TDKPH book of the week -- Batman 49

BATMAN 49

Story by: Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV

Art by: Yanick Paquette

Spoiler-free review

TDKPH rating: 10/10

"For Batman to live, Bruce Wayne always has to die"

Batman #49 is not your usual cup of tea. Its different from what we're used to. While reading it for the first time, I thought i was reading Grant Morrison's book. And yes, I love the nod to Morrison's grandfather clock password.

SNYDER'S GREATEST INVENTION

Batman #43

Just a little refresher, but im sure you guys know this. In Batman #43, Alfred revealed to the "new" Bruce Wayne the final invention of Batman. Its a machine to ensure that there would be a Batman in case "old" Bruce dies. In each world, Batman subjects these human beings to an endless chain of tragedy to imitate Bruce's suffering.

Detective Comics #27

This invention has been used by Snyder in Detective Comics #27. As early as Tec' #27, Snyder has been planting this seed. And my God! Look at how his plant grew! This "final invention" is probably one of his greatest contribution in the Batman mythos. This will definitely echo through the time barriers. 

SNYDER EXPLORES THE METAPHYSICAL WORLD

This is probably the reason why I thought I was reading a Grant Morisson book. At first, you'll have a hard time understanding things. Snyder paralleled some of the dialogues in between two worlds. Without understanding what the "final invention" does, you'll get lost.

This aspect of the story only shows that Snyder has no limitations. At the onset, we thought Snyder can only make Batman a god. But after reading Batman #49, we can finally say that Snyder knows how to make things interesting. Just when we thought thats all he can do, he pulls out this metaphysical concept.

YANICK PACQUETTE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO SUBSTITUTE CAPULLO

His style made the book a lot more enjoyable. It has the right balance of realism and cartoony.  I wouldn't mind if he became the permanent replacement for Greg Capullo. There's this splash where another Batman tries to save his world from an alien parasite. And man, that spread was amazing! He was able to capture my attention.

ALFRED PENNYWORTH THE FATHER FIGURE

We've always known that Alfred is Bruce's everything. He is his guiding light, his doctor, his cook-you-some-soup-when-you're-sick. However, I've never seen Alfred as a father to Bruce Wayne. In this issue, I would've hugged the both of them just because of the strength of the dialogue. Alfred's lines are so moving that it would make you realize why your father never allowed you to go out late at night when you were young. This was also the reason why I said Batman #49 is a breath of fresh air.

THE BIG QUESTIONS

What's happening with Duke Thomas? In Batman #48, we only saw him in one panel and thats it. I know Batman #49 is all about the return of Batman, but dang! I would've appreciated it if they shed some light as to what's happening with Duke Thomas.

Another point of consideration is... the involvement of this other character who pressed the button. I won't spoil anything. But yeah, the appearance was a bit weird unless Snyder has a plan for it.

Is Jim dead?

WHY SHOULD YOU READ IT

This book is a must read! This is the issue that makes the main distinction between Batman and Bruce Wayne. Is Batman the mask? Or is Bruce Wayne the mask? Read this, and you'll have your answer.