Review by West: Arkham War #5
~~~Spoilers Ahead~~~
"We have Bane's venom...and we will soon have Bane!"
- Scarecrow in Arkham War #5
Intro
DC Comics popular "event mini series" Forever Evil has managed to reach out to every corner of the DC Universe. Even all the way to Arkham Asylum. The big crossover series has in fact lead to the publication of some related limited series'. Arkham War is the series about what happens in Gotham City while the events of Forever Evil occur. Here is my review of Forever Evil: Arkham War #5.
Background
Forever Evil tells the tale of what happens when the "evil Justice League" of Earth 3 attacks and exiles a majority of Justice League members within the DC proper. Unlikely alliances are made and some characters find themselves having to do things they would never have done before. With the heroes gone many of the super villains find themselves in positions of action. Arkham War has told the tale of how the villains of Gotham City are reacting. We see the city enter into a feudal state, with areas falling under the orders of various Arkham Asylum patients. However, Bane has arrived with the intent of organizing the Blackgate prisoners in order to conquer and control the entirety of Gotham himself. Not wanting to succeed their new gained power and influence, the Arkham inmates organize under Scarecrow (who promises them victory) to battle back against Bane and his impromptu army. A big crutch of their battle is a race to see which side can activate several Talon warriors from Earth 3. The Gotham police department does what it can to help the "normal" resident of Gotham City and Penguin plays both sides of the battle.
The Issue - Arkham War #5
The issue begins with Gordon, now working with the former Blackgate warden, assisting people in vacating Gotham. It moves to a group of Talons who are attacking the forces of Bane, his forces comprised of the Blackgate prisoners. The Talons were recently activated by Scarecrow, with the help of fellow Arkham inmates, and programmed to attack Bane. Although Bane (still wearing his version of the Bat suit) and the one Talon he was able to align himself with, are able to battle the Talons to a standstill. All the Talons are rendered incapacitated thanks to the some insightful advice from Penguin. Scarecrow has gathered the Arkham inmates in the hope of celebrating victory. However he realizes that the Talons have failed, not having heard back from them yet. Scarecrow shifts to the back up plan, which involves the strength inducing Venom drug of Bane. He processed the drug from a prior encounter with Bane, and he tricks the other Arkham inmates into inhaling the concoction. The assembled inmates begin to grow stronger, including Scarecrow who ends the issue promising that they will "kill Bane."
Critique and Rating
This issue is utter and complete filler. Gordon is there to remind us he's doing something, working alongside the warden (whom they must have something big planned for). Penguin references as well so we don't forget him. Peter J. Tomasi serves up a rather bland filler that establishes what most likely will be the end game battle for the series. Venom enhanced Arkham inmates taking on Bane and the Talons. The battle between Bane and the army of super powered Talons, comes together as very brief and almost easy for Bane. Tomasi's characterization of Scarecrow however remains intriguing with this issue. They've turned him into a more cunning, affirmative, and cerebral threat; one who has also accessed genuine leadership ability. Scot Eaton does an adequate job, considering the large number of characters drawn here. His style reminds me of Rags Morales, only not quite yet as refined as Morales' pencils are. One great panel features the Bat suited Bane riding through the streets of Gotham on horseback, a wonderful homage to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
**
(out of four stars)