Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Ryan Sook
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Spread Art: Bruno Redondo
Three Old Men One Night in Gotham
Guest stars and subplots abound in this latest issue!
We follow three main threads: Batman meeting Alan Scott for some advice over coffee, Commissioner Savage convincing Mayor Isley to sign off on his war against the Bat Family, and Jack and Huston coming to terms with no one acting on their police corruption information.
Mundy: The structure of the story is brilliant. We open on extreme close-ups, one each of a participant in the separate threads. We then bounce around to each thread as it begins, then settle into longer scenes with dialogue bleeding over. Much like last issue, this reads like a great TV show.
Foggy: Interesting that you say that. As I was reading, I felt the same thing. This issue had very little action and the story was completely told through dialog. Two pages in particular really gave off the tv vibe using the 180 filming rule: the convo with Alan and Batman.
Mundy: I really love the portrayal of Bruce here. He’s come to Gotham’s elder statesman, Alan, both out of respect, and because Alan was the first to deal with Savage. Their discussion is extremely informative, with Alan breaking down Savage to a molecular level in his singular motivation: survival. Batman reveals that Savage’s immortality has been compromised. Alan suggests he may be somehow mystically trapped within Gotham’s City limits, and that Savage is specifically targeting Batman because Batman is ultimately responsible for Savage’s consistent defeat. It’s also revealed that this public meeting serves two purposes for Bruce. One, he genuinely values Alan’s input as Savage’s first foe, and two, Bruce wants Batman to be seen, showing the GCPD that he’s not hiding or going away.
Foggy: I love when a writer can find a new motivation for a character. To drill down on Savage and come up with survival as his raison d’etre was brilliant. Interestingly as well, we see that the villain is largely wrong. He foists his inability to win on Batman. Clearly Batman understands that in the case of major villains, it’s a team effort that wins the day. In this case, using in the form of the Justice League. And you nailed it Mundy, having this convo in public at a diner is a nice touch by Fraction.
Mundy: As previously mentioned, Vandal Savage is summoned to the office of newly minted Gotham Mayor, Pamela Isley, to explain why she should sign off on his “Operation Peregrine,” essentially issuing warrants for the arrest of the Bat Family. His speech is impressive. He pleads to their mutual immortality, claiming victory is above all else, especially because of its impermanence in the grand scheme of their lifespans. When Ivy asks what’s in it for her, Savage pledges his loyalty and the use of the GCPD as her army.
Foggy: I’m still warming up to the idea of Isley as mayor of Gotham, but hey, if it fits the story. Running as the Green Party makes so much sense though! I love the team-up of sorts here. It totally makes sense as Fraction is building layer upon layer of intrigue in this run.
Mundy: Jack and Huston depart the train, and Huston seems downtrodden. Jack tries to explain the way of things to the young man, always telling Huston how intelligent and brave he is at such a young age. They freeze on the street, as a cop car flips on its lights and rushes at them, only to turn away at the last minute. A threat. Huston complains that it “feels like we’re the ones in trouble,” as they turn the corner to find one of their homes on fire.
Foggy: If there were a soundtrack to their conversation, it might be 911 is a Joke by Public Enemy or The Jungle by Grand Master Flashs. These pages with Jack and Huston are brilliant and emotional. I was especially hit with the notion that “Goodness ain’t transactional.” Just helping to help is what we need. However, for them, in Gotham, fear leads to becoming defensive and territorial. Seemingly, this is a vicious circle that will keep them down. The scene with the cop car turning away at the last minute was palpable. The reader could feel the fear. Fraction is doing amazing work here.
Mundy: I still call BS on Fraction penning stand-alone stories. They may be “stand-alone” in the sense that he’s not doing big, sweeping arcs, but so far, it’s all been connected, much more than a mere “through line.” He’s building, and building, and eventually, things will come to a head and boil over. The tension really is palpable. We’re now eight issues in, and plot lines are moving, but not paying off…yet. I’m so here for whenever “yet” arrives! I’m not a guy that needs constant action in my superhero comics. I love issues like this one when they’re done well.
Foggy: Adding to that, I too love issues like this, especially when they read seamlessly like this one. However, it has been four issues since Fraction introduced the Minotaur and we haven’t seen him since. Seems as though we should be reading about what he has going on in the background. I imagine he and the Ojo will rear their heads soon. I’m here for it.
Mundy: We get a change in looks as guest artist Ryan Sook steps in. If you have to have someone fill in, there aren’t many better than Sook. He’s become a mostly covers guy, with the occasional special project, so it’s great to see some interior work from him.
Foggy: I’m sure there are those who will complain that we aren’t getting Jimenez. Mostly that comes from loving his brilliance. However, asking an artist to never miss a month is insane, especially with the level of care that Jimenez was putting into the book. Ryan Sook was a wonderful choice to fill in. the quality was the same and the style was not so jarring that it felt like an artistic speed bump. The art was solid all the way around.
Mundy: 4.25/5 Batarangs
I’m a fan of Alan Scott, I like him in Gotham, and I dig how they used him here. Jack and Huston are interesting new characters. I hope their story has some decent payoff. Fraction seems to have settled on Vandal Savage as the big bad, and I feel like we’re finally seeing why. No complaints from me. I’m enjoying the ride.
Foggy: 4.5/5 Batarangs
I love this book. Fraction is building layers of story here. Each issue introduces a new wrinkle, new character or plot point. And most importantly, while building story, he hasn’t missed the character pieces. This run is oozing with humanity.
Next up: Stephanie Brown and Tim Drake
