I loved what Scott Snyder did with the Batman Annual #1. He reinvented Mr. Freeze in a way that made him exciting, fresh and new again! I walked away from that issue in awe of Scott’s bravery and inventive take on Batman and his world.
Since then Scott and continued to prove how great he is for Gotham City, Bruce and the rest of the gang. He has turned every story arc into an “event” usually with crossovers and epic twists and turns. Scott has just begun Zero Year for the Batman title, and so far it has been nothing short of amazing. Hearing what him and Greg have planned coming up in this series during Zero Year has me beyond pumped. Going into this annual #2 I figured it would take place in the Zero Year time frame. I was wrong! I choose not to read any type of solicitations as I don’t want to be spoiled when the actual comic is released. I was pleasantly surprised with the direction and and plot for this issue. Having Batman breaking out of Arkham to test how secure the new wing is, was a fantastic idea. I loved every moment of it.
The villain they introduced was fantastically creepy and had a valid point and criticism for Batman. He turned a hospital for the mentally ill basically into a prison for the worst kinds of criminals. A place that was once safe was now the most dangerous place on the planet. It is one of those themes that has resonated through many versions of Batman. Did he create the criminals himself by putting on the cape and cowl? Or is he truly there for justice and to do what the police cannot? Its a question that really has no answer as it is just as complex as the world Batman exists in.
I can’t wait for Batman Annual #3, I’m sure whatever Scott and team come up with will be a fantastic ride that I’ll want to take again and again! (also great art this issue!)
5/5
You May Also Enjoy:
- Batman Feature Wednesday: Court of the Owls
- Early Edition! Batman Feature: Batman #11
- Review: Superman Unchained #1 by Guest Blogger Chad
- Comic Feature Thursday: Batwing #19 and World’s Finest #11
- Horror Grapic Novel Feature: “Severed” by Scott Snyder
- Batman Incorporated 13 Review
- Batman ’66 #1 Review
- Batman and Robin(Catwoman) #22 Review
