Comic Review: Batman #48

Batman #48

DC Comics

Writer: Tom King

Artist: Janin

Don’t you just hate it when lovers quarrel? In a church? and on their WEDDING DAY??? Well, that’s pretty much what’s happening with Batman and the Joker in the latest issue of Batman by writer Tom King and artist Janin!

Oh, Tom King. What a relationship I have with you. It’s actually fun and keeps me on my toes. Sometimes you give me things like ‘Everybody Loves Ivy’ and then other times you give me something like this. A nicely put together story focusing on a small number of characters in one setting. And it’s fantastic. Batman vs the Joker in a church. What more could I want?

Now let’s get cracking with this review. Firstly, I’m a big Tom King fan. His run on Vision was mind-bending and his Omega Men was just phenomenal. I’m loving his current run on Mister Miracle His Batman run has had its stumbles but its moments like these where they shine brighter than the bat signal. This issue, The Brave and The Mold, The Secret Origin of Bruce Wayne and a number of others have really stood out the most this series and I finally know why. They’ve contained stories driven by interesting and well-written characters. King also did something I’ll always appreciate: He’s shown us the human, broken side of Bruce Wayne and it’s refreshing.

This issue doesn’t have a huge philosophical meaning or hidden subtexts like King usually likes to put in his work. This is just Batman trying to stop the Joker. It’s simple, but the writing is straightforward and leaves you at the edge of your seat at times. It’s also nice to finally have a funny Joker, a character that hasn’t given me a good long laugh to in a while. He’s not dark and edgy but at the same time, he’s no Caeser Romero. I will admit I was a little worried about King’s writing of him after War of Jokes and Riddles, but this restored my faith and gave me a good chuckle.

Art-wise Janin has been a difficult one for me. I’m not his biggest fan but at the same time, I don’t hate his work. This issue was one of the better one, with fantastic composition. Batman breaking through the glass is probably one of my favourite shots in the whole issue and has the action flowing nicely.

The characters continue being a nice balance to each other as always. Batman barely speaks as he fights the motormouth monster that is the Joker. Like I said earlier, this issue actually made me laugh out loud at some of the Joker’s antics. It was surprisingly fun while also being very eerie.

Overall one of the better issues of this run. I can honestly say I’m super pumped for the wedding and can’t wait to see if it all comes tumbling down or if Bruce will finally find happiness.