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| [ REACH OUT FOR A BAT-BARGAIN ] |
To QUOTE Denis
Waitley: 'Don't dwell on what went
wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward
towards finding the answer'.
THE STORY:
He thinks I've killed her, doesn't he Alfred? Harvey Bullock
thinks I'm stupid enough to I have killed my recent business partner, Elena Aguila, by
injecting her with that designer drug called Icarus.
But then again he doesn't know the true me, does he? Harvey
doesn't know I'm the Batman! Fighting crime and trailing this deadly poison through
the city streets of Gotham by hook or by crook. And over
time this has led me to a stash of kidnapped stowaways guarded by a Sumo
wrestler, with a mysterious name upon his lips.
The Squid.
Overall I'd say this second part of 'Icarus' was a way above
average comic book read.
For me, one of it's major highlights was how Francis Manapul's artwork gleamed upon the page. As he has that very stylish yet scratchy style
that somehow made Brian Buccellato's story-line more urbane to follow.
Noir-like even.
As for Brian's story on the other hand, yeah, that was pretty
damn decent too. What I liked most about it was that 'Yojimbo inspired scene'
where Batman fought the Sumo wrestler, plus that other one where Bruce sneakily
planted a bug on those gangsters who shot him.
Boy! What a crafty yet adventurous sod he is.
Furthermore, I was taken back slightly by that whole mystery
surrounding the Squid's true identity. I mean, who could he be, huh? Someone we
all know? Someone we don't? Or what about someone I can guess during my
conclusion? Ha!
THE BAD:
Is it just me, dear reader, or do you also get annoyed when
someone is blaming Bruce Wayne for something he hasn't done? Well, despite
enjoying the gum-shoe tone to this tale's opening sequence, there was a part
of me that was genuinely irritated by Harvey
when he kept on accusing Bruce for killing Elena.
Admittedly, I know this is nothing more than a story-beat
that needs to be played out. But come off it! Bruce Wayne has been kicked about
so many times in the past; by now Harvey
must surly know something more about him than just what's in the newspapers.
THE MUSIC:
On a conceptual level this jazzy escapade was about Batman searching
for someone who's being a bit of a tosser. So in my own estimations, there is really only
one song I can musically pair it up with. 'Searchin', by the Coasters.
Now it's not everyday I can compare a comic book to a Sumo Wrestler. Yet where this issue is
concerned, I'd say they were a great match because they're both stylish to look
at, very plump to follow, plus involve a very 'big boned' gentlemen dying for a
wedgie.
THE CONCLUSION:
OK. I know what you're thinking. Did he fire five bullets or
was it only four. Well, to be honest with you, in all of this excitement I've
kind of ... errr... oops! Sorry about that, folks. I got distracted a bit
there, didn't I? Anyway, as I was saying, I know what you're thinking. Who in
Captain Haddocks good name is this Squid character, right? Weeeellll......
- The Joker -- No. I think that would be too soon, don't you? Mister J needs a bit of 'me time' before he can pop up again.
- Orca -- Hey! Maybe 'The Squid' is his 'New 52' alias!
- Mariah Carey -- As she has been known to smell of fish.
- The
Riddler -- Well,
- Captain Birdseye -- Please refer to my Mariah Carey answer for more details.
- Elena Aguila's daughter, who I've strangely forgotten the name of -- Just an idea.
- Terence Trent D'arby -- I have no idea why I've included him on this list. His name just popped into my mind for no apparent reason whatsoever.
- Dan Didio -- It's always Dan. It has to be him. It has to, I say. It has to. It has to. It has to.
Nuff said, Thunk!
DETECTIVE COMICS #31
Reviewed by David Andrews
on
May 20, 2014
Rating:
Reviewed by David Andrews
on
May 20, 2014
Rating:
