Comic Review: Batman (2016-) #92

Batman (2016-) #92

DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Guillem March

I know this whole pandemic is affecting a lot of things right now. But man, it’s hit my comic book reading pretty hard. Every series I’m reading I’ve had to go back and read at least one or two issues just to refresh my memory for the new issues. I guess I’m not really complaining about it, I am reading comics. So retract those sentences, I guess. All this to say, James Tynion’s Batman was picking up speed, and then we got this 3-month break. But now it’s back, so refresh your memory before taking this trip back to Gotham. Spoiler, it’s in trouble, as Gotham tends to be.

The Riddler takes Gotham city hostage, turning the city into a giant crossword puzzle. Batman, with Deathstroke in his custody, is forced to solve riddles to free the city. At the same time, Catwoman and Harley Quinn are in the sewers, looking for the Underbroker and his secret criminal bank, to make a withdrawal. When they find him they come face to face with Punchline, the Joker’s new girlfriend, all while Batman heads toward the Riddler.

Personally, I have been “out” of comics for a bit, just not really reading them too much. But this issue hit my brain and just kind of made me remember that comics can be pretty fun. Once I went back and read the rest of the arc, I really enjoy where James Tynion is taking Batman with this whole Designer villain. Batman is cut off from Lucius Fox and solves riddles immediately, which reminded me that he’s Batman. I don’t know entirely what is happening with Punchline, or who she is, but I like the moment she and Harley Quinn have before they inevitably start fighting.

The art in this issue is fantastic. Guillem March did most of the other issues in this arc, along with a whole boatload of other comics outside this one. I don’t know why I never really took notice before. But March, along with Tomeu Morey on the coloring, just makes this comic a real joy to look at. The different characters all look great, the different settings and lighting are great. There’s a Bat Train that shows up at one point and the design on it is one of the only things I’m not too big on. It looks more like the animated series bat-mobile to me, but on the page, it’’s still good looking. 

I don’t have anything really negative to say about Batman #92. Things happen in this issue, but it feels a little short. The plot for sure moves forward a good bit by the end, but things happen back to back until you reach the final page. It’s not a bad thing, I still really enjoy it, but it left me wanting more. Which, I guess that’s the sign of a good story, so it’s not even a complaint really. If you’ve been enjoying this arc I don’t think you will be disappointed by anything in this issue.