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dc comics 8/21/19
Comic Book

DC Comics reviews 8/21/19 – Batman #77, Superman Year One #2

Jeffrey Lyles , , , ,

Batman #77

batman #77

Tom King pulls off something huge this issue that if it stands and isn’t a fake out will definitely change the status quo for Batman in a huge way. If that is the case, and it’s a big if at this point, I’m a little surprised King didn’t tackle the fall out from this big twist as it easily could have propelled his Batman run to 100 issues. On the other hand, part me of is wondering if this action won’t be the most controversial thing King has ever done eclipsing even the aborted Batman and Catwoman wedding.

 

 

[SPOILERS TO FOLLOW]

 

 

 

Mikel Janin draws the major subplot, which is fitting since he’s been the artist for most of the series’ big moments. Damian Wayne has had enough of Bane’s rule of Gotham and decides to take matters in his own hands regardless of the rogues now under his control or the evil Thomas Wayne Batman and Gotham Girl serving as its protectors. Bane also set up a serious repercussion if any of the Bat Family came to Gotham. That threat has been sufficient enough to keep everyone away, but Robin’s patience has worn out.

At the time it seemed like KGBeast shooting Nightwing was going to provide some tough moments for Batman, but it’s interesting seeing how Nightwing’s absence has had on the Bat Family. He’s the missing stabilizing force for the Bat Family and possibly could have stopped this City of Bane either from happening or becoming this full blown nightmare. With the Bat Family scattered and on their own, bad things can happen.

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In the other subplot drawn by Tony S. Daniel, Bruce Wayne is gathering his strength back and planning for his rematch with Bane and Thomas even if it kills him. Good thing Catwoman has other plans that will keep both of them alive. This isn’t nearly as exciting as watching Robin outsmart Gotham Girl and confront Flashpoint Batman.

But the issue’s big shocker occurs when Bane actually makes good on his threat and snaps Alfred’s neck! That’s a bigger than this one Batman title and should have huge repercussions with Bruce and Damian’s relationship, Robin’s role in Alfred’s death and Batman losing his grounding force. It would easily be the biggest death in the DC Universe since killing off Superman. There’s so many directions the Batman pocket of books could go without Alfred, but City of Bane has felt so self-contained as it’s not even referenced in Detective Comics, Teen Titans, Batgirl or Batman & The Outsiders that it seems weird to have something this major occur and the other Bat books so out of sync right now.

It’s going to be another big controversy for DC and the Bat books, but at least it will generate all kinds of buzz and likely sell a slew of copies. As for grading this one? It’s hard because so much will depend on the next issue and possibly the one after that to see how King follows it up. That’s going to be key here. Based solely on this issue, King demands readers pick up issue #78 to see how The City of Bane’s next chapter plays out.

Rating: 9 out of 10

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