Batman #9

Written by Tom King

Penciled by Mikel Janin

Cover by Mikel Janin

Published Oct 19, 2016

   The issue opens with the Psycho Pirate standing before Bane, seeking reassurance that he can "always stop", after mentioning he's stopped using the drug Venom. It then transitions to Bruce at Gotham Girl's beside, who tells Alfred that he's going out and that he's accepted Ms Wallers' position... to recruit a team of criminals from the Arkham Asylum to break into Bane's prison. The only way to save Gotham Girl is to get the pirate out of there, but only the most depraved of criminals would be crazy enough to do it. 

   Batman walks the asylums corridors with Commissioner Gordon and Jeremiah Arkham and as they walk, the caped crusader explains to them whom he intends to take. The first is Arnold "the ventriloquist" Weskler. He agrees to help with no questions asked. As they continue walking, Batman notices Gordon lights his pipe with his left hand and makes a note of it. Next up is the Bronze Tiger, Ben Turner. They scuffle for a minute to which the big cat notices Batman has gotten slower. "You've gotten faster" he retorts.

   They're walk takes them to "Jewelee", a catatonic inmate serving a life sentence whom has been in such a state since her partner and lover Punch disappeared. It's then Batman makes his move against the Gordon "impostor", whom turns out to be Punch in disguise. He's apparently broken out of his prison and kept up the ruse long enough to reunite with his old flame. Batman is so impressed with his commitment that he takes the two of them in for his team.

   The issue ends with Arkham protesting his final request - an inmate so deadly Batman can't possibly take her. Batman reminds him that he allowed someone to break INTO his hospital to reunite with another inmate; news that would certainly be harmful if members of the board found out. Reluctantly Arkham allows him to take her. The final page features Batman reuniting with Catwoman, and with that, the issue is to be continued.

   Excellent issue. To me, there's never enough Batman and Arkham Asylum rhetoric, and this book didn't disappoint. Plus Bane, Catwoman, Kite-Man - what more could you want? I'm seriously looking forward to the next issue. Great writing,, great artwork. I give it a 9/10.

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