Monsters are running loose in Gotham, the likes of which have never been seen before. But while the city’s various Bat-themed defenders are trying to get a handle on the situation, there may be more to it than just monsters. Four teenage girls sporting unique weapons and combat training have also appeared. But are they in league with the monsters or trying to stop them? It’s up to the Caped Crusader to learn the truth in DC/RWBY #1, published by DC Comics, written by Marguerite Bennett, art by Meghan Hetrick, colors by Marissa Louise, and letters by Morgan Martinez.
Get BWT in your inbox!
Get BWT in your inbox!
Nothing can more purely capture the bizarre fun of the classic comic book storytelling style than a crossover story. Seeing characters that have no reason to be in a panel together fighting baddies always has so much potential for fun. It’s an opportunity to pack many iconic comic book moments into one storyline while weaving fan-favorite characters into a hybrid situation that no one side of the story could tell. From what DC/RWBY #1 shows, it looks like this book is fully embracing the potential for fun that the situation can bring.
The opening of this story brings DC fans into the tale in classic Batman fashion. As Batman arrives on the scene of one in a string of monster attacks across Gotham, Commissioner Gordon and Detective Monytoya are on the scene to give him the rundown of what has transpired.
Now, have I seen this moment play out in various pieces of Batman media hundreds of times? Yes. But do I still love reading along as the overworked and frustrated Gordon grumbles to Bruce about the newest headache they are dealing with, as Batman half-ignores him to figure out the clues on the scene? Also, yes. This dynamic is wrapped up in so much nostalgia for me that it’s still a delight to read. And happily, Bennett has a great grasp on the characters as they play their familiar roles.
These clues lead The Dark Knight right into the waiting arms of Team RWBY. From here, we get a wonderfully executed tussle as the out-of-place heroes mistake Batman for some sort of totalitarian authority plaguing Gotham. Which, to be fair, who hasn’t?
This fight is wonderfully done. The flow of the combat keeps the battle’s energy high as every character gets their moment to shine. Hetrick’s art captures all the back and forth beautifully, paired and empowered by Louise’s colors that help every panel to truly pop. How this battle wraps up is also an unexpected twist that works in a number of ways and makes me curious to see if other moments of this style will be seen as the story unfolds.
Speaking of energy and style, I also love how Martinez letters this book. The sound effect design is wonderful, and key moments in the dialogue are given the perfect amount of flair. The letterer seems to appreciate that a super team’s battle cry has to own its space in a panel.
As the issue wraps, we are left with a moment to allow the larger threat that the monsters in Gotham represent to sink in. The closing proclamation by Ruby further drives home the melodramatic energy that superhero comics revel in. It is the perfect wrap-up for a story that thrives in archetypal comic book storytelling.
DC/RWBY #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.
DC/RWBY #1
TL;DR
As the issue wraps, we are left with a moment to allow the larger threat that the monsters in Gotham represent to sink in. The closing proclamation by Ruby further drives home the melodramatic energy that superhero comics revel in.
