Batman

Batman #482 

                                         

                                                        

  

      If you're a fan of Batman comics you probably have a favorite writer. We could probably talk about this all day and probably disagree on it as well. For this review I'm delving into the Doug Moench era of Batman which also happens to be my favorite I love the storylines, but most of all I love the artwork featured in the books. The covers alone are what got me hooked and then I delved into the stories and that was the clincher. Moench stories are usually dark and brooding, yet at the same time they're well written and I have yet to find a clunker. I have quite a few from his run but sadly I can't pick a favorite. It's impossible. What I can tell you is that anytime I look at Batman comics I see a Moench and I'm going to buy it. This issue is a continuation of the story that I believe started in #481 and features Iris Phelios who happens to be Maxie Zuess' girlfriend. As a villian, The Harpy isn't someone we really need to remember because she's simply here for this issue. While the issue itself isn't one you really need to read, it's still a solid issue that shows just how talented Moench is as a writer. The entire reason The Harpy exists is to get revenge on Zuess' men who she thinks has double crossed him. 

   

       The artwork here is solid with a great amount of detail. Unlike some of the other artwork in Moench's run, this is more streamlined and doesn't look as surreal as other issues. It compliments the story well. If you're looking for a place to start reading Batman, this is a good place to start. The Harpy is a villian who isn't looking to rob banks, or even take over Gotham. She's simply a woman who is avenging a man she feels was wronged. It's simple, yet effective. When it comes to great comics it's sometimes the simple stories that have the most impact. You don't need gang warfare or even a plot to kill Batman. Revenge is a powerful motivator and it works. Moench is a writer you can trust and know that if you're reading one of his stories, it's going to be good if not great. For fans of Batman, this is a decent place to start. It may seem boring because it's not like your normal dark Batman stories but that's why it's so interesting. 5/5 stars