Book: Batman TheDark Knight #9Written By: Judd WinickPencils By: David FinchPublisher: DC ComicsRelease Date: OUT NOW IN STORES & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (VIA COMIXOLOGY)
rating: 3.5
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Given that the last Dark Knight issue felt a little loose, despite the cool Arkham setting, this Night of the Owls chapter actually feels of worth. Following a single Owl assassin we begin with his death (or indeed one of a couple) and hop back in time to see his history. Theres a wonderful tie in to Dick Grayson that weaves this whole Court of Owls into Batman mythology once again and its great to hear an Owls point of view on Batman and how his presence in Gotham did actually have an effect on this organisation thats been living behind the scenes. I mean come on, who doesn't love those moments that sell The Bat as something to put the fear into baddies? Anyway, this issue pretty much hovers around the one location (Lincoln March's office) and while there is the usual unstoppable assassin fight between Batman and this Owl its short, sharp, very much told from the Owls POV and a nice celebration of Batmans image to his foes. There's one downer her. The comic's cover should be ignored because those expecting Tim Drake to have his own tussle with an Owl will be disappointed (he literally shows up for one frame). Essentially this issue sets up bigger things to come. Dont get me wrong its a strong story in itself and sets up an Owl assassin to become something more than simply this weeks challenge but by the time the end of this issue rolls around theres a sense that this is the last turn of the Night of the Owls wheel before the point of the crossover event comes to a head. Everyones in place, we seem to finally be over the Gothamites attacks and now Batman and his Robins are looking forward to taking the fight to The Court it seems.