Batman #48 Review
Writer: Scott Snyder
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Inks: Danny Miki
Colorist: FCO Plascencia
Review by Logan Noble
Jim Gordon’s run as the cape crusader may be coming to an end. Over the course of the action packed ‘Superheavy’ plotline, Gordon has battled with the new Batman rogue Mr. Bloom. And, time and time again, Gordon has found himself outmatched. When #48 starts up, Gotham is descending into chaos. Mr. Bloom has created an army of freaks, hellbent of spreading his toxic influence through the city. Batman is caught. And, on a park bench, Bruce Wayne is having a conversation that may change everything.
The pacing in this issue is fantastic. We switch between Bruce Wayne (on a bench, with a man that loves to laugh), and Gordan, clenched in the growing hands of Mr. Bloom. Batman’s rogue gallery is diverse and iconic. With Bloom, we’ve been handed a enemy that can tangle with the mecha-suited Batman (and then some). Snyder’s horror comic background aids him well. Shadows and blood drench the action. Bloom’s transformations are grotesque and menacing. Topping it off, FCO Plascencia’s colors are beautiful, the vibrant reds and blues stealing my gaze at every turn of the page.
This issue isn’t as action heavy as previous ‘Superheavy’ tales, though it does have plenty of explosions to whet even the most violent tastes. The themes at work here keep our newest issue of ‘Batman‘ riveting in nearly every way. Is a changed life a fulfilling life? Can you leave happiness behind to descend back into the darkness?
By the end of this issue, two forces march into the streets of Gotham, ready for a war. The fate of a major character is uncertain. By the time we hit #50, I think that Snyder and Capullo are going to bring us something big.
The return of the Batman.
Verdict:
Buy it! The issue is solid, constructing and escalating a conflict that we’ve been following since Jim Gordan suited up. Mr. Bloom is an incredible villain and, from page one, we are greeted with a character that sent my nerd senses into overload. Scott Snyder and his team continue to deliver a standout product for one of DC’s biggest heroes.
