Comic Review: BATMAN #3
Writer Scott Snyder and penciler Greg Capullo go blow me away again for a third time in a row.
Book: Batman #3
Written By: Scott Snyder
Pencils By: Greg Capullo
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99
Pages: 32
Release Date: OUT NOW IN STORES & DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (VIA COMIXOLOGY)
Just when I thought best book from DCs New 52 couldnt be topped, writer Scott Snyder and penciler Greg Capullo go and drop #3 on my lap to blow me away again for a third time in a row.
This issue picks up two days after the conclusion of #2 where Bruce survived an assassination attempt by TheCourtofOwls at the top of Wayne Tower. Bruce, more determined than ever plans to finally uncover the secret of The Court of Owls, a force that seems to be looking over his shoulder at every turn.
After the fast paced opening brawl between Batman and Gothams Underground Whisper Gang, #3 thankfully slows the storys momentum down to a crawl, allowing its characters to pick up the pieces from previous issues, plan their next move and drastically further the plot in the process. Ironically the plots overall story has made double the developments at half the speed of previous issues.
The way in which Scott Snyder has connected the minutest elements of our Owl shaped antagonist to his animal counterpart is the highlight of this issue for me. Small details such as how an Owl picks its nest are inserted directly into the workings of this society and play a huge part in continuing the books story. The sheer strength of The Court is quite foreboding throughout this arc, no matter how close Bruce gets to discovering the truth, by the issues end we are reminded just how powerful TheCourt is and how easily it is for them to bring The Dark Knight to his knees once again.
One of my favorite parts of this issue is where Batman first discovers the Owls nest. Snyder takes a step back for the books last six pages and gives Greg Capullo full reigns of the last few scenes. Capullos use of pacing from panel to panel sucks you into this newly discovered world to such a high level that Ive lost count of how many times Ive re-read those last few scenes this afternoon alone. Capullo and Snyders overall art direction should be noted their use of extreme close up shots of a characters iris (or even through an empty cowl) helps emphasize the idea of an unknown threat watching over us all. Its a very subtle visual direction but one that has a giant impact.
Theres only so much I can say about this fantastic book without giving away every nook and cranny of the story. The storys scope stretches out to over 120 years of Gothams history and I cant imagine how many man hours the creative team have put into plotting out this historical tapestry in this book. Every new piece of the puzzle we discover brings a huge weight to the story and a sense of sheer glee for the reader. Go out, by this book, read it. Now.
rating: 5
