Again,
the opening sequence is a winner: Batman pulls up in the Batmobile in a small
town somewhere out West (or so we presume). It’s broad daylight and Batman is
parading around in complete cape and cowl. It reminds me of an old “Mad
Magazine Looks at Batman” feature by Sergio Aragones. One two-panel bit shows
Batman on the beach in daylight, followed by him back at the Batcave, mask off,
and a sunburn around his mouth and chin.
But Batman
isn’t looking for a tan, he’s searching for the source of the Riddler’s latest
heist, in the hopes it will lead him to the Riddler himself. But Edward E.
Nigma is as far from Gotham as one can get, and has been promised protection
even Batman can’t overcome. Fortunately, Batman has more than one trick arrow
in his quiver.
Nick
Derington’s artwork is fabulous, and with a monthly schedule it is my hope he
will be able to stay on task for the foreseeable future. If not, he certainly
deserves an opportunity on Detective
Comics or Batman.
I look
forward to reading this story in its entirety. DC’s giant comics produced
exclusively for WalMart are more than just an outreach. They feature top
quality artists and writers (and reprints), and have the potential for being
part of the overall continuity.
Rating:
8/10