Everyone likes a good showdown, and this week, it’s Batman vs. Batman in Batman #148. More specifically, it’s Bruce Wayne versus Failsafe, a robot designed by Bruce Wayne to stop him if he ever went rogue. It’s also being controlled by the spirit of Batman of Zur-En-Arrh. Writer Chip Zdarsky is certainly leaning into the sci-fi with this one, but at the end of the day, this issue proves it’s all about those you love.
Batman #148 opens with a younger Bruce in a flashback. He’s speaking to Daniel Captio, who taught him how to control his mind and the steps to take to create the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh. The scene introduces the idea of becoming a storm, as Daniel hopes Bruce will try his method of creating another personality within himself. Bruce refuses, but we know he eventually tries it out, which has led us to Failsafe being more dangerous than ever.
As a finale, this issue moves quickly to establish Batman’s family reteaming with him and his secret plan to gain an edge. He needs that edge more than ever as we see Failsafe has a new sidekick, and he’s got Captio on his side. Batman, thankfully, has a stable of sidekicks and friends to help kick butt.
This Robin is a clone, but of who?
Credit: DC Comics
Jorge Jimenez once again crushes on art, especially since this issue leans into fight comics antics throughout. Battle damage and quick kicks look sharp and fluid. The kinetic energy Jimenez infuses into these pages is some of the best you’ll see all year. There’s something quite unnerving about Failsafe, from the tentacles coming out of his hands to the mask. Jimenez reminds us this is a monster that must be dealt with.
Outside of fight comics fun, this issue edges on delving into Captio’s plan and the risks Batman will take to win. Zdarsky does a good job with the latter as we see Bruce trust in his family to take big risks. Does Jason forgive Bruce too easily? Probably, but this is comics, after all. As far as Captio’s plan, it’s a compelling concept that isn’t explored too deeply. He’s trying to cure Batman’s rogues–a novel idea even if it’s immoral–but it’s more of an empty threat in this issue than something explored.
The cloning of a new Robin is also quickly pushed to the side, likely for more exploration at another time. The little setup makes him more confusing than anything, though, but it is an interesting one. It’s a huge concept that could sustain a story arc, but it’s just one of many reveals in the issue.
As far as conclusions go, Batman #148 gets a lot done, albeit at a pace that’s too fast to really take in. It has plenty of action, and there are resolutions, but if this could slow down and explore more, it’d excel.
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