Batbook of the Week: Batman #42
REVIEW:
Poison Ivy was able to achieve zero crime rate. The issue right now is understanding Ivy's motive behind the desire for world peace. Is she seeking for attention? Or is Ivy lashing out for not being the bridesmaid? All of which will be answered in Batman #42.
There is nothing much to say about Batman #42. It starts out in a light-hearted manner and ends with a cliffhanger. There are a lot of good things about this book, but it felt more like a filler issue filled with a lot of visual gags as oppose to a book with the purpose of developing the story.
The book is easy to enjoy but definitely not Tom King’s best work. His writing seems to have a pattern--start strong, disappears a little in the middle, but ends the story with a bang. The lack of magic in this book is not something to be concerned of because King has proven to be an excellent writer.
While the story felt half-baked, the art is, nonetheless, amazing! The creative team up of Mikel Janin and June Chung translate well in the interior pages. The use and combination of colors are beautiful. They just know how to draw the characters so well; Ivy has never looked this amazing in other story arcs. Their consistency with the interior art is commendable considering that Batman is a bi-weekly book.
STORY:
Bruce and Selina head to Bat Burger, after watching another day of peaceful news (Nice to see that place alive, despite Ivy controlling everyone). Their visit to the Bat Burger ended up being a distraction to take down the Justice League. SPOILER ALERT: It doesn’t really work but, using "Batman Logic," it was probably part of the plan.
Ivy begins by sending Superman to observe the couple, followed by a bunch of Flashes to do the job. Ginger Wally included! The rest of the League follows suit and catches the couple. Bruce and Selina are then seen hanging from a skyscraper.
Anyway, there’s a kid named Johnny Suntres who is allergic to vegetables. Ivy seems to have an obsession with controlling the kid. We don’t know where the person is and, the only information we have is the fact that he is allergic to vegetables. Wayne Industries has been trying to find a cure for this but, Ivy isn’t having any of it. Batman mocks Ivy by saying everyone loves her now. This causes Ivy, controlling Superman, to punch him in the face. You will not be surprised to see who helps Batman recover.
Batman #42 is now available in your favorite Local Comicbook Stores! Grab one while it is still on the shelves!
Batman (2016) #42 Writer: Tom King Covers: Mikel Janin Variant Cover: Olivier Coipel Art: Mikel Janin and June Chung
STEVEN MAXWELL TAN grew up with a love for cartoons, most especially with Batman: The Animated Series. That appreciation lead to an interest in comics and voice-overs. He's currently a Voice Actor for an ESL Company. You can find his geekiness on facebook, twitter, youtube and, twitch at steviesaidyup.
