DC Comics reviews for the week of 7/19/17

Batman #27

The War of Jokes and Riddles spotlight shifts away from The Joker and The Riddler to focus on Charles Brown. No, not the blockhead. The one who’s been a constant presence in writer Tom King’s run — Kite Man.

King has a clear affinity for Kite Man, one of the lovable losers in Batman’s Rogue Gallery. This issue takes the unpredictable turn of seeing Brown become an asset in the war and what ultimately led him to become a not so super villain.

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There’s just something absurd about Joker and Riddler needing Kite Man for anything and not killing him outright. King has portrayed Joker and Riddler so unhinged that every time he opens his mouth it seems like Brown is a second away from getting stabbed, shot or otherwise gruesomely killed. A hallmark of this story is how Joker and Riddler seemingly go out of their way to add to their body count.

An interesting dialogue begins on Gotham TV with talking heads debating that the war is so costly Gotham needs to pick a side to limit the casualties. One leads to Brown choosing a side.

King has crafted a ton of memorable Batman moments already, but the final page this issue might be my favorite. It works in the context of the story, but does so much in revealing Brown’s daredevil nothing to lose mentality. King does a tremendous job of making Kite Man interesting and sympathetic, but incredibly likable.

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Clay Mann handles the art this issue. Mann was a smart choice as his style is very complimentary to Mikel Janin. Mann almost manages to make Joker just as creepy and intimidating as Janin. Livesay’s colors fit the lighter tone of the story nicely.

Continuing the theme of the arc, Batman has a limited role this issue. I’m enjoying how King is making Batman a supporting character to tell more of a villain focused arc. Besides, when Kite-Man gets the spotlight, even Batman can take a back seat.

Rating: 10 out of 10