Batman (2016-) #72
DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin, Jorge Fornes
Last July when Batman #50 came out, there was a huge cliffhanger at the end of the issue which hinted that Bane has been behind just about everything that has occurred in Tom King’s run on the title. Now finally – nearly a year later – we get some clarity as to just what has been going on behind the scenes for the past 70+ issues.
This beautifully illustrated issue details Bane’s grand plan to once again “Break the Bat”. The story jumps between pivotal moments that happened throughout the series all while the main story progresses with Batman and Bane just pulverizing each other. As all of this happens, a mysterious voice is speaking to Bane, at a time I assume is prior to this issue, discussing the aforementioned pivotal events and how Bane ties into it all.
The writing of Tom King has had some people perplexed and some readers were just turned off the title completely. I look at this issue as the “Redemption Issue” in the sense that after you read Batman #72, you may go back to his older issues and read them with a brand new perspective. Batman #72 could give you a new appreciation for Tom King’s run. That just depends on you and how you see things. I personally enjoyed this story and because of it, I’m itching to go back and re-read King’s Batman from the start.
But, no matter what your opinion on Tom King’s writing is, you simply cannot deny he’s worked with some of the best artists at DC today. Jorge Fornes illustrates the “current events” pages of Batman and Bane fighting and his work is near flawless. Contrary to popular belief, fight scenes are really hard to both write for and draw for, but Fornes nails it. The choreography for these fight scenes is beautifully brutal and sadistic. You can see the pure hatred Batman and Bane have for each other just by their expression alone. His art is immensely reminiscent of David Mazzuchelli’s art from Batman Year One and that adds just another level of wonder to my reading experience.
Mikel Janin handles the pages that take you back to previous moments from the series and every flashback is done in a gorgeous two-page spread. I love his work and really think he’s become one of the greatest artists to work on the Batman title yet. The two-page spread that harks back to the “Everyone Loves Ivy” arc is so majestic and detailed. That spread alone really made me want to read that arc again.
I honestly don’t know just what’s going to happen next in this series. But I think that’s really what makes comics so engaging. The rumors of Tom King getting fired off this series doesn’t seem to be entirely true because of what happens in this comic. I have a feeling things will be wrapped up soon, but unsure how. Let’s hope King and company can nail the landing.
Batman #72
Batman #72 can potentially be the issue that wins some former readers back as it adds clarity to past events. And if they're still not entirely happy with Tom King's writing, then the fantastic art of Jorge Fornes and Mikel Janin should be able to gain their attention.
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