Warren Ellis and Brian Hitch continue to deliver a fast-paced action thriller for fans of the Dark Knight to sink their teeth into. Relying less on the prose of more on Hitch’s ability to choreograph action sequences and beautiful establishing shots. While more evidence comes into the light, the Caped Crusader proves why he is known as the World’s greatest detective.
Following the last cliffhanger ending, the Dark Knight figures out the previous chapter’s mysterious crime. As Batman arrives back on the scene, he must face down a crazed adversary before delivering him directly to the hands of the Gotham City Police Department. Once arriving home, Bruce aids Alfred dealing with a rough hangover, before heading back out to talk with commissioner Gordon later that night. Gaining more insight and new information about current crimes, the Dark Knight makes his way back to the Batcave to investigate further before the chapter closes out.
At times the close-up action can look a bit stiff, but it’s the larger splash pages where Hitch can breathe and thus truly shine. Those mentioned above beautiful establishing shots are a real sight to behold. Every little minuscule detail is addressed and ultimately brought to life. Alex Sinclair’s color work brings the utterly dreary overtones this series calls for and delivers the miserable aesthetic of Gotham city into the forefront of the series.
It’s plain to see that Ellis is just having fun playing with the Defender of Gotham in the corner of his very own while Hitch brings his wildest imagination to the pages. Although only two issues in, Ellis is already playing the long game and setting up small threads that will pay off much more significant later on in the series. Little funny remarks about Hungarian films and other incredibly specific European minutia adds an Ellis watermark to the series as he ultimately makes it his own.
Albeit small druthers amidst aspects of the artwork, the mini-series is by far the most exciting Batman title on the scene. With a legend such as Warren Ellis behind the scenes, this mini-series is sure to be absolutely unforgettable. This fast-paced chapter is a breeze to read and definitely not one not to miss. Still, only two issues in the series present a perfect opportunity for fans looking to pick up a new title from well-respected creators to be able to jump on without the baggage of continuity.
Grade: A-
