This may be an interlude chapter, featuring little actual Mother Panic in favor of character development and moving various pieces onto the board. Violet Paige is reunited with an old flame, who appears to be under the control of “a very bad man.” We’re not certain of his exact role – crime boss? wife beater? Your guess is as good as mine, at this point.

The tiresome emotional drama I spoke of last time continues. Alcoholism, physical abuse, unhealthy same sex relationships and self-loathing seem to have become the featured agenda of the book, rather than the crime busting we expect from comic books. But hey, maybe I’m just continuing to view the likes of Batman through the same lens as when I was 8 years old. When one thinks of his fractured psyche, is he really any different?

This issue introduces what may be a new protagonist, and artist who paints in blood the others work in oils or watercolors. Homicide as an art form. Hmm – where have I heard that before?

The Gotham Radio back-up feature continues. Hester & Parks offer an interesting layout this time around, with individual panels in the form of interlocking puzzle pieces. This reflects the narrative of this installment, as a handful of clues begin to come together and offer a clearer picture to readers.