'Batman' #86 review: After Alfred's death The Dark Knight strikes terror like never before with dramatic flair
The new decade brings with it a new Batman. Just so we're clear, it's still Bruce Wayne but the dark hero has gotten darker than ever before in James Tynion IV's 'Batman' Issue #86.
After the death of Alfred Pennyworth during Tom King's run on the book, Bruce has now become an unrestrained force of terror to the villains of Gotham. They're even starting to say the Batman may have lost his mind and the hero has no qualms with encouraging that rumor.
In Tynion's new run, Batman and Catwoman are more of a team than ever before, working together to fight their enemies on multiple fronts. But that alliance may face some strain as the story develops as it is implied that the mysterious figure who is attacking Gotham is an old friend of Selina's.
Tynion seems to be drawing a lot of inspiration from Christopher Nolan's 'Dark Knight' trilogy, with Lucius Fox taking over from Alfred as Batman's guy at the computer. Fox has now built an automated factory floor to build Bruce some new cutting-edge tech to help in his fight and we see the first of these in the issue.
Remember the Bat from 'The Dark Knight Rises'? Well, now imagine that turned into a huge mech that can climb buildings, fight opponents hand-to-metal-arm, and fly. Called the Nightclimber, it's a nightmare brought to life and symbolic of the action-horror vibe of the new Batman.
The biggest reference to Nolan's movies comes after the actual story, which by the way, was extremely enjoyable. In an epilogue at the end of the issue, Tynion recreates the Joker's introduction from 'The Dark Knight' in what is a clear homage to Heath Ledger's iconic take on the character.
What's most striking about the new run is how Batman's fighting style has evolved and transformed into something far more theatrical. Sure, he's always wanted to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies but now he's taking that to a whole other level, using shadows and illusions to take any battleground and turn it to his advantage.
Tynion also manages to pull at the reader's heartstrings with a single moment where Bruce briefly forgets that Alfred is dead. It's a heartbreaking moment that injects emotion into an otherwise fast-paced and action-driven story.
Overall, it looks like Tynion plans on taking Bruce into uncharted territory with his action-horror approach, while still taking cues from the past of the character and so far it looks like it's working. The issue's artist Tony S Daniel delivers some beautiful panels that are dark, exciting, and very, very cool. Issue 86 was a great introduction and we can't wait to see where this story goes.
'Batman' #86 was written by James Tynion IV, with art by Tony S Daniel (main story) and Guillem March (epilogue), inked by Danny Miki (main story), colors by Tomeu Morey, letters by Clayton Cowles. Batman was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. 'Batman' #87 will arrive on January 22.