DC comics reviews for 4/17/19

Batman #69

Knightmares is over. We made it. The arc that seemed like it would never end has finally reached its conclusion. Was writer Tom King able to pull it off with an ending that pulls it all together? No, but at least this issue felt like it had some direction — the first in a long time for the series.

Batman has figured out a solution to escaping the Knightmares, but first he has to have one final conversation with Knightmare Selina. King largely avoids the flowery double talk that’s made this arc so aggravating and keeps the conversation straight forward. It’s more than we’ve gotten in several issues of Knightmares and is a welcome change.

But the more entertaining aspect of this issue is watching Thomas Wayne and Bane spar. King seems to be positioning them as the main architects of Batman’s string of challenges. We know Bane is going to be prominently featured in The City of Bane arc, but after this issue, I hope he’s the last sub-boss and King saves Flashpoint Batman as the final boss. I like how King writes Thomas Wayne as a Batman who does whatever it takes to win.

For some reason Bane really enjoys running around naked under King’s watch. This is an odd trait that would seem just as weird if Selina were in her birthday suit practicing heists.

King partners with artist Yanick Paquette for this issue. Paquette is a strong storyteller even if he’s not the flashiest artist. There’s something to be said for captivating layouts and a creative approach to each page. King conjures up some interesting scenarios and Paquette brings them to life in stunning fashion right down to a stroll down memory lane of Catwoman costumes. Nathan Fairbairn’s colors are nicely done here as well particularly in the dreamy final haze of the Knightmare sequences.

Ultimately, Knightmares never managed to avoid feeling like a massive stalling tactic. Fortunately this issue looks to get the book back on track as King seems ready to get the story rolling again. Barring another prolonged time-killing arc like this one, Batman is about to get interesting again.

Rating: 8 out of 10