They say don’t judge a book by its cover. And you should definitely not judge DC Comics‘s Batman #155 by either its cover, or the synopsis — as they have little to do with what’s inside the issue. Instead, you’re getting a thrilling, twist-filled mystery as Batman tries to clear Jim Gordon’s name of murder.
Written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Jorge Fornés, the former’s run has been characterized by big action storytelling and huge, over-arching stories that have challenged and redefined the Dark Knight like never before. With this bonus arc — Zdarsky was originally going to finish with the previous arc but was asked to stay on longer — he’s dialing in on Batman as the detective… And proves just as able to write Bruce in this mode as the other.
Picking up on the cliffhanger of the previous issue, it sure looks like Gordon not only killed Gotham City’s mayor because he was having an affair with the mayor’s wife. What makes this crime so viable is that, well, Gordon has had affairs before. And while he’s generally the one good man in Gotham, everything points to him actually doing it; particularly as we flash back in time to see what led up to the crime.
Not only that, but Batman is also reeling from the revelation that Thomas Wayne had an affair back in the day, that may or may not have led to a secret Wayne sibling. It’s challenging for Bruce emotionally, as well as in the intricacies of the crime, and Zdarsky manages to balance all of these elements… Plus a new hero named Commander Star who wants to make Gotham great again, and The Riddler seemingly going straight with his new company, NygmaTech.
But the not-so-secret weapon here is guest artist Jorge Fornés, who as usual delivers a definitive take on Batman. His Dark Knight is much more in the classic mode… Low-cut cowl, flat black for the face, and damn, it looks great. There’s a panel in here of Batman jumping off a building that is the best of the best. Fornés also draws intimate character moments to perfection throughout, and thrilling action scenes like an assault on an interrogation room. His art just propels you through the issue, making this a rollicking read from the first page to the last.
Did we need another arc from Zdarsky after he “completed” his run? Not necessarily, as that was a full meal in and of itself. But with comics this good, who cares? In fact, depending on how this all pans out, it may be the punctuation mark that settles Zdarsky as an all-time great Batman writer. Just, don’t look at the cover.
Batman #155 Rating:
Batman #155 Official Synopsis:
After the shocking events of the last issue, Batman is reeling! But the investigation isn’t over just yet! The Court of Owls is intent on destroying Bruce Wayne’s life, while Commander Star continues to stoke the flames of civil unrest in Gotham City! It all heats up in the unforgettable new chapter of “The Dying City”!
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