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More shocking revelations and surprise character appearances await in this review of Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #3.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #3 main cover by Leandro Fernandez
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #3Writer: Andy DiggleArtist: Leandro FernandezColorist: Matt HollingsworthLetterer: Simon BowlandCover: Leandro Fernandez and Dave McCaigVariant Cover Artists: Francesco Francavilla and Felipe MassaferaRelease Date: August 14, 2024
This comic book review contains spoilers
The Story
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #3 starts with Adam Strange writing to Bruce Wayne from his Antarctic expedition about a battle he witnessed involving giant centipedes and an Amazonian warrior named Diana. The warrior warns of the return of a Kryptonian threat, but the explorers cannot understand her language.
In Gotham City, Bruce Wayne, disguised as “Malone,” meets Selena Kyle at The Black Cat club. They interrogate a League of Shadows agent about the Ring of Jong Li, only to hear the words “the sleeper awakens.”
On a train in Colorado, Alan Scott encounters a debutante with the real Ring of Jong Li before the train is derailed by mercenaries who mention the same cryptic phrase.
Diana reveals to Adam Strange her origins in a city called Skartaris and warns of the impending Kryptonian doom. Meanwhile, on Mars, an alien casket opens, hinting at more mysteries to come.
Analysis
Writer Andy Diggle and artist Leandro Fernandez expand on the classic tale with colorist Matt Hollingsworth, creating a globe-spanning adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones. The Kryptonian Age serves as an alternate origin story for the DC Universe in the late 19th century, with Batman playing a minor role in this issue.
The issue balances different storylines, setting up intriguing mysteries and character dynamics. The artwork by Fernandez and colors by Hollingsworth enhance the cinematic feel of the story, capturing the grandeur and tension of each scene.
While some elements of the story may raise concerns, the overall quality of the issue is undeniable. The creative team delivers a compelling narrative with surprises and twists that keep readers engaged.
Final Thoughts
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #3 continues to impress with its intelligent storytelling and captivating artwork. Despite a few minor issues, the comic remains a standout in the current comic book landscape.
Editor’s Note: DC Comics provided TBU with an advance copy of this comic for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing this issue digitally on Amazon or a physical copy of the title through Things From Another World.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #3
Final Thoughts
As to be expected, the terrific team behind this book has delivered another excellent issue both expanding and fleshing out the world of the 19th century DC Universe. While some narrative choices raise concerns for where this story is headed and the Wonder Woman exposition dumb could’ve been handled better, you’d be hard pressed to find a more intelligent and well produced comic on store shelves today.
