REVIEW: ‘Batman,’ Issue #127

Batman #127 from DC Comics turn the ‘Failsafe’ tale into dark humor really fast. Chip Zdarsky is the series writer on both stories with Jorge Jimenez on art chores for the first, and Belen Ortega on the second. Tomeu Morey is the colorist for story one, with Luis Guerrero coloring story two. Clayton Cowles is the letterer for both the Batman and the Catwoman tales. So, Batman was being hunted down by the extraordinary, creepy robot Failsafe. The Batman Family was taken down with ease. Batman and Robin (Tim Drake) raced to the Batcave to solve the origin of Failsafe when poor, troubled Bruce brought out the wonder that is the identity known as the ZUR-EN-ARRH Batman. Yes. This is where we are.

Flashbacks kicking off the start of an issue seem to be a trend these days, and the one we get here just sells its characters perfectly while giving the main tale some meat to chew on. Taking place right after the events of Justice League: Tower of Babel from the 90s, Batman had been voted out of the League after they found out Ra’s al Ghul’s detailed notes on defeating each of them originated with Batman. Back in his Cave, Batman is confronted by Superman, and the exchange nails these two as the best of friends. Bruce is able (albeit with some convincing) to reveal his humanity to Superman, along with a hardline view of the world. But Superman’s question hits even harder and flows right into why Failsafe exists later on.

Right off the bat, Robin’s reaction to Zur-En-Arrh is priceless. Despite the desperate situation they face, knowing Failsafe is coming to the Cave, it’s hilarious to read Batman’s deadpan, tunnel vision-style persona against Tim’s what-the-hell-is-happening expressions. This made the entire first story in this issue play off for me like dark humor. I couldn’t stop laughing. Zur-En-Arrh is simply so extreme as to be cartoonish. However, don’t at me, but it’s the best Batman costume ever. Aside from that, the story is flush with gorgeous, shady art by Jimenez. There’s a lot of intense action as Zur pulls out all the stops normal Batman would never consider (maybe). Robin is right beside him, going hard while remaining bewildered. And Failsafe talks a lot less this time but remains just as poignant and creepy in its assessments of Batman.

Morey of course gets to layer on a multitude of colors this issue courtesy of the best costumes around (Zur, and my fave, Robin), while Cowles gets to SFX the heck out of almost every page, along with a variety of fonts and styles. The visual treats are plentiful, the writing personal as much as it is insane. I love every grim, tragically funny panel. I really hope they stick around for several more years of issues.

The Catwoman story wraps up this issue. The will has been read, and Penguin’s heirs have been found. But there’s one final missing piece Selena needs to consider. I have to say, I wasn’t surprised about what it was, but it didn’t diminish the story. I feel that it still moves Gotham forward, gave Selena something to chew over regarding her own life, and surely gives us two new villains who will show up down the road. It was a solid ending with bright art, colors, and lettering from Ortega, Guerrero, and Cowles that needs to be seen monthly.

Batman #127, all in all, this issue was fantastic dark fun that rolls out a blockbuster story. I highly recommend it. Grab it. Enjoy its grim modern energy lovingly mixed in a pot of Silver Age manic sunshine.

Batman #127 is available wherever comic books are sold and with our ComiXology affiliate link.