DC Comics reviews 8/8/22 – DCeased War of Undead Gods #1

I Am Batman #12

With Jace Fox spending less time running from the identity he assumed, I Am Batman has become a better title. Bringing Renee Montoya to the fold as both the potential new police commissioner and an ally for Jace as The Question, the book seems like it’s on the right path.

Writer John C. Ridley spent some focused time on Renee on his Other History of The DC Universe mini-series so it’s nice to see him revisiting her. And there’s a nice symmetry of two new heroes adapting identities of other established heroes.

This was a low action focused issue as Ridley spent more time developing the Batman/Question dynamic. Their banter flows easily and have the makings of a strong partnership. And their investigation into local activists, police corruption and the death of Anarky played out like smart social commentary instead of low-hanging fruit for a certain demographic that likes to cry ‘woke’ at every opportunity.

Ridley also spent more time on other members of the Fox family specifically Jace’s youngest sister, Tiff. It seems like Ridley is testing the waters of having Tiff be the Robin to Jace’s Batman. Some of Tiff’s dialogue sounds too mature for a child, but that’s the biggest hiccup with the issue.

Christian Duce’s art continues to be reliably consistent. Without much action, Duce couldn’t really cut loose, but he continues to improve on facial expressions in these dialogue heavy issues. Rex Lokus’ color work makes for a tight contrast to the darker Gotham backdrops. It’s not always sunshine in New York, but it’s also not the bleakest location either.

I Am Batman keeps evolving in a strong manner as Ridley explores his title character, expands his supporting cast and approaches modern-day issues in a meaningful way.

Rating: 9 out of 10