A new arc begins as super duo Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque team up once again.
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
Colourist: Jordie Bellaire
This issue has everything going for it. Snyder and Albuquerque are finally back together. Add to that Jordie Bellaire is colouring? Sold. The review could end there honestly but I’ll but a minuscule amount of effort into this.
For plot this is very much a Snyder story. By now readers should be somewhat ready for the pacing. Snyder is perfect at setting stories up and decent at ending them. Here he yet again sets up another arc well. His care for the character of Batman is on show with villain Hush getting a chance to shine. All Star is proving to be a series that showcases everything that’s great about Batman.
And that includes Alfred. Often overlooked, here he is awarded an arc of his own. It’s satisfying to see Snyder give Alfred a proper story. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get his hand chopped off at the end. As far as criticisms go this is a bit of a predictable issue. In places the story is fun and it’s consistently engaging but any ‘twists’ are noticeable a mile away.
Albuquerque’s art is phenomenal but that’s expected. He’s another artist that really suits Batman. The messy style of his lends itself to a character who is encapsulated by his perceptions. Bellaire steals the show though. What was already a great comic is truly amplified by her colours. Every page is genuine art. Albuquerque and Bellaire are a match made in heaven.
This is a mixed recommendation. On one hand if you regularly pick up issues then yes this is worth it. If you’re a more casual reader this would be more than worth being one of the few comics on your pull list. Otherwise this strikes me as a good trade pick up, especially at the $4.99 price tag.
Recommendation: pick up the issue – if – you like Batman enough to pay $4.99 a month. Otherwise I’d say wait for the trade.
# Issues with Alex 