DETECTIVE COMICS #29

[  UN-BEATEN BAT-BARGAINS ] 

Out of the following five people, who do you think has the largest nipples? Would it be: (A) John Layman. (B) Batman. (C) Aaron Lopresti. (D) Pamela Anderson. Or (E) Guillem March. Answer's on a postcard please, or alternatively, check out this comic book squeezed together by DC Comics in April, 2014.

To QUOTE Robert A. Heinlein: 'Never underestimate the power of human stupidity'.

THE STORY:

Alright. I know what he's thinking. The Scarecrow is thinking that he's got me under his control, all because he's dowsed me with his enhanced fear toxin whilst battling my 'allies' previously.

But no. He hasn't 'got me'. I've got him. Not yet though. No. I'm afraid not. For the time being I have to play along with his crazy shenanigans, and find the perfect time to strike back.

No, folks. The moment won't be right when I punch Poison Ivy in the face. After that I think. Once I finally figure out what he's wants to do to Gotham City, that's when I make myself truly known.

So says the Batman.

THE GOOD:

Even though I wasn't a big fan of the first two chapters of 'Gothtopia', when it finally came time for me to sit down and read this partially chapter, well, what can I say? Eventually I loved it. I loved it a lot more than I thought I would.

For a start I have to mention that I was very impressed with how this tale kicked off in a novelized fashion. Starting at the middle and then making its way to the end via the beginning.

Also, I really was intrigued with how Batman carried himself throughout this comic book, by sneakily maneuvering his way into an appropriate position, so he could outsmart the Scarecrow, despite having to slap Poison Ivy in the face and tag along with the Merrymaker and Professor Pyg.

Oh! And while I'm on the topic of poor Pamela Isley, another aspect about his tale I enjoyed was how she came across as more than just a one dimensional character who loves plants. Honestly. She felt more human somehow.  More humanistic.

THE BAD:

Despite digging Aaron Lopresti's great illustrations on this book, there was a small part of me that felt his style didn't quite suit John Layman's story-line, mainly because some of his character work seemed a bit cartoon-like for an earthy tale such as this one.  

THE MUSIC:

Now if you look at this story from Batman's point of view, I'd say it would be a fairly good match for the Ray Charles song, 'You Don't Know Me', because the Scarecrow clearly didn't, Ha!

THE COMPARISON:

On a conceptual level Batman's actions during this adventure kind of made me think of what a guide dog does. Both of them are obedient, patient, very cleaver, and ready to strike when the time is right.

Woof-Woof! Down boy!

THE CONCLUSION:

During the epilogue Batman told Catwoman that he didn't like her in 'that way', cause he perceived her as being nothing more than a work colleague who help's him out on occasion. Personally speaking I think this was a pure lie. I'm sure Bruce really does love Selina deep down inside, and he can't bring himself to say such a thing because he is genuinely scared of the reprisals.

Yes. That's right. I said Batman is scared of love. To him this is his Kryptonite, acting as an obstacle that will always get in his way whenever he feels too close to someone.

Well. Let's face it. For Bruce to become the fabled Dark Knight, he has to deny himself the one thing he wants everyone else to have. Love. Emotion. And a reason for being normal.

Say no more.