The Super Powered Fancast

Batman Urban Legends #1

DC Comics

Written by Chip Zdarsky, Stephanie Phillips, Brandon Thomas and Matthew Rosenberg

Art by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferrreira, Marcus To, Laura Braga, Max Dunbar and Ryan Benjamin

Colors by Adriano Lucas, Ivan Plascencia, Luis Guerrero and Antonio Fabela

Letters by Becca Carey, Deron Bennett, Steve Wands and Saida Temofonte

The Rundown: Four new stories follow the heroes of Gotham as they patrol the streets.

Cheer

A new drug has hit the streets of Gotham and both Batman and Red Hood are investigating where it’s coming from. Red Hood takes to the streets and finds a lead that takes him to the home of an addict and her son. As he tracks the boy’s father to a distribution hub, the ghosts of Jason’s past threaten the fragile peace he’s established with Batman when his anger takes over.

The differences in the methods of both characters are on display in this story and the division between the two of them is well played out in a story that engages the reader as an inevitable confrontation plays out.

New Roots

Harley has returned to put down roots in Gotham, but she can’t forget her relationship with Ivy as she finds herself at a place they once shared. As she longs for Ivy and misses her, something in the space reminds her of her lost love. Something that will help her decide that she should do next.

Phillips crafts a sweet story in this short interlude. A story that is filled with great character development and evolution that is bolstered by Braga’s great art.

The Caretaker

Black Lightning has been captured in Japan and is worried about Katana as a failed mission finds the Outsiders split up and fighting some unusual new foes. As Jefferson awakens to discover where he is, he realizes that his new enemies have a connection to an old friend and teammate. One who is closer than he thinks.

A great, action packed short story that drew me in with both its story and interpersonal relationships. Thomas does a great job of bringing immediacy into the story and Max Dunbar’s art is amazing.

The Long Con

Cole Cash is having some problems in his new role as bodyguard to Lucius Fox. Problems that not only sink a billion dollar deal, but also force his boss to tell him to take some time off. Time off that brings him face to face with Penguin and his new partner Nora Fries. A proposition that puts him in the path of Batman and will lead to more confrontations when a body washes up on the shores of Gotham.

Rosenberg makes Grifter a more interesting character in this short story. Beyond the characters bravado and attitude, there is potential for an evolution for the character especially given the circumstances created in the plot.