Monday, July 16, 2012

Batman: Absolution/J. M. DeMatteis

Batman:  Absolution by J. M. DeMatteis and Brian Ashmore; graphic novel; 96 pages

Ten years ago, a terrorist bombing of a Wayne Industries facility left dozens dead and hundreds injured, many of them personally known to Bruce Wayne.  Jennifer Blake, the terrorist leader, was never caught, and Batman has spent the last ten years tracking her down to administer justice.  What he finds, though, isn't a heartless murder, but a missionary seeking redemption. 

This was a great study in forgiveness and change.  Batman hunts his prey with his characteristic intensity, following leads across the globe (one takes him to Columbia, MO!), and tracking one who is, to him, a cold-blooded killer.  But we also get glimpses of Blake through the years, seeing her regret, and her attempts to come to terms with the atrocities she's committed.  Batman eventually follows her to India, where he has to confront his own moral code.  A truly great Batman story, and one that I'll certainly remember.  Ashmore's watercolor-like art is a great addition to the story. 

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