In “Batman” #25, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo dive into the second act of their latest take on the definitive Batman origin. However, “Dark City” looks to be far more than a simple retread of Bruce’s freshman vigilante years.
Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Greg CapulloBATMAN: ZERO YEAR reaches a new level as The Riddler sends Gotham City into total darkness! “Dark City” begins in this issue that features an embossed cover.
And the ZERO YEAR blackout spreads into other titles this month, affecting heroes across the DC Universe!
I’ll admit, I balked at the idea of yet another year long Batman story from Scott Snyder, especially a year long origin story. However, with “Batman” #25, Snyder and Capullo deliver a dazzling proof of concept that should have all but the most ardent naysayers taking notice.
Picking up from the climactic events of issue #24, “Dark City” is the start of an entirely new arc under the ‘Zero Year’ banner. Breaking ‘Zero Year’ into smaller arcs is a fantastic idea, allowing Snyder to showcase a bevy of Batman associates and villains. While last arc dealt with the Red Hood and the Riddler, this arc brings new foes and challenges for the young Dark Knight to face.
So far, we’ve seen Snyder tinker with several elements of Batman’s history into ‘Zero Year,’ such as “Year One’s” iconic “I shall become a bat” sequence. With ‘Dark City,’ Snyder seems ready to veer off into uncharted territory. While the black out and looming Super Storm Rene evoke shades of ‘No Man’s Land,’ Snyder uses the status quo to set up interesting new plot threads. There’s a terrifying new take on a very classic villain, a secret involving Gordon and the death of the Waynes, and a rather unnerving, and oddly placed, mystery brewing in the deserts of Nigeria. Snyder is definitely spinning a lot of plates, but all are terrifically balanced thus far.
Another of Snyder’s influences is definitely clear. The writer has made his appreciation of Batman: The Animated Series well known over social media, and the influence of that series is witnessed heavily in “Batman” #25. Greg Capullo does a fantastic job of channeling the spirit of that series, from the sharply choreographed action sequences, to the art deco architecture, to the blimps that dot Gotham’s skylines.
Truly, enough good things cannot be said regarding the “Batman” art team. Capullo packs in so many small details that will make fans grin. Sure, big moments like the reveal of the new (old) Batmobile or wide shots of Gotham’s skyline are sights to behold (especially when colored by FCO Plascencia). However, small moments, like a blink and you’ll miss it scene where Batman quietly consoles a young girl before going ten kinds of crazy on her assailants, are the kinds of things that stick with you after reading this issue. Of course, there’s also the really sick and creepy stuff that Snyder and Capullo are known for, that’ll stay with you as well. Seriously, those guys are twisted.
Some might be disappointed that Snyder backs away from the Batman’s struggle with the Riddler, especially after last issue’s stunning cliffhanger. However, the decision to place the villain as a looming figure in the background allows Snyder to focus on the various threads running in the periphery, beefing up ‘Zero Year’ into a true “event” comic. This team is certainly playing a long con, and there’s still plenty of time of the other shoe to drop.
Others may have concerns regarding the $4.99 price tag, which is a bit more disconcerting. This is the second issue of “Batman” in a row to rise above the standard $3.99, and while “Batman” #24 made the inflated price feel justified, “Batman” #25 is less successful. Outside of the 24 page main feature, the issue features a 5 page backup, co-writting by Snyder and James Tynion IV, drawn by the spectacular Andy Clarke. The short story catches up with Harper Row and her brother in the midst of the black out. It’s a cute story, but mostly it feels like an advertisement for the various ‘Zero Year’ tie-in issues, and not necessary worth the extra dollar. The card stock “blackout” cover is a neat gimmick though, more so even than 3D covers.
As a Batman story, ‘Dark City’ is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional of Snyder and Capullo’s run thus far. It’s from the broody melodrama of ‘Court of the Owls’ or ‘Death of the Family.’ Packed with action, mystery, and suspense, “Batman” #25 marks the start of, dare I say it, a legitimately fun Batman story. The game is afoot!
Final Verdict: – 8.9 – Buy. Fun, gorgeous, and suspenseful, this is what “Batman” stories aspire to be.
