Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Art: Mike Hawthorne, Adriano Di Benedetto, Tomeu Morey, Jorge Jimenez, and Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 4th, 2023
It’s all-out war as only Batman stands between Red Mask and a Gotham City full of bodies! How much is the Dark Knight willing to sacrifice to save this city? Let’s dive into Batman #134 by Chip Zdarksy to find out!
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THE DISPATCH
Zdarsky provides the perfect glimpses of individuals in this Multiverse. Readers get to see where they are, what they’ve been up to, and how Batman might be able to make it back to his Universe. Through it all, I love the constant reminder in the dialogue that “these people” aren’t the same people he knows. It’s just fantastic to hear Bruce work through what he’s going to do and how he’s going to accomplish his goal. Moreover, it’s the inner dialogue in Batman #134 that helps to paint a stronger picture as to the direction of this issue as well as the ones to come.
Additionally, we also see the big picture and also get what appears to be confirmation of the Joker’s real name: Darwin Halliday. And ultimately, this entire universe is set up in order to have him actually become the Joker in this universe. The how and why… well you’ll have to read to find out. And it’s actually not too far-fetched either considering the Multiversal romp. Nevertheless, I can’t help but wonder if Batman will confront his Joker with his real name at some point.
Yet, for almost every good, there is usually something at least a bit bad to work on. The Superman “fight” was frankly a bit cheesy. Feel free to let me know your thoughts on that scene. Moreover, “the why” behind the Crane Brain gas swap with some type of Multiversal Poisonous Gas doesn’t make a ton of sense either. Sure, we know Halliday wants to reconnect with the Joker at all costs but the actual “science” behind “the why” makes no sense. Nevertheless, even through the lack of scientific logistics, the story itself ends strong with a killer twist that’s brand new for Batman while also cleverly incorporating a common foe. What may have begun a bit shaky ended incredibly strong as Batman #134 comes to a close.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Zdarksy simply gets storytelling. He has the delivery down, he executes his plot threads well, provides strong cliffhangers, thorough details, and all while connecting the classics that make Batman so dynamic. The Multiversal angle and parallel characters continue to add a vibrant spice that should continue to spark any Batman fans’ interest. This wasn’t the story I saw coming after Failsafe but it’s still a $&@ good story that I highly recommend. Batman needed new stories and flavor and Batman #134 is the perfect example of just that. Zdarsky has certainly delivered and continues to keep fans on their toes. Give this issue a look and let me know what you think.