Reading this issue of Batman is bittersweet for me. I only started reading comics about two years ago, and it was Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo that introduced me to a different kind of Batman; a more rugged Batman. They were the first to present me with a comic series that spoke right to my heart as a fan of the character, and as a fan of comics in general. Its crazy to think that Snyder/Capullo worked on Batman for nearly five years. The work they did in that amount of time is not only historic, but one that will remain in the minds of Batman fans, like myself, for the rest of our lives.
Issue #51 is a breakthrough issue for the team, and each panel does a different job that ultimately meshes together to make a wonderful closing chapter."Batman has battled everything from the Court of Owls to Mr. Bloom to the joker, but how does he handle a quiet night in Gotham City...?" The synopsis for this issue is not only a wonderful foretelling of whats found in the issue, but an excellent way to allow fans the benefit of seeing Gotham differently. There are moments throughout the book that really speaks to the heart of who Bruce Wayne is, and just how essential he and Alfred' relationship is, and has been. The contrast from the opening panel to the very last in the book tells a story in itself and closes out the series not as open ended, but rather, just.
Looking more in depth at this issue, I would first mention another stellar job done by Greg Capullo. There are panels in this issue that couldn't be glossed over. I found myself looking more in depth at the line work and ideas Capullo brought to the issue. His Batman still has one of the best looks in recent memory, and of course his Bruce Wayne is still one of my favorites. I can't forget to mention that we get to see a new Batmobile in this issue, and that alone is worth the price of admission. Capullo also continues to bring new ideas to older versions of Batman' trinkets. In terms of writing, Snyder is in top form here. He doesn't say a whole lot in this issue, but when he does the words in the panels mean something and hold real weight to them. One specific panel towards the end of the book shows Batman hanging from a roof, and the words he included over the art are powerful and is a culmination of the narrative he strung together throughout the book. In many ways its as if Batman is speaking directly to the heart of the reader. Bravo Snyder!
There's a lot that I could say about issue #51, and honestly if I say anymore it would be doing a disservice to you, the reader. It would open the door to spoiler territory. If you've been reading Batman up to this point then its a no brainier for you to pick this issue up. This issue closes out a well told story and does so without leaving too much for the imagination. I'm positive I'll find myself reading it more and more as time passes and reflecting on just how much this Batman run means to me. As I look at the future of Batman, Rebirth promises to bring with it some interesting and different takes on the character. I have full confidence that Tom King can take the series from Snyder and do different, but amazing things. We also cant forget about All-Star Batman either. Snyder promises the story-line will be unlike anything he's done previous and that gets me excited!
If you're interesting in Reading Batman #51, or maybe you need to catch up, check out a Fantasy Books Inc. location near you, and be sure to browse our website for the latest happenings in our stores. I hope to see you at the shop soon! Enjoy this issue, seriously, its brilliant!
Typically I shy away from anything that deals with Mental Institutions, for some reason, one in which I can't explain, the idea of them are troubling and terrifying to me. Naturally when others at the shop recommended Moon Knight #1, and then further explained the plot, I wrote it off immediately. Fast forward a week later I found myself sitting in my living room staring at the cover of Moon Knight #1. I was apprehensive to open it, and to be quite honest I almost didn't. The deciding factor for me was the fact that one of my favorite writers was involved with the series. Jeff Lemire has consistently been on of my favorite writers for quite some time. I'll never forget the opening and closing moments of The Underwater Welder, and remembering the goosebumps it gave me. It was my hope going in to Moon Knight #1 that it would offer that same type of feeling, and it did.
Moon Knight #1 on a pure aesthetic stand point is not only interesting, but also invokes some terrifying ideas. What if everything you knew, or thought you knew, was actually all created in your mind? That is a question I hope never comes to fruition in my own life. The artwork gave me goosebumps and allowed me to invest into each moment throughout the entirety of the book. The washed out colors and almost busy panel distribution benefited the story and fit in the whole idea of losing ones mind. In terms of writing Lemire does a great job of crafting, and weaving character personalities in and out of each page. This would often lead to a single page cliffhanger. There are a few characters in this book that I came to hate very quickly, even though the situation they are in is one of pure darkness. At times Lemire writes Moon Knight as if we are supposed to be on his side and not the institution in which he lives. For me, that was interesting. I want to believe that our main character isn't actually crazy, but who really knows! Time will tell, and I can see a major character change happening before all is said and done. Lemire allows the narrative to breathe a bit at certain points in the book. There is a lot going on in this issue, and for someone like me that has no prior history with the character I was able to follow along easily and understand the backstory behind it all. Rarely do I find myself so invested in the pages of a comic book. I have un-diagnosed ADHD, and sometimes it can distract me from what I'm reading, but with Moon Knight #1 I found myself engrossed to the very end. Lemire has a way of doing that in his books, and this book was no different.
Overall, Moon Knight #1 is an instant classic for me. Through this book I was able to discover an awesome character with a backstory unlike any other. I can't wait to see how he gets involved with other characters in the Marvel Universe. Hopefully this five issue run will sell well and Marvel will continue to allow Moon Knight to be involved.
If you're interested in reading Moon Knight #1, or maybe your interested in reading about his past adventures, check out your nearest Fantasy Books Inc. location. This issue was a definite surprise for me and now I find myself anxiously awaiting the next issue. I hope to see you at the shop soon! Take a chance on this issue, I think you'll find yourself starting a pull.