Batman’s European adventure comes to an end with Batman #121 that has Batman and Lex Luthor going up against Abyss and Batman, Inc. It’s a satisfying conclusion for a short arc that is entertaining though mostly forgettable (not meant as an insult). After such earthshattering arcs over the recent years, getting a somewhat standalone arc feels like a nice change and a bit more of the pop entertainment comics are associated with.

Written by Joshua Williamson, Batman #121 is full of action as Batman and Lex must face Abyss and his accomplices. We get an explanation of what’s going on and a lot of “just roll with it”. The explanation generally works but there’s absolutely some things that are glossed over, like Batman getting his sight back. None of it makes for a bad read and instead gives the finale a bit of a popcorn sense about it.

Where the comic, and the arc, stumbles mostly is its villain Abyss. There’s something there that’s really interesting and well worth exploring but the origin and what comes after feels a bit compacted and rushed. Abyss, and the revelation, creates a lot of directions for Batman and Batman Inc. to go in to and hopefully we get more from it all. But, Abyss and what’s revealed feels like a plot that’ll likely be forgotten for years until someone comes along and decides to play in that sandbox even further. There’s a lot of cool potential there.

The art looks good. Jorge Molina and Mikel Janín present the action in a style that feels more grounded like the story itself. There’s some great panels and moments but this is a look that has everything dialed back a bit. Tomeu Morey‘s colors and Clayton Cowles lettering are all solid. The comic overall looks really nice with some great panel layouts (the splash page with the Bat as panels is very cool).

The comic gets the final bit of its backup feature by Karl Kerschl with colors by Dave McCaig. Featuring Maps, everything is explained, sort of, with a nice conclusion. There’s a lot like the main story you just need to roll with but as a short story, it’s entertaining. Maps is definitely a character we need to see more of and this story makes that case.

Batman #121 is an entertaining issue and finale to an entertaining arc. It dialed things back after what feels like a decade of ever increasing threats. It feels quaint and grounded in a way but also makes things bit boring because of that. It’s driving 30 after going 100 for a while. But, it’s exactly what’s needed before the next big storyline, “Shadow War.”

Story: Joshua Williamson, Karl Kerschl Art: Jorge Molina, Mikel Janín, Karl Kerschl
Color: Tomeu Morey, Dave McCaig Letterer: Clayton Cowles, Karl Kerschl
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.6 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

---

Purchase: comixology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Since the recent arc launched, Batman has gotten back to basics. Gone are some of the over-the-top epic stories that span dozens of issues. Instead, we have a more grounded take where the stakes are lower and the story feels a bit more intimate in ways. Batman #120 keeps things rather focused as Batman has lost his eyesight and we get more hints about the deadly villain Abyss.

Writer Joshua Williamson has delivered a solid take on Batman so far. The character feels much more like the street level hero he is as opposed to the multiverse spanning superhero that can take on gods. Broke and now blind, this is a Batman where you can feel the frustration as he attempts to figure out his next steps and deal with his current situation.

Williamson has done a fantastic job of grounded the character. After years of ever escalating stories, there’s a back to basics aspect to this storyline. There’s also a brilliance about it as it goes back to storylines long forgotten and put to the side.

What Wiliamson absolutely nails is the emotions of the story. There’s a frustration exuding from Batman as he doesn’t have the tools he once did, this new villain is a tough one, and he must dealt with Lex Luthor who has taken over Batman Inc. A lot of that emotion is conveyed through the art.

Jorge Molina and Mikel Janín handle that along with Tomeu Morey on color and Clayton Cowles on lettering. The art nails the body language of Batman. His frustration can be felt in how he slumps a little or the way he places his head. It all comes together for visuals that drive home what Batman is thinking and experiencing. There’s also a darkness to it all that fits so well for the villain Abyss but doesn’t overwhelm the series.

Karl Kerschl and Dave McCaig continue to deliver an interesting back-up story featuring Maps. The adventure is interesting and has a dark tone about it that fits the main story well. It feels like a bonus that adds to an already solid comic to start.

Batman #120 is another issue that just nails down the fundamentals of this character so well. It also delivers some nice twists and turns building to that last page reveal. While a lot of the comics’ reveals aren’t surprising, they still nail the moment in their delivery. To do that when it’s expected is impressive. For those who might have been turned off by Batman’s recent escalation of events in recent years, now is a time to give this series a new look.

Story: Joshua Williamson, Karl Kerschl Art: Jorge Molina, Mikel Janín, Karl Kerschl
Color: Tomeu Morey, Dave McCaig Letterer: Clayton Cowles, Karl Kerschl
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

---

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW