The Batman series has been looped into the Absolute Power event in a two-part adventure involving Catwoman and a Motherbox. The dynamic/romantic duo has teamed up, but at the end of Batman #151, we learn our heroes are trapped lightyears from Earth. Oh, and many villains are standing on the only way back to Earth!
The stakes couldn’t be higher at the start of Batman #152, with Catwoman and Batman facing off against four super-powered folks, including Bizarro. Last I checked, Bat and Cat weren’t armed with powers, so it looks pretty bleak from them.
As fight comics go, this issue has a few twists and turns and clever moves by our heroes. Enough is done to make it believable Batman could slow down Bizarro, and that’s just one example. Artist Mike Hawthorne brings his now standard great fight choreography that keeps every punch feeling intense and dangerous.
Not looking good for the good guys!
Credit: DC Comics
Writer Chip Zdarsky also manages to stuff in a reveal of a certain villain who is hugely important in the upcoming Absolute line, so there’s that to lean on too. As far as tie-in comics go, this is an extended fight scene to get one McGuffin in the right place for the main event. Not much more.
Also contained here is a backup by Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis, who have been reunited since their creator-owned book The Cull. I’m starting to think De Iulis is one of the best beach-scene artists, as the story opens with the Birds of Prey training by the gorgeous water. He’s also fantastic at capturing interesting angles and body movements as Zealot and Cassandra Cain train. When Big Barda shows up, though, prepare to gasp with her beauty.
The meat of this story involves Black Canary and some doubt about her leadership. This is brought up in a conversation with her and Nubia, who points out that the Birds of Prey are not friends of the Amazons. This leads to Sin snooping, and Black Canary snooping on her own. All told, Thompson does a good job checking in with the team and giving the team’s fans a sense of what they’re up to during the event.
Batman #152 has it and more if you’re looking for fight comics. The main story may feel a bit like a forced tie-in, but at least the action is interesting. The backup adds to the experience with a good check-in with the Birds of Prey.
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