Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Batwing #29 Review

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray
Art by: Eduardo Pansica
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 5, 2014


The Good Kind of Underground


Gotham Underground.  Those two words will strike fear in anyone unfortunate enough to be reading Ann Nocentis Catwoman.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, count your blessings.  If you are being introduced to Gotham Underground through Batwing then you are really lucky.  Palmiotti and Gray are turning a place I hoped I'd never see again into a place I want to see more of.  Of course it doesn't hurt that Batwing is there, he's pissed and he's fighting a bunch of guys dressed like Anubis.

I can't mention it enough, I love Batwing.  Since Luke Fox put on the suit, this book has become so good.  To me it is DC's answer to Peter Parker/Spiderman.  High praise indeed, but I think it's deserved.  Luke Fox is a young hero learning the ropes while trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life.  Throw in who his family is and their relationship with Bruce Wayne and Batman and you've got such great potential.



Potential is one thing, but Palmiotti and Gray also deliver the goods.  Batwing has been such a fun comic book to read each month.  However, things are starting to get real.  Luke is finding out that being a hero with a kick ass glowing bat on your awesome suit isn't all fun.  He is also learning a very hard lesson...you can't save everyone.  Even if it's your family.

Batwing #29 is a turning point for the book.  Luke is facing a pain that no one wants and it may happen again real soon if he doesn't do something.  He is taking the fight to the source, but he may not live long enough to win the battle.  In the meantime, all this is causing Batman (and Alfred) to question whether Luke is really the man for the job.  There is a great scene between those two that shows that Batman does care about putting people in harms way.  It's great and hits hard with what has happened to him in the New 52.

The book is about Batwing, though, and where he ends up at the end of the book looks pretty grim.  He is no closer to finding out who kidnapped his sisters and is about to be eaten.  I can't wait until next issue.

My only problem with this issue is that we don't get Menace or the Rat Catcher.  I can't say the issue slowed down because what is here is fast paced and awesome.  I just want to see Batwing face the main villains of the story.  I have an attention deficit disorder so please forgive me.

The art of Eduardo Pansica continues to impress.  Seeing the Batwing symbol in the dark is solid gold and the Gotham Underground is plenty dark.  It also is massive and Pansica makes it and it's inhabitants look imposing and cool at the same time.

Bits and Pieces:

Batwing #29 is another great issue form Palmiotti and Gray.  Batwing has been so much fun and now mix in a more personal story and tragedy and you get so much more.  Pansica's art is stylized and great and really makes the story come alive.  Please read this book, you will not be disappointed.

9.0/10

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