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| [ BARGAIN WITH BATMAN ] |
To QUOTE Albert
Einstein: 'Reality is merely an
illusion, albeit a very persistent one'.
THE STORY:
I know I'm not mad. I never have been. I'm just someone
who's been tricked into believing that the world around him has been
transformed into some sort of paradise.
But no. No it hasn't. I know it hasn't because Killer Croc
isn't a real orderly. Harleen Quinzel isn't a real doctor. And Selina Kyle
isn't my real sidekick either.
I know these things for I am the Batman. The one-time Arkham
inmate who has figured out that the Scarecrow has tainted the air supply with
another one of his evil concoctions. And now -- now -- with some help from
Poison Ivy, I'm going to put an end to his crazy shenanigans, once and for all.
Or maybe next time.
THE GOOD:
Overall I'd say this second part of 'Gothtopia' was a pretty decent read. Initially I liked seeing the alternate versions
of Batman's rogues' gallery incorporated into this tale. Especially Killer Croc.
As it's nice little touches like these that make a tale such as this one all
the more special to sit down and follow.
Also, I best mention how I enjoyed reading John
Layman's first-person Bat-narrative. Not only because it managed to progress
the story along at a very earthy pace. But because it additionally presented a stark tone
that was greatly aided by Aaron Lopresti's bold visuals, despite them being occasionally hindered by Art Thibert's marginally flat inking style.
Oh! And before I forget, I must say that I got a right kick
out of that scene where Ivy kissed Bat's on the lips. Honestly, how he tried
to explain away this smacker was a scream I tell you. A real scream.
Yeah. Right, Bat's. I believe you. Millions wouldn't. Hehehehe!
THE BAD:
To be completely honest with you, my friends, I'm not what
you'd call a big fan of this type of alternate-reality style story-line. Now
please don't get my wrong. I have nothing against with what it's attempting to
do or how it's attempting to do it. But rather, I'm none too keen on how this variety of premise always
comes across somewhat hollow in execution and redundant thereafter. And largely
never has any sort or longer lasting side-effect once the tale eventually comes'
to a close.
Know what I mean?
THE MUSIC:
On an aesthetic level this adventure is about a crazy
sob-of-a-b*tch -- or gangster -- who has transformed the world around him into some
sort of topsy-turvy 'Garden of Eden' -- or paradise.
Now can you see where I am going with this, folks? No?
Shame. Cause Coolio can.
Now without giving too much away, there was a rather
titivating scene in this adventure where I actually wanted to reach out and throw
a bucket of water over Batman's head. So that's what I'm going to compare it to. A bucket of water. Not
because it was wet. But because it needed to be doused down in places.
THE CONCLUSION:
If this story was an actual human being, sitting down at a
table situated in a nightclub somewhere in a snazzy part of town, I'd ignore
him. I'd ignore him because he wouldn't be the sort of person I usually hang
around.
OK. I know that a few of you out there might find my remark as
being somewhat obtuse. Surmising that I should be more open minded with these
types of tales. But with hand of my heart I've done just that so many different
times in the past, presently I can do no more than to grin and bear the
experience, hoping that the final pay off is well-worth the journey.
Please. Don't take my missive incorrectly, my friend. I'm a
big Bat-fan. And I've always championed his adventures, his creators, and his different
avenues of life. It's just that these alternate reality thingies consistently
seem to rub me up the wrong way, no matter how good they ultimately are.
Fingers cross. I prey this one is relatively painless. It is
so far.
DETECTIVE COMICS #28
Reviewed by David Andrews
on
February 19, 2014
Rating:
Reviewed by David Andrews
on
February 19, 2014
Rating:
