Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Alvaro Martinez; Raul Fernandez; Brad Anderson; & Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by Yasmine Putri
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Intelligence, Part 2: Transcendence,” it was published under DC Comics’ Rebirth banner for August 2017. A flashback reveals teenagers Bruce Wayne and Zatanna Zatara’s private scene on a Las Vegas casino rooftop years ago. In the present-day, at Gotham City’s wrecked Iceberg Lounge, they reunite to confront the armored Ascalon robot.
Even Batman’s team (including Batwoman; Batwing; and Clayface) fails to capture him. While Nomoz, a mystical survivor of the Order of St. Dumas, is under the Bat-team’s medical care, another potential lead dies. Batwing & Batwoman analyze Azrael’s Suit of Sorrows, as they try to decipher Ascalon’s true target. In a rainstorm, on a Gotham City rooftop, Batman confides the real reason to Zatanna for seeking her help. Jean-Paul’s (aka Azrael) meditation is interrupted by a monstrous sight.
Note: Though the image isn’t included here, artist Rafael Albuquerque created a variant cover.
REVIEW:
Reviving the reliable chemistry between platonic old friends Batman and Zatanna is a gem for writer James Tynion IV’s storyline. It’s a worthy successor to the retroactive Bruce & Zatanna back-story Paul Dini devised years before. Even better is that the art team supplies strong, high-caliber visuals. Detective Comics # 959 is definitely a great read, even if the surplus of Bat-allies may be hard to keep track of.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes DC’s line of alternative Young Animal imprint graphic novels.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
