Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #37Batman #37
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo, Miki & Plascencia

'Endgame' continues in Batman with the third part of the arc. This arc puts Batman against the Joker's virus while the city begins to tear itself apart. The comic definitely creates a situation where things look pretty dire in Gotham. The series is excellent each and every month and this issue is no different from the rest. This is something to seek out and pick up.

Batman fights through the virus as Alfred and daughter look on. Batman finally comes to his senses and then determines the damage to the city. Batman relies on Alfred to have kept up the work while Batman was out and this gives Batman the lead he needs. He charges into Gotham on a mission but not without some help.

Gordon is in a boarded up room waiting on Batman to save the day. Essentially, Gordon knows eventually Batman will supply the secret weapon to fight the virus and Gordon will be waiting to press the button to spread it. The idea of Gordon in a closed up bunker is a fitting spot for the character.

Batman fights his way into a hospital only to find a trap. This isn't the kind of death trap you might expect. Instead, Batman is put through some psychological test as he is confronted with a staged version of his parent's murder. This while Gordon gets confronted with the real deal, The Joker.

The comic is very good. There is tension, drama and a few surprises. The action isn't of the fistfight variety, but of the standoff kind and it works well in this story. The comic book definitely takes a different approach as to how Joker attacks Batman and it's a nice change of pace. The book has a great cliffhanger to boot.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThe problems with the comic book are very small but worth mentioning. The fact that Batman is alarmed with The Joker knowing his secret identity is strange because wasn't that also part of the 'Death of the Family' arc involving The Joker? It started making me wonder where exactly this story takes place on the Batman timeline. Also, the non-introduction of Alfred's daughter has bugged me for the past two issues. I suppose she is showcased in some other Batman book. This may be another case where DC editorial assumes that readers pick up every single book in the line, which explains why characters are rarely introduced in their books. Finally, the backup story has to go. It drains the tension right out of the book.

The artwork is fantastic. The book starts out mild enough, but by the end the pages get more dramatic and take on an epic feel to them. There definitely is that slasher-flick level of tension with regard to the Gordon plotline and artwork enhances it so much. This is another vintage looking Batman book.

Batman is the strongest comic book in the DC stable since the reboot. This issue just brings another level to the Joker-Batman dynamic. I recommend checking this comic book out. I believe you will find yourself seeking out the back issues once you've read this issue.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles