BATMAN #49 Review

Writer:  Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV
Artist:  Yanick Paquette
Colors:  Nathan Fairbairn
Letters:  Steve Wands
Publisher:  DC Comics

We’re reaching the end of an amnesic Bruce Wayne.  He’s starting to remember he leads a double life.  With Gotham in chaos by Mr. Bloom and Jim Gordon out of commission, it’s up to the one true Batman to don the cape and cowl to save his city.

I love how Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV emphasized the struggle that Alfred is going through.  He finally has the innocent boy back that isn’t burdened by the shadow of the bat.  Alfred doesn’t want to lose him all over again.

We also learned more regarding the dreams Batman has had about “Batmen” in the future.  Snyder has been seeding these themes about there always being a Batman.  Even when Bruce dies, another Batman is there to carry on the legacy.  Clones of Batman fighting the good fight.  Alfred and Bruce discuss how this is possible.  Great job following up on clues from previous issues.

Yanick Paquette and Nathan Fairbairn are guest-artists for #49.  For readers of the “Superheavy” arc it may be jarring to see a different art style than they’ve become accustomed to from Greg Capullo.  Luckily the clean art and colors don’t take away from the main story.  Paquette gets to play around with visions of possible futures for Batman.  We see Bruce as mayor of Gotham working with the Court of Owls, along with many more visions.  Plus, we get to see clear shots of Alfred’s missing hand.  It seems artists have avoided openly showing Alfred’s stub.  Paquette doesn’t run from it as Alfred pleads with Bruce.

Julie Madison even has a part to play during Bruce’s journey to become Batman.  She’s been a big part of Bruce’s life since he was reborn.  I’m glad to see she hasn’t been forgotten.

Timdogg

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE