Batman: The Brave and the Bold #16 – Tim Seeley, Jay Faerber, Alex Segura, Stephanie Williams, Writers; Kelley Jones, PJ Holden, Andy MacDonald, Asiah Fulmore, Artists; Michelle Madsen, John Kalisz, Patricio Delpeche, Marissa Louise, Colorists
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Four stories this month – two continuing installments and two one-off tales. How do they shake out?
First is the conclusion to “Nightwing And Deadman: Down The Road” by Seeley and Jones. This backroads ghost story played well to the strengths of both horror-driven creators, and the final chapter has a high-energy chaotic feel as Deadman attempts to con a vengeful spirit and Dick dives into the unknown to try to undo his greatest loss. Like most great ghost stories, it has some excellent twists and turns and relies more on suspense than it does on jump scares. Seeley is well-known as a great Nightwing writer, but I don’t think this would work nearly as well without Jones’ haunting art. He’s been one of the best DC horror artists for over thirty years and hasn’t lost a step in that time.
“First Watch” by Faerber and Holden turns the focus on the Metropolis Police Department, as we follow a pair of officers – a tough-as-nails jaded Sergeant and her excited new partner, who can’t wait to be teaming up with Superman. But the reality of policing in Metropolis is very different, and the veteran officer wants to stay far away from Super-affairs. Over the course of the short ten-page story, we see both officers learn a bit about how to make a difference. This story reminds me a little of the classic Astro City comic, as it delves into what it’s like to be an ordinary person in a super-world.
The second chapter of “Duality” by Segura and MacDonald finds Renee Montoya hunted by a mysterious villain targeting every level of her life. Things escalate when she’s contacted by Tot, Vic Sage’s mentor and one of the few people to know she’s The Question. Soon, the mysterious killer sneaks his way into GCPD headquarters just as Renee is hit with a smear campaign and it becomes clear that this villain has every tool possible at his disposal. There’s a very claustrophobic feel to this story that works nicely, and this story is probably the transition that will take Renee from her controversial role as Commissioner to her upcoming solo series.
Finally, “It’s Our Anniversary” by Williams and Fulmore is a light, breezy story to close things out, as Karen Beecher and Mal Duncan celebrate their anniversary at a tropical resort. That resort also happens to be home to a current exhibit of some very valuable pieces by an artist, who is there in person and may be a target. What ensues is a fun adventure as the two married Titans put their vacation aside to bust some heads, and the retired Mal is reminded of just how good being in the Guardian costume feels. It definitely has a different tone than the rest of the book, which works.
No black-and-white story this month, but overall this is a very strong installment.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
