Batman #134 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 #134 is available now in print and on digital where all good comics book are sold.
Synopsis
It’s all-out war as only Batman stands between Red Mask and a Gotham City full of bodies! How much is the Dark Knight willing to sacrifice to save this city?
Review
Chip Zdarky’s Batman is really picking up the pace. Both the main and backup stories – both written by Zdarsky – are hurtling towards what is feeling like an epic conclusion. With this month’s issue #134 both stories have a razor sharp focus on their central character. Both are also standing on their own two feet despite sharing aspects of a complex and well plotted narrative.
In the main story, Bruce is staring down “Darwin Halliday” for an epic reveal of the villains true plans for Gotham. The story picks up right where last month left off, with Batman and Selina Kyle staring down the hidden Arkham tunnels underneath Gotham. The consistency in Zdarksy’s characterisation has never been stronger. As Bruce reminds himself this isn’t “his” Selina it’s a stark reminder to the reader that despite all of his dedication, this isn’t Bruce’s Earth. The small but impactful moment is just the calm before the story.
Packed in to issue #134 is a lot of exposition and action. First up is Halliday. Admittedly I felt like I should have seen it coming. But when his true identity is revealed all the pieces fall in to place. Zdarksy has given us a classic Batman vs. Joker story for the ages but cleverly wrapped it up in unrecognisable surroundings. It’s clever. I applaud Zdarksy for being able to keep me guessing up to the final moment.
With huge reveals and exposed plans out of the way it’s on to a climactic fight with Ghost-Maker, here known as Ghost-Breaker. The fight presents Bruce and Zdarsky with another opportunity to play with expectations. We know the relationship between these characters on our Earth. But this is a whole new ball game. Zdarksy plays on that to put Bruce first on the back foot and then to give him the upper hand. It puts us through the wringer as a reader and brings the main story to a conclusion I also didn’t see coming…
In the backup story we’re catching up with Tim, back on Earth Prime, as he galvanises himself ready to jump universes to finally find Bruce. Over the course of the last few months we’re really seen Tim owning this backup story. His strength of character has been a joy to read with Zdarsky really showing the character at his best. This month is no different.
It’s clear that both stories are about to have a head one collision. But before that happens, Zdarsky needs to eke out just a little (or a LOT) more emotion from the story. The setup is perfectly in context with the story. We see Tim ensuring Gotham is in safe hands before working with Mr. Terrific to get all his tech in order. But from here the story takes a brilliant and utterly unpredictable turn.
It’s a brilliant move to have Tim’s multiversal journey tied to his strength of mind and heart. It’s equally brilliant that he would use that to spend time with his long-dead mother. The story suddenly smashes it foot on the breaks but in the best and most meaningful way possible. In fact, it lands better than the main story but for different reasons.
I can’t wait to see how it all ends up…
Verdict
This month both the lead and back-up stories stand on their own to feet as excellent character portraits. Despite the intricate nature of the story, both Bruce and Tim are given plenty of action and a strong dash of heart.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
