This review was done a while back for another website where I had a strict word count and image limit, so it's pretty "short but sweet" compared to many of my other reviews. I'm going through some of the older stuff I haven't published on this blog yet and I think some of it needs to meet some new eyes. So you'll be seeing a few more reviews now and then that aren't exactly in the same form as the more recent stuff. ENJOY!
My name is Atom and I write comic reviews that nobody ever asked for! I find the "value" of comics in the enjoyment of them, rather than how much they are "worth" to collectors.
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It's December, so let's get into a little bit of Christmas fun, shall we? WE SHALL!
BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #79
DC (1996)
FAVORITE THINGS
SCRIPT: Mark Millar
PENCILS: Steve Yeowell
INKS: Giordano
COVER: Steve Yeowell
THE COVER: Very nicely-done! It's a great Christmas-themed cover with a dramatic twist. The stark black background perfectly draws the eye to the colorful art in the middle. It's definitely an eye-catcher.
THE STORY:
With Christmas approaching, Batman's investigation of organized break-ins of wealthy residences turns personal when Wayne Manor is robbed and something of great value to Bruce Wayne is stolen.
As the exhausted Batman relentlessly pursues the scant handful of clues, with the assistance of Commissioner Gordon and the G.C.P.D., he finally discovers that a gang called "The Chessmen" are the culprits.
When Batman arrives at the gang's hideout, he discovers that the showboating Chief of Gotham's S.W.A.T. team has managed to turn what should have been a simple raid into a hostage situation. Batman takes things into his own hands and defeats the gang without harm to their captives.
He interrogates the leader of The Chessmen gang and discovers where they've hidden the stolen loot. Batman arrives to discover a broken man regretting his part in the crimes, he explains to Batman that he just needed money for his kids. Batman agrees to let the man go free in exchange for the stolen goods.
At the end of the tale, we discover that the precious item stolen from Wayne Manor was an antique toy train set. . .the final Christmas present given to Bruce Wayne by his parents.
The End.
THE REVIEW:
It's a simple tale of Batman tracking down a gang of thieves, with an emotional punch at the end that makes it memorable. It has all the ingredients of a good, classic Batman story. . .things that I honestly miss in Batman comics today.
There's Batman and Commissioner Gordon on a snowy rooftop discussing the case. Batman having to deal with the corrupt police force. Batman relentlessly following clues while the ever-faithful Alfred chides him for not getting any rest. This is my favorite kind of Batman tale!
I realize that characters need to evolve, but reading this story just reminds me of the things I miss being in Batman comics on the stands now. This story has a classic feel to it that makes a Batman fan like me smile.
On the art side of things. . .it's okay. Not bad. Not great. The art tells the story but doesn't try to go above or beyond that. I feel that if this story had someone like Jim Aparo or Neal Adams on the art, it would be a holiday classic that every comic fan would know about.
CONCLUSION
This is a great little superhero Christmas story, but more than that, it's a great throwback Batman story! If you're a fan of old-school Batman before New 52 or Rebirth. . .with the classic team of Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, and Batman on the case. . .then this is a story for you!
The art isn't anything special, but that doesn't stop this from being a great little nugget of Longbox Junk that isn't hard to find in the bargain bin.
Until Next time, Merry Christmas and remember that comics are worth more than money!
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