Batman #20

(w) Scott Snyder     (a) Greg Capullo

"Nowhere Man" -- Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's homage to Batman: The Animated Series -- wraps up this month in the pages of Batman #20. It's been nice to see a shorter tale from Snyder, whose epic stories have, for the most part, outlined Batman's overall narrative in the 'New 52'.

It's hard not to like this issue if you were a fan of Batman: TAS in the late 90s. The series was good for presenting excellent fight scenes and highlighting that fact that Batman and Bruce Wayne were always at odds. "Nowhere Man" hits all the right beats that the show would, it included a generous amount of panel time for James Gordon and Lucius Fox, and keeps with the idea that Batman has a more adventurous side that's not always shown.


** SPOILERS AHEAD **


Then there's the Batman Beyond suit.

I'm gonna nerd out for a moment. Bear with me.

Snyder and Capullo like to play head games with readers, but this bit of fan service is not only another great nod to the DC animated universe, but also just really damn awesome. And it's 20 years away from being financially viable? That fits (generally) into the timeline of the animated Batman Beyond. Also, the suit shown in Batman #20 is far more robotic and encapsulating than the one worn by Terry McGuinness in Batman Beyond, suggesting that even though it's 20 years from being viable, it would be at least 50 before it could be slimmed down to body-fitting size.

Nerd-out over.

Thus, Batman #20 isn't the most memorable issue of the series, but it's still a great comic book. And really, that's what ongoing series are all about. Even when the story isn't world-shattering or life-changing, it can still be high quality and have meaning beyond it's plot. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo understand this and work the principle into "Nowhere Man" seamlessly.

GRADE

8/10

Batman #19

(w) Scott Snyder     (a) Greg Capullo

Scott Snyder always has big plans for Batman. Whether it's the multi-layered "Court of Owls" saga, the vicious "Death of the Family", or the sprawling "Year Zero" that begins in a few months, Snyder seems to be producing quality, long-form narratives on a regular basis. That being said, it's refreshing to get a quick story that's only going to last a couple issues. Much in the same way a haiku challenges poets to express more with less, Snyder tweaks his style to fit this tale in just a few issues. 

In multiple interviews, Snyder has stated that this two-part arc would be his homage to Batman: The Animated Series, a fan-favorite TV show that proved a cartoon version of the Batman could be dark, action-packed, introspective, and fun all at the same time. Clayface was a regular villain in B:TAS, making it a wise decision on Snyder's part to unleash an evolved Basil Karlo upon Gotham City.

Batman #19 reflects the pacing and imagery of Batman: TAS fairly well. Most episodes featured a small opening vignette that made way for character and emotional development before segueing into a situation where all the dots begin to connect and Batman has his final showdown with the villain of the week. It's interesting to see how Snyder mirrors this style, but alters it for a two-part tale. 

Greg Capullo's artwork looks cleaner here than it usually does -- more crisp and less hurried-looking. I've always loved the artwork in Batman, but it really feels like Capullo drew things less rounded and more utilitarian in an effort to mirror Batman: TAS's art style like Snyder was mimicking the narrative style. If not, the art is still fantastic. If so, that's just a whole new level to the way Snyder and Capullo produce this book and work together.

GRADE

9/10