The finale of Tom King and Mitch Gerads Batman’s first encounter with the Joker is finally here in Batman: The Brave and the Bold #9, which continues to delight in its anthology goodness. All told, there are four tales, three conclusions, and a hell of a lot to like in the best anthology on stands today.
To start, King and Gerads’ “Batman: The Winning Card” part 4 wraps things up as Batman and Joker come face to face. It’s a battle that takes them to the woods with a dangerous knife slashing and cutting. The thing doing the most slashing, however, might be King’s dialogue, which is always thought-provoking. There are truths shared between Joker and Batman that I’m still chewing on, and while I’d love direct answers, it’s saying something when a work lingers with you days after. My only gripe with this chapter of the story is how the beautifully done title cards of Joker’s dialogue add very little.
Gerads will blow you away over and over, from a touching conversation between Alfred and Bruce, who go fishing, to the haunting visage of Batman’s eyes cast over Bruce’s face at a party. There’s just so much to love, but so much that lingers with you. There are visuals here that will stay with you and may just become your definitive memory of what the Joker looks like or how Batman laughs. Seriously, the visuals of Batman’s teeth coming through the mask are haunting and quite weird.
Love the close up of the finger.
Credit: DC Comics
Next up, Kyle Starks and Fernando Pasarin close out their Wild Dog tale as he battles Gizmo. Before he fights, Wild Dog must muster up the bravery to fight at all. This story has a nice arc as Wild Dog licks his wounds and truly wants to give up, but thanks to being in the right place at the right time, he rises up to the challenge. The creative team does a good job showing his strength in guerrilla warfare and through his unabashed brutality. It does take a little while for the action to get going, though. About five pages could probably be condensed into one, but it’s overall a strong tale.
Gabriel Hardman closes out his Aquaman tale next, and it all comes down to a well-written speech by Aquaman. The zany pulp nature of this sci-fi story continues to delight, be it the yellow aliens or the talking gorillas. Hardman is a true master at trying detailed vehicles or explosions bursting forth with metal scraps.
The final black-and-white story is by Bruno Redondo, who writes and draws an excellent short. His use of shading is impressive, like a close-up of Alfred asking to help Batman with Batman cast in light in the background. This story takes place in the earlier days of Batman before he had all his gizmos and Jim Gordon became commissioner. Only eight pages long, the plotting makes it feel much longer with key scenes with major supporting characters and an epic splash of Batman falling. Redondo’s now-iconic side view angle over an entire scene is also utilized.
There’s a lot to love in Batman: The Brave and the Bold #9, which features three endings to ongoing chapters and one complete story. It’s no surprise when every creator attached to this book is a veteran who has proven themselves time and time again. If you’ve been following along with these tales you’ll be greatly satisfied with their finales.
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