Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Rubber Soul
Written by: Scott Beatty
Penciled by: Toby Cypress
Inked by: Toby Cypress
Colored by: Noelle Giddings
Lettered by: Janice Chiang
Editor: Matt Idelson
Publisher: DC Comics
Scott Beatty’s recent issues of BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS have seen the Dark Knight battle the clandestine organization Checkmate as well as fight alongside former arch nemesis Bane. The tales were impressive and Roger Robinson’s art was quite good. I only wonder what happened this issue!
Ralph Dibny (the Elongated Man) is in Gotham for his wife Sue’s book signing. Batman, disguised as Matches Malone, contacts Ralph to aid him concerning a mysterious new drug that’s causing horrible side effects very similar to Ralph’s elongation powers. The problem is that, unlike Ralph, the effected don’t quite snap back into place.
It’s fun to watch Batman disguised as Malone for most of the issue, especially the scene where Matches consulted Ralph over dinner. Seeing the mighty Batman, albeit in disguise, gorging himself like a pig is unforgettable. Another impressively plotted moment is when Sue, who is a mystery writer, one-ups the world’s greatest detective, helping to solve the case. Yet the story is nothing more than a fill in tale, in place to bridge the gap to the next important story. The biggest disappointment is the failure to progress the plotline following a desperately ill Alfred beyond one quick page at the end.
Actually the biggest disappointment of the issue wasn’t the previously mentioned failure, but instead the lackluster artwork. I don’t know if Toby Cypress’ intention was to make the people in this tale of drugs look like 1960’s beatniks, but in any case it didn’t work. Not being artistic I do hate to be critical of art, but this work didn’t work for me at all. In fact I’ve never seen the Elongated Man drawn so poorly. If only Ryan Sook, who drew the Black and White backup tale, could have drawn the feature as well.
I was surprised at the utter mediocrity of the issue. If not for some interesting plot moments this book would have scored even worse. Hopefully incoming artist Dave Ross’s pencils will blend well with Beatty’s words in upcoming issues. All of the Batman books have been so good lately, maybe I’m just spoiled but I thought this issue could be better.
