Script: Tom King
Pencils and Inks: Mikel Janín
Colors: June Chung
Letters: Clayton Cowles
This week, Batman #28 brings part 3 of “The War of Jokes & Riddles.” The arc continues it’s strong run with this issue. We see less of the Joker and Riddler and more of the chaos that ensues. In this issue, Deathstroke and Deadshot make appearances and start duking it out with each other before the issue ends. 
Tom King crafts an excellent story here that gives you a look at things from the criminals perspectives, Batman’s and Gordon’s. There’s a classic scene with Gordon and Batman on the roof, but it’s not quite the same conversation we’ve seen before. This is an all out war and the Joker and the Riddler pull Gordon in both directions. I’m loving this take on these characters and the script continues to impress.
Mikel Janín and King have been solid since they started consistently working together with Batman #9. His art style fits well with the writing and when you have spreads like the one in this issue where Deathstroke and Deadshot are fighting each other. He depicts the chaos with such beauty. And the colors from June Chung just add an extra element to the artwork. The explosions are vivid and the city is gritty.
“The War of Jokes & Riddles” grabbed my attention from the start. I can’t wait to see how it ends. Tom King is creating something special with these stories. Even the bit with Catwoman was a nice touch in this issue. The classic costume design was a great choice.
Verdict: Buy. This story was interesting from the start and it has me curious as to how King plans to wrap it all up. Batman is one of my must-read titles right now.
