BATMAN #8 (DC COMICS)
Gotham City no longer belongs to the Dark Knight.
Vandal Savage has made it his brutal kingdom. Since assuming control as the GCPD Commissioner, he has unleashed a wave of terror onto Batman. Wayne Manor is his new home. Any allies of Batman are considered targets. With pressure mounting, Batman does something rarely seen.
He’s asking for advice. Luckily, the one who he’s asking in no stranger to the immortal psychopath.
BATMAN #8 by Matt Fraction, Ryan Sook, Tomeu Morey, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) sees an emerald intervention coming to Bruce Wayne.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand now.
BATMAN #8 by Matt Fraction, Ryan Sook, Tomeu Morey, & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Fraction pieces this issue through three perspectives. The first being Jack Dean. Dean is helping Hudson Gray who has video proof of Savage framing Batman for a police murder. Savage is next with his interaction with Gotham’s new mayor: Pamela Isley. Last but not least is Green Lantern Alan Scott. Fraction stages this with all three stories running parallel in the opening pages. It’s a great technique before moving the stories into their own confined spaces.
Scott’s conversation with Batman will have most of the reader’s attention as this shows a new side to Brue Wayne. Their casual confrontation exposes his doubts of defeating Savage. The writing opens him up to asking for help. Scott’s response is reminiscent to one Alfred Pennyworth. It is tough love which re-energizes Batman. This is key to competing with Savage’s latest move. His talk with Isley is one of slick promises and underlying deals. Politics 101. Dean and Grey’s take is one that captures the citizens of Gotham’s view. The dialogue of bravery hits readers with much force. This all combines to a strong finishing point. The last page holds nothing back onto where things go from here. It’s an impactful presentation that won’t fade away soon.
Sook steps in with Morey for the next few issues. The opening split panels center on the eyes of the main players. It peeks inside some souls for readers to hone in on their actions. Each main lead gets an ample amount of page time to move their plots forward. The structure is key to intertwine their effects. Readers watch as this goes on until one steps away to take the lead. It moves to a more calm meeting over some cups of coffee with stronger advice.
The diner dialogue shows Batman accepting he needs help. His expressions are more human than robotic in these panels. Readers normally see him very emotionless. Their time goes through a few different looks. Scott’s confident talk breaks the mood to a more reflective state. The same can be said for Isley and Savage. A great two-page spread showcases Savage’s recollection of his past and future. This seems accepted by Isley, who never breaks her stance. Her bill signing gets a noteworthy half panel image. Dean and Grey showcase the strengths used to resist Savage’s intimidation. A near full page shows the range of his action in clear presentation. Nothing takes away from the closing page. The full image doesn’t hold back on the state of affairs. Brace for the storm coming.
FINAL GRADE: 9
Batman’s struggles with Vandal Savage lead him to an intervention but is it too late? Fraction pens a superb look at the current state of Gotham with his writing. Sook and Morey throw varying looks into play as Gotham City is heading into deep water. This series continues to redefine the world of the Dark Knight!
Let me know your thoughts on Batman #8 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
