Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Nikola Ĉižmešija
SUMMARY:
DC Comics released this 64-page issue for July 2022. This Bat-anthology continues three storylines and adds a single team-up tale, which are:
- Batman & Zatanna Zatara: “Bound to Our Will” (Part 5 of 6: 22 pages). Writer: Vita Ayala. Artists: Nikola Ĉižmešija; Nick Filardi; & Steve Wands. With Batman & John Constantine trapped together in a mystical dimension, it’s up to Zatanna to initiate their shared dual-attack against their mystical foes. Hints infer a potential romantic triangle between Constantine, Zatanna, and the Dark Knight.
- Batman & Plastic Man: “Bending the Rules” (10 pages). Writer: Joey Esposito. Artists: Jason Howard & Pat Brosseau. Plastic Man has a personal motive for interfering in Batman’s latest manhunt. Meanwhile, KGBeast is their imminent opposition per the bounty he has accepted from the Penguin. The Joker also makes an appearance.
- Birds of Prey: “Memory Lane” (Part 2 of 3: 10 pages): Writer: Che Grayson. Artists: Serge Acuña; Ivan Plascencia; & Josh Reed. A Birds squad (primarily, Katana & Shiva) continue to hunt down the perpetrators behind an addictive virtual reality device dubbed ‘Memory Lane’ hidden in cell phones. Yet, does the mind-altering mission turn the Birds against one another?
- Batman & Ace the Bat-Hound: “Hounded: Bear Witness” (Part 5 of 6: 22 pages). Writer: Mark Russell. Artists: Karl Mostert; Trish Mulvihill; & Steve Wands. Ace leads his makeshift animal posse to rescue a captive Batman. Meanwhile, an injured Dark Knight is forced into caged combat vs. one of Ace’s furry friends. Worse yet, the Joker makes an ominous move.
Note: Though their images aren’t available here, there are two variant covers: artists Karl Mostert & Trish Mulvihill (“Hounded”) and artist Riley Rossmo (“Batman & Plastic Man”).
REVIEW:
The sole caveat is that the Birds of Prey caper possibly includes too many players to keep track of all who’s who. Otherwise, Batman: Urban Legends # 15 delivers all the necessary storytelling goods, in terms of both its scripting (even some humor) and likable visuals. This issue is well-played!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
It’s more like a lack thereof; thankfully, there aren’t any ads.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
