Batman Battle For The Cowl Man Bat #1

Contrary to what the more “seasoned” DC readers of this site might tell you, Batman R.I.P. was neither terribly terrible nor confusing. In fact, as someone who reads little DC and is oblivious to the details of the Batmythos other than those I’ve picked up from my youth and Bruce Timm, I found the whole merry Morrison romp to be rather comprehensible and, yes, entertaining. So much, in fact, that I’ve decided to at least try a few of these post-R.I.P., pre-Batwing titles. Some of these I’m already sold on simply because they highlight characters like Jim Gordon and the ginger stepchild of the Batfamily – even more ginger than Jason Todd – Dr. Kirk Langstorm, a.k.a. Man Bat.

Call me a sucker for things lycanthropic and misunderstood, but I have a great interest and sympathy towards Man Bat. I can already tell, too, that this is a treatment rarely given for the character. Harris manages to make the creature tragic in his ruthlessness, as any superpower who is hesitant to use their wild and crazy powers should be. The other, more-appreciated Batfamily members that are present in this issue are also handled well in personality and interactions, assuming Creeper is supposed to be more of a wiseass than a jo-…well, you know.

Oh…that reminds me…I don’t know if I just…notice it more because it bugs me, but…the use of ellipses in this…issue…seemed a bit much. I know it is supposed to be used to reflect Man Bat’s struggle for control and what have you, but there are ways to do that without making me think of parodies of Captain Kirk. (I mean really, did anyone ever really catch Shatner talking like that in the series?)

The art is nice, but reminds me of Tony Daniel’s style almost a bit too much. I suppose that was done on purpose, to emphasize that this one-shot is part of something bigger, and possibly greater. That doesn’t mean it is bad, no. The art is competent and functional for the most part, and then you get one or two pages – particularly in the scenes where you think that’s Hush but it’s someone who’s not Hush – that raised my brows in a positive way.

This book proves that in the midst of these twilight times for the Batfamily, even the most neglected of stepchildren can have time in the spotlight. If you’re not some bitter Batfan who is boycotting  The Battle for some pompous reason, show a little love for the kid.