Synopsis: It’s a battle of the former boy wonders as Jason Todd and Dick Grayson square off in the midst of the inner city conflict that plagues Gotham. As Derek Powers learns to control his newfound abilities, Bruce aims to take down Powers with some unexpected help. Can Bruce stop Powers in time before he gains full control of his abilities?
Murphy begins to weave all of the different plot threads together as all the characters begin to converge toward one another, some more so than others. Some of the highlights of this issue are the interpersonal relationships between the cats of characters. Whether it’s Jason and Gan as a dynamic duo, Jason and Grayson as grudge-holding sons towards each other, Barbra and Duke as a team, Barbra and Grayson as longtime allies, Bruce and Grayson as father and son, Terry and Bruce as two sides of the same journey, Bruce and Harley as a pair, or Jack and Bruce as a dysfunctional unit, the relationships between these characters is pleasantly written and nicely handled. There are some moments that kinda felt needed a bit more room for weight, especially in some of the later pages where a tragic moment occurs.
I couldn’t help but feel that there should have been an extra page or two to really sell the depth of the tragedy that unfolded between certain characters of interest, but that didn’t ruin the book for me, thankfully. Readers get to see Powers and his grip on Gotham become more prominent as he tries to draw out Batman.I will admit that it does feel that Powers’ ability to adapt to his new powers is a bit rushed, but given that Murphy has only so much to cover within 8 issues, it’s not too much of an issue. Murphy takes the time to explore some of the trauma bonding between characters, and how that affects their being as friends and companions. The overall story is pretty solid, despite the lack of one character that is mentioned but isn’t seen throughout the entire issue oddly.
If there is anything that is most consistent about this book, it is Murphy’s art. Although it doesn’t feel as bombastic this issue, which isn’t a bad thing, it just feels a bit subdued in some areas compared to previous installments within the White Knight line of books. But given that this is only issue 6 of 8, it’s safe to say all of that bombast is being saved for the last two issues. The art is still fantastic with substantial panel layouts and expressive, gestural character renderings that continue to sell the tensions and atmosphere that occur within this issue. Dave Stewart continues to deliver fantastic color work that embellishes Murphy’s linework, and Josh Reed does a great job lettering the book with solid placement and effects that fit the look of the series. It’s a solid issue and is worth adding to your pull list for new comic book day.
Newsdesk