Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have molded Superheavy into a compelling storyline where the physical battle between hero and villain is the least interesting element. The worst that could be said for Batman #45 is that the ending fell a little flat precisely because it veered into that hero vs. villain territory. This follow-up issues experiences some hurdles of its own as it tries to juggle the showdown between Batman and Mr. Bloom with the various other plot threads. The result is an issue with a slightly disjointed feel, but one that still offers plenty of enjoyment.
Bloom's big debut before the wealthy elite of Gotham is all fine and well, but the villain lacks some of the creepy factor he's shown in his earlier, briefer appearances. At some point it becomes clear that this is an intentional choice on Snyder and Capullo's part. Bloom is putting on a show in a way, and it's only late in this issue that readers are given a more intimate look at the villain. For the most part, this issue settles for exploring Bloom as a physical threat to the new Batman, which he very clearly is. Capullo's sharp angles and sinister body language ensure that much. However the original Batman might have fared against this inhuman creature, the new one is finding himself terribly outmatched. Their clash calls into question one of the central ideas of this arc - can anyone be Batman? Is a symbol alone enough to inspire people to overcome overwhelming odds? In a lot of ways Gordon is a pretty lousy Batman, but that's kind of the point.
Continue reading…
Continue reading...
Bloom's big debut before the wealthy elite of Gotham is all fine and well, but the villain lacks some of the creepy factor he's shown in his earlier, briefer appearances. At some point it becomes clear that this is an intentional choice on Snyder and Capullo's part. Bloom is putting on a show in a way, and it's only late in this issue that readers are given a more intimate look at the villain. For the most part, this issue settles for exploring Bloom as a physical threat to the new Batman, which he very clearly is. Capullo's sharp angles and sinister body language ensure that much. However the original Batman might have fared against this inhuman creature, the new one is finding himself terribly outmatched. Their clash calls into question one of the central ideas of this arc - can anyone be Batman? Is a symbol alone enough to inspire people to overcome overwhelming odds? In a lot of ways Gordon is a pretty lousy Batman, but that's kind of the point.
Continue reading…
Continue reading...