Realism and science fiction clash together wonderfully in “Batman” #49, giving us a new origin for Batman that retains the inspiring spirit of the character. Snyder and Tynion write a pivotal issue that adds to the current 21st century mythos of a character born of the 1930s.
Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Yanick PaquetteIt is time. Bruce Wayne has reclaimed his true past as Batman. Now he must descend into the cave and face what he once was. Can he truly leave behind a life free from the pain and anguish of the Bat? Can he plunge once more into the madness and purpose that once consumed him? In this special, thrilling issue, watch as the fate of Bruce Wayne, and Batman, is decided once and for all.
“For Batman to live, Bruce Wayne always has to die!” So says Bruce Wayne as he fights to regain his memories prior to his battle to the “death” with the Joker. Scott Snyder, along with co-writer James Tynion IV, write one of the most powerful and emotional theses on the eternal juggle between two sides of one life. That life just happens to be one of the most popular superheroes of all time. Snyder and Tynion transform “Batman” #49 into a very personal story that involves heart-wrenching struggles between family members and also between one’s self in ways that mix the stirringly profound with the appropriately outrageous “comic book” logic that is at the right level of outrageousness. It’s an exciting interlude within the “Superheavy” arc that has repercussions far beyond this issue.
We always knew Bruce Wayne would take up the cape and cowl after Jim Gordon was compelled to take over the Dark Knight’s never-ending battle. Snyder and Tynion refuse to give us the usual epiphany and resurrection with “Batman” #49 and instead utilize Snyder’s additions to the mythos to create a story that is classic and refreshingly bold and new at the same time. They show a man who is willing to sacrifice his body and mind in order to save his world and its inhabitants. Despite not having superhuman abilities, Snyder and Tynion demonstrate why Bruce belongs in the same league as Superman and Wonder Woman.
This issue is bound to be controversial for some, yet Snyder and Tynion deserve accolades for refusing to tell a familiar story with familiar trappings. The creativity they bring to this issue and their past work with Batman is inspiring. The character and his world are adaptable to many storytelling styles and genres and these two writers understand Batman’s versatility and history. Being able to make a character one’s own and combining what has gone before is a difficult task. These writers have succeeded through a tale that delves into a man’s mind and its swirling complexity.
Snyder and Tynion’s vision couldn’t be fulfilled without a great artist. With Greg Capullo taking a break with this issue, “Batman” #49 is fortunate to have Yanick Paquette on art duties. His layouts effectively convey the mind of a man in turmoil. The more conventional scenes between Bruce and Alfred focus on the two men and the excruciating emotions that are drawn on their faces and displayed in their actions. A pleading Alfred in front of the iconic clock is a heart-wrenching scene between a father and son. The scenes that depict the workings of Bruce’s mind fill the pages with cinematic, larger-than-life images of interactions that won’t be spoiled here. Despite their sometimes extravagant nature, Paquette still imbues these fun scenes with an underlying haunted aura that makes the journey that much richer on the page.
Paquette’s usual partner in crime, Nathan Fairbairn, colors “Batman” #49 in a way that mixes the dark and the light into his palette. Bright colors illuminate futuristic scenes while the scenes of “reality” slowly dim from inside Wayne Manor to the depths of the Batcave. Fairbairn brings excitement to the more bombastic of scenes while bringing a somber, and sometimes haunting blue tone, to certain moments beneath the cave. That balance between reality and science fiction is one that must be balanced for a story like this and Paquette and Fairbairn show themselves to be masters of bringing a story and characters to life.
As Bruce so emphatically proclaims in “Batman” #49, he has to be Batman. The journey he takes is arduous and needed, with both the writers and the artists involved lending an urgency to every page. Although it brings huge changes to the Bat mythos, it is done with love for the character and the attention of the best of creators.
Final Verdict: 9.0 – “Batman” #49 has the feel of a great book because it takes risks while staying true to the character and surprising the reader in genuine and emotional ways.
