Batman #77 Review: The God of Death has Arrived

Robin has entered Gotham to do one thing, take back the city. His only problem is Flashpoint Batman is standing in his way. Major spoilers for Batman #77 follow. 

This was a gut-punch of an issue. There are very few things that can truly surprise in a Batman comic because it often doesn’t feel like there are stakes. Tom King has thrown that sentiment out the window and continuously increases the stakes and continues to shock. Everything in his run has culminated to this moment in time and even if it doesn’t feel like there’s anything else that can shock you, King manages to do so. 

First off, you can’t talk about this issue without talking about Mikel Janin’s absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking art. There are few artists that truly feel like they exemplify Gotham City and Batman (even though it’s technically Flashpoint Batman). To name a few, Greg Capullo, Tim Sale, and Jim Lee are three who just nail the character and the city. Personally, I’m about ready to put Janin up on that list as well after this issue. From a movement perspective to a framing perspective, his art is nearly perfect in this issue. 

Janin’s art really enhances everything regarding Damian and Flashpoint Batman in this issue as well. Damian is always bright, yet Batman is shrouded in darkness. It’s on the nose, but a great visual metaphor for who is fighting for the heart of Gotham. Plus, we get to see Damian and his false grandfather get to interact for the first time. It goes exactly as one would expect. Because of that though, and the stuff that comes after, we get to see a side of Damian that is so rarely seen and it makes the character more interesting to read. 

Then there’s the big shock at the of this issue (final chance to avoid spoilers). Bane is finally seen (only for two panels) and kills Alfred in front of a tearful Damian. This is a brutal shock that really makes the stakes of the story feel real. There are lasting consequences and things aren’t going to simply return to normal. It hurts to see Alfred murdered as he is in this issue, but it’s what the story needed and it’s executed (no pun intended) extremely well. 

Then there’s the Bat and the Cat, together again. King doesn’t miss a step when it comes to writing these two. It’s wonderful to see them interact again after a year of not seeing them together. No matter how little page-space that they share with each other, there’s always a spark there between the two. Plus, it’s Catwoman who takes the leadership role of the two in this issue, and we’re able to see that vicious side of her in an exciting way. 

CHECK OUT: Batman #76 Review: Gotham City, Home of Bane