[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Writer: Tom King
Pencils: Clay Mann
Summary
The war between Joker and Riddler is coming to an end and Riddler is gaining ground–thanks to Batman! Batman has taken a side in the war, as he and Riddler have joined forces against Joker! What’s the Clown Prince of Crime’s next plan after this revelation?
Positives
Tom King gave us a beautiful and amazing story told from the perspective of the villain Kite Man. Kite Man, who’s on the Joker’s side for the war, watches as each team he’s on gets taken down by Batman. In every incident Kite Man is seemingly the only villain that Batman and Riddler leave behind–and there’s a reason for it as well. As the numbers in Joker’s army continue to drop, Kite Man finds himself trying to find meaning in all of this madness that’s around him. King makes you feel sorry for the villain at this point, especially while he’s having a sad, but intense conversation with his son throughout the entire book.
Negatives
I have no complaints at all about this issue. King tells a great story from a villain point of view, and Clay Mann brings amazing realism and life to each page. If I had to make a complaint, it would be that I wanted more after I finished reading the book. A part of me thought that Batman would side with Joker, however siding with Riddler was a surprise twist that I never saw coming.
Verdict
Batman #30 is a great read. It’s full of action, a great story told from Kite Man, and you really feel bad for his situation. At the end of the book it’s revealed that Batman and Riddler left Kite Man alone at every incident because they knew once he was the last criminal left in Joker’s army, he’d crack and tell Batman everything. Once Riddler and Batman reveal this–Kite Man knows within himself that not even the criminal community fully respects him! I’m definitely looking forward to how the city and especially Batman will move forward in the next issue.
