Not Much to Say









Silent issues are a tricky thing. If done right, the visuals and story can leave a lasting impression that normal issues often can't. When done wrong, they are immediately forgettable. Unfortunately, the second part of The Dark Knight's silent arc is more of the latter.





Silent issues rely on two things: visuals and story. Here is where the book fails. No, the visuals aren't the problem, it's the story. Or lack of one. Last issue established the plot points. Illegal immigrants abused and taken advantage of by the Penguin. Child labor, abuse and death. Remember, this is a Christmas tale and what's the Holiday season without abuse and death?





This issue doesn't do anything else. Sure, Batman and Wayne Enterprises saves the day and the Penguin gets his (until his lawyers free him), but isn't this a story we have seen a hundred times over already. It's not horrible, but it's not really good either. It is forgettable.





The art of Alberto Ponticelli is good, at least. This book has never been a colorful one, but Ponticelli works with what he's given. Batman is rough around the edges and the book is dark as usual.





I wish I had more to say, but I really don't. Batman: The Dark Knight is ending soon and issues and arcs like this are the reason. Reason is a good word because there just is no reason for this book to exist. Like this issue, the book brings nothing new or unique to the Bat Family of books.





Bits and Pieces:





Batman: The Dark Knight is O.K. The art is good, but the story is forgettable and that's what this issue and the arc in general were, simply forgettable.





4.5/10

Written by: Gregg HurwitzArt by: Alberto PonticelliCover Price: $2.99Release Date: January 29, 2014