CREDITS: Written by Scott Peterson; art by Tim Levins and Rob Leigh.
REVIEW: While I want Scott Peterson to succeed as the series' new writer (and geez, I see Rick Burchett's work on the book is getting scarce as well), yes, I do miss Ty Templeton. Peterson's first script lacks the characteristic humor and fun of previous stories, in favor of a talky mystery with a serious question at the end.
Bane is comitting robberies, no question, but he's using the money to put clothes on the backs of orphans. But is he doing so out of the goodness of his heart, because he doesn't want anyone to go through what he had to? Or is he trying to build loyalty, not in a gang, but in a whole community, for when he must next tangle with Batman and the police? He himself leaves the Bat family with that conundrum to ponder, which makes the issue feel like the set-up for a future story. We'll just have to sit and wait.
While the issue is more downbeat than most (without being tragic), it does feature some good moments. Bruce Wayne, the only party guest not destabilized by an explosion next door, is subtle but perfect. The interrogation of Bane's driver likewise shows the Bat is a better intimidator than his sidekicks. But other attempts at humor don't fly as high as I would want them to, like the rich guy not believing Bruce Wayne would be anything but greedy or Tim trying to figure out Bane's plan. It's not a bad start, but Peterson still needs to find his groove.
Comments
So, ah, yeah, I think he does find his groove but get ready for more talky mysteries. Though there are some wonderfully illustrated silent sequences.