Prepare to step into the Batman way back time machine, because this is a story that takes place early on in Batman’s crime fighting career. Before we venture back I warn you the flashback process might cause you to feel nausea, dizziness, a sense of ennui and maybe exasperation. Grab a retro-buddy’s hand.
Ready! Set! Go!
The room spins. Fellow travelers appear as if their faces are melting. Music and sound slows down. Everything goes black. Then, a thump.
Wow! That was unexpected and different! *goes to change underwear*
In this volume Batman goes up against his arch-villain, Lex Luthor. Wait. What? Too late! -suckers-
Wayne Enterprises and LexCorp (“The friendly face of tyranny!”) are vying for a Defense Department contract. Guess who’s not going to play by the rules and use subterfuge to get what they want? Guess who’s going to dress up like a flying rodent to cope? If you answered, Long John Silver and The Hulk, to those questions, you can click the “Home” button now.
This is a fairly solid, if unspectacular tale from Andy Diggle. The art, however, is just ugly. Whilce Portacio has a real issue with drawing faces. Sunken, shadowy eyes are the norm even if the character is, say, looking directly into the sun. Is that a grin or a sneer, a leer or a grimace? Does that character have some hidden agenda or is he just happy to be here?
“That will be all, Pennyworth.”