Like most other DC Comics this month, Batman #41 is a book characterized by a narrative trying to guide readers through changes to the DC status quo. For most titles, this involved changes brought on by the lackluster winter event Convergence, which we should all just be happy is finally over. This book however, focuses more on the fallout from Scott Snyder's brilliant Endgame event, which saw our favorite clown prince's return to prominence, and seemingly his death, along with the apparent fall of the Batman.
Issue #41 finds us following former Commissioner Gordon as he ponders an offer from the Powers Corporation. They want him to be Gotham's new savior, in the form of a 10 foot tall super-suit. While initially declining the job, over time Gordon is persuaded to take up the mantle of the bat, primarily after a chance meeting with an unnamed police recruit. This recruit is training in a program to handpick a new Batman, but when Gordon talks to him about his family, The former commish becomes convinced that he himself is the only man for the job.
The CEO of the Powers Corporation is only too pleased to have Gordon on board, and starts to put a team in place around him, including a major character from Endgame, Alfred's niece Julia. Julia is chosen to assist Batman because of her remarkable special ops skills and, laughably, her lack of any connection with the original Batman.
Batman #41 is ultimately a so-so read, being pulled down by the necessity of exposition in this changed DC universe. Other than a major reveal on the final page, not much happens. This book is essentially 30 pages of Gordon making up his mind. The art is dark and dreary, certainly not out of place in the DCU, and especially the pages of Batman, but it really does a great job of conveying Gotham's lack of hope regarding a lack of Batman. I'm excited to see where Our new Robo-Batman goes, but skip this issue if you're trying to keep you're weekly pull list cost down
3.5/5 Batarangs
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