Comic Review: Batman (2016-) #76

Batman (2016-) #76

DC Comics

Tom King, Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea, Norm Rapmund, Tomeu Morey

City of Bane continues in Batman #76. This issue gives more details as to just how Gotham has changed under Bane’s control. It’s important to mention that this storyline ties in with “Year of The Villain”, an event that spans across DC’s entire line of comics. If you were reading Marvel back in 2008-2009, it’s similar to the “Dark Reign” event they did. You don’t have to read every other DC comic to understand what’s going on in Batman. Just knowing that thanks to Lex Luthor, villains are conquering the DCU is enough.

This issue is done in 3 different segments that all intersect. Catwoman is taking care of Bruce Wayne, who’s most likely clueless as to what’s transpiring in Gotham. Captain Atom, a US Government sanctioned hero, informs Gotham Girl that no heroes are allowed in Gotham, as per the President’s orders. A group of minor Batman rogues are being hunted by the “new” Batman, Thomas Wayne.

It’s crazy to me how so much seems to happen throughout this issue, yet nothing all that interesting actually occurs. I think the main purpose of this issue is to show us, readers, just how corrupt Gotham is now that Bane is in charge. That, and to piss off Captain Atom fans. I don’t know very much about the character and exactly how much power he possesses, but I think he should be able to hold his own against Gotham Girl. Now, even King is aware, as one scene later in this issue addresses this. It’s still a bit weird, but I’ll give it a pass for now.

King’s writing in this issue is pretty solid, though. There wasn’t a moment throughout this comic where something he had written came off as cringy or bad. Tim Drake and Damian Wayne interact with each other in this issue and I really like the way he writes them. He understands their characters and I think nailed their frustration with what the city has become.

I think the art by Tony Daniel and crew really helped sell their frustration more, of course. In my review for Batman 75, I said I really like his art and he did a great job in that issue. Albeit, nothing really stood out for me. This issue had quite a few great moments he had illustrated. Gotham Girl’s fight with Captain Atom was executed well and was one of my favorite parts of the issue. He also did good with the more somber Bat/Cat parts of the issue, despite not many of them occurring.

Overall, this issue was pretty alright. I just wish a bit more happened, but this is only the second part of a story that has probably ten issues left? King’s run wraps up with #85, but I’m unsure if that’s the issue City of Bane will conclude in. If that’s the case, I’m a little iffy. Still cautiously optimistic, but this issue made me more cautious than I already was, due to the pacing. I sincerely hope this story as a whole ends up being a great one. There’s much potential riding on it.