Batman: The Brave and the Bold #9 is a comic book that marks the end of several storylines, including the conclusion of the Tom King Joker story that began the series. The issue features multiple writers and artists, including Tom King, Kyle Starks, Gabriel Hardman, Bruno Redondo, Mitch Gerads, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Wade Von Grawbadger, Matt Herms, Matt Hollingsworth, Clayton Cowles, Rob Leigh, Simon Bowland, and Wes Abbott. The release date for the comic is January 23, 2024.
The main story in this issue is titled “Batman: The Winning Card Part 4” and is written by Tom King with art and colors by Mitch Gerads and letters by Clayton Cowles. The story picks up with Batman, who is severely injured and pursuing the Joker in a stolen cop car. Batman, driven by rage, ignores Alfred’s pleas to return home and is willing to die to ensure the Joker can never hurt anyone again. However, the Joker has other plans and stabs Batman, causing him to pass out. When Batman wakes up, he finds himself dragged deeper into the woods by the Joker. The scene has a golden glow similar to the post-credits scene in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Batman, barely conscious from his injuries, shares a parable about his father baiting a fishing line. The Joker taunts Batman, and the story ends with Batman recounting the incident to Alfred while they fish on a golden lake. The issue also includes a visit to the Joker in Arkham Asylum, where they communicate through fogged glass.
Overall, the issue aims to revamp the original Joker appearance from Batman #1 (1940) and incorporates elements from The Killing Joke. However, the reviewer criticizes Tom King’s writing, particularly the use of a worm-on-the-hook motif and the characterization of Batman and Alfred. The reviewer believes that Batman’s actions and Alfred’s push to compare Batman and the Joker are unrealistic and do not make sense. Additionally, the reviewer finds fault with Jim Gordon’s characterization, feeling that he comes across as a bitter jerk. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer praises Mitch Gerads’ art, noting its cinematic quality and the striking visuals in the Batman-Joker conversation at Arkham Asylum.
The issue also includes two other stories. “Wild Dog: Here Comes Trouble! Part 3” is written by Kyle Starks with pencils by Fernando Pasarin, inks by Oclair Albert and Wade Von Grawbadger, colors by Matt Herms, and letters by Rob Leigh. The story concludes with Wild Dog deciding to embrace his superhero persona and confronting the villain Gizmo. The art is praised for its balance between observational moments and action scenes, with vibrant colors and deep inks adding energy to the visuals. The final story, “Aquaman: Communion Part 3,” is written and illustrated by Gabriel Hardman, with colors by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Simon Bowland. The story follows Aquaman’s attempts to convince King Solovar of Gorilla City to help him.
In conclusion, Batman: The Brave and the Bold #9 brings several storylines to a close and features a mix of writers and artists. While the main story receives criticism for its writing and characterization, the art is praised for its cinematic quality. The other stories in the issue, focusing on Wild Dog and Aquaman, are generally well-received.
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