BATMAN # 640 (2005 DC Comics)

Written by Judd Winick.

Art by Paul Lee; Cam Smith; Alex Sinclair; & Phil Balsman.

Cover Art by Matt Wagner.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics for July 2005, the issue is entitled “Family Reunion, Part 2: While the Cat’s Away.” The enigmatic Red Hood (whose vernacular resembles Spider-Man’s sarcasm) joins Onyx on a late-night warehouse raid in Gotham City.  Yet, the Hood’s shockingly lethal tactics leaves Onyx in a precarious predicament.  Meanwhile, after teaming up to foil some corporate sabotage, Batman demands insight from Superman about his resurrection. 

REVIEW:

Aside from the peculiar title (should it not be “While the Bat’s Away”?), Batman # 640 does not accomplish much.  Batman’s scenes prodding Superman are more about reinforcing the Dark Knight’s nagging doubts than moving any semblance of plot forward.  As to Onyx’s team-up with the Red Hood, the last-page twist is intriguing, but it is not necessarily enough to persuade casual readers to come back for more.

Overall, Batman # 640 supplies good artwork, but its middling plot is likely better read in a trade paperback vs. the single issue.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Penned by a supposed ‘mole,’ the “DC in Demand” column includes thumbnail cover reveals for Green Lantern # 1; Year One: Batman/Scarecrow # 1; Outsiders # 24; and Batman # 641.  A dubious bonus is a multi-page insert ad hyping the movie stars of The Longest Yard remake.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        5 Stars