And again, I must infuriate my "pro-continuity" colleagues by pointing out the absurdities and the artistically moribund elements of this month's effort. With Batman seemingly removed from this title, and The Outsiders having disbanded in the previous issue, we are left with Batgirl and her attempts to fill the void that Bruce Wayne has (again) left in Gotham.
The focus on Batgirl at the expense of any other (ex) members of the Outsiders is refreshing, for we are not asked to feign emotional connection where there plainly is none, as we were expected to do in the previous issue. We do however have to stomach more forced continuity feeding, which includes the re-treaded quandary of "What would Gotham do without Batman?" A more preposterous question, I cannot think of, in this world that is so densely populated with super-heroes (most of whom surpass Batman in every conceivable way). Yet, it is this question which we are forced to consider.
I need not provide to you all a H.L. Mencken inspired listing of all of the super-heroes that could take his place with ease, in terms of all foreseeable eventualities. I am sure it is sufficed to say that the list is long and filled with those in whose presence, Batman's wit and cunning would be no match in a world that was not so willfully contradictory. Let us move past this issue of "comic book logic" (an oxymoron if ever there was one) and get to why, again I am forced to conclude that I would rather view Plan Nine From Outer Space or Motor Psycho than wrestle with this conceptual failing, personified in overarching "DC Universe" continuity, again.
In the 90s, the “Knightfall” story arc presented us with a similar (identical?) predicament. Batman had been "broken" and in his place Jean-Paul Valley took on the titular mantle. In the aftermath of “Infinite Crisis,” the "One Year Later" story lines depicted a world that had to exist without Batman. This is not new. This has been done.
The way in which this issue looks to set up the future of this title seems to be one where a group of super-heroes/villains are going to replace the skills that Batman brought to Gotham. Batgirl muses by her screen on who is to replace "his detective skills?" "His stealth?” "His fighting ability?" One assumes, inside of continuity, and with Superman and his array of supernatural foes populating the world, that the skills that Batman possesses are more metaphysical in nature and cannot be defined in plain terms. There is something indefinable about his aura perhaps that gives him the ability to match the power of the villains that intersect with his world. Perhaps not though, Batgirl has after all just defined his abilities in the simplest of words.
If you are intent on persisting to place round pegs into square holes and insist that Batman is compatible (even in his absence) or that his world is compatible with this nonsense, then please don't draw attention to what makes Batman the glue that holds this fractured Gotham together. The level of credulity that is expected by the writers from their readership to contemplate such a situation is quite remarkable.
Perhaps like H.L. Mencken we can soon have a memorial for all of the failed gimmicks, cross-over story lines that impact every title inside of DC.
"You may think I spoof. That I invent the names. I do not. Ask the rector to lend you any good treatise on comparative comic books: you will find them all listed. They were gods of the highest standing and dignity -- gods of civilized peoples -- worshipped and believed in by millions. All were theoretically omnipotent, omniscient, and immortal. And all are dead."
Paul Casey has been contributing to music sites for the past four years with considerable success.
His work has been featured on Jon Hunt and John Lane's legendary resource for The Beach Boys' lost album "Smile," The Smile Shop, which morphed into a broader Sunshine Pop/Rare Music Site following the release of Brian Wilson's "Smile" in 2004.
Although specialising in music, Paul Casey has a keen interest in the world of comic books.
"Paul Casey writes for FOURPERCENTPANTOMINE.COM.
He resides in his house.
BATMAN ON FILM, © 1998-present William E. Ramey. All rights reserved.
BATMAN AND ALL RELATED CHARACTERS AND ELEMENTS ARE TRADEMARKS OF AND © DC COMICS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
FROM DC COMICS: 'A "Batman R.I.P.' tie-in! Batgirl literally has her back against the wall as the remaining Outsiders turn against Gotham City's youngest protector! With Batman out of the picture, Cassandra Cain finds herself suddenly alone. Will the Outsiders ever be the same? The 'Batman R.I.P.' storyline continues having devastating effects across the DCU!"