BATMAN #6 (DC COMICS)
A slip of the tongue might have taken out the Dark Knight.
While surviving The Ōjō, Bruce Wayne and Dr. Annika Zeller’s “date night” took an even more dangerous turn. Damian Wayne swooped in for the save & made a critical error. The masked vigilante referred to “Father” in public. This announcement didn’t slip past Zeller. Wayne’s other life has now been exposed?!
BATMAN #6 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) throws the Dark Knight into a nightmare scenario.
Let’s take a closer look at how this problem was dealt with.
BATMAN #6 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Fraction opens the chapter up with a comical reaction to what just happened. The banter between Wayne and Zeller covers much of the absurdity of the superhero life. This spins into a tough parenting moment between Damian and Dad. The tension and frustration is very potent in Bruce’s response. This mood carries to the crime lords involved with Minotaur’s actions. Readers easily see how the families don’t handle the message too well. One in particular is ready to defy all for making a statement.
Adding Hugo Strange into the mix continues Fraction’s deep dive into one and done’s for the rogues. The result is a fun monster fight that readers should enjoy. The lean into the gadget aspect of Batman is very strong for the combat. There are a few moments that jump out before the combat is abruptly ended. This allows for the strongest piece of the chapter to shine. Tim Drake’s choice is an emotional one that the audience can feel the weight. The initial shock sends ripples through the finish of the book. Had it not be for the wild epilogue, it would have a perfect finish. Adding Zeller’s “buddy” into this part fits greatly but falls short of the big exclamation point post Drake’s move. A very good issue never the less.
Jiménez & Morey begin with a simplistic panel structure to address Zeller’s reaction. The eight panel set-up adds to the awkward reactions transpiring. There’s nothing to question in Bruce’s response to Damian’s downplaying. A half panel knockout of a punching bag drills that point home. This anger moves to Gotham’s crime families. The art reflects their brooding while accepting what has happened. Once the story shifts to the main villain of the chapter, pacing helps to elevate the building drama.
After a solid build, the fight begins via a full page image of Batman in action. The art team delivers on Bats finally letting loose on the building rage of the issue. His fight with the monsters holds little back. It’s a bit more ruthless than some may expected, but needed for the story. Jiménez & Morey switch gears to a more powerful piece of the overall picture. Tim Drake’s tearful choice hits on every level. The range of reactions fits as the bittersweet hug can’t help but hit readers hard. The epilogue with Zeller is presented very strongly. Balancing the panels with the dark screens works for the conversation being had. The full page image is one that people will talk about, but after Drake’s move, it feels overshadowed.
FINAL GRADE: 9
A monstrous threat pushes Batman into action while his family is dealt a serious blow in this latest chapter. Fraction’s writing walks a fine line between the action and gravity of choices made. Jiménez & Morey’s artwork continues its’ spectacular images each page. This run of Batman is carving its’ own legacy not to be missed.
Let me know your thoughts on Batman #6 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
