Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Lee Garbett; Trevor Scott; Guy Major; & Jared K. Fletcher
Cover Art by Alex Ross (Cover A)
SUMMARY:
Published for January 2009 by DC Comics, “What the Butler Saw” is evidently the conclusion of Last Rites storyline, as an abducted Batman’s brain-drain torture takes some unexpected twists. Further hyped is Batman’s ominous “last adventure” in the imminent sixth issue of writer Grant Morrison’s Final Crisis series.
As seen in his fragmented memories, Batman’s evolution continues to be analyzed. In addition to glimpses of Bruce’s affair with Talia and the rise & fall of Jason Todd’s Robin, among other scenes, a weird alternate reality is depicted where Bruce Wayne never becomes Batman. Instead, he is his aging father’s weak protégé as a doctor.
Yet, this reality’s disturbing kidnapping-homicide of a young Dick Grayson by the Joker only reinforces the Dark Knight’s resistance. Reacting to an unexpected development, Batman’s ruthless captors desperately improvise.
Note: There is a variant cover available by artist Tony S. Daniel, but a copy of the image isn’t provided.
REVIEW:
Considerably bolstered by artist Lee Garbett’s high-octane artwork, Morrison’s narrative hits just enough cylinders to make this issue a worthwhile read. It’s advisable that readers should peruse the Last Rites storyline before diving in. Suffice to say, Morrison doesn’t bother much updating the audience re: how Batman fell into this macabre predicament. If anything, Batman # 683’s visuals (including the stellar Alex Ross cover image) far outclasses Morrison’s muddled stream-of-consciousness storyline.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The cover of Batman # 684 is revealed. DC Senior Vice President-Executive Dan DiDio’s DC Nation column hypes the imminent “Flash: Rebirth” mini-series.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
