Written by Grant Morrison.
Art by Tony S. Daniel; Sandu Florea; Jonathan Glapion; & Mark Irwin.
Cover Art by Tony S. Daniel; Jonathan Glapion; & Guy Major.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for February 2008, this issue is entitled “Space Medicine.” Single-handedly, a mysterious sleeper-cell Batman impostor invades GCPD headquarters and sets it aflame. Demanding an audience with ex-Commissioner Vane, the assailant settles upon overpowering and taking Commissioner Gordon as his unconscious hostage. Meanwhile, during his skydiving date with Jezebel Jet over Gotham City, Bruce Wayne sees the Bat-Signal.
Even Batman’s timely arrival may not be enough against this adversary. Rather easily, the impostor seemingly kills both Gordon and the Dark Knight with fiery blasts to the chest. A familiar Bat-character makes a cameo to further muddle this dire cliffhanger.
Note: Contradicting the cover image, the Bat-cycle is not used in this story.
REVIEW:
The story’s odd title presumably references Bruce & Jezebel’s skydiving fun-and-games. Boasting ultra-slick visuals and an ultra-violent plot, Batman # 672 is a high-octane read exuding unpredictability.
Still, one is expected to overlook peripheral contrivances that writer Grant Morrison fails to explain — for instance, how does a disarmed Gordon suddenly regain consciousness and possess a second firearm? One can assume an ankle holster, but hinting it in a single panel would have been fair storytelling. Or, for that matter, are readers supposed to believe that, with minimal effort, this Batman impostor has incapacitated every cop in the building?
Even if Morrison’s quirky scripting choices do not all make sense, Batman # 672 revs its engine (like a Bat-cycle) keeping readers tuned for the next issue.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “DC Nation” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for Countdown # 18; Death of the New Gods # 4; a not-yet-inked Green Lantern # 76; and Batman # 673. There is also a low-key holiday image of three DC power couples: Barry & Iris Allen; Wally & Linda Park-West; and Hal Jordan & Carol Ferris.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
