The second installment of Gargoyle of Gotham by Rafael Grampá picks up where it left off. Batman defeats the ink covered serial killer Crytoon with his bare hands. However, the following investigation potentially reveals a complex web of corruption, and yet another serial killer is still on the loose!
Don’t Try This At Home
Batman is losing control. Previously, Batman declares that he is planning the death of his alter ego for the sake of saving Gotham. As a result, Batman attempts to sever the connection to his inner child and his morality by “changing his rationale.” Disturbingly, this means increasing his brutality until he’s unable to feel the guilt of murder. Grampá represents this stark duality in a sequence of black and white panels of him wailing on Crytoon, and others of him metaphorically sinking into the darkness. At the very least, Bruce’s belief that Batman will be more efficient without morality is a huge problem.
On the other hand, the villainous man-child Crytoon sits with Gordon for interrogation. The underlying goal of the interview is to link Crytoon with both cases. Unfortunately, none of the cops can break him and decide to send him to Arkham for professional help. Curiously, the Commissioner requests Gordon’s source on the warehouse case after mentioning the TNT. Suspecting Batman’s involvement, the Commissioner warns Gordon to play by the book or else. In fact, he makes a point of saying if cops could do what they want, there wouldn’t be a Batman. Despite the warning, Batman and Gordon take the interest in the TNT as a sign not to trust the police department, and they’re completely right.
Silence Is Violence
Additionally, rallies for the homeless and disenfranchised are on the upswing in Gotham with ex-journalist Nia Garcia as its face. Although unwilling to lead the #SPEAKUPFORTHEM movement, Nia reluctantly gives a speech on the streets. She argues that “those that eat have a responsibility to the hungry.” Yet, Bruce Wayne shockingly hates Nia. His hypocrisy stems from his unwillingness to see shame in his astronomical investment into Batman’s crusade. Even Alfred knows Nia’s speech implicates him in a negative light. Sickeningly, Bruce believes cops like Gordon or activists like Nia should be grateful Batman is here and so well funded. Inarguably, this puts a selfish spin on Batman’s violent exploits, and calls into question what Bruce Wayne should be spending his inheritance on.
Furthermore, Gordon visits Bruce Wayne as a potential target of the serial killer. In the process, we learn that Gordon feels guilty for failing the Waynes, and that Bruce was a patient of Dr. Quinton’s children’s wing. In particular, Quinton admits young Bruce after an attack on a homeless man. However, because Bruce forgot Dr. Quinton and his violent episodes, he can’t trust that Batman was his idea in the first place. Especially seeing that his violence continues to this day. Bruce even can’t understand why Alfred has been going along with Batman for so long. Naturally, Alfred thinks this is an opportunity for Bruce to come to terms with his identity. Despite this, Bruce is strongly unwilling to part with his violent lifestyle, and continues to believe Bruce Wayne must die.
A Killer Heart
Meanwhile, the second serial killer impales more victims related to Dr. Quinton. The first thing that stood out to me was the killer’s design. It wasn’t the gold armor, the sharp needle-like gauntlets, long white hair, or facial scarring like Edward Scissorhands (1990) that caught my attention. Mysteriously, the killer wears a metal accessory with three intersecting spires. The occult-like symbol bears strong resemblance to Nordic binding runes for strength, possibly as commentary on the challenge of their faith. Regardless, when the killer shows up in a beautifully illustrated Catholic church in their civilian clothes, they trade the glyph for a crucifix. With this context, the killer’s ritualistic manner of killing can take on new cultish inferences.
While the connection between the Killer, Quinton, and the church is unclear, the priest is undoubtedly up to no good. More importantly, it seems the priest is not only aware of the second killer’s identity, but expects them to come for him next. Rafael includes more religious symbolism and a constant moth motif following the Priest. Finally, Gordon’s religion plays a big part in the character’s sacrificial mindset. He gives up his family, his health, and his time to the city. It makes complete sense Gordon’s guard would be down when confronting the father, and that the father’s guard would falter in front of a cop. On the other hand, I didn’t expect the absolute worse moth pun known to man to come out of the meeting between the two.
Recommended If…
- You don’t mind occult mysteries.
- You are a fan of Rafael Grampá’s art.
- Completely hooked into Gargoyle of Gotham‘s sprawling tale of corruption.
Overall
Grampá is incredibly talented at creating a distinct textured world for his story. The backgrounds, creative perspectives, and small details bless the project with a dreary tone. Unfortunately, I loathe this version of Batman. In this universe, Batman is a selfish, petulant brute with no self awareness. When measured against Alfred’s patience and Gordon’s humility, Bruce Wayne comes off as a smug brat with a lot to learn. Hopefully, Nia Garcia and the subplot of inequality positively affects the character. Otherwise, this mystery and it’s colorful batch of killers is a satisfying noir with some curious twists and turns.
Score: 8/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purposes of this review
