Batman is on the ropes as the Gotham War heats up following a shocking betrayal! It’s father versus son, teacher versus student in the knockout fourth chapter of this brutal war. But who is really pulling the strings in this explosive event? Thousands of years have led to this moment! Batman #138 is a frustrating issue as it comes so close to nailing a concept but then distracts.

“Gotham War” as a whole has been an interesting storyline event. It has debated Batman’s vision and tactics, showing his strict rules and focus might not be all it’s cracked up to be. It mirrors a debate going on today that if we allow for minor offenses, maybe the major ones will decrease. That of course clashes with those who see any criminal infraction as unacceptable (of course overlooking their own). That unto itself would be an excellent story. Writer Chip Zdarsky makes it a bit more intriguing with Batman retreating into himself, justifying his extreme actions and questioning what little he has left that grounds him. But, all of that can’t be left alone and instead we get more layered on that takes a great concept and makes it only good.

Zdarsky teases Batman’s breakdown currently is due to the many mental protections like Zur-En-Arrh. He himself is struggling to hold it together. That muddies the debate in Batman’s actions giving an excuse as to his currently turning his back instead of him just facing up to his strict vision and actions along his battle for justice. Add in a villain behind the scenes who has been manipulating everything, Vandal Savage. Here, we get the full explanation of how he ties into the events and story which just pulls out the rug as it hints everything has been manipulated up to this part. So, instead of a real debate on philosophy as to how to fight crime and what’s acceptable, we get another high level villain playing games in Gotham that eventually the Bat-family will unite to fight against.

The art by Jorge Jimenez continues to impress with color by Tomeu Morey and lettering by Clayton Cowles. There’s an emotional rollercoaster to the comic as Batman must deal with Red Hood, the fights between friends, and then a final moment with Red Hood. It all hits just right especially Jason’s pleas at the end. The art delivers a literal punch as Dick realizes what Bruce has done and a line that was crossed, A sadness hits at the end when it’s clear Batman and Bruce are hurting, need help, and they might not be able to provide it. There’s an abandonment that’s punctuated through the art.

Batman #138 isn’t bad overall, it just could be so much more. There’s an emotional ride that really works but the comic, and story, can’t keep things focused on the simple aspects that really stand out, and instead takes things to another level adding in elements that don’t need to be there for a good story. Savage’s actions could be a whole other storyline. Instead, Batman #138, and “Gotham War” as a whole, feels like an interesting concept where more plotlines keep getting added and diluting what makes it stand out.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Jorge Jimenez
Color: Tomeu Morey Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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