way to break through and find out the source of this disruption. So who does he turn to for answers? Why, the Question, of course! But is Vic Sage just another figment of the Caped Crusaders imagination?
Review
After a brief reprieve for Batman to crossover with The Flash it’s time to get back to the “Knightmares” arc. I’m intrigued as to why editorial at DC felt it was the right time to interrupt the on-going arc to allow for the crossover.
Given the length of time this arc has been running it now feels protracted. Admittedly I’ve not been the greatest fan of “Knightmares”. It feels very similar to the scenario which has been playing out in Detective Comics in the run up to the 1000th issue.
That being said this issue has been my most gratifying to this arc. Having seen Batman in this metaphorical dream world for several issues it’s refreshing to have someone else step-in for a change. The Question makes a suitable replacement and by proxy for us as an audience. We have been exploring this world from Batman’s perspective so it is refreshing to see it from a new angle.
Ultimately the story falls foul to its own devices. The intrigue comes from seeing Question trying to understand the dynamic between Bruce and Selina.
As an audience we have had little time to process events following their non-wedding. At face value this issue offers to opportunity to explore that further. Given some heavy analysing and the logic begins to fall apart. This isn’t really Selina Kyle, this is Bruce’s subconscious representation of her. This is also Batman’s interpretation of Question.
Selina’s responses are’t necessarily how the character would, in “reality”, response to these questions. We can’t be sure if Bruce is imagining what he wants her to say or what he thinks her natural responses would be.
Once you hit upon the fact the entire scenario is a construct being controlled by Bruce’s mind, or some external force, it does dampen the excitement for the book.
That being said the story is still a fun read. Likewise Jorge Fornes artwork complements the story well. Whilst the setting remains static and solitary he is able to convey some interesting imagery through gestures and facial expressions.
Verdict
Batman #66 is an entertaining read. It paints an portrait of Selina Kyle which betrays some of Bruce Wayne’s deepest thoughts but fails to capture the true depth of his nature.
7/10
Batman #66 is written by Tom King with pencils and inks by Jorge Fornes and colours by Dave Stewart. This month’s cover is by Mikel Janin.
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