DC Comics 11/2/21 – Batman #116, Dark Knights of Steel #1
Batman #116
James Tynion IV is nearing the end of his Batman run and this issue he gives Batman more of the spotlight instead of the new characters he’s added to the mythos. This issue showed some of the problem with that approach as it feels like Batman is doing the same things he’s been doing since the Unsanity Collective arrived in Gotham — desperately trying to play catch up to all the new movers and shakers in Gotham. It doesn’t feel like Scarecrow should provide this significant of a threat either.
Then there’s Master Wyze, Poison Ivy, Miracle Molly, Harley Quinn, etc. as they navigate against the Magistrate. Simon Saint’s role in Fear State feels far less consequential now and it’s still tough to actually gauge the impact of the Magistrate and what they’re doing since Scarecrow is so focused on Peacekeeper-01.
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Jorge Jimenez’s art is just as lively and over the top as ever creating a more spectacular looking issue to cover up for a story that’s overstayed its welcome. Tomeu Morey’s wonderful color work also adds to the enthralling mood.
This is Tynion’s penultimate edition of Batman as he wraps Fear State. It’s ironic that his run is ending in the same way as Tom King’s, which had many readers eager for it to reach its conclusion. Hopefully, Tynion can somehow turn this arc around with a memorable finale.
Rating: 6 out of 10