Every so often a comic book makes you think. Sure, some would say not nearly as often as a Steven King book, or the latest Dean Koontz thriller, but there are some truly gifted writers writing comics these days, and my favorite Batman book to read for the past 16 months has been Batman Gotham Knights.
AJ Lieberman, the writer of the title, has found his niche and totally takes the characters to the next level in this book. The book itself is oftentimes written about the characters and the story is the side angle. His level of intuitiveness for the book is astounding, and unlike the other writers of the Batman titles, he has found a way to make you want to read every issue he writes.
It is far and away the best Batman title available on the market, and he has taken a character that Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb made famous from his introduction, Hush, and even topped their initial level of creativity to give this character not only a background, but also a very vindictive lifestyle towards one Bruce Wayne.
The regular artist for the series, Al Barrianeuvo (sp?) is an astounding talent, himself, although you can tell it takes him longer to complete a title, because he typically takes a break after about every fourth issue.
The most recent issue that hit this week was #67, and it dealt with a videographer that found tapes of Batman and Bruce Wayne using the same stylings for battle and the same moves in combat. While most people in the DC universe still can't figure out that Superman and Clark Kent are the same guy, this two bit thief is able to piece together that Batman and Bruce Wayne are one in the same.
After blackmailing Wayne, Wayne offers him the opportunity for a favor if he ever needs one. Not wanting to take this option he tells Wayne to make sure that Alfred delivers the money.
As much as I like this story and how easily its leading Batman down a dark path, I can't help but wonder one small thing...this guy is Batman, and yet he didn't just scare the shit out of the blackmailer. He didn't just break his arm, or tell him that his could make his life disappear as he knows it...nothing to instill fear.
Though I love the direction and the twists that Lieberman throws in...almost in every issue, and as much as I can't wait for the next issue, it still just doesn't seem like the kind of behavior you'd expect...although I guess as Batman is a guy that has recently figured out that time in his life had been altered by his friends, I guess he may not take the same action that he typically would have 3 yrs ago.
It leaves one to wonder...and yes, you should be reading this book.
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