Batman #80
DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Art by John Romita Jr
Inks by Klaus Janson
Colors by Tomeu Morey
Letters by Clayton Cowles
The Rundown: The Bat and the Cat have returned to Gotham and Batman is going to settle accounts with his rogues while putting his father on the defensive.
Batman has returned to Gotham City and has no problem sending a message to both his father and Bane. A message he will send by doing what he does best, striking from the shadows and instilling fear back in the hearts of the criminals of the city. He and Selina will start to spread that fear by taking out the criminals who play at authority with strikes against Two Face, Mad Hatter and others.
Knowing that his son has returned, Thomas discovers that his greatest asset has been neutralized. With that particular knight off the board, Thomas will receive orders from Bane that will put him in the position of choosing which family will be the one he ultimately sides with.
The Story: Tom King brings the Dark Knight full circle and drops him back into the city at some of the most impressive and pulse pounding moments. I really love the fact that King has Batman take down his rogues in different ways. Some he has Bruce utilize subterfuge and disguise to stop them. Others, like Hush, are given the direct approach like two old west gunslingers. An engaging and effectively thrilling issue that leaves the perfect mystery moment of truth at the end.
The Art: Romita Jr. delivers some beautiful art in this issue. The art is detailed and filled with energy and movement. There are moments filled with drama and emotion throughout and I enjoyed how the story was laid out visually.