Death of the Family

• Title: Batman #14
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Scott Snyder
• Artist: Greg Capullo

Writer Scott Snyder’s Batman #14 is problematic as it seems to suggest, but carefully never directly prove, that the Joker has far more knowledge about the true identities of the men and women who are part of the Bat-Family than has ever before been stated. Is this simply the writer toying with us, or is Snyder about to implement yet another major New 52 deviation that I simply can’t get on-board with?

The classic take on the Joker is a villain obsessed with Batman who doesn’t want to know the Dark Knight Detective’s secret identity, as that would ruin all the fun. This is exactly what happens in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker when the Clown Prince of Crime admits that he wished he had never peeked under the cowl.

Snyder is careful by giving us an alternative explanation for the Joker’s abduction of Alfred as well as the Joker never naming names when he “reveals” he knows Batman’s secret identity. I’m hoping for a huge bait-and-switch. But seeing how the New 52 has given me very little of what I actually want, I’m not too hopeful. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC, $2.99]

• Title: Batman and Robin #14
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
• Artists: Patrick Gleason, Tomás Giorello,

“Death of the Family” continues (albeit without the Joker) as Batman and Robin #14 concludes the story from last month by focusing separately on both Damian and Batman fighting with the army of hungry zombies kidnapping citizens for food. Even putting aside my dislike of zombies in general, I’ve got to say this is one of the most uninspired comics I’ve read so far this year.

Most of the comic focuses on Damian actually acting like a hero and fearful and irrational Batman needless berating him, first over the comms and later in person, before a 180-degree so fast it will give you whiplash.

Aside from Damain actually doing some justice to the Robin name (and not being the complete tool the New 52 has been so focused on delivering month after month) there’s almost nothing worthy of notice. The story is completely forgettable and the mix of both Patrick Gleason and Tomás Giorello’s art makes the comic look and feel uneven at best. Pass.

[DC, $2.99]