DC Comics 2016
Story by Tim Seeley & Steve Orlando
Written by Steve Orlando
Illustrated by Roge Antonio
Coloured by Chris Sotomayor
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual
Night of the Monster Men part 2
I’m a big fan of the fact that Steve and Tim collaborated on this but it’s Steve’s story. There’s something to be said for one person writing the entire crossover that really does turn it into an event. There’s a cohesion to the story that is great to see this way.
Nothing against Roge but this is the kind of story arc that I was looking forward to seeing Javier illustrate. From what we’ve seen in the first four issues I think this story is right up his alley to bring to life. His style has more of that House of Mystery feel to it that would’ve taken this from superhero to creepy. Like I said nothing against Roge because his page layouts, the flow he creates through angles, perspective and the use of backgrounds to control the flow of the story are very nice to see. He definitely has a superhero aesthetic to his work and the attention to detail is nice to see.
There are a couple of things here that i’m a huge fan of seeing. The street lamps turning into beacons to warn the people of Gotham to evacuate the city and seeing all of Batman’s tech in play like that is one of them. Another is this depiction of Dick. Of all his sidekicks it’s always the original that’s the best, yes i’ll catch flack for that, but considering each one has their own strengths but it’s Dick Grayson that is closest to being like Bruce Wayne. The respect he commands, the way he’s gone from acrobat to just as good a detective and his way of recalling things from their past all conspire to really put him in that A-List class of superhero. Also the fact that he’ll be the first to take a different approach to a situation than Bruce shouldn’t be overlooked.
While Batman is playing leader and trying to fight the Monster Men it’s Dick who’s off to the Morgue to discover what he can. This is the kind of sleuthing that I’ve missed. The legwork and discovery phase of a case that can’t be done through modern technology to really understand what’s happening. It’s also that perfect opportunity to remind you that this is his book and while it’s a crossover he’s the star of what’s happening here while Steve simultaneously keeps the entire story arc moving forward. It’s a very delicate balance that he handles with aplomb.
The thrill that Batman #7 brought with the opening is still here with this issue. That Steve can keep this level up throughout two issues so far makes me almost salivate to see what he’s got in store next. The teamwork we see this issue is astounding the use of old fashioned tactics and detective work that made the series so great is alive and well here. This is the kind of story arc the reminds us of how great the Batman franchise was once upon a time and that’s coming back to that is why DC is currently so on point with this “Rebirth.”