Publisher: DC
Writers: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo, Danny Miki
Colourist: FCO Plascencia
Editor: Mark Doyle
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.99

Scott Snyder’s final issue is Batman #51, and it’s appropriately about the Caped Crusader’s passion: Gotham City. “It’s the first line of the last story you’ll ever write,” says the narrator, a journalist writing a column titled, “Gotham is…” But it’s actually Snyder projecting on the end of his tenure.

After Gotham experiences a total black-out, Batman and Commissioner Gordon are convinced this is the prelude to an attack. But is it? “Batman, you always see us at our worst. At our ugliest,” the journalist pens. It reflects a real-life perception that makes police and judges jaded. But the good, the best of Gotham exists if Batman would just take a moment to look, the journalist writes.

And in Batman #51 Snyder goes out with more of a whimper than a bang. Even the villains are taking the night off. It’s an interesting choice; it’s like Snyder is giving the reader a breather until a new writer grabs the reins.

Artists Greg Capullo and Danny Miki continue their fine job, aided by colourist FCO Plascencia, who keeps everything suitably in the dark.

Snyder had a good run writing Batman, and his Court of Owls storyline was especially entertaining. As Snyder says goodbye to Batman and Gotham in Batman #51, it seems the writer wants the reader to remember the fabled city of Gotham is more than just a playground for its worst aspects. And, to paraphrase Lord of The Rings, there is some good in Gotham and, thanks to Batman, it is worth fighting for.

Now it’s up to his successor to take that point of view and it will be interesting to see where Batman goes from here.

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker