It’s been a long goddamn time since this series had a new issue. I know with the unfortunately tragedy in Colorado that the third issue was pushed back. But it feels like with this issue there was some delay in terms of the creative process. I have no idea if there were any delays of that variety but considering this series history it would be surprising.

I’m surprised on how indifferent I was with Chris Burnham’s art this go around. It wasn’t bad, god no I would never say that, but it just felt…off. I think it has something to do with Nathan Fairbairn’s colors. Because a lot of these pages looked fuzzy to me. Now if it’s fire I understand it could be an effect. But most of the panels had this slight fuzziness to it and it took me away from the issue. Burnham’s pencils sure are pretty though. If there’s anyone that can handle violence it is Burnham. (I just read OFFICER DOWNE and good lord that is Burnham unhinged.) I will never get old of see these Batman INC members just beat the holy hell out of the bad guys and I hope that Burnham never does either.

For once a Morrison issue doesn’t have any weird symbolism or monologue to keep the issue bogged down. This is a straight up action issue and it feels very fresh considering what we’ve gotten earlier. If you want nothing more than El Gaucho kicking dudes all over the place than you’ll mostly get that in here. Morrison does end this with one hell of a cliffhanger and even with the rest of the Bat-books ignoring this family drama I gotta say it still hooks me.

Delay aside, I enjoyed this issue for what it is. A beat’em up and it is as basic of a Morrison issue you are gonna get. Unfortunately the coloring seemed to hamper the Burnham art a bit because it makes it so fuzzy. If only that was fixed before this went to print I would probably have rated this issue a lot more.