Art:
I’ve previously talked quite in depth about the art of the
New 52’s current Batman run, and the same discussion applies just as well here,
if not even better. ‘Death of the Family’
is a dark book. Even for a Batman arc it is dark, and Capullo’s art reflects
that darkness beautifully. There are very few artists whose work I could
describe as being genuinely creepy at times, but Capullo is one of them. His
design for the Joker is perhaps the most unsettling portrayal of the character
I’ve ever seen. As grotesque and macabre as it might be, it still feels
curiously appropriate and believable. Capullo takes the Joker’s personality,
including the paradoxical horror of his character, and he paints it stunningly
throughout the book. With scenes such as the GCPD break-in being told in an
almost cinematic manner, showcasing the madness of the Joker, whilst creating
an atmosphere of complete and utter dread, as the lights go out and heart rates
go up. These scenes are where Capullo excels. However, it can’t be denied that
there are some less than impressive slip ups from time to time, with a few odd
expressions or rushed character drawings that sometimes feel stiff and detract
from what is otherwise a hugely atmospheric and haunting set of visuals. You
may even want to read this with one eye over your shoulder, and that is an
impressive feat for a comic to achieve.
Story:
The story focusses on the return of the Clown Prince to
Gotham after an extended absence following the removal of his face in the pages
of Detective Comics. As per usual, Joker has a plan, and that plan involves the
Batman, but this time he has a few other targets as well. Whilst not a
completely original concept when dissected, the story still offers enough in
the way of originality to be one of the most unique Joker tales ever written.
This is the way that a Joker story should be written. Throughout the whole
volume there is an overwhelming feeling of dread and violation that comes
across as terrifyingly atmospheric. You never know what could happen next, and
the knowledge of the Joker’s presence in Gotham is enough to leave the stories
protagonists in a state of vulnerability and paranoia that is almost infectious
to the reader. Elements of detective work are embraced to the benefit of the
story, as the book lets you deduce what is going to happen next in conjunction
with the book’s faithful representation of the Joker’s unpredictable manner.
Whilst at times the story may dwindle, particularly in its somewhat
disappointing climax, it still maintains the key to a great story, with a
number of impressive dialogues between characters that allow the reader to
truly explore the strange relationship between the Bat and the Joker. The end
page alone is bound to make fans smile cautiously with gleeful expectation.
Readability:
The balance of text and imagery in ‘Death of the Family’ is
very well done, with their being only a couple of isolated instances of text
heaviness that are overwhelmed by the overarching quality of the book. Dialogue
fits each character well, and moments that could quite easily be left alone are
improved by the inclusion of insightful commentary and soliloquy from Batman.
Verdict:
‘Batman’ Volume 3 is an unsettlingly masterful dive into the
mind of the world’s greatest villain, exploring his relationship with the
Batman, whilst also managing to deliver one of the greatest Batman stories ever
told. Although it may be somewhat hasty towards the end, the book still leaves
the reader with a powerful feeling of unease, and awe, as they have just read
what will surely become a timeless addition to the world of the Batman, and his
ever smiling nemesis.
Score:
10/10
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