Publishers: DC
Writer: Ray Fawkes
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Colourist: Juan Ferreyra
Editor: Mark Doyle
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $2.99

 

In Gotham by Midnight #12 the mini-series comes full circle. The story was never about the Spectre or the Gotham City Police Department. Instead, Gotham by Midnight has always been concerned with Batman’s seemingly cursed burden, and in a larger sense, humanity.

As hordes of zombies raze the city and a giant Spectre, fuelled by the ancient spirit Ikkondrid, faces off against Justine, the Nun of the Narrows, the protagonists on the ground desperately seek answers to why a furious Spectre is out of control. But is the problem lack of justice in the city or something deeper?

Detective Jim Corrigan, the Spectre’s host body, says the undead want vengeance against equity denied them. But Justine turns the Spectre’s crusade on its head. She reveals that the search for justice is fuelled by Corrigan’s despair and guilt, something shared by everyone. Corrigan finally understands: Ikkondrid wants the city to care. “What do you do with the sick? You…comfort them,” says Justine.

It would be a mistake to dismiss the point as simply “all you need is love.” Love is the destination, but the journey involves searching the soul and forgiving yourself before you can forgive others. Writer Ray Fawkes manages to put the point across in a manner both entertaining and consequential. Juan Ferreyra’s art and colouring keep up with the pace.

The often gory and horrifying Gotham by Midnight mini-series ends on a positive and powerful note: hope. And just in time for the festive season and New Year.

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker