Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Jorge Molina
SUMMARY:
DC Comics released this 64-page issue for March 2022. Meant for older teens and up, this Bat-anthology begins four new storylines, which are:
- Batman & Zatanna Zatara: “Bound to Our Will” (Part 1 of 6: 22 pages). Writer: Vita Ayala. Artists: Nikola Ĉižmešija; Nick Filardi; & Steve Wands. Departing a Justice League meeting, Batman & Zatanna commence their annual mission to again push back a mystical foe they once inadvertently summoned as teenagers. Hoping they can make it the final time, the Justice Leaguers find out their lethal demonic foe has the same idea.
- Wight Witch: “Stigma” (Part 1 of 3: 10 pages). Writer: Ram V. Artists: Anand Radhakrishnan; John Pearson; & Aditya Bidikar. The assassin’s murky past is slowly revealed, including her link to a young Bruce Wayne.
- Eternity: “Eternity in Gotham” (Part 1 of 3: 10 pages): Writer: Mohale Mashigo. Artists: Arist Deyn & Saida Temofonte. Now re-established in Gotham City in its Coroner’s Office, enigmatic Christopher Freeman meets an alluring neighbor, who is destined for a grisly fate. Note: Despite an uncanny resemblance, this neighbor isn’t Poison Ivy.
- Batman & Ace the Bat-Hound: “Hounded: The Trap” (Part 1 of 6: 22 pages). Writer: Mark Russell. Artists: Karl Mostert; Trish Mulvihill; & Steve Wands. In Gotham’s Little Leningrad neighborhood, an overconfident Batman and Ace infiltrate the dilapidated Romanov Hotel expecting to rescue human trafficking victims. Instead, it’s an ominous ruse that leave the Dark Knight (and the Dark Hound) to uncertain fates.
Note: Though their images aren’t available here, there are two variant covers: artists Karl Mostert & Trish Mulvihill (“Hounded”) and artist Arist Deyn (“Eternity”).
REVIEW:
Given the creative talent involved, it’s unsurprising that the Batman tales are the most compelling reads. In both instances, the darkly-themed scripting and the accompanying visuals are commendable. Suffice to say, they’re definitely well-played opening salvos.
As to the two shorter stories, each sports nebulous scripting, but where they leave off suggests tantalizing potential, as seen in their stylish artwork. Overall, Batman: Urban Legends # 11 gives Bat-fans their money’s worth and then some. Definitely recommended!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
It’s more like a lack thereof; thankfully, there aren’t any ads.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
