The latest issue of Batman has had me on tenterhooks, turning, twisting and pulling me in; especially with the dramatic way in which it ended. I can’t wait for Batman #6 to show up, but until then – let’s take a look at the cover for Batman #9, thanks to our friends over at Comic Vine.
Batman #9. Art by Greg Capullo
Batman #4 by Greg Capullo
Drawn by the fantastic Greg Capullo, the picture is a reminder of what Batman #4 looked like, but there’s a stark contrast to it. In #4, we had a member of the Court of Owls looking at Batman, looming over Gotham City and claiming it for themselves. In #9, all I see is Batman – albeit a slightly different Batman than I’m used to, but more on that later – looking at the Court of Owls, looming over a single building. Which building it is, however, I’m not entirely sure of, but I’m guessing it’s their headquarters or something similar.
This entire story arc has, without a doubt, been my favorite of the New 52 in the DCnU. It’s just enough like Knightfall to remind me how great that story was, but different enough to stand entirely on its own. Scott Snyder‘s writing is amazing and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where this goes.
My only concern is that the Batman we’re seeing in this picture doesn’t remind us too much of the Batman we’re used to seeing, even though he’s clearly identifiable being a Batman. The problem here is that I think he looks far more like Azbats (The Jean Paul Valley Azrael Batman) than anything else. I wonder what that might mean …
Azbats. Please don't let it be Azbats.
(via Comic Vine)