Batman #132 is published by DC Comics and written by Chip Zdarsky. The main story features artwork by Mike Hawthorne with inks by Adriano Di Benedetto and colours by Tomeu Morey. The backup story artwork is by Miguel Mendonca and Roman Stevens. Letters for both stories are by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is by Jorge Jimenez.
Batman #132 is available now in print and on digital where all good comics book are sold.
Synopsis
The mean streets of Gotham City have gotten meaner as the likes of Harvey Dent and Killer Croc roam free, brutalizing the population. Where is Batman and why hasn’t he responded to the cries of a city in peril?! Can Bruce Wayne find the answers before the mysterious Red Mask captures him? And in the backup story, Tim Drake’s hunt for Batman continues. Will Metropolis’s newest Superman, Jon Kent, be able to help the Boy Wonder with this Multiversal mystery, or will they both run afoul of an overpowered Toyman?!
Review
“The Bat-Man of Gotham” continues this month as Bruce begins to explore his new surroundings. This month’s issue is a game of two halves, fleshing out both the world Bruce now finds himself in and adding to his fish-out-of-water state of mind.
Everything you need to know about Batman #132 is perfectly communicated by Jorge Jimenez’s stunning cover. At the centre of the issue is a meeting between our Bruce and this Earth’s version of Selina Kyle. There’s method in Zdarksy’s madness though. After some setup that this version of Gotham is very much separated between the haves and the have-nots, Bruce decides to go “undercover” to try and gain access to the upper classes.
Though there is a sense of urgency and need to return home. Bruce seems somewhat compelled to remain and help the people of this less fortunate Gotham. Therein I’m sure lies a lesson to be learned about why Bruce continues to be Batman and also why Gotham always needs a hero.
The narrative thrust of trying to return Bruce to hit native Earth remains at the centre of the backup story. This month that story, also by Zdarsky, weaves in cameos from Jon Kent and Mr. Terrific as Tim Drake attempt to unravel the truth behind Bruce’s disappearance. It’s here that Zdarksy injects more of a sense of urgency in to Batman which, in many ways, reflects Bruce’s commitment to always helping those in his direct vicinity.
The main book once again features art by Mike Hawthorne, Adriano Di Benedetto and Tomeu Morey. The trio work well together whilst also standing in contrast with Miguel Mendonca and Roman Stevens’ artwork in the backup.
The Gotham of the main story is split between two colour palettes: an Earthier tone at ground level and a more decadent blue when Bruce mixes with Gotham’s elite. The backup story reflects more of what we would expect from a story set on Earth-prime.
Verdict
Zdarsky continues to bring a compelling level of intrigue to Batman as Bruce attempts to navigate his way around this new Earth. Whilst it’s left to the backup story to drive the narrative forwards, the main story is undoubtedly still a fun read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
