Batman #20
DC Comics, $3.99, color, 30 pages
Writers: Scott Snyder (Batman), James Tynion IV (Batman/Superman)
Artist: Greg Capullo (Batman), Alex Maleev (Batman/Superman)
This is good comics.
This issue is the second part of two stories, the main one with Batman vs. Clayface, and a backup story about Batman and Superman facing a supernatural menace. Both stories show Batman dealing with his grief over the death of Damian; in the main story Alfred helps him, while in the back-up Superman is his pal. Neither, as that sentence may indicate, take Batman out of his tough-guy-who-internalizes-everything role, but both allow him to enjoy, ever so briefly, the warmth of friendship.
I don't have much to say; these are not turning-point stories or shockers of some kind. They are typical Batman stories, although at an unusual time, but that's one reason they're so good. Even on an "average" Batman story Snyder and Capullo shine, while the back-up is a nice dessert. Snyder's story keeps the pages turning, while Capullo is a remarkably well-rounded artist whose Bruce Wayne is every bit as visually interesting as his Batman.
My one complaint is a moment doubtless meant to be an emotional climax or release, but instead left me the uneasy feeling that everyone in the room in the time, including Commissioner Gordon, should know without a doubt that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same. But, hey, if that's my only complaint, it's not much of one.
Batman #20 isn't great comics. But it may be great in the sense that's it really good without needing to be.
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