Healing Factor
Writer: Scott Peterson
Artist: Kelley Jones
Release Date: August 22, 2018
Cover Price: $3.99
When this book was announced, I wasn't sure I was going to review it. I am a lazy man, you see. However, since I've been down on Tom King's Batman run, I figured, what the heck! Things worked out nice for me reviewing White Knight! So, here goes...
The book opens with some classic Joker and for anyone who is waiting patiently for the Three Jokers book to come out, this may make the wait a little easier. I realize that there is nothing in this opening that we haven't seen before, but we haven't seen it in a long while so it feels fresh.
Really, this entire issue feels like one big callback, like it's been plucked out of some earlier run that never actually happened. A big part of that is Kelly Jones' art, but it goes beyond that. In a time where most books (especially Batman) want to prove just how deep and smart they can be, Scott Peterson seems satisfied to tell a good Batman story. Outrageous!
Of course, Batman shows up to take down the Joker and haul him off to Arkham. While Joker still wants to play the game, Batman seems pretty bored with the routine. That weariness continues in Arkham as a Doctor steps up to tell Batman that his way just isn't working. Again, nothing that we all haven't thought or joked about before, but here it feels fresh.
The issue continues with the requisite inmate breakout complete with most of Bat's Rogues Gallery, punches, and special moves and while the doctor continues to criticize Batman's methods, one villain escapes. Yea, the big bad of the series is on the loose and the issue ends with a cliffhanger that really throws Batman off his game.
I really enjoyed this issue. Like I said, it feels like something out of the past and with what we are getting lately, I am all for that! I really liked Kelly Jones' art on Swamp Thing recently, but I loved it here. My only real complaint was this issue didn't have a ton of meat to it...the first half is dominated by the Joker just to get to Arkham, but by the end, I didn't mind at all.
Bits and Pieces:
If you are looking for a classic feeling Batman story that isn't trying too hard to be deep or emotional, this may fit the bill. Kelly Jones' art is great and Scott Peterson already has me hooked and looking forward to next issue. Recommended.
8.5/10
Question: Why penguin and bane inmates? They are not insane.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that always bothers me too. It's just a fun little out of continuity story so I can go with it. By the way, with a name like Tao Jones, you better be picking up Suicide Squad Annual this week.
Delete