Sometimes even when something is all but over it can still find ways to surprise you. I admit I've probably become a bit of a broken record when talking about this title, in large part because the same core problems underlie so much of the run up until this point. "Dying City" was Zdarsky's final goodbye before Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee return to create the sequel to Hush, and yet it repeatedly returned to the same pattern of awkward retcons and bewildering plot decisions. However, this month wasn't that. Batman #155 sets aside almost all of the storylines concerning political satire villains and long lost brothers in favor of a straight forward detective story, and how do I wish the rest of the run had been like this.
Coincidentally, I started reviewing this title about a year ago with Batman #139 and expressed a similar sentiment there. It faded by the end of the issue, but I pointed out that the first half that focused on a noir-ish detective mystery was incredibly strong. As we approach the end of the run, I feel the same way again. It's not even really spoiled at any point this time. Aside from maybe a page or two set aside for the plots about estranged siblings and a right-wing caricature villain that would put Homelander to shame, this is entirely about Bruce's efforts to prove Jim Gordon innocent of the murder of mayor Nakano.
Given that the suspect is (former) Commissioner James Gordon, literally the second person to ever appear in a Batman comic after Bruce himself, there's very little doubt in the reader's mind that he could actually be guilty. Dangling that possibility would be a frustrating mistake, and thankfully one this story is able to avoid. Instead, the tension is derived from trying to figure out how he could still be innocent. After all, there's quite a bit of damning evidence placed against him. He was in the room of the murder, with a gun, and has plenty of motive. It's a sort of inverse of your typical detective plot, where Batman must find exonerating evidence.
More than the case itself, Zdarsky understands what makes something like this work are the personal stakes. The first third or so of the issue is devoted to an extended flashback where we learn that Gordon and Mayor Nakano's wife Koyuki had been having an affair for weeks. It's a plot element that could easily come off as annoying or out of character, but it's handled sympathetically and understandably. This gives incriminating motive for Gordon, but more importantly it makes the story about actual characters. You're invested because you care about how the story will affect them. If I had to be critical of this development, I'd say that we already have a very famous "Gordon is part of an affair" plotline from Batman: Year One, but that's a minor point.
Part of what makes this "meat and potatoes" storytelling work is Jorge Fornés' art. His simple yet evocative linework and use of shadows gives everything a grounded and gritty feeling. It's reminiscent of styles from artists such as Lee Weeks and David Mazzucchelli, who helped defined similar stories in Batman's past. It strikes that perfect balance where even when there's a man in a bat costume on the page, you still think that it all feels believable.
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The surprise evidence that shows how Gordon didn't do it ends up being that his glasses contain technology from the Mad Hatter, which compelled him to shoot the mayor and then forget all about it. The way it's revealed maintains Batman's bona fides by being hidden in a way only he would notice, and so never seems cheap despite what in hindsight should be on everyone's minds. When you think about it, in a world with mind control devices and shapeshifters around every corner, prosecuting anyone must become a nightmare. Forget the insanity plea, how can you prove that wasn't Clayface?
Recommended If
- Batman stories should focus on detective work
- You're less interested in the grandiose plot that's been happening in other issues
- You like comics that feel personal and small scale
Overall
Batman #155 eschews the larger than life and wild plotlines that have defined this arc so far (and arguably the run) in favor of a grounded detective story that feels like the kind of Batman comic fans have been wanting for years. Instead of sweeping societal messages and shocking twists about characters' origins, the issue keeps you invested based solely on the mystery at hand and the compelling character work that surrounds it.
Score: 8/10
