The 80-Page Giant format fits in no continuity, rarely results in a groundbreaking approach to the character, and most of these writers and artists you’ll never hear from again. Not that they don’t deserve it, it’s just that J.T. Krul needs a paycheck. And anyway some of them are indy guys who prefer not having the hammer fist of caped crusaders jammed down their throats constantly. Respectable.
Intervention
Writer: Eric Hobbs
Artist: Ted Naifeh
The question of Bruce Wayne needing the Batman persona to survive has come up periodiocally when writers think there needs to be exploration of the Batman/Bruce dynamic. Normally, we end up with a “Batman is the face, Bruce is the façade” when rarely is it that simple. The conceit of this story is coping with difficulties. One child chooses drugs, Bruce chooses Batman. I enjoyed the ongoing drug motif and how delusional even the world’s greatest detective can become, a great irony displayed on the final page. Deserving the top billing, this story adds an extra layer to the meaty sandwich of the Bruce/Bat relationship.
Grade: A-
Short Straw
Writers: Matt Brady and Troy Brownfield
Artist: Thomas Nachlik
It’s a typical “Batman’s a badass” story with slightly atypical antagonist. This guy has some kind of military experience and appears to be going into a fight with Batman for the sake of fighting Batman. The ending feels like we’re heading down the rabbit hole but I doubt these threads will be picked up anywhere. Quality storytelling.
Grade: B
Unspoken
Writers: David Skelly & Jennifer Skelly
Artist: Kristina Coronas
It’s a silent tale detailing a night in the life of Batman and Catwoman. Basically, it seems like Bruce and Selina are after the same guy while at the same time attempting some level of intimacy. The art here is… scribbled? I suppose that is what you would call the effect. It works for the story, as I believe the art has to actively represent something about the story if there’s no dialogue or captions. It’s kinetic and all over the place.
Grade: B
On the Waterfront
Writer: Guy Major
Artist: Eric Nguyen
Ahhhh, psychopathic love. It’s cute, in a sick and repulsive way. This story follows someone doing Zsasz work out in Gotham while the freak himself is tucked nicely away. It’s kind of a weaker version of the recent Detective Comics story with the Joker instead of Zsasz. It quickly devolves in a predictable fashion to the “Only I can kill the Bat!” moment.
Grade: C
Danger Drive
Writer: Terrance Griep
Artist: Peter Pachoumis
It’s the classic Riddler tale with a few good jokes and a wraparound riddle and punch line. The twist here is Riddler has crashed a game show that gave him the idea to throw out answers instead of riddles. But then he starts doing riddles again. And he’s manic. I didn’t feel it from this story. I felt the Question (the hero of this tale) could have offered more in her role.
Grade: C+
Fearless
Writer: Caleb Monroe
Artist: Geoff Shaw
In this tale, Batman gets a new villain in the form of The Falcon, the bat’s natural predator. The Falcon himself thinks he’s got a way of finally taking out the bat. And in a way, he’s right. But as always, his plan fall apart. I enjoyed the humor of this one, and felt it did a better job at explaining why Batman is such a badass. He can’t just beat you one way, he can beat you every way.
Grade: B+
One Lock, Many Keys
Writer: Joe Caramagna
Artist: Joe Lalich
This is one of those tales that attempts to move you significantly and either succeeds or fails miserably. And, I’m sorry to say, this felt like the latter to me. In it, a boy who has emotional issues that has caused his parents much grief meets Batman. Now, it’s a decent premise and a decent set up, but I never feel the ending is justly deserved. Whether it was the pacing or the artwork I’m not sure, but definitely one of the two. Oh well, it tried, I guess.
Grade: C-
Overall Grade: B
Related posts:
