As the turkey slowly bakes away in the oven and the smell travels throughout the house, I am sitting here reading this week’s new releases for you. The first book in my list was Batman: The Dark Knight #3 and I have to say that so far it is the best issue of the series to date and probably the best book I’ve read out of this week’s releases.
This month’s issue is full of surprises and guest stars as Batman tracks down the source of the toxin being used to give his most dangerous adversaries super-strength. Every lead he tracks down only reveals more questions. Who is this mysterious White Rabbit and how is she involved in all of this?
Caught on a subway train with no immediate avenue for escape, Batman takes on Joker who has been bulked up to superhuman proportions. While White Rabbit looks on, Joker and Batman battle; but Batman knows the course of the toxin and Joker only has limited time to take him out before the toxin wears off. Closer examination of Joker’s moves and mannerisms reveal that he’s not the real Joker. Clayface has tipped his hand and revealed his secret. Not long after, the toxin has run its course and Clayface collapses.
Exhausted from the fight and somewhat trapped beneath the unconscious Clayface, Batman is at White Rabbit’s mercy. But before she can inject him with something, Batman’s distress call is answered, by The Flash. White Rabbit quickly runs off as Flash rushes in to Batman’s rescue.
GCPD Lieutenant Forbes has it out for Batman and is vowing to bring him and anyone helping him in; convinced that Batman has compromised his investigation. As usual, The Dark Knight is way ahead of Forbes and turns Clayface over to him. The gift of a suspect also comes with a warning. Batman warns Forbes to stay out of his way and not compromise his work.
Further analysis of the toxin points Batman in an unexpected direction, Poison Ivy. Even though she has been working with the Birds of Prey, Batman doesn’t fully truth them. He decides to confront Ivy on her turf and brings Flash along as backup. Want to know what happens next? Head down to your LCS and pick up Batman: The Dark Knight #3.
“If you mess with me, I’ll find you and you’ll never see me coming. If you compromise my work, I’ll knock your down so quickly you’ll think you traveled backwards in time. If you try to hurt my people…if you so much as hand them a parking tickets…I’ll be the first shadow you forget to check.”
This new Dark Knight series so far is so much better than the pre-reboot series. This first story arc has been full of surprises and has left me guessing about what will happen next. This book hasn’t been nearly as predictable as most other books. For me at least it has been a pleasant surprise out of all the other new books. Paul Jenkins has put together a fantastic opening act while introducing a great new villain in White Rabbit. I know I am eager to learn more about her and who or what is behind this super-steroid toxin.
Batman: The Dark Knight #3 was written by Paul Jenkins, penciled by David Finch and inked by Richard Friend.
I’m The Nerd and you’ve just been Comic Booked!
I can't help but think of Arkham Asylum when reading this plot synopsis. I haven't picked this series up yet but now I think I might have to.