Publisher: DC
Writers: Matteo Casali, Brian Azzarello
Artists: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jim Lee
Colourist: Alex Sinclair
Editor: David Piña
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $4.99

DC brings out the big guns, and ups the cover price for Batman: Europa #1 of 4. The result is a beautiful-looking noir team-up of D.O.A. meets 48 Hrs.; Batman finds himself pairing with the Joker after both receive an incurable poison.

Not only has Batman blighted but his Bat-computer was hacked too; it’s just not his day. The computer virus trail leads to Berlin, where Batman encounters Joker. It’s always fun to see the pair banter when handled well, and in Batman: Europa #1 both stay true to character, without chewing up the scenery. ‘You need me?’ says Joker, ‘I’m…touched.’

Batman: Europa #1 sets up the premise for all that is to come. Artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Jim Lee deploy their ‘A’ games, and colourist Alex Sinclair treats the pages like canvas, and the painting-like result is rife with brush strokes and small details. Each page is a joy to behold. Other artists will take over future issues of Batman: Europa and they have a high bar to reach.

Except for a cryptic introduction and some informative digressions Batman: Europa #1 keeps things simple and straightforward. So far the narrative is an adventure, not a psychological showdown between Batman and Joker. And that works incredibly well in this opening issue.

 

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker