The unexpected finale to the Dark Knight saga continues as Carrie Kelly gets caught…that is, she finds herself…she gets into—well, you’re just going to have to read it yourself.

I loved the first issue of The Dark Knight III: The Master Race. It completely blew away my expectations for the series reminding me more of the first volume instead of the inferior second. This second issue stumbles a bit retreading scenes we’ve seen before in various forms and what feels like an issue that is going through the motions to get us to what comes next.

Carrie Kelly is caught, but where’s Bruce Wayne? Will the Atom succeed in his work with Kandor? But really to discuss what I have issues, I have to dive in to spoilers…. sorry!

WARNING SPOILERS!!!!!

The good of the issue is the build up of what Atom is doing growing the citizens of Kandor and what happens instead. There’s a twist I didn’t see coming, which is good, and you really get a feeling of dread as Ray Palmer realizes how much he’s messed up. I really got that sense off of the page, so that’s a good thing.

The other good is Carrie’s tale of what happened to Bruce and the twist at the end. That I enjoyed and I couldn’t tale if she was full of shit or not.

What I didn’t like is the extended breakout of Carrie and subsequent chase. The scene felt like something we’ve seen before, and for some reason reminded me of the pursuit of the Tumbler Batmobile in Batman Begins. I had the music from that scene playing in my head as I read the pages. And, it just feels weird to have her captured and then breakout so easily. Especially since it feels rather un-Batman like.

The issue as part of the greater story I’m sure is good, but on its own it stumbles a bit. Still, it’s enjoyable and I’m enjoying seeing what the team does.

Story: Brian Azzarello, Frank Miller Art: Klaus Janson, Andy Kubert
Story: 7.1 Art: 8.3 Overall: 7.1 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review