Batman #17 Review by Randy Young
Thus concludes the event that was Death of the Family. Over the next few months we’ll see what exactly the fallout of this story will be.
Here’s what worked for me: Snyder gave us something to chew on here about the relationship of Joker and Batman. There are three events that occur within this issue that also blow my mind. One is at the dinner table. One is deep in the Bat Cave. The last is in Arkham. Each event is one of those that showcases the creepiness and bone-chilling edge of the seat writing that Snyder is capable of. Capullo’s art is sharp. He effectively conveys the mood Snyder is setting as the guests are gathered around the dinner table. I particularly liked the intricate details he draws. The cracked mask of Batman’s helps to depict the updated costume that has been created for the New 52 universe rather than the mask that is a plastic/leather/elastic material that he can pull over his face or wear hanging down the back of his neck as we’ve seen so often in the past.
Here’s what didn’t work for me: The story leading up to this had lots of question marks as to what was going to happen. As it was unraveling for me, I knew what it was that was going to happen next. The story was well written but it was pretty obvious and left little suspense for the reader. The repercussions of this story are ones that I fear will eventually (probably soon) be swept under the rug and forgotten as Batman and the Bat Family move on to the next big crisis.
In the end, this was a satisfying ending to the story. The setup and execution of the story remind me more and more of what Snyder did on the Night of the Owls storyline. In that respect, Snyder almost has a formula for how he will outline a story and it’s not exactly subtle. I think he’s respectful of his readers and gives them a superb story that makes them happy for the most part. I’d gladly recommend this story and title to long time comic fans or new readers looking for a great Batman story.
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