BATMAN: LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #3
Writer: Scott Snyder
Penciller: Greg Capullo
Inker: Jonathan Glapion
Colorist: FCO Plascencia
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC
Rating: 9/10
With this issue, we see Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo close out their Batman run of over 8 years. But they don't go out quietly. They take the Dark Knight on one of the most epic and somewhat futuristic adventures he's ever been in. This is the end of their version of Batman. While it's sad to think, and times hard to believe, that this is the last Batman book that these guys will ever work on, it's also really fucking cool to see them tell their definitive "ending" and be able to close out their story the way they wanted to.
This book started with Bruce Wayne waking up to a world he no longer recognized, it was horrific and full of chaos. Along the way he partners up with Joker, who is now just a head in a jar, and traverse this quasi-futuristic wasteland. He learns of Omega, a futuristic looking Batman, who plans to take over everyone's minds. Having found the last remnants of resistance fighters (a battle wearied/scarred Wonder Woman and the last remaining member of the Bat Family. Can he do it? I mean he's the G**damned Batman for crying out loud.
What's really crazy about this book, is that the case that Batman was looking into in issue one rears it's head once again in a flashback. It completely changes Batman's origin and puts a spin on it that would change the reason behind Batman drastically. It's something I never could have fathomed and obviously nobody else has, because it's never been done. Snyder and Capullo have made this issue something you can read on it's own, which is weird considering it's the final chapter in a mini series. But they do a great job of giving the reader everything they need in those opening pages.
The Dark Knight(s) that we see in this book vary drastically. You have the young Bruce who is full of hope as he gets ready to lead this army against Omega. Hope is not a word usually associated with Batman, which it made it even more interesting when reading this issue. While some doubt his ability (Barbara) it's others that continue to have faith in what the symbol of the Bat can mean. It gives a take on what Batman's purpose is and expands on previous Batman work from Snyder.
One of the best parts of the book has to be the Joker scenes. He constantly talks throughout the series of becoming the next Robin. He finally gets his chance when the jar with his head is placed into a Robin robot suit. It's these things that make this one of the most fun I've had when reading a Batman story. There is a revelation that Joker divulges to Batman, but you can't really tell if he's truthful. I mean it's the Joker we're talking about. But maybe that's the point, maybe Snyder was trying to be ambiguous.
Capullo2’s art, with FCO Plascencia’s colors and Jonathan Glapion’s inks are on a whole other level. These guys have put in their blood sweat and tears into this book and it shows in every panel. Every page is a feast for the eyes. It really is one of the most beautifully put together books I've ever read. my only question, is why they didn't make this in the larger format like the other Black Label books. I mean if anyone's art deserved the larger format, it's Capullo.
Well like I said before, this ending is bittersweet. I will say though that Snyder and Capullo gave their Batman a fitting ending. I couldn't be more satisfied with the way they closed the book on their long run. They showed a Batman that never gives up in the face of adversity and always holds on to that glimmer of hope even when all seems lost. Cheers to you 2 gentlemen, thank you for creating what has been my favorite Batman run over these past 10 years. I can't wait to see what madness you guys cook up in the future.