Connect with us
Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review

Comic Books

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review

Among all the Batman titles at DC comics, a serious subject has begun to emerge: what role does Batman: The Dark Knight serve? Since its inception it has featured impressive art, but severe cases of poor writing. Stories either go on with no end or don’t seem to have much point. I’m still trying to forget the mess they made out of Bane a few months ago. With those thoughts in mind, time to put this issue under the Is It Good? microscope.


Batman: The Dark Knight (2011-) #16 (DC Comics)


Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

I can’t help but think the quality of these books has something to do with the artists, who haven’t had much writing experience, writing the majority of this series. Now David Finch has been the mastermind behind most of these books, but considering the artists are writing the stories maybe DC Comics wants books that look great but may not necessarily read well. At the very least we’re going to get some epic drawings since these artists are probably thinking up cool things to draw first and good stories second. Here’s to Gregg Hurwitz bringing the story expertise here.

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
Is it smart to fly straight out of Wayne Manor like that?

This issue is a new story arc that opens with Batman stopping some kidnappers. To be more precise there’s a kidnapping raid of Chinatown sweatshop workers Batman aims to stop. Seriously you can’t make this stuff up…unless you’re an artist! Considering we’re talking about the Mad Hatter though, maybe kidnapping makes sense. Some sort of Alice in Wonderland twisted fantasy or something.

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
I think I’ve seen this is a movie somewhere. Anyone know which movie?

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
Damn it’s good to be a Batman…I mean gangsta!

About half of the book is an intense and wonderfully drawn action sequence. The book then completely changes gears as Batman gives some girlfriend named Natalya an excuse why he’s late. She suspects something’s up with his constant scratches and bruises. Really what they say is incredibly pointless, but it’s how it’s depicted that blew me away. As she plays piano and speaks to Bruce we see the panels have been organized like piano keys. It’s an incredibly pretty sequence, even if the verbiage isn’t the most profound.

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
Note the piano keys.

After an odd and seemingly pointless page of dialogue between the Pengiun and Batman we finally get a glimpse at the New 52 Mad Hatter. Considering the New 52 Riddler has been ameliorated to the point that he’s a genius who can get out of any trap in seconds you’d hope for Mad Hatter to be something new and improved as well. The jury is still out on this new version, although at the very least he’s not a bumbling buffoon as he has been in years past.

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
The henchmen still add a sense of goofiness but…

He certainly looks freaky. Judging by his temper and insane appearance I’m guessing he’s a much more unhinged and at the very least supposed to be a more frightening villain.

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
Um…your eyeball it’s…uh…

If you’re coming into this looking for sweet, sweet action you’ve come to the right place. The action is fluid and concise; it’s easy to discern and hits the right notes. Another particular strong suit is the technology. All the gadgets and tech look realistic and interesting.

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
Ouch!

Final Score: 4

Is It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 ReviewIs It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 ReviewIs It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 ReviewIs It Good? Batman: The Dark Knight #16 Review
  • Mad Hatter seems formidable…for once
  • Incredibly well drawn tech
  • Nearly everything is pointless until the final two pages
  • Odd moments that don’t seem to fit

I’d like to think this is an interesting chapter as it introduces a new look and feel to the Mad Hatter, but the issue seems to wander for no apparent reason. The opening action sequence feels disconnected from the main plot and the odd Batman/damsel and Batman/Penguin moments are out of place.

Is It Good?

No. Check back next month when the story actually might begin.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup