Batman: Volume 8: Superheavy [The New 52] by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and Danny Miki (graphic novel review).
How much can be said about this graphic novel, Batman: Volume 8: Superheavy, without giving away too many spoilers? James Gordon has stepped up to the challenge of becoming Batman. Although the exact timeframe isn’t given, it must have been more than a few months for him to buff up, quit smoking, and get an odd haircut. Much of his story here involves going after people who’ve been indoctrinated by Bloom’s stones, which have a nasty habit of burning out their hosts, killing them.
You could say Gordon is moderately successful as Batman, but that’s only because the other contenders from the police force aren’t making the grade. There’s also one other stipulation: he’s working under the Gotham City Police Department and must not act as a vigilante, only intervening when a situation has already started to spiral out of control.
Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne’s body has been found, and due to exposure to certain chemicals, he has been resurrected. However, he has no memory of being Batman and has grown a beard, as Alfred Pennyworth explains to a disguised Superman. Bruce has moved on to child welfare work. Without the decades of training, he’s unlikely to be anything like his former self.
Meanwhile, Bloom has taken the offensive.
That should be enough to pique your interest in what happens next, but be sure to pick up Volume 9 if you want to read straight on.
The story, which covers Batman #41-45 and DC Sneak Peek: Batman #1, can feel a little jumpy as it shifts back and forth between earlier times, but not enough to confuse the reader. In many respects, this volume answers what happens after Batman’s “death.” Oddly, none of the other Batman family members seem eager to rise to the occasion or even get a mention.
GF Willmetts
July 2024
(pub: DC Comics, 2016. page graphic novel softcover. Price: varies. ISBN: 978-1-40126-630-1
check out website: www.dc.com
