Batman #15 Review

Death of The Family is heating up very nicely indeed. Considering I am only getting this title along with Suicide Squad, I am really enjoying the event so far. Scott Synder and Greg Capullo are knocking it out the park every month with this book, and they seem to have turned up up to 11 with these last few issues.

This particular issue starts where we left off in #14, with Batman and Joker on top of a dam. The conclusion to this battle approaches quickly, but was very nicely done. However, it was what followed from this that really made this book as good as it was.
We finally learned what Bruce Wayne has been keeping from the rest of his family; the fact that Joker may know their identities due to being in the Bat Cave once. I think this is really clever and a nice idea, however I think that Bruce may end up being right as he believes that Joker is just bluffing. It would make everything much more interesting if Joker has known about everyone's identities for all these year. Not only that, it will also make a lot of sense. However, I get the feeling that Synder will not go with that approach, which is a shame.
The next part of this issue is something which I did not see coming at all, even though it makes a lot of sense. The book ends with Batman entering a certain place where apparently Joker is planning a party of sorts for the caped crusader. This makes the next issue a must read, even though it pretty much is one already.

What I loved about this issue more than anything else is Batman's' internal dialogue throughout the book. He is attempting to convince himself that Joker is human just like himself and all the other villains he has ever fought and defeated. The reason I liked it so much is it gave the impression that Bruce is starting to let Joker get to him. It also makes you think that maybe Bruce is doubting whether he can defeat him or not. It is a side of Bruce that we do not see a lot, and I am sure we will see a lot more due to upcoming events in this new location.

Every single panel in this book is beautiful. Greg Capullo is one of my favourite artists, who I really believe was made to draw this character. In my opinion he is the best artist in comic books right now, and that is relly saying something. He is on another level. A lot of credit should also go to the colourist of this particular book, as the colours really bring out the best of Capullo's work; especially the long shots.

Overall, this was another great issue of Batman. In about 15 issues I think there have only been about two that have been not as good as the rest. This is a great series, and this is a really great event. The Joker is more terrifying than every before, and he is only getting worse. A must read.


Rating: 9 / 10