Batman #24 is written by Tom King with pencils by David Finch and Clay Mann. Inks are by Seth Mann, Clay Mann and David Finch. Colours are by Jordie Bellaire. You can pickup your copy of Batman #24 at Comixology now.
Synopsis
“Aftermath”! Gotham City is at peace…but a war is coming. Armed with the terrifying knowledge gained from the mysterious button, Batman prepares for the coming storm by making a proposition to one of his enemies—one that will change everything for the Dark Knight and his allies!
Review
Every epilogue is a prelude is the perfect analogy for this issue. After several huge arcs which has seen Batman facing off with Bane it was time for a quiet moment.
Tom King has proven himself to be a consistently good writer over the previous 23 issues. He can handle the big action sequences and has never forsaken the characters for more action. Within the Rebirth branding this is his first ‘quiet’ issue.
Taking place over two small character interactions the issue bounced between them effortlessly. During the daylight we see an exchange with Gotham Girl. During the night it’s a more controversial interaction with Selina Kyle.
There are huge contrasts between the two. Night and day. Dark and light. But both have huge impacts on Bruce as a character. We’ve recently seen him interact with the Thomas Wayne of Flashpoint who begged his son to give up his vigilantism for a normal life.
If any other character were to suggest this to Bruce he would brush it off. But not from his father. Those words have had a profound impact on him and this issue a psychological assessment of that impact. The dialogue is very existential touching on the existence of Batman and its necessity.
As the issue progresses there’s a tension which builds surrounding the scenes with Catwoman. As the dialogue continues to be sourced from the conversation with Gotham Girl its obvious that there is a point to build towards. It’s only in the final few pages that the issue really gets to the crux of the story.
The issue ends with a hugely emotional moment for Bruce which ends in *spoiler alert* a proposal. It’s a big moment for the reader as well as for the characters. Thankfully the story is constructed so well that it feels like a genuine emotional pay off for Bruce.
With the reader left hanging we’ll have to wait a while to find out Selina’s answer…
Verdict
Batman #24 is a really interesting character portrait. It breaks from the more action packed moments to focus more on its core character and what motivates him. Its controversial ending may annoy some but it could be the start of a new chapter for The Dark Knight.
7/10
