The Walking Dead #112
Rating: ★★★★1/2
#112 of The Walking Dead picks up right from the shocking conclusion of #111. Since Something to Fear, this series has really picked up. Things have still been moving forward relatively slow, but since the introduction of a new antagonist for the series in the form of Negan, The Walking Dead has been more of an exciting and thrilling read than it has in a long time. Things have really livened up since #100, but it’s great to see that Kirkman still finds the time and space to fit in the character development that makes this series the extremely investable and addictive read that made me stick with it in the first place. Aside from that, there’s a lot to enjoy in this issue. It’s without a doubt one of the most intense issues in this arc so far and sets up the insanity that is sure to follow. My heart was in my throat throughout almost the entirety of this issue as certain characters make some questionable decisions – the kind that could get them killed – and must face the dire consequences. There certainly hasn’t been an issue quite as thrilling and heart-stopping since the infamous 100th issue. Even though the issue lacks a huge event such as the death of a major character, such was what drove #100 home, Kirkman makes up for that in some of the most stimulating writing in recent issues. It’s safe to say that if the following issues aim to top the intensity of this one, if they even can, then us fans will be in for a treat. Unfortunately, It’s Charlie Adlard’s artwork that is the weak link of this issue. Though I was a big fan of his work back in The Walking Dead’s earlier days, I can’t help but notice that it been pretty weak lately. Often, details seem missed and drawings seem rushed causing the book to look a lot more blocky and messy than it should. Adlard’s work just isn’t impressing me quite as much as it used to, which is a shame given the fact that he could potentially tell the reader so much simply through a character’s facial expressions. Overall, #112 stands out as an issue in this arc providing one of the most intense sequences in the series that we’ve seen in a while and should act as a refreshing and relieving read to anyone who may have been worried that the series was close to grinding to another screeching halt.
Batman Incorporated #12
Rating: ★★★★
In the penultimate issue of Grant Morrison’s Batman Incorporated and his entire run on Batman, The Dark Knight comes face-to-face with The Heretic, his son’s killer, as the final battle for Gotham begins. The wait for this issue was an excruciating one as fans had to hold their breath for an extra month with the series taking a break in #11 for a special issue by Chris Burnham (an issue I chose to skip). But it’s finally here, and I’m happy to say that #12 of Batman Incorporated was everything I wanted it to be. The issue focuses almost solely on Batman’s confrontation with The Heretic, placing the reader’s attention where it should be. The issue is almost entirely based around this epic fight which, thanks to the combined efforts of Morrison and Burnham, makes for a truly cinematic showdown. The issue reads extremely intently, with every one of Batman’s powerful blows being felt and every just as powerful word of dialogue hitting just as hard. Burnham’s artwork also goes a long way towards making this issue one of the most impactful of the series, side by side with #8. Although Burnham can receive a bad rep for his cartoony and sometimes comical style of drawing, I’ve always felt that this style works best for the series. Batman Incorporated, after all, is in no way the dark and gritty series that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman is, and it’s certainly not trying to be. Burnham’s more cartoony (for lack of a better word) style, I think, is better suited for a series that deals with less grounded themes and ideas. The whole idea of Batman Incorporated overall just seems to read better when brought to life by Chris Burnham’s style. Morriosn’s writing is similar in the way that he takes little time to explain himself. Instead of wasting panels, Morrison uses them to the best of his ability to keep the fast pace of his story going and choosing not to dwelling on things. And whilst this usually works for the better, there are some things that could perhaps use a little bit more explanation and detail. For example, instead of explaining how a gadget works, Batman will simply state: “This suit’s made of a meta-material with a negative refractive index.” If you’re like me, it’s lines like this that will leave you asking: “WHAT?” But Morrison wastes no time to explain, which in this case I think is for the better, but I can certainly understand other people’s concern. Overall, although it didn’t quite wrap up as much as I’d hoped and leaves a lot of questions to be answered and issues to be resolved in what must be a huge final issue, Batman Incorporated #12 is an issue that delivers everything it promises, but not quite enough more to make it an issue to go down in history. Whether the series will overall remains to be seen. #12 sets up what is sure to be an action-packed and thrilling final issue of epic proportions, as another historic run from Grant Morrison comes to an end.
-George