Batman has been gone for a long time, and Gotham has suffered in his absence. Well before his “execution”, Batman’s mind had been the victim of psychological attacks, leaving him helpless to stop the Orghams’ slow infiltration of the city’s power structures. Now he’s back and ready to retake Gotham. At the dawn of Ram V’s final act, there’s a real sense of excitement as Batman finally returns to his full strength. We all know how formidable he can be, and the anticipation for him to show the Orghams whose city this really is has been building for months.
The comic’s introduction could not give him a better return. Its opening page talks of him, but never explicitly by name. He’s only referred to vaguely through haunting, atmospheric narration as the reveal draws closer and closer. Admittedly, this is lessened somewhat by having the name drop happen a little to early and with some awkward dialog repetition. However, when he finally does appear, Javier Fernandez’s art turns him into a force of nature. The erratic paneling, disorienting closeups, and characters draped in silhouette give off the impression that Batman in action can hardly be comprehended, much less stopped.
From that initial dramatic reveal, the story cuts to the desert back when Bruce was initially recovering with Talia. It’s there that we see him both coherent and in control, which feels like a relief after so much psychological suffering. What’s more, he actually seems happy. It’s clear that the thought of returning to Gotham has never left his mind, but for the time he has before that day comes, he’s able to enjoy himself. His relationship with Talia certainly takes an unexpected turn that will be interesting to see develop in the coming issues.
Back in Gotham, the story once again focuses on the ideology driving the Orgham’s ability to assert their dominance. On the surface, it seems that Batman returned to a city at peace that no longer needs him. Crime is low, the streets are clean, and the darkness that has pervaded every corner appears to have dissipated. At the same time, the Orghams are discussing how the people will offer them power willingly so long as they are offered the illusion of safety. So long as they focus on “the right people”, then everyone else can be pushed aside.
It’s that belief that society can be divided into the people that matter and a permanent underclass to be swept aside that drives this supposed utopia. It’s an insidious sort of cruelty, because it’s so easy for people on the right side of that line to convince themselves it’s just. When given the chance to forget that the injustices of the world exist, people will take it. That’s why Jim’s story of the troubled youth who slipped through the cracks was so important. It demonstrates how much of a problem this is even without any evil organization controlling the city. It also makes Batman realize what he must do. He must shatter that illusion.
Score: 8/10
Backup
This month’s backup, like many in this run, gives a closer look at the supporting cast. It’s Cassandra’s turn, as we see how she has been managing Gotham in Batman’s absence. There’s only a brief confrontation with Lady Shiva as she smuggles the cargo from the main story out of Gotham, but it’s effective in its atmosphere. Patricio Delpeche’s colors do a great job in creating a sense of moodiness that fills the interactions with mystery and tension. The action is brief, yet exciting to watch as Cass goes up against the horrifying Orgham monsters.
Where it stumbles is in the writing. Alex Paknadel takes over from Dan Watters, and unfortunately isn’t able to keep that same level of elegant simplicity. The dialog and narration here often feels overwritten in a style that’s especially inappropriate for the usually terse Cass. He’s able to successfully convey the core points of conflict between Cass, her mother Lady Shiva, and her responsibility towards Batman, but too often it feels like exposition. However, it’s still an exciting little vignette for fans of the character.
Score: 6.5/10
Recommended If
- You’ve been waiting for Batman to return to Gotham
- The Orghams’ political intrigue plot is something you enjoy
- You’re a fan of Cass and want to see more of her
Overall
The opening chapter to Ram V’s final act builds a sense of anticipation and excitement as Batman finally returns to Gotham. The stakes are laid out and the characters are moved into position for the final stretch building towards the run’s climax. At the same time, V doesn’t abandon the focus on politics and psychological motivations that have defined his story up until now, hopefully setting up a satisfying conclusion that will tie everything together.
Overall score: 7.5/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.
