The Riddler is up to something with a mega corporation at his fingertips, James Gordon appears to have committed a murder, and the cover of Batman #155 suggests the Court of Owls is back. Just another day for Batman, but definitely more complicated than usual! In writer Chip Zdarsky’s last story arc, this week’s issue is a bottle episode focusing on how James Gordon god mixed up something with blood on his hands.
Batman #155 mostly focuses on Gordon, which is aided by Jorge Fornes joining the story to change the tone and visual aesthetic dramatically. Plot progression with subplots continues, but this is mostly about how Gordon got tied up with the Mayor’s wife and how he really may have committed cold-blooded murder.
This issue opens 13 weeks before where we left Gordon and Batman, both reeling from the fact that James killed someone. Gordon is now a private eye and doing his best in an otherwise depressing job of following adulterers and the like around. Soon she’s meeting up with the late mayor’s wife, ten weeks prior to his death.
What are you getting yourself into, James?
Credit: DC Comics
The turn of events is quite shocking, especially for Gordon, but it’s also believable. There’s a gumshoe detective nature to the tale that plays out as tragic as any film noir. If you’re shocked by his actions, know there’s a pretty good explanation, weaved in with good detective work.
Outside of Gordon, Zdarsky explores Bruce’s ongoing issue with a so-called brother asking for half his estate. Commander Star, the new superhero that has popped up in Gotham is as alt-right as they come, adding a political and modern spin on a frightening “hero” character.
The noir vibes are strong with this issue thanks to Fornes’ art, with his more lived-in and realistic style and stable layout structure. The nine-panel grid makes an appearance, for instance. The melodrama of Gordon falling for a “dame” is captured well in the facial expressions of Gordon. He’s all business, yet letting this woman get the better of his heart.
Batman #155 takes a side step to analyze how James Gordon could ever kill someone in cold blood, turning Batman’s world upside down. Changing focus away from Riddler and Commander Star does feel a little annoying, but it’s nice to see the series dig into a subplot as Riddler’s meddling continues to create chaos in Gotham.
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