REVIEW: On peace in times of war in ‘Batman #29′
Gotham City is on the brink of ruin as The Joker and The Riddler take their war into a whole new level. While recovering from the city-wide destruction caused by Deadshot and Deathstroke, Bruce Wayne, Gotham’s White Knight, invited the two camps to mediate the them over a nine-course traditional French dinner. BATMAN #29 finally […]
Gotham City is on the brink of ruin as The Joker and The Riddler take their war into a whole new level. While recovering from the city-wide destruction caused by Deadshot and Deathstroke, Bruce Wayne, Gotham’s White Knight, invited the two camps to mediate the them over a nine-course traditional French dinner.
BATMAN #29 finally highlighted each camp’s purpose for war. However, it is nonetheless inconsistent with Batman canon. In this issue, Bruce Wayne offers a solution to both camps on how the war should end. The destruction of Gotham City has constrained Bruce Wayne to give a billion dollar to any of the two who can provide a compelling reason on why he should be the one to kill the Bat. Good premise, but there are minor details in this book that didn’t sit well with me. But don’t get me wrong, it is still a good story, I just think that they could have done it a little better.
Not to mention, I didn’t like how Batman #29 ended. There are times when cliffhangers are used to make a buzz about the book. In this case, I don’t think it was effective. The ending felt dry and weak. Despite all of those, I am still positive that The War of Jokes and Riddles will be a great story arc. One bad issue does not define the whole story. It might serve as a prelude to the turning point of the war, but on its own, there is definitely lacking in this issue.
Review by Paolo Ollero, co-founder of The Dark Knight Philippines, the premier Batman group in the country.
