“I used to know all their names. I thought I could always remember the innocent people who got hurt in this war.”
Tynion lV and crew keep the twists turning as the 3rd arc of the Victim Syndicate saga continues. After Stephanie Brown aka Spoiler was visited by the First Victim (leader of the Syndicate), Batman and Batwoman attempt to uncover information that was exchanged during the aftermath of the first victim’s visit. While Batman and Batwoman continue to investigate the Syndicates whereabouts, the rest of the Bat-family lick their wounds after their first encounter, trying to emotionally and psychologically recover from the damage inflicted upon them. What is Spoiler is trying to hide from the bat family? Who is the Victim Syndicates next target? One thing is for sure, the cliffhanger at the end is bound to make readers want to know what happens next, and it’s one that I believe no one expected so soon either.
Tynion lV continues to throw twists and turns in ways that readers don’t expect in such a way that leaves you excited enough to stick around to see what happens next. I love that each character continues to have a voice that helps to contribute to the narrative, and how each perspective helps develop a broader canvas that really hasn’t been done before. I really enjoy the way Clayface, and Spoiler are written in this issue. Both are in a very heavy state of doubt, frustration and depression, but both acknowledge and consider that maybe batman is probably using them to keep his hands clean instead fighting a good fight. This makes it very interesting to see how the group dynamics in this series continue to evolve. It’s the most organically written iteration of the family unit that hasn’t really been done before or executed often. The Syndicate proves to be more menacing and continue to make the bat family reflect on how their actions truly contribute to the pro’s and con’s of the lives they save or damage in the crossfire. In Tyrion’s own subtle way, he acknowledges how difficult it is from varying perspectives on how one’s actions affect the group in addition to the lives around them to a point that it changes the group dynamic going forward. Still, I’ve yet to see what the new adversaries are truly capable of and hope that the story concludes with a strong and plausible execution when the victim syndicate arc comes to an end.
The art by Al Barrionuevo and Carmen Carnero are both as beautiful as they are artistic at both carrying the narrative while also having subtly distinct art styles that are similar yet contrast in their own right. Without a doubt there are no complaints in terms of the art that is featured.what makes the art stand apart the most is Adriano Lucas’s color work. His colors help make Barrionuevo pencil work transition into a gracefully, almost painter-like quality, whereas his application of colors on Carnero’s art, helps solidify the cel-shaded style. Scott Hanna’s inks also help Carnero’s work to pop out more. The lettering work by Marilyn Patrizio does a good job at looking crisp and fresh on each of the pages. A solid title that has yet to drop the ball, and continues to throw curve balls when you least expect it.
Newsdesk