Written by Mark Kneece & Bo Hampton
Art by Bo Hampton; Tracy Hampton Munsey; Olyoptics; & Airika Lindsay
Cover Art by Bo Hampton
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for Late August 1992, this standard-length issue concludes the “Destiny” two-parter. Mirroring an ages-old legend linked to Norse mythology, Batman and Jon Riksson (the descendant of the Viking Prince) arrive in the remote Norwegian village of Gallund. The duo finds that that Jon’s father and his sister, Frieda, have been abducted by the sinister Asgard International group, as it is willing to kill any resistance.
Awaiting an opportunity to infiltrate Asgard’s underground mine upon nightfall, Batman & Jon learn more of the epic journey that a trio of ancient allies: the Viking Prince, Freyja the psychic, and a primitive ‘Bat Man’ made to find the mystical Stones of Lodge. In the present-day, Batman & Jon make their move against Asgard International, as the implied fate of their ancient Norse counterparts is revealed.
REVIEW:
Anchored by occasionally murky visuals, this Brave and The Bold-style team-up exploring a mystical Norse prophecy is a slow yet intriguing read. Its best element is likely the existence of a Viking-like ‘Bat Man,’ who makes some critical contributions to this storyline, along with his potential love connection to the mysterious Freyja.
One might wonder why the modern-day Batman is so easily captured late in the story, but this contrivance is made up for with a well-played finish. In all likelihood, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight # 36 probably isn’t going to appeal to pre-teens. However, its sophisticated adult storytelling (i.e. a reliance on Norse mythology) makes a welcome temporary shift away from the usual Gotham City shenanigans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In addition to a two-page letters-and-answers column, there’s a full-page “Inside DC” column by Michael Eury promoting the company’s ambitious 1992 Bat-projects agenda. Including references to the Batman Returns live-action film and the upcoming Batman: The Animated Series, DC refers to it as ‘Year of the Bat, Phase II.’
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
