Scott Snyder's Batman continues to impress, to the surprise of no one.
This month's issue of Batman features Bruce returning to the surface world after his skirmish with the Talon in the Owl's labyrinth. Bruce manages to uncover the identity of the Talon...which leads to a reveal of a secret from Dick Grayson's past.
This issue really ties together a lot of the loose ends from throughout the story arc. Its funny, and likely a testament to Snyder's skill as a writer, that I didn't actually remember most of the loose ends until Snyder brings them back into the forefront. This issue reveals how the Talons stay alive; a complicated bit of scientific jargon that I don't entirely understand, but it does explain how the Talons are being "woken up". Snyder also explains why the murdered guy from the first issue was a target...and why he tried to warn Dick Grayson specifically.
While Scott Snyder knocks yet another book out of the park with his intelligent writing, Greg Capullo delivers his best work on the series to date. The book opens with a beautiful re-imagining of a classic Year One scene. After the bat breaks through Bruce's window and inspires him to become Batman, it flies into the night and is attacked by an owl. Capullo's art is really spectacular in this issue despite the lack of action.
The creepy resurrection of the previous Talons and Bruce socking Dick in the face (my parents are DEEEAAADDD!) were some of the other highlights of this issue.
My one complaint with the book is the scene in which Bruce is shocked back to life by...some girl. I feel like this one's my fault...but I just don't know who that girl was despite the fact that Batman recognizes her and apparently has warned her to stay away before. I'm really going to feel like an idiot when it turns out to be some important supporting character but I just can't figure out who its supposed to be. If anybody knows, a comment would be greatly appreciated.
Overall, this book is another fantastic and wonderfully illustrated chapter of what is turning out to be one of the best Batman stories ever. After the cliffhanger in this issue, I can't wait to see Bruce take on the court again next issue.
10/10