The Batman Who Laughs #7 leads into the much anticipated Batman/Superman #1 and beyond that… is an extended giant fight scene. It’s the final showdown between Batman and the Batman Who Laughs. How do you defeat a foe who knows your every instinct and every move? Bruce Wayne will have to outsmart Bruce Wayne in this ultimate test of good versus evil.

Writer Scott Snyder wraps up the latest chapter in The Batman Who Laughs saga. Unfortunately, it’s in an issue that feels a bit stretched out. The Batman Who Laughs #7 features two main storylines. The first is Batman vs. The Batman Who Laughs and the second being the Gordons and their battle with the Grim Knight. Both are extended fight scenes. While they’re entertaining, they feel a bit dragged out. With a bit of editing, a tighter pace and shorter page count could have given us an extended sixth issue. That would have resulted in a better finale.

The issue is entertaining but there’s just something disappointing about it. The two Batman square off and a lot is said but unless you’re invested in the nature of Batman, it really is a fight scene. Gordon’s battle revolves around the relationship with his son and unless you’re invested in that, it too falls a little short and emotionless.

The issue is really a showcase for the art of Jock who easily moves between the nightmare of Batman’s vision and reality. The coloring by David Baron helps deliver that nightmare. But, it’s Sal Cipriano‘s lettering which really stands out. The voice and chill is all in the lettering in this issue.

While the issue wraps up the uneven miniseries, beyond the final page, it’s an issue that you can skip. There’s a lack of emotional punch to it and overall feels like a few extra pages stretched out to a full issue. It’s a clunker of an ending for a miniseries that went on a bit too long. But, as a piece of the whole, it’s fine. This is a series which will be much better read in one sitting as a trade. This issue is a prime example of why. The issue feels not like a chapter but a continuation after a commercial break wrapping up the last ten minutes of a show. It’s vital but doesn’t stand on its own.

Story: Scott Snyder Art: Jock
Color: David Baron Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Story: 6.0 Art: 8.65 Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Pass

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review