ROMANCE

Batman: The Black Mirror

by Scott Snyder
Jock & Francesco Francavilla (illus.). DC. 2013. 304p. ISBN 9781401232078. pap. $16.99; ebk. ISBN 9781401242077. SUPERHERO
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Set just before the "New 52," Dick Grayson becomes more comfortable in his role as Batman living in Wayne Manor and reflects on whether Gotham City is becoming even darker. Proof of this manifests itself in a secret auction of villain souvenirs for members of Gotham's elite, the murder of an important bank owner's secretary whose body is found stuffed inside the belly of an orca whale, and, most of all, the return of James Gordon Jr., Commissioner Gordon's psychopathic son. James claims to be rehabilitated, but his stepsister Barbara (aka Batgirl, Oracle) refuses to believe him. Luckily, Batman doesn't trust James's transformation either and appears at a pivotal moment to stop him from killing Barbara.
VERDICT A best-selling volume that reflects more of the engaging Grayson as Batman and part of a crucial story in the life of the Gordon family. Jock's gritty, angular lines and Francavilla's smooth retro style are different from each other, but their shared color palate of oranges, blues, and grays unifies them to create a polished blend. Highly recommended to Batman fans old and new.
Reviewed by Heather Williams, Whatcom Community Coll., Bellingham, WA , Apr 12, 2013
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