New year, new start for four intriguing stories in the Batman-centric anthology series that always delivers the best in Bat-storytelling. Batman: Urban Legends #11 features a roster of all-star talent exploring characters Zatanna, Wight Witch, Eternity, and Ace the Bat-Hound for a treat that’s sure to hook any reader ready to jump into the beginning of some great stories.
The six-part Batman and Zatanna story “Bound To Our Will” headlines Batman: Urban Legends #11 and sees the pair head off on a mysterious annual trip. The lighthearted charm that writer Vita Ayala brings to the story, akin to their great work on Marvel’s New Mutants, fits well in scenes with the Justice League without detracting from heavier moments. Artist Nikola Čižmešija, who also drew Azrael’s Urban Legends story, matches that fluidity with jovial and grounded lines.
Nick Filardi’s lively yet moody colors are also a great complement to the story’s other components. I love coloring that doesn’t make scenes (especially in Gotham) look so grimdark, so it’s nice to see changes and nuances in tone. Steve Wands’ always dynamic lettering — in this story differentiating things like whispers and magical thoughts from the standard text — heightens the quality even further.
DC Comics
Wight Witch story “Stigma” written by Ram V spins out of his recent Catwoman run with a closer look at the assassin’s origins and connection to Ghost-Maker. Artist Anand Radhakrishnan’s atmospheric art pairs so nicely with Ram V’s ethereal writing. Radhakrishnan’s art with John Pearson’s colors is so pleasant to look at even when unsettling reds are used to fill out images of helplessness and violence. Even the occasional relief in the yellows and blues is filled with tension. Aditya Bidikar’s layered and rounded thought boxes are a unique detail in this already enchanting story.
Eternity’s had sporadic appearances throughout the years, the last one a decade ago in a New 52 one-shot that removed the “Kid” from his name. “Eternity In Gotham” picks Christopher Freeman’s story up with showing his struggle to fit into Gotham after moving there. Writer Mohale Mashigo wastes no time establishing Christopher’s life as a Pushing Daisies-type coroner which is great as he’s a new face for many readers. Arist Deyn’s art provides some ghastly afterlife charm, but some of the beats near the end feel a bit disjointed — understandable given the story only has 10 pages. But based on how Eternity’s been slotted into Gotham, I’m curious what bigger plans DC has for him.
DC Comics
A tale featuring the loveable Ace the Bat-Hound rounds out Batman: Urban Legends #11 with “Hounded,” which sees Ace take the place of a Robin in fighting crime with Batman. Writer Mark Russell’s signature ability to switch between wit, heart, and humor is in full swing in the charming and compelling exploration of trust between partners. Artist Karl Mostert, who also drew the Tweedle Twins Urban Legends story, always does a great job with body language and facial expression, especially now with Ace. He has as much a character presence as Batman, and the multiple heartwarming scenes between the two don’t feel one-sided.
This Batman: Urban Legends #11 story is of the same caliber as Russell’s current DC series One-Star Squadron, just with a smaller, more heartfelt focus. Russell’s intriguing plans (detailed in AIPT’s interview) and his clear passion for exploring this narrative make the future of this story look incredibly bright.
Batman: Urban Legends keeps pulling in top-tier talent and spotlighting new, innovative creators for an anthology series that always keeps you on your toes. Batman: Urban Legends #11 is no exception, boasting a fresh lineup of stories with writing and art primed to develop in fascinating new ways.
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