Writer – Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, Tim Seeley
Artist – Riccardo Burchielli
Colours – Dave McCaig
Letters – Taylor Esposito
Bruce has Julia Pennyworth at home in Wayne Manor and she wants nothing to do with Alfred while Cluemaster believes that his daughter Stephanie is dead. One has to assume given his temperament, that once he finds out it is in fact the opposite, he should be pretty angry. Catwoman is still being held by Falcone from the last issue and it looks bad until Professor Pyg decides to bust in and take everyone hostage which of course makes everything worse. This would not be a Batman book if he did not come in to save the day though, which he does, and he and Catwoman manage to clean house. He stops Selina from putting an end to Falcone as there will be another time to do so and then she reveals something she heard when in captivity which leaves Bats questioning things once again as the book ends. Overall, this was a fairly good issue from the creative team who bring back Professor Pyg once again to cause a bit of havoc. The sub-plot involving Julia and Alfred looks like it will turn into something interesting as the book goes onwards as does the one between Catwoman and Falcone as more comes to light over their shared past. The Stephanie Brown storyline seems to be picking up just a wee bit of steam and it would be nice if they fleshed that out just a bit sooner rather than later, though with all the plotlines that are currently going on, it does not look like that will be the case anytime soon. One also has to notice the recurring theme of fathers and daughters, one which might play into the goings-on as the book moves forward or it may all just be coincidence but either way, it does make for a better story. Not the best book of the series so far, also featuring a little Jason Todd, a bit of Vicki Vale and Jason Bard, but it is a good one with a fair bit of action.
3.5 out of 5
Categories: Comics, Issue by Issue