THE DARK KNIGHT #11

[ WHERES MY DISCOUNT? ] 

It's sad to use a hostage as bait. It's like dating my ex called Kate. The atmosphere is dark. You'd rather go to the park. Or travel to the nearest French fete. Well, there is one nearby, with Writer: Gregg Hurwitz; Artist: David Finch; and Publisher: DC Comics in August 2012. But then again there is one up the road too, with someone called Bane.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Have you ever sniffed your own socks before? Perversely pleasant, isn't it? Just like what old pointy ears gets up to in this issue of The Dark Knight entitled 'Circle of Violence'. At-Chooo!!!!

• Well, it pains me to say that everybody's favorite vigilantly after Susan Boyle is presently in a right predicament.
• For a start Bruce's Ukrainian girl-pal, Natalya, has given him a piece of her mind. Plus in addition to this, The Scarecrow has kidnapped Commissioner Gordon. 
• Yes. That is correct. I said 'The Scarecrow' -- the hood-wearing ghoul who was abused as a child by his crazy scientist father.
• Now who can help Batman track down this fiend, huh? Poor cute Clair perhaps?

Quack-Quack!

Sure. To be continued when Natalya's caped boy-pal gets stabbed in the chest by an abused scientist's son.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Do you know what? I think that I am falling for Natalya you know. Everything that comes out of her mouth is something I can really relate to. For example, that bit where Bruce forgot about her concert, I could see myself in her when she sarcastically said back to him...

'Hi. Maybe we haven't met. My names Natalya. I'm a pianist. Classically trained. I like good vodka and long walks on the beach. Turns off include...'.

Please note; when I said 'I could see myself in her', what I meant to say was... errr... NEXT QUESTION PLEASE!

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

OK, I know that this might sound somewhat trite, but the best thing about this issue is this issue. Simply put, writer, Gregg Hurwitz, and artist, David Finch, have really put together a great-great story, which is right up their with Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's efforts on 'Batman'.

The artwork is sublime. The story is encompassing. And the overall tone is just out of this world. 

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

Now if you have read my previous answer, then it's pretty safe to say that I don't have a reply for this question really. However, at a touch, I was slightly confused at Clair's flash-back scene; because it wasn't clear that it was a flash-back straight away. 

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: I really did enjoy the retro take on Jonathan Cranes 'new origin' -- that was a very nice turn up for the books. If memory serves me correctly, Jonathan father has never been depicted in the past in this way. He was just a nameless face without any explanation. 

Also, once again, the Natalya and the Clair scenes were very poignantly constructed.  

ART: Without a shadow of a doubt there were two dynamic panels in this book that are hundred percent poster-worthy. The first panel is on the first page with the Scarecrow in all of his mannered glory. And the second panel is nearing the end of the issue, when Batman jumps into action.

BOOM! Say no more.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

FATHER CRANE: To me, 'Star Wars' director, George Lucas, has always come across kind of scary looking. Well, not only did he create Darth Vader, but he also created Jar Jar Binks. #Shudder#

YOUNG CRANE: Just tale a look at Zachary Gordon, and tell me that he does not have the face you'd want to gas and then throw down a deep dark cellar. I mean, have you not watched 'Diary Of A Wimpy Kid' yet?

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

Be Afraid. Be Very-Very Afraid. The Dark Knight Price-Rises With A Vengeance.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

OK, so this was a story with a lot of emotion, right? Fear. Frustration. Loneliness. The works. So why not compare it to the Evanescence's power-ballad 'My Immortal'?

Christian Bale likes it!

FINAL thoughts...

If this comic book was a woman, I would wine and dine it, before trying to give it a baby -- plastic in origin. Honestly, I'm very happy to say that this series has finally found it's footing, and is now primed and ready to gallop up the charts like... errr... a bat out of hell?

Though, I do have to confess, I have one slight concern -- repetition.

You see, what I mean by this, is that this is my first venture onto the Hurwitz-universe. So I am unfamiliar if he can maintain this standard from here on in without repeating himself.

Still, I have some faith. Via La Dark Knight! Viva La Hurwitz and Finch!

MARKS out of 10? 9