Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Batman #9Batman #9
DC Comics
Snyder, Capullo & Glapion

For the most part, the books I enjoy the most are the non-super hero variety. The Walking Deads, Chews and American Vampires of the world. I do still read some cape books for an array of reasons but much of it falls into the "ordinary" category. Every once in a while I am reminded of why I still pick them up. I am reminded of what I hope to see in a hero book. Though it may be something I have seen 100 times (even with the same character), it still gets me every single time. This book contains one of those elements. Snyder puts Batman in an unwinnable situation and has him call on something deep down inside to pull out an impossible reversal of the tide. Partnered with that is Capullo, who provides a visual of that transformation that I won't soon forget. I got goose bumps reading this issue.

Night of the Owls officially begins, but Batman is already pushed to the brink as this issue starts. He is in an armored suit fighting off dozens of "talons" in his own Batcave while Alfred clings to danger room controls hoping to help his master. Batman then recalls how previous Wayne generations had dealt with bats in the cave. They introduced a bat's natural predator, the owl. Snyder narrates a tremendous tale that completely solidifies everything about Batman that works – he is always prepared and his personal tragedies drive him to always win.

The book launches into the massive crossover at the end as various other Bat-related characters spring into action. This book truly serves as the feeder into so many other titles. The backup provides some background into the owls, but through the eyes of Alfred's father, which is certainly an interesting take on the story. I can't wait to see how Synder folds this backup story into the main one.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsCapullo has become the Batman artist of modern times. Sure you might like Jim Lee or countless others for various reasons, but when I hear the word Batman I picture Capullo's pencils and particularly the scenes in this book where Batman picks himself up off the ground for another round. Capullo's work on Spawn was amazing. It doesn't come close to what he is doing in this title. Capullo has evolved into something more with his work in this title.

Batman is DC's best title. I can say that confidently and absolutely. It stands out much like Green Lantern did for so many of the previous five or six years. Snyder is creating an enormous storyline with a character that seems to have had everything already done. This book is one not to miss. Don't be scared away by the crossover. If you get one book this week get this one.

4.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles