Batman

• Title: Batman #51
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Tom King
• Artist: Lee Weeks

It appears even Gotham’s wealthiest bachelor can’t escape his civic duty. Batman meets 12 Angry Men in the first issue of the post-Catwoman arc which features Bruce Wayne selected as one of the jurors for Victor Fries‘ trial for triple homicide. Tied to the courtroom, it falls on Nightwing to act as a stand-in for the Batman while Bruce struggles with listening to a defense attorney rip apart the case Batman built.

What is Batman’s motive here? Surely the world’s greatest detective could get out of jury duty. Is he merely doing his civic responsibility? Is it justice? Or is it guilt? There’s an interesting moment here when Fries takes the stand and suggests that he only confessed to the crimes to placate and out-of-control Batman (one who was recently left at the altar). Did Batman actually go too far and force a confession?

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• Title: Batman #50
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Tom King
• Artist: Mikel Janin

The wedding day finally arrives in the over-sized Batman #50. While the main story features the bride and groom to be getting ready for the big event, the comic is a standout for a series of full-page art by various DC artist capturing Batman and Catwoman over the years. My favorites of these are the classic 70s and 80s pages from José Luis García-López and Jason Fabok, the classic 50s look from Andy Kubert, the fun Spidey pose from Rafael Albuquerque, and the longing in Becky Cloonan’s page. My only real complaint is that Bruce Timm isn’t included (although Ty Templeton‘s take harkens back to that style).

Surprising absolutely no one, DC Comics gets cold feet at the last moment and calls off the wedding between the two characters with each leaving a note for the other that remains unread. Despite their plans, and DC’s huge build-up to the event, the wedding never takes place.

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