Batman (2016-) #78
DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artists: Clay Mann Tomeu Morey
City of Bane rolls on… I think? This issue takes a break from all the chaos in Gotham and what we have with Batman #78 is a whole comic dedicated to the recovery of Bruce Wayne that also addresses the relationship status of Bruce and Selina Kyle – Catwoman.
This is the first time since the wedding issue (Batman #50) that the duo has interacted with one another. Bruce and Selina are both staying at a tropical resort while incognito, while both are aware that Bane has taken over Gotham City. First of all, I thought it was funny how Clay Mann drew Bruce’s disguise to look like Magnum P.I. Where did they find the time to get a fake mustache?
Anyway, this was a nice issue. It feels good to see these two together again in a comic after so long. King’s script is touching and I really enjoy seeing him write a more romantic Bruce. The banter between him and Selina is great and feels like actual conversation real couples have. You can really sense their emotions well through the writing.
Of course, Clay Mann’s art is what tells the most emotion – for the most part. There’s one scene in this issue where Selina is explaining herself for leaving Bruce at the altar. While the dialogue is full of sentimental emotion, the reuse of previous panels throughout the page break the immersion. It’s a 9-panel grid and 6 of the panels are recycled. I understand deadlines, but this feels more like laziness than running short on time. Other than that, all of Mann’s art is pretty good. I like the way he draws Selina and I’ve always loved his Batman. Tomeu Morey’s colors really pop in this issue, as well. Especially in the scenes that showcase the tropical island. It’s splendid.
Despite my affection for this issue, I feel that it wasn’t entirely necessary to dedicate this entire comic to just Bat/Cat. I think King could’ve had tidbits of Gotham throughout like he had bits of Bat/Cat in previous issues within this arc. There’s still about 6 issues to go after this one and there’s enough time to see more of Bane’s Gotham, but I feel this break happened too early. As of this writing, this is only part 4 of City of Bane. I think waiting at least one more issue would’ve sufficed better. But, after the big twist in issue 77, I can understand King’s slight hesitation to get right back into Gotham. Just because I understand doesn’t entirely mean I agree with it, though.
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Batman #78
This City of Bane interlude chapter is for all the Bat/Cat fans that have been bummed out ever since Batman #50. This is a very nice and satisfying issue, despite it containing no updates from Bane's conquering of Gotham. Tom King's writing is great and Clay Mann's art - despite some panel recycling - is very good, as well. Don't skip this issue if you're already reading City of Bane. And to those of you who dropped Batman after #50 - I'd say take a chance and pick this ish' up.
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