Batman, Robin and Red Robin prepare to defend Gotham against the Black Ring wearing undead hordes.
The battle tactics of Gotham’s defenders fall into the cheesy clichés of any zombie story. I was hoping that Blackest Night would steer clear of this pitfall, but no luck. The predictable return of Dick and Tim’s parents as Black Ring Corps members adds a little of emotional tension, but for the most part it falls flat. Tomasi’s dialogue between Dick and Damien is fun and appropriately real for the characters. I found his witty banter to be the star of this issue.
Ardian Syaf’s art is magnificent. He achieves a fluid dynamism pulling t reader from panel to panel. His polished skills make this series feel like it’s important in the big scheme of all things Blackest Night. We will have to wait and see if that’s true.
3.5 out of 5
This battle left me with a scowl. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Tony Daniel concludes the Batman royal rumble in this 3rd issue of Battle for the Cowl. Considering some of the recent marathon events in both DC and Marvel, I can’t believe that I am about to write this – it should have been longer.
Batman is missing (thought to be dead). From relentless narration, we are painfully aware that Gotham needs Batman, no just a bunch of well-intentioned heroes. Batman’s cowl must be worn and visible to the underworld of Gotham. Who will it be, Mr. Daniel? I wondered how this would be resolved in three issues. I mean this is kind of a big deal. Sadly, this story rushed to a conclusion too quickly. Money and superfluous information was wasted on the one-shots carrying the same “Battle” banner. Less one-shots and focus more on the main story.
The drama plays out between Damien (Batman’s son), Nightwing, the current Robin (Tim Drake) and the former-Robin-gone-crazy-now-a-gun-slinging-Batman Jason Todd. These tensions and characters could have been fleshed out with more depth and exposition. The weightiness of the struggle was lacking because it zipped to the finish line too early. How Gotham has fallen apart is left to cheap dialogue mentions, never permitting the reader to feel what a Batman-less Gotham is like.
Daniel’s art is the highpoint of this issue. The cast is vast and attention to each is conveyed through precise details. The panels for the last three pages are masterful in its conclusion.
The final showdown for the cowl was disappointing. Nightwing and Jason Todd’s duel was awkwardly depicted. I had difficulty grasping the various angles and the sequencing was bumpy. The two-page splash panel, the turning point was of match, was comical. Here are are the great dialogue choices of the panel – Nightwing screams “No” as he delivers a Judo kick. Todd eats his size 12 in the face and grunts, “UGGH!” Not my idea of a blockbuster melée.
However, it reaches a conclusion that is satisfying. The heroes all have their roles by the last page. It is satisfying in the fact that it delivered what it promised, a new Batman. Tony Daniel’s set Gotham aright as we launch into the new titles.
3 out of 5
Related:
Battle for the Cowl #1 review
Battle for the Cowl #1 was discussed in podcast Episode #5
Battle for the Cowl: Man-Bat One Shot review
Battle for the Cowl #1
In the wake of Final Crisis and Batman RIP, the DC universe is both confused and without Batman. No place is suffering more than Gotham city. What happens in a Batman-less Gotham? Battle for the Cowl’s author and artist Tony Daniel tries to answer this question.
A slew of heroes connected to Batman, including Nightwing, Robin, and Damien, fight to restore the streets of Gotham. A war between the Penguin and Two-Face is raging (although not in this issue). The Black Hand has assembled a gang of bad guys to take over the city. Also added in the mix is a masked Batman with guns a-blazing claiming to be the real Dark Knight. The story is action-packed and offers solid insights to the many prospective cowl bearers. Daniel’s art is detailed and crisp, providing the finishing touch for a strong start in this series.
I’m concerned that this is only a three part series. There are a lot of characters and much ground that needs to be covered. I hope Daniel can deliver a story with a focused plot and ending. I can’t suffer at the hands of Grant Morrison anymore. If I want to study metaphysics, I’ll take a class. I want a good comic with one of the best characters ever created. Batman and his fans deserve a great story, a discernable conclusion, and satisfying answers.
With the recent track record for Batman tales, I wasn’t optimistic going into this one. I am very glad to be pleasantly surprised by Tony Daniel. He’s got a lot of work to do in the next two issues, but we’re off to a great start.
3.5 out of 5
