Art: Rafael Albuquerque, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, FCO Plascencia
Publisher: DC Comics
Batman has a new batmobile in Batman #9, which is always kind of fun. However, even cooler than that, he has a big T-Rex that stomps on owls. Yeah, you read that right, and it’s just as awesome as it sounds. Yes, the Court of Owls have invaded Wayne Manor and the Batcave, but Batman is having none of it. He’s not only determined to eradicate them from his home, but by the end of it all, he’s determined to pay a visit to their home. The Night of the Owls may be one of the greatest tests Batman has faced in recent years, which is probably why it makes for such fun reading.
It’s hard to tell if this issue marks a turning point at all in Batman’s war against the owls, but it certainly seems like there’s a shift. Up to this point he’s been reacting and responding to what the Court of Owls has done, but by the end of this issue, Batman is ready to go on the offensive. Where that will lead, I know not, but while it’s always interesting to see Batman pushed to his breaking point, it’s far more exciting to see him in control and one step ahead of his opponents. That hasn’t been the case thus far, and it’s obviously frustrated Batman. There are many things yet to unveil, but for the first time, and as odd as it may seem to say it, I don’t think Batman’s afraid any more. I think he’s just angry; and that doesn’t bode well for the Court of Owls.
It’s interesting how the Talons keep saying that they’ll always find their way in, that no amount of security and defense will keep them out. No matter what, they will find you, they will judge you, and they will execute you. There are some who feel God functions in the same way; that’s he’s just lurking out there waiting to judge our sins, condemn our “fun,” and sentence us to hell. Well, there are so many variables in that assumption that it could take a long time to discuss them, but there is one thing that many seem to over look; God doesn’t want to condemn us because he loves us. Yes, sin must be judged and punished, and so God sent his son Jesus to do that for us. Jesus was judged, sentenced, and executed in our place so that we wouldn’t have to be. It had to be done, and he did it for us, assuming that we’ll accept the fact that he took our place. We can still face God on our own terms, which quite frankly won’t end well, just as people assume. But through Jesus we can get a reprieve from God, all because of his love.
Has the Night of Owls reached a turning point? We won’t really know until the next issue, but Batman #9 certainly offers up some hope. Intriguingly, there’s a possibility that much of this is the fault of Bruce’s mom, and perhaps Alfred’s father. The back-up feature provides some interesting insight into the history of the Waynes and their ties to the Court of Owls. While last time I begrudged the space this feature took up, this time I was fascinated with the tale it was telling and was kind of disappointed it had to end so quickly. So some awesome action and a possible turning point in the main feature, and some intriguing backstory and surprising revelations in the back-up feature; which all adds up to another solid issue of Batman.
Score: 5 of 7
A BIG thanks to Astro-Zombies for providing the material for this review. Learn more about them at astrozombies.com.
