Batman/Dylan Dog #3 – Roberto Recchioni, Writer; Gigi Cavenago, Werther Dell’Edera, Artists; Giovanna Niro, Laura Ciondolini, Colorists
Ray – 9/10
Ray: This unique import comes to a close this issue, and it’s impressive how many twists and turns it’s taken in only two previous issues. Batman and paranormal investigator Dylan Dog didn’t get off to a swimming start when they took on Joker and Dr. Abraxas in London, but things took a huge turn last issue when they brought in John Constantine and other Vertigo staples to take them deep into the underworld in search of an even deadlier villain—the twisted serial killer Killex, who died long ago but was desperate for a chance to ply his trade in the living world again. Constantine and Dylan Dog barely escaped Hell, and Killex came with them—now free to team up with Joker in his personal killing field of Gotham. So the duo of Batman and Dog once again changes settings, this time playing on Batman’s turf as Jim Gordon and other iconic Batman characters enter the fray.
While Batman and Dylan Dog still don’t exactly get along, they’ve at least figured out a working relationship. The same can’t be said for Joker and Killex, who might seem like a match made in hell—but are actually more different than they let on. Joker takes a gleeful joy in his killings, while Killex is distinctly more neutral—he’s seeking a level of violence that will make him feel something and coming up empty. That leads to a bloody falling out between them, as Killex goes solo and brings a truly disturbing level of death to Gotham. This final issue feels a bit rushed at times—there is a lot to get through—but there’s a genuinely clever solution to the question of where exactly could hold someone like Killex permanently. And so Batman and the Dog head off back to their own comics, both maybe a bit wiser from the experience. I knew nothing about Dylan Dog before this, but now I’m kind of intrigued to read more.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
