All-Star Batman #8Comic Review by Paul Fiander
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Written byScott Snyder
Pencils; Giuseppe Camuncoli Francesco Francavilla Inks; Mark Morales Francesco Francavilla Colored by Dean White Francesco Francavilla |
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The honour roll of artist continues as All Star Batman gets a new team working with Scott Snyder. Following on from the Ivy storyline but with a time hop that is eluded to within the narrative Batman must face a new member of his rogue’s gallery in the shape of the Mad Hatter.
The reveal of the main nemesis of the issue is slow incoming as first Bruce must face off against those he calls friends. This initial altercation gives us a insight into the mental planning that goes into a spur of the moment fight. The quick decisions are explained as Bruce explains what he sees and why he makes the decisions he does. This highlights the way a comic can show you snap shots in time and expand upon them, in a film this would probably come via a freeze frame and fourth wall break but The All Star team make it flow with the narrative. Giuseppi Camuncoli is responsible for the pencils in this issue and he has his work cut out for him as the Hatter takes Bruce on a trip through his subconscious. The variation in action and set pieces make this a compelling visual spectacle. I am really enjoying Snyder’s work with different artistic talent, I felt so comfortable with his work with Greg Capullo that I thought the change would be jarring but thankfully this was a worry that has not come to fruition. Mark Morales is responsible for the Inks in the issue and the Colours are from Dean White. I will admit I not familiar with Morales work but Dean White is a different story, for me he is one of the best colourists around and this issue goes a long way in supporting this assertion. The Cursed wheel is back again with its 7th issue. The backup story with Francesco Francavilla at the artistic helm is a lovely added extra to the All Star Run. The art here is a drastic change to the main story but it feels great to see Francavilla working on a DC book. His art is attractive to behold and you cannot help but stare at the work he puts into each panel. The story itself is difficult to understand without knowledge of the previous parts. I will be interested to see to see how this is published when it comes to the trade, it will be great to read it as a more continuous story where you can really appreciate the narrative in a cohesive manner. All Star Batman shows the versatility of Batman but more that it shows Snyder’s ability to use the villains of Gotham in such a way to bring the best out of the Bat. This really is a series you should be reading. |
