DC Comics reviews for 7/18/18

Batman #51

I’m really hoping a lot of readers upset about the spoilers of Batman #50 didn’t give up on the title. If so they missed out on one of the stronger opening acts to a new arc writer Tom King has crafted.

Mr. Freeze is on trial for killing three women. Commissioner Gordon thinks he’s guilty. So does Harvey Bullock. The trial looks like a slam dunk. So why is Bruce Wayne part of the jury? King doesn’t spend a lot of time focusing on Batman’s state of mind following the aborted wedding with Catwoman. There’s a comfort level King has with the material now so he makes sensible decisions without having to do extended setups. That includes how Batman functions when Bruce Wayne’s personal life is in shambles.

Lee Weeks reunites with King on this arc. Weeks is a classic artist with minimal flair and an ever present sense of telling a captivating story through the artwork. While this might not be the flashiest issue of this run, Weeks provides exactly the kind of art that’s needed at this particular point in the story.

This issue features some really strong character work and is undeniably some of King’s best dialogue so far. As much fun as the action sequences are, King really strives when he gets inside Batman’s head. This looks to be another of those highly satisfying mind trips. This is the kind of tightly focused story King needed after the emotional gut punch from last issue.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10