Can we have a Bat Lash mini?

Good lord how amazing was the back up? I’m just gonna go right into this review by talking about the second story. We’ve seen Bat Lash before when it comes to Hex, and he has been a recurring character for Palmiotti and Gray’s series. For the first time though I really would love to see a full issue just on him. This back up, while mainly an origin story, was a blast to read from beginning to end. They write him as a fun loving, but cocky as hell gambler who loves to sleep with women as he does his own looks. What made this back up work even more for me was Jose Luis Garcia Lopez’s art. If you don’t know, Lopez is a legendary artist who has done a variety of work for DC since the 70s. His style is kid of a mix between George Perez (fully detailed panels) and Dave Gibbons (great character designs and layouts). When you witness a brawl, it looks like a brawl. When you see the smile on Bat Lash’s face, you know he’s enjoying every second of his situation. Also, the colors by Patricia Mulvihill are vibrant and bring a lot of energy to these pages. There have been a variety of back ups for this series and they’ve been wonky on the enjoyment factor. This is the first time I can say that I absolutely loved a back up for this series and I want more of this.

The actual story itself? I quite enjoyed it even though the boys, once again, fiddle with what they’ve worked on previously. Tallulah Black is back into Hex’s life and the way they write their relationship feels different here. There has been a romantic side to their ‘friendship’ but here it feels a bit more…upbeat? They actually seem to enjoy their company so it will be interesting to see how far into their relationship this is in regards to the previous stories. (This is one of the few DC 52 books where the old continuity still applies.) We’re getting more of the Court of Owls into this series and I still think their inclusion is a bit clunky. I see no reason for them being here other then sales and that’s never a good thing for a comic. Although I did like the touch of Arkham’s Mother, a big factor in Morrison’s ‘Arkham Asylum’ is around. The art by Moritat is just as good as always. It must have been tough to draw Tallulah with all those scars but still make her look attractive. It kinda doesn’t work if I’m honest, and it looks more like mistakes then actual scars drawn on her face. But everything else about the book looks fantastic as always.

Maybe down the line we can get more Bat Lash? I know I’ve gushed over this back up but it is downright fantastic to read and gush over the art. The actual issue in this is pretty good and definitely a step up over last month’s issue. Every time I think I am completely off this book; Palmiotti, Gray, and Moritat deliver a great issue to bring me right back in. Hey it’s like a drug but….at least it’s better then heroin.