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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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Batman descends on Gotham City, full of rage and force, more driven than ever to save his home. But the new landscape has turned friends into foes. Can anyone stop his reign of terror? Should they? Batman #137 continues “The Gotham War” as the second part sees Batman lash out at Catwoman’s plan.

Batman #137 is a much improved second chapter for “The Gotham War,” really kicking things off as lines are drawn and the Bat-family takes sides. Written by Chip Zdarsky, the comic’s strength is its emotions. You get the sense of frustration of Batman. You really get a sense that much of his family aren’t sure what to do. And, you also get the sense that Catwoman really thinks what she’s doing is best for Gotham. But, it’s that anger and frustration from Batman that really stands out.

Batman #137 shows the cracks in his approach, a black and white take on right and wrong where there’s no gray. He can’t accept the idea of sacrificing one life to save many more. He can’t accept the idea that it might be ok to allow robberies to occur if it means assault and murder decrease. The issue really nails his approach and worldview and shows that isn’t the case for others in his orbit. It pits the family against each other with multiple factions rising up and many not sure how to approach things overall.

But most interestingly, Batman #137 shows the signs of the pressure and pile on that has been Batman and Bruce’s life for quite a while. He’s lost his fortune and by the end of the issue, a lot more. He’s been sent to an alternate world. He most recently had to battle dreams and nightmares. It’s all been adding up to this point where he might really crack for good or bad. The issue, and story it seems, build on what Zdarsky has been laying out since his run began, a series of events that eventually weigh on our hero and all of it coming to a great boil as Catwoman attempts to step in and decrease the violent crime in Gotham.

The art by Jorge Jimenez continues to look great. With color by Tomeu Morey and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic is a visual treat. As said above, this issue is full of frustration and tension and the panels display that and more. The emotions are nailed on the page as fights break out and heartbreak ensue. End the issue with a great page turn, and the comic takes us visually on a rollercoaster of emotions, nailing every beat laid out and needed by the story.

Batman #137 is a vast improvement on the opening chapter. You get a sense of the frustration within by everyone. There’s also a solid case to be made no matter your viewpoint, so you get a sense of where everyone is coming from and where they are. And, add in some great visuals, this is a second issue “The Gotham War” needed.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Jorge Jimenez
Color: Tomeu Morey Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle