REVIEW: Batman The Dark Knight #10

By Chuckie Valdez on Jun 30, 2012 with Comments 1

***SPOILERS***

Batman The Dark Knight #10 brings aboard acclaimed writer, Gregg Hurwitz, and continuing on art duties is David Finch. Could this switch in writers be the face-lift this series needed? Could we finally add another new 52 re-launch bat book to our pull lists?

Well folks I am here to tell you this new psychological spin on the caped crusader is the bee’s knee!

Blasphemy! I know what you’re thinking, this series has been a sinking ship since the new 52 relaunch but mastermind Hurwitz brings his A-game with his dark and gritty spin on the caped crusader himself. One thing I love about Hurwitz was his work on Penguin: Pain and Prejudice, who redefined one of batman’s oldest foes. He gave life to Cobblepot making him more modern within the Gotham DCU.

Let’s get the bad out of the way first. I know when a writer jumps on board an ongoing book they sometimes have to clean up the mess of what was left behind from the previous writers. There is some plot holes like how Bruce has a gorgeous girlfriend now but in the other 52 bat books he doesn’t? So is this book running on its on continuity? Another thing was some of the panels artwork just felt rushed. There is a great two-page spread where batman kicks the crap out (literally) of this guy who is driving like a mad man and takes command of the car to a ultra hault. But then you get panels with Bruce and Damian that just looks awkward and out of place. Then there is moments when Bruce is talking to his girlfriend and their facial expression look anime. Lastly what hospital puts the maternity newborn ward street level with completely see thru lass? Come on Finch I have seen better layout designs from you!

Enough ranting let’s get to good stuff; the first couple pages opens up with a man literally sewing his mouth shut! It’s such great gory detail fun we can only hope we get more of this in the future. He then calls himself bogeyman and tells a little kid that he will teach her all about fear (scarecrow!?) Holy crap what great intro.

The one thing I love about The Dark Knight series is that it goes where other bat books won’t go. I mean come on torturing kids with fear gas and mouths being sewn shut?! Epic yes! Another favorite part of mine was when Commissioner James Gordon was tripping balls and we get see his worst fears come to life with Barbara all bloody from her gunshot and Jim in a straitjacket asking why didn’t he protect them? I can wait for whats next!

This issue was a breath of fresh air even though some art panels were hit or miss. I would have thought since Finch was off writing duties he would focus solely on art, but its falls short at times. But I believe he can pick up the ball and run with it!

P.S. MORE TWO-PAGE SPREADS PLEASE!

Rating: 3.5/5

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