BATMAN #5

[ GET READY FOR THE BARGAIN-BIN ]  

The problem sometimes with death-traps. Is that sometimes they can attract big-bats. Just take a look at poor Bruce - he appears just so loose - that he keeps on getting himself into  scraps. Honest to God - it was told to me by Writer: Scott Snyder; Artist: Greg Capullo; and Publisher: DC Comics in February 2012. Or else watch reality television and porn.

So what’s the story morning glory?

In 'Face the Court', we see everyone's favorite Bat inspired hero - guess who - go completely bonkers.

You see, for eight long days now, no one has seen hide nor hair of the Dark Knight, Batman. And why is that exactly? Well, the 'Court Of Owls' have him you see - held up within a maze of their own devising. He's undernourished - he hallucinates due to the drugged water made available to him - and he bides his time walking from place to place, fantasizing about whatever is presented before his very eyes.

A picture there - a coffin here - and a slice of history everywhere. Moreover, he sees his parents too - just before Talon rears his ugly face and, STAB!

Will we need a new savour for Gotham city now? I hope not.

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

It was very hard for me to pick out a phrase in this issue, because most of what was on offer was very punchy all in all. However, I found this segment of Batman's muse very pertinent indeed.

"It's my city. I know every alley. Every rooftop. So tell your story. With your pictures and your models and your maps of Gotham through the years. Try to tell me that you have been here longer. That's what you're saying, right? That I don't matter. That's why you did not even try to take off my mask?".

Oooooh! Earthy.

Was the story any good?

Yes - yes - yes - yes - yes! This issue of Batman is not something you could call your average read - it was that good. Granted, it was single faceted as a story goes, and very straight forward in its approach. Nevertheless, it is one of those comic books you 'experience' rather than read - due to the physiological underpinning that was conveyed - Batman going bonkers - amen.

Scott Snyder you are a mad genius - bless you, you b*st*rd!

Was the art any good?

Again, like the story itself - yes - yes - yes - yes - yes! Personally speaking, I liked how the layouts and the panelling synchronised itself with the tale. Well, that whole thing of having to physically turn the comic book round per page was a blast.

Moreover, I did enjoy the black and white quality of the Batman segments - that was very film noir I thought.

What is the best thing about this issue?

Honestly, I can not say what the best thing was about this issue was - because I thought that it was a blast from start to finish. Maybe the way the story was presented was the best thing overall? But then again I was very engrossed with seeing Batman go barmy?

Damn! It was all good!

What is the worst thing about this issue?

I suppose I have only two minuscule gripes about this tale. Firstly, it was a quick read - which was a shame. And secondly, it was very single minded as a story - which does also have it's up side as well.

Hmm? Again - a tough call to make.

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

You know when you walk into a house and you are not sure if anybody is at home - what is normally the first thing most people call out? "Is anybody there?" - Appropriate for a sparse and homely tale, correct?

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

Whilst reading this Batman comic book, it immediately reminded me of a section out of another Batman comic book I read. 'The Cult' by Bernie Wrightson and Jim Starlin. Well, within this classic tale, we do see Batman go bonkers by a malevolent hand.

You should check it out if you have not read it before - it's a class comic.

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

Do not even go there! This comic book was perfect - I would have liked it longer though - and maybe seen more of the background players.

That would have been nice.

Final thoughts...

I thought that this series could not get any better. I was wrong. I initially thought that the 'Court of Owls' was a tried and tested plot device that should have been put to rest by now. I was wrong. I thought that monkeys would one day rule the earth. Hmmm... you'll never know - might happen - lets wait and see, shall we?

Marks out of 10? 9.5