Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Karl Story; Roberta Tewes; John Costanza; Rick Burchett; John Lowe; Jason Wright; Scott Kolins; Dan Panosian; Drew Geraci; Pam Rambo; Marcos Martin; Mark Pennington; Tom McCraw; & Tim Harkins
SUMMARY:
Re-released by DC Comics in 2017, this 160-page collection reprints earlier work from Brian K. Vaughan: specifically, Batman # 588-590; Detective Comics # 787; Wonder Woman (2nd Series) # 160-161; and a Skeleton intro from Batman: Gotham City Secret Files # 1.
First up is the “Close Before Striking.” Nightwing is stunned that an oddly-behaving Batman years ago siphoned his ‘Matches’ Malone underworld alias off a small-time arsonist-for-hire, who evidently committed suicide. Yet, a vengeful Scarface and the Ventriloquist put a hit out on Malone, not realizing that the real ‘Matches’ is back in town. Seeking atonement for rookie mistakes, Batman’s vengeance blurs even his own mind, as to his true identity.
“Mimsy Were the Borogoves” has Batman seeking to rescue an abducted Arkham Asylum psychiatrist whom the Mad Hatter intends to transform into a Lewis Carroll-inspired monster dubbed ‘The Jabberwock.’ Worse yet, this dragon-like creature possesses DNA from Killer Croc; Solomon Grundy; and Man-Bat.
In “A Piece of You,” Wonder Woman & Donna Troy pursue Clayface to regain a stolen portion of magical clay that created Diana’s essence. The finale is “Skullduggery.” The mysterious ‘Skeleton’ reveals that he/she will impersonate various Bat-villains in a very personal scheme bent on destroying close friend Bruce Wayne.
Note: This book was previously released by DC Comics as False Faces, as both a 2008 hardcover and a 2009 trade paperback.
REVIEW:
Beyond the deceptive cover implying a Batman/Wonder Woman cross-over, this compilation is a hodgepodge. Though the artwork for “Close Before Striking” is underwhelming, the storyline compensates by revealing that Batman’s psyche is more fragmented than previously known. The idea that one of his rookie mistakes sets up a tragic homicide years later offers some ingenious storytelling. Even if it’s ultra-contrived that the real ‘Matches’ Malone would resurface, Vaughan’s compelling take on Batman as more indomitable than omniscient is still well-played.
Reasonably good artwork for the Mad Hatter tale was evidently inspired by Batman: The Animated Series. It isn’t a coincidence that “Mimsy Were the Borogroves” would have made a decent TV episode, with the exception for part of one sequence. Vaughan’s omission of what four words Batman ominously taunts an unidentified Arkham Asylum female psychiatrist with is evidently a naughty enigma that readers will never know. Still, one can make a reasonable conjecture, as her boast of once giving the Joker a sponge bath may be a ghoulish hint.
The five-page “Skullduggery” is an unfortunate misfire. Having a Chameleon-like rogue impersonate the Joker, the Riddler, and Mr. Freeze, in theory, sounds like an inspired idea. Yet, this villain’s ‘motive’ is far too much of a cliché, as Jason Todd’s Red Hood and Tommy Elliot’s Hush are already close ex-associates of Bruce Wayne seeking vengeance – one might even ponder if the Skeleton is really either Todd or Elliot. Another detriment is that the Skeleton’s mass destruction antics (especially, as the Joker) are excessive. Still, the neat artwork makes an impressive contribution to this quick tale.
“A Piece of You” wins this book’s best-story prize for its combo of capable artwork and a fun Wonder Woman/Donna Troy team-up. Considering its circumstances, Vaughan’s concept of pitting Wonder Woman vs. a monstrous Clayface is a gem. Bat-cameos from Nightwing & Robin are a nice bonus, too. Ultimately, Vaughan’s storytelling is entertaining, but these tales aren’t memorable enough to justify getting a copy of this showcase.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is the 2007 two-page introduction from Vaughan himself, fairly analyzing his own work. Five of the six covers are included: Scott McDaniel & Patrick Martin (for Batman # 588-590); Tim Sale & Mark Chiarello (for Detective Comics # 787); and Adam Hughes (for Wonder Woman # 160-161).
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
