THE DARK KNIGHT #14

[ GIMME MY DISCOUNT ] 

It must be bad to be kidnapped and tortured. It must be like a apple in a dilapidated orchard. Mean to the crunch. Sore to the bunch. And tough just like a devilish whore-should. Oh! Not that I know this fact of course! It was told to me by the darkly hued creative team of Writer: Gregg Hurwitz; Artist: David Finch; and Publisher: DC Comics in December 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Now in many ways this baroque and bold adventure -- entitled 'The Twilight Kingdom' -- just goes to show how wrong the hood-wearing nut-job called the Scarecrow truly is.

• He thought he could control Batman with his new fear toxin. But he was wrong. The Dark Knight shoots him in the face with a grappling-gun, and quickly runs back into the arms of his son, Robin, the brat wonder.  
• Moreover, he thought he could keep his grizzly hands on a six year old girl as well. But he was wrong again. She runs away from him not so long thereafter, and into the arm of Police Commissioner, James Gordon.

OK, so when is the Scarecrow right then? When he and the Penguin hatch a plan to scare the citizens of Gotham City sh*tless on Christmas Day perhaps?

Ha! To be continued...

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

I really did love reading the kinetic conversation between the Batman and The Scarecrow on the opening page, because it had a very gritty and earthy flow to it.

SCARECROW: You're weakened, Batman. The supertoxin's still dribbling through your veins. 

BATMAN: Funny, I don't feel weak.

SCARECROW: Aaw, you're all mad. Such a delicate little bat. Did our fear games upset you?

BATMAN: You want something to fear scarecrow? Fear me. POW!

Also, I did like how the word 'dribbling' was used. That was very nice and descriptive.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

Honest to god. My mind suddenly froze when Batman shot the Scarecrow through the jaw with his grappling-gun -- I wasn't sure what the hell was going on!

"Did he kill him?" I exclaimed. "Is he dead?" I continued. Until I eventually managed to compose myself for a moment or two, just so I could then ascertain what was happening with Batman's brash escape.

Wow! Talk about a heart stopping experience. In fact, this scene was so supercharged...

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

... that whatever came afterwards, felt a bit flat somehow. Almost benign.

Try to think of being on a rollercoaster ride one minute, and then back on terraferma the next. Not a bad thing. Agreed. But a bit of a 'come down' within the scheme of things.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: When I first read this comic book, there was a scene in it that I wasn't too sure about myself. However, when I went back and re-read it again, I did like the somber vibe of the little girl when she said 'He's mad now', relating to Batman standing in the corner of the room, brooding to himself.

I must say that was very original in execution. And something you don't see in a comic book very often.

ART: David Finch drew a great splash-page in this issue, depicting the scariest looking Scarecrow I've ever seen in my life. It's the one where Johnny-Boy Crane says to himself, 'Let's play', whilst blood dripped from his jaw, and he was surrounded by chains hanging over his head.

Moreover, I did like those scenes where Bruce was recovering from his own injuries. Very harrowing those were -- and very touching as well.

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

THE SCARECROW: Still sticking to this months comedic casting call theme, I'd choose Andy Dick to play this hood-wearing villain. Well, did you know they both wear the same glasses and take the same medication?

BATMAN: Wouldn't it be just f*cked-up if Eddie Izzard played everybody's favorite Dark Knight? Come on. Face facts. Eddie is a very keen runner. Plus the both if them do enjoy dressing up quite a lot. 

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

Piece Of Advice: Never Try To Speak If You Have Your Mouth Full With A Grappling Gun. 

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

During the 'escape' segment of this adventure, and old southern song performed by Elvis Presley popped into my head. 'You Better Run'. Say no more. 

FINAL thoughts...

Dear People Who Work In the Canteen at DC Comic's,

Now, if you don't mind me for asking, what do you feed the creators working at this firm? Is it a rather eclectic and bold concoction? Spurring them on to do some rather eclectic and bold things. Is it a dark and sinister looking meal? Prodding them to plod down the haunted path of no return. Or is it something with chili? Forcing them to go to the bathroom every fifteen minutes or so.

Well, whatever the case may be, can you give Gregg Hurwitz and David Finch an extra portion of whatever they are having? They sure do deserve it.

Take this issue for example. It's full of meaty goodness. It has a zing to it that's surprising to say the least. Plus it's taste real good too.

Keep up the good work, pals. Hope you save a side order for yourselves.

Love, Light, and Peace -- The Reviewer.

MARKS out of 10? Gas mark 9 for fifteen minutes