Batman, Volume 2: The City of Owls

The concept is just getting so much better. This series just goes to show the kind of understanding that writers have of the Bat and his past. The links between each of the franchises is also immaculate with even some common scenes occurring across different POV's. This series takes collaboration to the next level and sets a very high benchmark for the other to follow. Can't wait to wrap this one up hopefully without the expected low that usually happens with such high quality writing.

Although I must admit I was not as much a fan of this graphic novel as I was Batman, Vol. 1: The Court of Owls, this one still drew me in and kept me hooked. I have come to be a fan of Scott Snyder's writing. He has kept it up throughout this arc as well as into the Zero Year arc.

My favorite chapter of this particular graphic novel was the one that centered on Alred's father. It was very nice to see a step away from the main story that simultaneously supported the main story and provided insight on Alfred, one of the most under-used characters in the Batman ethos. I also admired Snyder's skilled inclusion of Court of Owls mythology in so many of the Batman stories that we have heard before. So many keys that made Bruce Wayne into the Batman have their roots in the Court of Owls? Well done.

Whereas Batman, Vol. 1: The Court of Owls read more like a piece of fiction versus a true comic, The City of Owls moved the story back into the comic realm. This shift was not a detriment, but it provided a different feel for the arc. Gone were the explorations of many themes; in was the non-stop action element. With the exception of the notion that Lincoln March was in fact Bruce Wayne's brother, gone was the thought-provoking social commentary.

Long-time Batman fans should enjoy this arc as would those new to the Batman story. Kudos to Scott Snyder for a clever re-imagining of a well-known tale.

The art and story line are just amazing in this volume.