Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Brave and the Bold #1-6

By Philip Schweier
February 28, 2019 - 14:49

Batman and Wonder Woman each follow different paths to the same scenario: the murder of King Elatha, the ruler of faerie folk who have existed in a separate realm, much like Themyscira. Diana has been summoned in the hopes brokering a lasting peace among them, while Batman is drawn by his own investigation into Gotham’s Irish quarter.

I appreciate seeing Batman and Wonder Woman team up, though I am uncertain their respective worlds can collide without impact. As a detective, Batman deals in hard facts, rather than the mystical elements of Diana’s experience. As Batman himself observes, “The rules are different.” I admit, I am most comfortable with Batman in an urban environment, rather than one of sorcery and Shakespearean dialogue.

The Celtic mythology offers a fresh spin, coming from Liam Sharp as it does. It might seem a bit dense and hard to follow at first, but it gets easier if one thinks in broad terms: magical king, murdered. Does one really need to know more? Such themes continue in the textured weaves and designs of the pages. Also refreshing are his vertical layouts, in an era when too many artists attempt to be cinematic, using horizontal panels almost exclusively.

However, as miniseries go, it is not conclusive. It doesn’t end so much as it just stops, leaving matters rather open-ended. Does this mean we should expect a sequel? Were I DC Editorial, I could only justify a sequel if the original is successful. I find it more than a little cocky to assume this particular pairing will be so embraced.

Rating: 3/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12