Welcome to ‘Tec #1098 and such delights Tom Taylor has for us! Last issue, Batman hires Harvey Bullock to look into the creepy Elixir organization. Unfortunately for Bullock, Elixir doesn’t take too kindly to people digging into their affairs and kidnaps the detective. So, this issue follows Batman on the hunt for Bullock. Of course, with a very unexpected tag-along. Let’s chit-chat about it below.
Fowl Play
In tracking Bullock’s whereabouts to Pokolistan, Batman accidentally rescues the Penguin. Suspiciously, Elixir allegedly abducts Oswald for asking too many questions. As a result, Penguin and Batman must temporarily cooperate. Batman is no stranger to working with Penguin, often using the gangster’s intel, but they don’t trust each other whatsoever. For instance, Batman instructs Oracle to go secure, knowing the top five villain could use anything about Batman to his advantage. Case in point, Penguin spends a lot of moments critiquing or taking note of various tech and strategies Batman uses. With such a security liability, Batman would typically leave Cobblepot to his own devices, but due to the unfamiliarity of Pokolistan, he relents in letting him come along. Something Taylor mines for humor with a reoccurring joke about the kinds of wildlife Penguin should be afraid of in that country.
The begining of this issue centers around a lack luster fight sequence in an armored van. Partially, this is due to the bland panels of Batman’s effortless takedown of Elixir soldiers. Visually, none one of the buildings, vehicles, or soldiers have any distinction and makes ‘Pokolistan’ seem fairly generic besides the few trees drawn. Sadly, the most interesting imagery of Penguin biting thugs in self-defense happens off-panel. Not to mention, Lee Garbett designs the often dapper Cobblepot a seemingly plain suit and tie as well. The artistic highlights, of course, consist of Batman’s cool opaque silhouettes and some of the detailed close-up facial renders. Although, often the stylized faces for characters like do feel very elastic and less like skin.
Stirring The Elixir
Previously, Bullock all but confirms that the organization directly relate to immortality in some way. Now, Taylor gives reader more connections to stew on with the reveal of their relationship with Ra’s Al Ghul. After so many years, and throughout Ram V’s run, writers have yet to stop building upon the lives of Ra’s and Vandal Savage. Personally, coincidentally connecting things back to the known immortals narrows the scale of the DCU and shamelessly bloats their canon. Nonetheless, Bullock finds himself in the exact same interrogation he uncovers on his first day on the job. Though the irony goes unremarked, it does represent thematic symmetry in the character’s personal journey. Although, the fascinating mystery takes a backseat to the jet-setting action, said “jet-setting action” isn’t really much to talk about.
Anyway, DC’s secret organizations rarely live up to the hype and Elixir is no exception. For one, their credibility is hanging on by a thread at this point. In spite of all their talk, Batman and Bullock easily upend their operation, even with having to chaperone The Penguin. Burton, in particular, losing to a Gotham City police officer is fairly embarrassing. The only thing Elixir seems to do well is torturing prisoners and looking intimidating. Granted, Burton and Ambrose are immortal and may have more up their sleeves. Otherwise, Ambrose is the only one preparing for a proper counter attack after Batman dog walks the others with no problem.
Recommended If…
- You’re following Tom Taylor’s Detective Comics.
- Elixir seems like a good idea.
- You have room in your heart for The Penguin’s antics.
Overall
Part two of the Elixir storyline is just okay. Narratively, Batman simply looks for someone, finds them, and waits for a counter attack. Also, Batman babysitting Penguin is a little funny here and there, but it is ultimately a pointless addition. The overarching plot following the Elixir mystery inches along, but doesn’t meaningfully advance. For an action heavy issue, not much stands out artistically. Which isn’t to call it bad, but an honestly uneventful chapter in what could be a better story as things continue.
Score: 6/10
DC Comics have provided advance copies of books for review.
English (US) · 