Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico; Ivan Plascencia; & Pat Brosseau
Cover Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
SUMMARY:
In this ten-issue series, DC Comics released this 40-page installment for September 2022. Meant for older teens and up, it’s simply titled “The Knight, Part 7.” This flashback tale explores the end of young Bruce Wayne’s apprenticeship with trusted family friends: Giovanni “John” Zatara, and his daughter, fellow magical protégé Zatanna Zatara.
Bruce demonstrates considerable promise as the legendary magician’s potential successor, though a widowed Zatara is now an embittered alcoholic. Prying childhood friend Bruce from her boozing father, Zatanna & Bruce enjoy a New York City date night.
Meanwhile, a demonic adversary of Zatara’s is hungrily collecting souls of new innocent victims. To Zatanna’s disgust, her father is apathetic to stopping this formidable supernatural threat once and for all. Moving past his naïve, Scooby-Doo-like assumptions re: magic, Bruce now risks adding a mastery of real magic to his growing arsenal.
Making himself tempting bait, Bruce joins Zatanna in facing off vs. this monstrous demon. Nonetheless, it becomes a terrifying showdown that could easily destroy these future Justice Leaguers.
Note: Though the image isn’t available here, artist Riccardo Federici produced the variant cover.
REVIEW:
In young Bruce Wayne’s latest trial, Chip Zdarsky concocts a potent fantasy-horror tale adding further depth to the future Batman’s kinship with Zatanna Zatara. Equal to the task is the art squad’s excellent visuals (i.e. the cover image) bringing to life Bruce’s first battle against occult forces.
Even if the plot is something of an anachronism (as far as establishing Batman’s initial contact with demons), Batman: The Knight # 7 is still a dynamite read. Definitely recommended!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a poignant three-page homage to comics artist/writer Neal Adams from his peers. The “DC Nation Interview” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hypes DC League of Super-Pets.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
