Reviewed by: Mathan “Id†Erhardt
Story Title: N/A
Written, Penciled, Inked, Colored by Darwyn Cooke
Lettered by: Jonathan Babcock
Editor: Mark Chiarello
Publisher: DC Comics
Since the next issue of Darwyn Cooke’s excellent miniseries DC: The New Frontier is due out this week I decided to review one of his earlier equally excellent works.
The story begins with an early in his career Batman wrapping up the latest case with involving the Joker. While he’s waiting to pounce on his prey, he is overcome by the realization that he may be fighting a losing battle. When his prey arrives he regains his composure and returns to character.
His prey is Buster Snibbs, a member of The Jokers gang. Previously Batman coerced Buster to reveal the Joker’s plans. But Buster had made off with the loot. Finally Buster arrives on the bridge out of town. He gets out of his car and prepares to jump. Batman leaps to action and saves his life.
When Batman confronts Buster, he pulls a gun. Then Buster reveals that the Joker knows that he sold him out. The Joker sent word to Buster that he planned to pay a visit to Buster’s wife and daughter. Rather than put them through that Buster killed his family. After saying that Buster puts the gun to his head and kills himself.
Bruce returns to the Batcave and confesses the evening to his deceased parents. Then he resolves to retire the cape and cowl.
At this point he encounters a physical manifestation of his alter ego; Batman. Batman takes Bruce on a journey though the past. They visit a Christmas day, when a young Bruce Wayne first encountered death. They debate the nature of Robin. Batman even tries to convince Bruce to kill the Joker.
The Batman aspect tries to convince Bruce to follow Harvey Dent’s example and split Batman/Bruce into two entities. Bruce entertains the thought for a moment but realizes that Batman demands justice, and intends to kill. Bruce won’t allow that, so Batman offers a solution; kill Batman. Bruce concedes that killing Batman amounts to suicide. They compromise to coexist. The book ends with Bruce donning the cape and cowl to continue his crusade.
Art wise this book is flawless. Toth’s influence on Cook’s work is apparent. His lines are so clear. The art looks deceptively simple, yet magnificently detailed as well. One would be hard pressed to single out one image that stands above the others. Every panel is equally deserving of your attention. It is also apparent that this is a labor of love.
Writing wise Cooke does a masterful job with the script. Batman and Bruce read as two different people, as they should. The debate is well written, as is the moment when Bruce comes to the realization that he needs Batman. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a portrayal of Batman that rings truer than the one that appears here.
