Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Forever Evil: Arkham War #3 Review





They do not fear Bane. They fear the Bat.



Arkham War has been fairly generic so far, only lifted up by some segments where Bane becomes more than just a brute. Sadly, Tomasi doesn't work too much on Bane's brains as one ridiculous thing after another occurs until the reveal becomes a parody of sort.

Sorry to be so negative, but you must get that Tomasi is dealing with some great characters here. And offering glimpses of what he can do makes it more grating. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase some of the side characters and the GCPD, instead it is Bane doing one idiotic thing after another.


Having said that, the art is still great (through drawing Bane and Croc seems to remain a problem) and Scott Eaton deserves praise. The chaotic scenario is beautifully done.

SPOILERS FOLLOW........................

The Arkham crew (sans Scarecrow and Man-Bat) returns with the Talons to their hide-out, where Mr Freeze and Mad Hatter are waiting.

 
Meanwhile, Killer Croc has rescued Scarecrow from Blackgate and the latter offers him Wayne Tower. And after some mumblings of Bane becoming another usurper (like Batman), Croc agrees to the offer. Still don't get why Croc would be a part of this.

Then we return to Blackgate where a full scale war is going on. Clayface, Poison Ivy face Oglivy (please don't make me call him Emperor Penguin), before Bane comes in and beats up both Ivy and Oglivy. Taking the latter to the Penguin,  he demands to know where the Talons are.

Learning that the Arkhamites don't fear him, he decides to become the one thing they have feared.

He becomes the Dark Knight Returns.....I mean, Batman!


Reaching Wayne Tower, he beats up Croc (there is a homage to Knightfall at the end) and plans to take back the Talons.........................





C'mon Pete! Why would Bane do that? Doing a Batman less Gotham was the main appeal here, and instead you gave us Baneman? And Gordon is nowhere? So much material squandered. Sigh.



SPOILERS END.....................................

With a premise like a Batman less No Man's Land, this issue was strictly off the meds. While Pete is doing something so insane like Son of Batman, he has mishandled the story.

So, I give it 5.0 out of 10.

+The art continues to impress

-Bane's actions make no sense
-The story seems to have fallen apart
-Some strange character highlight choices

No comments:

Post a Comment