BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - SUNSET #1 (DC COMICS)
In the game of power, there is no lengths some will go to keep it.
Pamela Isley’s time as Mayor has crashed and burned in the public eye. Commissioner Vandal Savage has played his part in the troubles. Knowing that her time is running out, Isley does the unthinkable. She unleashes a biotical attack which will destroy the city and all in its’ path.
Savage is ready to stop this by any means necessary, no matter how many lives could be lost. Batman and his allies are now in a race against time to stop this before the city os lost forever!
BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - SUNSET #1 by Matt Fraction, G. Willow Wilson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cliff Rathburn, Tomeu Morey & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS) kicks off a major event in the Bat-Universe.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the opening round.
BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - SUNSET #1 by Matt Fraction, G. Willow Wilson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cliff Rathburn, Tomeu Morey & Clayton Cowles (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Fraction and Wilson stage the conflict with the political backdrop looming overhead. The opening pages show a calm Gotham get upstaged quick. Isley’s dealing come with malicious intent. Knowing how her grasp of power is slipping, the writing shows how her interest spare little regard for anyone else. It becomes a catalyst for Savage’s vested hunger for power. both show no give as they begin to execute their plans. This leaves the Bat Family to become involved, albeit a step behind.
Each key player gets their own intro into Isley’s plant based attack. It all comes together when the city goes dark. The tension becomes larger once Batman enters the scene. Readers get the full breakdown of Isley’s mad scheme. It ushers the family into action with some solid lines between Bruce and Damian. Isley’s monologue while the darkness takes over is chilling in delivery. Anyone who thought public service changed her ways is sadly mistaken. This leads Batman into action with an unlikely ally. Their dialogue is unique but adds more depth to the troubling times. This brings about the closing pages with a dire situation to leave readers at before bowing out. A great set-up for what’s to come.
MORE BATMAN!
Camuncoli and the art team start with a close look at Gotham on the verge of exploding. Isley’s meeting with the Parliament of Trees make a loud statement. It’s matched by Savage’s proclamation to his troops via full shot. The split page of both declaring their intentions lights the fuse for Isley’s attack. An amazing before and after two page spreads of Gotham City paints a vivid picture of what’s going to unfold. The personal looks at the attack starting add more fear into the event all before the main star arrives.
An impressive full page of Batman in the skyline sets defensive plans in motion. Readers watch as the Bat Family goes into action. This allows for a quick break for Bruce and Damian to finalize their plans. It’s brief but solid in breaking up the dreadful aura. Batman’s underground search leads into some bold action panels. His fight carries a great intensity to it while struggling to get above water. It ends with a surprise assist. Their interaction offsets Isley’s cold persona knowing what coming. This concludes with a wild final page that perfectly shows how fast hope has fallen. Very solid work overall.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Pamela Isley’s attack on Gotham City instills fear and uncertainty in the streets with an excellent lead-in. Fraction and Wilson craft a terrifying look at the struggle for power. Camuncoli and the art team deliver a highly emotional look at the desperate attempts to survive. Gotham City may never be the same after this story!
Let me know your thoughts on BATMAN: BAD SEEDS - SUNSET #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
