“So sure, this is about saving lives. But it’s about proving a point too. No one needs Superheroes…”
Criminal activity spurs in Gotham as the villain, Wraith steps on the scene to call out Batman with the intent on proving that Gotham is nothing without its protector. Little does Wraith know that a cape is definitely on their way…but it isn’t Batman.. instead, it’s Stephanie Brown aka The Spoiler. She’s got a vendetta against crime but also, a vendetta against Batman. What is Spoiler’s plan? Can she defeat Wraith without the need of the Bat Family? And who is coming along to assist Spoiler in her ideological war against the caped crusader?
James Tynion lV throughout his run has been exploring different themes that associate with the symbolism of Batman. What’s most fascinating is seeing how Tynion is exploring an aspect of Batman that exploits the kind of damage that Batman ironically causes through every heroic save he executes. The idea that Batman does as much damage to Gotham than helping Gotham benefit is a concept that has been explored here and there, but Tynion makes effort to examine that concept further. The story and narrative play out exceptionally, and the pacing and direction is enjoyable to read. Seeing Spoiler as a one man crime fighting machine kicking butt and taking names without the need of credit is noteworthy.
Since the supposed death of Tim Drake aka Red Robin, Stephanie Brown decided to leave the Bat Family, and continue her own crusade against crime as The Spoiler. Seeing that Batman does more harm for Gotham than good, her intent is to prove that Superheroes are nothing more than accidents waiting to happen, ticking time bombs ready to destroy lives instead of the intent of saving them. It’s interesting to see things from Spoiler’s perspective which is all about doing good without the need for gratification and credit, making effort to prove that Gotham doesn’t need Batman, but instead, Gotham only needs it’s people to solve their own problems. Tynion along with Christopher Sebela know how to write Spoiler really well, and the direction that he is taking her as a character is a fantastic one. Stephanie Brown is a character that is rarely ever handled well, usually cast aside as a cardboard cutout with the rest of the Bat Family whenever Batman is at the center. Although with Tynion, he does a great job at taking the time to examine the various characters within the Bat Family, exploiting how different they are, and their unique contributions to the Dark Knight’s crusade against crime. As for this issue, Seeing Spoiler display a sense of direction and action is just an example of good development for the character, which hasn’t been seen in a long time since the pre new 52.
In regards to the art, Christopher Canero treats the reader with some beautiful pencil work. Canero’s which accompanied with Karl Story and Richard Friend’s inks in addition to Javier Mena’s colors continues to keep the book at top quality, making the narrative as cinematically pleasing from a visual standpoint. Seeing Spoiler leaping in and out of panels, kicking butt is done in a way that makes the character look cooler than depicted prior. The art is solid and accomplishes its job at making the art look as engaging as the story, while also carrying the story.
For any fans of Detective Comics, and Tynion, definitely, pick this issue up. But I think this is a nice treat for long-time fans of Stephanie Brown who is coming into her own as a character more and more. Hopefully, she’ll become something more than being Batgirl (as she once was in the Pre-Flashpoint /Pre-New 52), and can develop a stronger identity of her own. Definitely, pick it up.
Newsdesk