[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers!]
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Lee Weeks
Colors: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Summary
The trial of Mr. Freeze continues–with Bruce Wayne serving on the jury! As the case mounts up against Mr. Freeze, the jury already has the guilty verdict in mind. As ironic as it seems, it’s only Bruce Wayne that’s stopping the guilty verdict! What exactly has Bruce Wayne thinking Mr. Freeze is innocent? And if Freeze didn’t murder the three women, then who did?
Positives
King really gives this book a “Law and Order” type of feel in this issue and it’s awesome. Here is one of those rare instances where we actually get to enjoy Bruce Wayne out of the uniform and it’s great. In the jury room we find every single juror thinking what seems to be apparently obvious– Freeze murdered the women. However it’s pretty odd that Bruce Wayne is second guessing every piece of evidence given–and his explanations are pretty solid. Lee Weeks adds to the story further with outstanding artwork that gives the story a somewhat gritty type of feel–perfect for the city of Gotham. You get a real sense of how the city works in this particular issue, as Bruce Wayne often talks to each of the juror members on their own as well. Each one has their unique take on Gotham, the case and Batman in general and King shows each juror’s difference very well.
Negatives
I have no complaints about this issue. King tells the story very well, and you really start to get a feel of doubt although Batman closed the case. It’s pretty interesting seeing Batman basically second guess his own casework as Bruce Wayne in the jury room! It’s probably the most hilarious and ironic part of this whole story. The entire jury seems to have faith in the work of Batman–and the one person who’s actually Batman is tearing the entire case apart! Here in the issue we have basically Freeze’s method of murder, Batman finding him ready for battle in his own suit, and finally a confession from Mr. Freeze himself. All three elements plus Freeze’s own history against the city make for a pretty strong guilty verdict.
Verdict
Batman #52 is a great read and I can’t wait to see how this story plays out. At first when I started reading this book I initially thought that Freeze was guilty myself, but by the end of this issue, you’ll have your doubts too. Although we start to think that Freeze is innocent, we still don’t have another suspect either, and there’s only a handful of people with access to freeze technology like Mr. Freeze has. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next issue!
