As goes with the most recent Batman book, I didn't like this one as much as Detective and B&R. I agree that continuity shouldn't trump a solid story, but I would have liked to see a little tension maintained between Dick and Damian, as it is in the other titles featuring them. Also, Nguyen's art is irritatingly simple at times, but that just matters on the mood I'm in when I see it. I have liked it in the past, but the art in this issue, for whatever reason, seemed a little sub par.
With those minor complaints out of the way, the Elliot twist at the end was awesome. He's apparently planning on bankrupting the Wayne Estate. He's sadistic, cruel, and vengeful and it's delicious. He's one of my favorite villians in the Batman mythos and it's pretty freakin' sweet to see him with the appearance of Bruce Wayne. It's a slap in the face to everyone that loves him and that's what makes it brilliant.
The back-up story, in many ways, eclipsed the regular story. Manhunter is seeking out a sociopath that has tremendous potential as an adversary. I really did like this Jeanty fellow. I'm not familiar with his work, but it seemed to definitely have the gritty noir feel to it.
Story: 4 - Very Good
Art: 2 - Average
The only thing I didn't like is the fact that I have to wait until next month to read the next part.
Posted by robbydzwonar on 07/18/09 at 03:45 PM