Batman and the Red Death #1

DC Comics
Batman and the Red Death #1
By Paul Mason
September 22, 2017 - 13:26

DC Comics
Writer(s): Joshua Williamson
Artist(s): Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colourist(s): Ivan Plascencia
Letterer(s): Tom Napolitano
Cover Artist(s): Jason Fabok, Dean White

Batman and the flash open this issue with Batman wanting the speed force from Barry. He refuses. Batman tries to take it anyhow. In the very opening pages there are so many easter eggs and references to DC continuity in various iterations, then there is a I “jump cut” to Gotham and citizens that look very much like the mutants in Miller's Dark Knight Returns.

Later in the issue a very different Bruce confronts Barry again in central city.

Snyder described Metal as not another crisis event but a sort of anti crisis Crisis. In the early stages it is living up to that description. It is a major event sure to rock, but not reboot the DC universe, and this chapter by Williamson is very worthy.

The art is gritty and dark but also clean and stylized. The panels arye truly amazing to behold.
Rating: 8.5/10