Batman and the Mad Monk #1
Originally Presented at Comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Good
Dr. Hugo Strange plots against Gotham!
Writer: Matt Wagner
Art: Matt Wagner
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Rob Leigh
Editor: Bob Schreck
Cover Art: Matt Wagner
Publisher: DC Comics
Review: In yet another miniseries set in the early days of the Batman’s career, the insidious Dr. Hugo Strange is struggling to find funding for his various genetic experiments. Forced to borrow money from the mob and the to further endure the taunts of people skeptical of his research, the good doctor decides to recruit some of his unwitting tormentors as test subjects.
Matt Wagner is a really strong writer and artist, and he has the perfect sensibility for the Batman. I also appreciate anyone who can dust off an unused character like Hugo Strange and start finding ways to use him again. I can’t really give this book a glowing recommendation, however, simply because I can’t quite figure out what its purpose is. With five ongoing series of his own (six if you count Batman Strikes), another series he shares with Superman, plus a seemingly endless parade of miniseries and specials, I’ve reached the point where any new project really has to be special to justify its existence as a separate series and not just an arc in Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight. This is a fun series, no doubt, and it should be even more fun when the monsters really start to come out of the woodwork, but is it enough to earn a miniseries? I’m not sure.
Wagner has a good handle on the character, but doesn’t necessarily add anything new to him either. In fact, this first issue is much more about the villain, Strange, than it is about the hero. I don’t mean this as a criticism - there’s nothing wrong with focusing on the bad guy once in a while - I’m just stating it as a fact. This issue is light on Batman.
The artwork is quite good. From Wagner’s fully-painted cover to interiors done up with great colors by Dave Stewart, this is really how the Batman should look, in my opinion. He’s got that square-jawed, barrel-chested look that really befits a hero of his stature, but he doesn’t sacrifice use of the shadows or the air of mystery that surrounds him. The artwork is highly impressive.
Overall, this is a decent issue. I’m just waiting too see what makes this story great enough to make me run out and buy another miniseries for six months.
Rating: 7/10
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