REVIEW: ‘Batman,’ Issue #66

Batman #66 follows the conclusion of the Batman/Flash crossover which ended with Flash #65 and is a continuation of the Knightmare storyline. The issue is published by DC Comics, written by Tom King, with art by Jorge Fornes, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Despite being a book called Batman, the Dark Knight only appears in the issue in flashbacks. Instead, the issue follows Catwoman and the Question as she recounts the early part of her and Batman’s relationship, leading into her explanation of why she left at the altar, or their case, rooftop.

As Catwoman strolls down memory lane with the Question, she explains how she and Batman worked as a team both as vigilantes and romantically. However, she also explained, as she said in her note to Batman, marrying her would mean he would have to give up being the Bat. Catwoman explains that Batman more or less already made a vow, to being Batman.

However, the Question grills her asking why she doesn’t think he is strong enough to do both and informs that Batman is now trapped in a Knightmare scenario thanks to Bane. The Question also explains that despite everything she thinks, Batman may not be strong enough to get out and may need her after all.

Before issue #50 even hit stands, it was spoiled by the New York Times. Fans were understandably upset by the spoiler and that the long-teased wedding wouldn’t happen. However, King was quick to remind fans he had 100 issues with Dark Knight and love-story between Bruce and Selina was far from over. Batman #66 seems to finally pick up the loose ends Selina cut off when she walked away from Bruce.

My favorite moments in Batman: Rebirth and within King’s run have been between Bruce and Selina. Batman is rarely written like a romance comic but there is no reason it shouldn’t be. In addition to having some of the best rouge gallery, Batman has a long list of amazing love affairs with Catwoman being number one. This issue ticked a lot of the romance story boxes for me and we finally see the turn around on this slow-burn story. I also loved seeing the Question. He is, in my opinion, a very underrated DC character who is not utilized enough within the panels. Knowing both him and Constantine are starring in this arc make it that much more intriguing.

Fornes’ art has a very noir feel which works with the Question’s guest-starring role. Additionally, Stewart’s coloring utilized a lot of monochromatic palettes with complimented the overall theming. Since most of this issue was told in flashbacks, similar to that of Batman #50, I appreciate that Cowles kept the lettering very similar. It is important to note, Cowles also did the lettering on that issue. Either way, the consistency helps to draw a lot of visual cues for the reader in addition to the story threads that are finally being connected.

Overall, this issue is fantastic and I feel like the story is finally moving back to where I want it to go. I love the arc leading up to the wedding so I am very excited to see Batman and Catwoman working together again and even potentially working things out. Only the future will tell.

Batman #66 is available now in comic book stores everywhere.