Comic Review: Batman #21 (DC Comics)

The time has finally come.

Batman and the Flash are busy tending to other matters separate from each other. While the Flash is fending off an attack, Batman is investigating the mysterious Button that showed up in his cave. What is it’s connection to Psycho Pirate’s mask and the rest of the entire DC Universe? What horrors will Batman and The Flash find? And can they actually stop what’s coming?

Tom King really made this issue much more cinematic and flexes his writing muscles much more in this issue in a way that feels different from what he has written before. Maybe it’s the fact that this specific story arc is designed to help solidify and push the ramifications that have spilled into the DC  universe since rebirth. And if so, then King managed to do that with excellent execution. The overall narrative pace just made the story feel unlike the usual kind of Batman story that he’s usually written. This issue is without a doubt a great step in the right direction and a good follow up after the last arc.  The reveals really surprise in a way that feels natural to the story and not forced in any way, which is great since it could have easily gone in that direction. Fortunately, the story doesn’t suffer and delivers some stunning moments that are definitely gonna have readers and fans speculating in regards to the numerous theories that surrounds Watchmen and DC Rebirth. There is no way to talk about this issue without spoiling what should be left for the reader to discover. King makes some very good calls in regards to the writing making it seem like all doesn’t sync until it cohesively converges by the end of the issue that only makes readers either gasp or grin in excitement.

While King’s writing is at top form in this issue, there is no illustrator more fitting to draw this issue other than Jason Fabok. His work during Geoff Johns Justice League run, and the Darkseid War were nothing short of amazing. So it was very appropriate that his talents were utilized as the perfect visual catalyst that could only be achieved with a careful hand but an illustrator such as Fabok. His character rendering and panel layouts are fantastic. What’s brilliant is how well he manages to do things his own way while also playing with the 9-panel grid that Watchmen is notably known for. Fabok delivers the same kind of cinematic flair in a nice fashion that Dave Gibbons would probably grin due to how well it pays homage to what has come before.  Brad Anderson’s colors is a perfect accompaniment to Fabok’s pencils/inks, giving the book the kind of cinematic flair that The Button arc calls for.

If you’ve been loving DC Rebirth, or if you’re a fan who’s been trailing for answers regarding Watchmen and it’s connection to the entire existence of the DC Universe or if you’re a Batman fan, Tom King fan, Jason Fabok fan, or a Flash fan, best believe there is something in here for you. What you’ll find in this book and arc will leave you eagerly waiting for more. Make sure to pick this book up and keep an eye out for Joshua Williamson’s the Flash #21 that will be continuing this storyline. This is a good time to be DC comics fan.