Neal Adam’s newest DC comic mini-series, Batman VS Ra’s al Ghul ends with issue #6, tying up loose ends.
Veteran artist Adams writes, illustrates, and colours this miniseries. There are no other credits, so let’s assume the lettering is by Adams too. It’s a tour de force for this artist, as he approaches his 80th birthday still very active at the drawing board.
Ra’s al Ghul has plans to dominate Gotham City, with the help of a team of “Batmen”. The real Batman has been hidden, and we also have Deadman lurking in the ranks. But this issue consists primarily of a series of scenes involving approvals of a power system that will ‘run’ Gotham City. Perhaps it’s an exploration of Neal Adam’s theories of hydrogen power, but the scenes of a scientist explaining in detail how this proposed system will work is an overlong detour in the drama. As perhaps scientifically fascinating as it might be, it slams the brakes on any suspense, and is thankfully reprieved by a bit of physical (not verbal) battling before the curtain closes.
A must for Adams completists and fans, but a bit of a stretch in logic and pocketbook for anyone else.
DC Comics, Batman VS Ra’s al Ghul #6, $3.99 for 22 pages of content. Ages 13+
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Brian Isaacs - Executive Editor / Publisher