[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artists: Marcio Takara & Marcelo Maiolo
Summary
The traps are sprung and the armies are starting to move, and worst of all, Ra’s Al Ghul has found his way into the Batcave wanting to talk. More terrifying than an army of assassins coming to kill Gotham, Ra’s and Shiva have decided to make Gotham’s people as the floor of their arena. Now Ra’s has come to Batman. Is he looking for a tool, for help, or for something else?
Meanwhile, Col. Kane beats the glass wall keeping him locked up until his knuckles are pulp. He fights and bleeds to free himself and to help his dying daughter, Batwoman.
What will happen when three armies collide while trying to kill each other? Will someone find that the enemy of their enemy is their friend?
Positives
The art in this issue is seriously gorgeous! The use of darkness and shadow, while heavy is used effectively to emphasize a lot of detail. The use of soft light and multiple light points makes this issue unique.
The development of the various organizations and characters throughout the last few issues and particularly in this issue have been fantastic. This issue brings that to an apex with the confrontation of the heads of the League of Shadows.
Negatives
The presence of Ra’s Al Ghul in this story is supposed to be shocking and powerful but it doesn’t feel that way. Maybe it is bad timing with him having appeared in multiple other series recently but it feels stale. The saving grace is that watching him and Shiva face off was exciting.
Verdict
The conflict between the League of Shadows, Shiva’s army, and the Colony in this issue is exciting and makes this issue powerful. Readers who love the rich history of Ra’s and the League will enjoy this issue and the next few to come out soon!
