[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Alvaro Martinez
The war is on! Colonel Kane and his Batmen are waging all out war on the Bat-Family. The Batmen have trained and modeled their every move after the Bat but they weren’t ready for the superior technical skills of Red Robin, the quick and tricky hacking of the Spoiler, Clayface’s pure, menacing power and Orphan’s unmatched combat prowess.
While not directly outlined, there is an interesting comparison to be made in this story arc and Superman: Red Son. The Batmen represent the Batman equivalent of a Soviet Superman. Complete security via unstoppable, omniscient force. This could almost be viewed as an extension of Batman, Inc. or the Sons of the Batman from Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns, given that they were okay with breaking Batman’s one rule.
The Positives
This issue gives us a peek behind our villain’s rationale and even some of the other new enemy’s psychology. There is even a great moment between Batman and Batwoman that long time readers will enjoy.
The Negatives
While there is certainly a lot of action in the issue, it feels flat. This issue could have happened with almost no fighting and complete stealth without losing any plot points.
Verdict
The overall issue was okay. It fleshes out the relationship between Kate Kane and her father a little more. It also sets up what feels to be the final battle in the next issue.
