Batman #102 is published by DC Comics, written by James Tynion IV, art by Carlo Pagulayan and Carlos D’anda, inks by Danny Miki, colors by David Baron, and letters by Clayton Cowles. As Gotham continues its rebuilding, a new vigilante arrives on the scene. And he seeks to set Gotham aright. By any means necessary. But we all know how Bruce feels about hyper-violent vigilantes walking the streets of Gotham. And it’s only a matter of time before these two run into each other.
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With a host of new villains coming into Batman’s world this year, one more feels fitting for what I imagine will be the finale for the year’s stories. I’m interested in seeing what this new villain brings to the table. The visual design is at the very least striking. But with a rogues gallery like Batman’s, it takes more than a sleek new look to earn a noteworthy place among the legions of villainy that call Gotham home. Only time will tell if the new guy has what it takes. Though, he’s not off to a bad start.
Batman #102 opens with our first look at Ghost-Maker. He is doing a none too subtle interrogation of a GCPD officer. And, if I might add, doing a solid monologue for a new guy. The delivery of this opening instantly establishes what kind of villain we have on our hands. Obsessive, highly skilled, and seems to know more about Batman than he should. I won’t spoil how he knows the Caped Crusader so well, but it could prove for an interesting wrinkle to the coming story.
Following this introduction we find Batman getting ready to kick open the door on a hideout for some of the Joker’s more hardcore followers. But he’s not alone. He’s getting guidance from Oracle. And I personally, couldn’t be happier.
As one of the people who has always felt that Babs is best as the all-seeing Oracle it was a pleasure to see her in front of the monitor again. And while Batman #102’s narrative leaves whether or not she plans to stay there undecided, it’s nice to have the moment one way or the other.
When Batman leaps into the hideout he finds all the goons within dead and a symbol that sparks recognition in Bruce on the wall. With a refusal to explain what’s going on to Oracle, because some things will never change, Batman is off to find Ghost-Maker before he racks up any more kills.
The art of Batman #102 delivers its story excellently. From the imposing introduction of Ghost-Maker, Batman performing some stealth takedowns as he approaches the hideout, to even a momentary comedic interlude with one Harley Quinn, everything lands just as it should. From the lines to the inks and colors, the art here never misses a beat.
The lettering also lands well, delivering the story in a clear manner as Cowles always does. I particularly liked that he remembered to have Oracle’s radio comms be done in green. It’s a little detail, but it’s the little things that can elevate a comic that extra bit.
When all is said and done the new story arc is off to a strong start. With all signs pointing to this new foe being in a league possibly equal to the Dark Knight, it’ll be interesting to see where Tynion takes the tale from here.
Batman #102 is available now wherever comics are sold.
Batman #102
TL;DR
When all is said and done the new story arc is off to a strong start. With all signs pointing to this new foe being in a league possibly equal to the Dark Knight, it’ll be interesting to see where Tynion takes the tale from here.
