Ricky Church reviews Batman #50…
Batman has returned to Gotham City! In this extra-sized conclusion to Snyder and Capullo’s epic story “Superheavy,” Bruce Wayne returns to the cape and cowl to battle Mr. Bloom alongside Jim Gordon for the fate of the city they both love.
The penultimate issue to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s epic Batman run is finally here as both Batman and Jim Gordon take on Mr. Bloom in a final confrontation for Gotham City. It’s an issue that serves as a love letter to both Batman and Gordon, examining what it is that makes the Dark Knight such a special hero not only to the residents of the DC universe, but to comic fandom.
Snyder wastes no time in getting to the meat of the story, showcasing the havoc Bloom is causing in the city. Gordon’s injuries seemed extensive, but his determination to save the city despite his injuries matches that of Batman himself, displaying why Gordon was a good fit to don the cowl. However, when Batman himself does show up, it’s a crowd-pleasing moment that shows nobody can quite match Batman’s skill other than Bruce Wayne. Batman and Gordon’s camaraderie has always been a highlight of this run, but its clear that it has reached a new level now that Gordon has had plenty of time to be in Batman’s shoes.
The issue took a bit of a turn when it introduced a very sci-fi element of the climax early on, but this wasn’t a simple, last-minute MacGuffin, but something Snyder carefully planted a few issues back that turned out to have a much larger significance than expected at the time. This has been one of the great treats of Snyder’s writing; planning a carefully plotted story that yields a lot of reward upon the conclusion or multiple readings. Not only that, but Snyder gives an unexpected twist in Mr. Bloom’s identity that doesn’t scream it was forced or for the sake of a twist.
What was also so great about this issue was that, despite the original Batman’s return, Gordon wasn’t sidelined in favour of Batman once again saving the day all on his own. Gordon actively fought for a place in the story, helping Batman overcome Bloom and his horde of minions, doing whatever he possibly could to help even if it meant his life. This was gratifying to see after spending nearly a year with Gordon being Batman.
Much of ‘Superheavy’s themes have relied on social injustice, seemingly utilizing current headlines in today’s news to bolster its story. This was evident in Batman #44 and #48 in particular, but Batman #50 brings closure to this theme by offering a take on what Batman means to the people of Gotham City, but most especially to the readers themselves. Much like Snyder’s closing argument on Superman in Superman Unchained, his commentary on Batman is a bit meta, but delivers an interesting take on the hero’s place in pop culture and why he’s so loved by fans. One of those reasons is because of Batman’s humanity and Snyder certainly explores that here.
Greg Capullo has illustrated a great issue, giving readers some spectacular imagery to drool over. Batman’s one-on-one fight with Bloom is something you don’t quite see coming, but Capullo gives it such an epic feeling that you’re wanting to see more. His newly designed Bat-suit is also great, combining the best parts of many of the suits he’s drawn throughout the run, from Zero Year to even Jim Gordon’s suit. Likewise, Danny Miki does a great job inking, but FCO Plascencia makes every page burst with colours. His rendering of the Bat-suit, particularly the varying colour of Batman’s cape depending on the lighting, really stands out, giving this suit such a cool feel.
Artist Yanick Paquette, who drew Batman #49, and colourist Nathan Fairbairn give an epilogue to ‘Superheavy’ that touches on Batman and Gordon’s friendship. There’s a particular point where it emulates Batman: Year One so much that I almost thought it was ripped right from that story, but that’s just how good Paquette and Fairbairn are at exemplifying the history both these characters share with each other and Gotham City, especially when Gordon nearly slips up and calls Batman a certain, different name.
Batman #50 is an excellent end to the ‘Superheavy’ arc and serves as a great penultimate chapter to the Snyder/Capullo run. It is going to be a shame once these two leave the title, but this only makes me more excited for what they’ll bring in Batman #51 next month.
SEE ALSO: Check out a preview of Batman #50
Ricky Church
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Originally published March 23, 2016. Updated November 13, 2019.
