Comic Review: Batman (2016-) #77

Batman (2016-) #77

DC Comics

Writer: Tom King

Artists: Mikel Janin & Tony S. Daniel

Oh boy. I think this might be another one of those issues. If you go back about 27 issues to Batman #50 (the big wedding issue) people were divided about it. At least from what I saw. Apparently, spoilers from this issue (#77) got out only a couple of days before its release. I didn’t look at them, but I did see some reactions online about it. It definitely seems like this will be another one of those issues. I promise, here and now, in this first paragraph, that I will do my best not to spoil anything. This is something that definitely has to be read on its own.

If you haven’t been keeping up with Batman, we’re in the “City of Bane”. Bane, with the help of Flashpoint Batman, and other villains, has once more broken the bat. He’s taken over the city and is using villains to patrol the streets. No heroes can intervene, and Batman is still out of the game. Despite a special threat against any Bat-family member who enters the city, Damian Wayne, current Robin, enters the city.

I’ve been loving Tom King’s run on Batman. I think he’s had a plan since the beginning and barring any editorial changes, we’re still seeing that plan play out. Some of the arcs have been a little slower, but I appreciate a slow build-up, as long as the end result is solid. Right now it’s looking solid. Damian enters Gotham, and immediately he’s facing down Gotham Girl and Batman. The Flashpoint Batman, but still a Batman. On top of that, Bruce Wayne finally wakes up. I think this is the first time they’ve really reunited since the wedding. By the end of this issue, the stakes get higher, and things do get tense. 

There are two artists each telling their own story in this issue. The parts with Damian are by Mikel Janin and are a lot more action, wide shots. The other parts, which are Batman and Catwoman talking, are from Tony S. Daniel. They really contrast each other. Batman and Catwoman are almost all close-ups on their faces, in a well-lit room. On the other hand, Damian is fighting his way through Gotham at night, and the panels are more of a wide-angle for the action. I really enjoy both artists individually, and they both (along with their respective colorists and inkers) tell two good stories.

Like I said above, I am really into Tom King’s Batman run. It’s had its ups and downs (like every comic ever, once they reach a long enough run). But there’s been a consistent quality to it. I enjoy this issue as a whole. It’s got me excited to see what’ll happen next for Batman. I’ve been avoiding spoiling this issue, and I won’t spoil it here. But I have to say again, I think it’s another thing people are going to have a strong reaction to, either positive or negative. Regardless of where you land on it, I think this issue is something that fans of Batman and this series have to read.