This review contains spoilers.
Batman #50 is written by Scott Snyder with pencils by Greg Capullo, inks by Danny Miki and colors by FCO Plascencia. The epilogue features art by Yanick Paquette and colors by Nathan Fairbairn.
Previously
Bruce Wayne lost all of his memories due to the events of “Endgame” and thus, everyone believed the Batman had died. In response, the GCPD made Jim Gordon a new police-sanctioned Batman complete with a giant armor-suit. A new villain, Mr. Bloom rose and started to take Gotham. Knowing his city was in danger, Bruce put himself through a machine in the Batcave that restored his memories.
Recap
Gordon has been injured so Commissioner Sawyer sends in several officers with armored Batsuits but Bloom is able to take control of them and starts targeting citizens. Some of Bloom’s subordinates try to attack Gordon but he is saved by Batman. Using his seeds, Bloom unleashes an energy surge that creates a black sun that could destroy the city. Duke, from We Are Robin, discovers that his friend Daryl actually created Bloom’s seeds. He intended to create a society in which everyone had power and could help each other. However, Bloom took his seeds and his mask. Batman, Duke and Gordon are able to destroy Bloom and save the city. In the epilogue, Batman thanks Gordon for saving the city and offers Duke an opportunity.
Positives
The cover by Capullo, Miki and Plascencia is fantastic. The shadows work to keep the new suit a mystery but also look cool. It’s a moody and interesting image that is perfect for Bruce Wayne’s return as Batman.
Speaking of, Bruce’s new Batsuit is really cool. It’s consistent with Capullo’s style and is particularly reminiscent of the suit from “Zero Year.” I hope it stays around when “Rebirth” happens.
The art overall is fantastic. Capullo has an uncanny skill to unnerve that is only accentuated by Miki and Plascencia. The art is simply evocative.
I am interested in what Bruce’s offer to Duke is. I would assume it would be to make Duke the new Robin but with Rebirth happening so soon, I wonder if that will even stick.
There are a couple of nice moments between Gordon and Batman that I appreciate. They have one of the best relationships in comics and I always enjoy seeing them talk and connect.
Negatives
The writing doesn’t do a lot for me here. Overall, I haven’t been thrilled with this story. I found Bruce’s subplot with amnesia captivating but Bloom never did much for me. He’s well designed and intimidating but I don’t have a good sense of his character. I’m just not invested in this guy.
The issue itself is dull. It’s mainly action that I’m not invested in and, in my opinion, is just padded. I have no idea why this story needed to be 10 issues long. By the time we get to the conclusion, I’m bored and tired of this story. Snyder has stretched this nearly over the course of a year. Ultimately, I don’t think there’s enough going on to justify that. This issue feels like too little, too late.
Verdict
I loved Snyder’s earlier works on Batman but both “Endgame” and “Superheavy” were disappointments to me. They’re unnecessarily long without the meat to justify it. This conclusion is wonderful to look at thanks to the art team but it’s a little difficult to read; I had a hard time getting invested in the story itself. I recommend waiting for the trade on this one mainly for the art.
