Official site: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/batman-2011/batman-50
It’s been a long road with Snyder and Capullo, and it seems to be nearing it’s end. For the better part of five years, Snyder and Capullo have been telling the best Batman stories to date, at least in my opinion.
Issue #50 is the penultimate issue for Snyder and Capullo’s run on Batman and a tear certainly formed in my eyes when I thought about their run ending. Over the years, I’ve read many comic books, but right now, there is no comic book on the shelves more important to me than Batman and that is because of the efforts of Snyder and Capullo. When they leave, I may just stop reading Batman altogether.
Well, enough about the past and let’s get to the issue at hand. Issue #50 ends the current “Superheavy” story and returns Bruce Wayne as Batman. What I love about Snyder’s characterization of Batman is that Batman is a beacon of light in a dark city. He inspires the people of Gotham to be better. In prior incarnations, Batman becomes one with the darkness to as to fight those who utilize that same darkness. Snyder instead goes the other direction. Batman represents the faith that Bruce has in the city and his belief that people will do the right thing.
Some additional notes:
Batman’s new costume isn’t all that different, just a little gold thrown in.
I like that it’s hinted that Jim Gordon has always known Batman’s true identity, he just ignores it.
I like how the city of Gotham saves itself in a way because Batman inspires them to do so.
I love any discussion about Gotham, such as the conversation between Bruce and Gordon near the end. Gotham truly is a character in and of itself and Snyder understands that.
Score: 8/10 Parting is such sweet sorrow. The preview for the next issue is that there aren’t really any big story beats, just a side story as a goodbye from Snyder and Capullo. The Batman universe will miss you guys.
Muse Bank 