Read this review to find out if Batman #79 is worth buying.
If you want to avoid spoilers for this comic then skip to the overall section at the end.
Warning: Spoilers for Batman #79.
Recap: Batman #79
The comic begins with a flashback to Batman’s first meeting with Catwoman “near the beginning”. It then cuts to “Now” which is later revealed to be before Batman #77. So right off the bat, it’s confusing.
Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle are relaxing on a Hawaiian beach and talking about stopping the thief Margaret Pye aka Magpie from selling Bane’s Venom in Gotham City. Batman is in his Matches Malone disguise complete with Magnum P.I. style Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and a Tom Selleck-style mustache.
Then the comic goes back to their long-running discussion about where they met: on the street or the boat. Meanwhile, Selina is doing yoga (pilates?) on Bruce’s back while he does one-handed pushups. I’ve never seen a more manly discussion in any comic book ever. Ever.
Back at the bar, they hear reports about Captain Atom defying presidential orders and how crime has dropped in Gotham City. This is thanks to Bane’s brutal rule and a “sadistic” Batman aka Thomas Wayne. But the news reports don’t know that. Bruce solemnly nurses his ginger ale.
A guy next to Selina starts talking about how the Caped Crusader finally “got a set of balls”. This is enough to irritate her but then he puts his hand on her thigh. It’s weird because there’s what looks like a wedding ring, but it’s on the guy’s right hand. So I’m not sure if the panel got switched or it’s just a layout error. Anyway, she lays him out.
The pair head back to the bungalow and she starts complaining that no one cares if people get killed or are enslaved but no one cares. She peels off his convincing mustache and the two share an intimate moment where he lavishes praise on her. Catwoman points out that usually he just grunts disapprovingly at her and the moment is as warm as the sunset outside the window. The two decide to spend tomorrow stopping crime.
Batman and Catwoman fight in a montage that includes a convenience store robber in a tiki mask and Knockout. Along the way, Selina takes a moment to soothe a crying child which is a wonderful moment and shows the big difference between them. Batman usually doesn’t notice that kind of thing and sure wouldn’t stop punching thugs to give a hug.
It’s a nice excuse for some action and a good example of why they’ve had such a long-standing relationship.
In a blink-and-you’ll miss it moment Batman assures her that Alfred is out of danger and he’s sending in Damien. This means that the guy who Bane killed in the last issue wasn’t [SPOILER ALERT] Alfred.
Bruce says he wishes they could stay like this forever looking at the sunset but it’s action time. They share I love yous and ride jet skis to Magpie’s yacht. After beating up the goons Catwoman takes some diamonds off Magpie’s neck. Considering her plunging neckline this is another task for Selina. It could easily have gone the wrong way.
Magpie asks if they have a message for Bane. But she’s wrong. Catwoman says they’re the message and the two stand dramatically.
The two take a walk on the beach again and plan their return to Gotham City. Selina takes a moment to remind him that he’s stopped her from stealing the Conley diamond four times. He does it again.
As they plan their trip back to Gotham Batman says they never met for real – As Batman and Catwoman – until that day. On the beach. So they walk hand in hand into the sunset.
Overall: Borrow Batman #79
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Batman #79 doesn’t do much to push a storyline forward but does deliver a satisfying vacation from the chaos in the “City of Bane” arc.
Tom King weaves a powerful and emotion-driven story that manages to reframe their whole relationship. Instead of Bruce grunting disapprovingly at Selina he tells her repeatedly how much he loves her. But alas they’re still from two different worlds and are destined to part again.
Clay Mann does pencils and his twin brother Seth does inking and it works exceptionally well as usual. The lines are crisp and the shading is subtle. Sumptuous and glowing colors are delivered by Tomeu Morey who manages to highlight the brilliant hues of a sunset and the mysterious glow of nighttime. He keeps the palette bright and cheery even in the montage fight scenes.
Despite all this, there isn’t really much happening in the comic. Everything in it is a setup for Batman #78 so it merely adds to the story instead of moving it forward. Is it a must-read? Not really but Mann’s art and King’s romantic dialogue make it worth reading. I’d suggest borrowing it from a friend or your local library. Just don’t read it in the comic shop. That’s rude.
About Batman #79
- Written by Tom King
- Artwork by Clay Mann
- Inking by Clay Mann & Seth Mann
- Color by Tomeu Morey
- Synopsis: In the concluding chapter of the two-part “City of Bane” interlude, Batman and Catwoman pull a job to stop Bane’s supply ship from smuggling dangerous cargo into Gotham City. It’ll send a message…
- On Sale Date: September 18, 2019
- U.S. Price: $3.99
What do you think of Batman #79? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: Some links may lead to an approved affiliate and small proceeds from the sale go to support the blog. Thank you!
If you enjoyed this, then please use the buttons below to tell your
friends about this post! Follow us! Email
| RSS
| Twitter | Facebook
