Martin Deer on the latest issue of Batman…
I’m running out of ways in which to describe the incredible work that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are pulling out month after month, as Batman #15 is another terrific issue.
The Joker continues to be at his most twisted and disturbing, and what Snyder reveals about the Joker in this issue is something which we have always talked about – that Joker is Batman’s biggest fan – but here, here Snyder takes it to the next level and has Batman reveal he’s known a much creepier truth all along. Perhaps it’s because I am experiencing this story each month in its time, but I can’t ever remember reading a Joker who has affected me so much nor whom has caused so much chaos and death as he has here thus far in Death of the Family. He is truly repulsive and terrifying.
Truths being revealed was perhaps what this issue was all about as a secret that Batman has been keeping is revealed and the Bat-family question whether the Joker really knows the truth about who he is. There is a great interaction between Batman and the clan as the truth is revealed and tensions rise as a defiant Batman tries to explain that this is all simply part of Joker’s plan, and the rest disagree. I particularly loved the panel in which Dick and Bruce square off, forever clashing like Father and Son.
As great as this issue was it is the set up for the next which really strikes a chord with you, as Batman follows a lead to the Joker which takes him straight to Arkham Asylum, where the Joker apparently has big plans in store. Batman #16 has the potential to be Snyder’s best work given the set up, and given the concept I really can’t wait to see if it delivers – I’m presuming it will.
So readers, what do you think is in store for Batman inside Arkham Asylum? And does the Joker really know the Bat-families identities?
Martin Deer