Batman Arkham City remains one of the biggest surprises in comics. For three issues I’ve expected this story to fall apart but, much to Paul Dini’s credit, it has consistently delivered fun issues from a ludicrous concept.

Set as a mini-series that fills in the gap between two video games, I fully expected this book to fail. But DC was smart putting it in the hands of a capable writer. Dini keeps this issue moving at a crisp pace and has set up an interesting dynamic within the walls of Arkham City. We get to see the principle power houses taking shape for control of Arkham City through the eyes of a job-seeking street thug named Lester Kurtz. We also get more insight into who is really pulling the main strings. It’s a fun, well structured story that serves as a good alternate fix for Batman fans.

Carlos D’Anda’s art has steadily grown on me. Each issue seems to be tighter and more polished than the previous one. While at times it can have a “cartoony” look, overall it’s a great fit for the story and it only seems to get better as the story progresses. It’s not going to appeal to everyone but I enjoyed it.

This is a series that many people will pass on simply due to it’s video game connection. But that would be a loss for them. Dini has maintained a story of high quality and D’Anda’s art only gets better. In the back of my mind I still can’t shake the thoughts of how preposterous the whole idea is, but to the creative team’s credit they’ve still managed to keep me interested. I’m onboard until the end.