BATMAN VOL. 3 I AM BANE is written by Tom King and drawn by
David Finch. This book collects BATMAN 16-20, 23-24; and
BATMAN ANNUAL 1. I have never really cared for the character
Bane from the moment he made his debut. Because he doesn't
have superpowers, Batman has to rely on his intelligence in
many instances to defeat villains. I always think Batman's
brain is capable of defeating Bane's brawn on any day. In
this collection, Bane faces a bunch of villains I think are
much cooler, like Two-Face, Scarecrow, and Mr. Zsasz.
Despite my misgivings about the character, Tom King, and
David Finch have put together a great bit of storytelling.
I love how Tom King and David Finch recall Bruce Wayne and
Bane's early years by stacking the histories in panels side
by side. This storytelling technique tries to show how Bruce
Wayne and Bane suffered similar pain in their formative
years, but how they took completely opposite paths. Even
though I don't care for Bane, every time Batman faces him
in a battle royale, Batman's character becomes sharper,
more defined, and easier to cheer on. The rogues' gallery
that Bane plows through on the path to Batman - Solomon
Grundy, Amygdala, Mr. Freeze, Firefly, Black Spider,
Flamingo, Man-Bat, Mad Hatter, Dr. Phosphorous, Hush,
Copperhead, Calendar Man, and more -- are like familiar evil
friends and are a nice contrast to Bane. As much as I found
the little yet fabulous touches in the Bane/Batman story
appealing, my favorite stories in this book are the smaller
ones at the end. I love the heart-to-heart between Batman
and Gotham girl. Their conversation shows an introspective
Batman peeking through his gruff exterior.
BATMAN VOL. 3 I AM BANE has a super-sized slugfest with a
glimpse of Batman's soul. This book is full of whimsical
touches to offset the intensity of the battle between Batman
and Bane, like the significantly-named landmarks "McKean
Clock Tower" and "Nolan Alley". As a longtime Batman fan, I
also really enjoyed the opening scenes with many of the
various Robins represented. Catwoman is a standout character
in this book and adds some smarts and some charm to the
villain versus superhero action. I really enjoyed the Swamp
Thing story and the dynamic between that character and
Batman. I've heard of Swamp Thing but haven't read any
books featuring that character. After reading about him in
"The Brave and the Mold", I feel like I need to read up on
Swamp Thing.
Superstar artist David Finch (WONDER WOMAN) completes his
run on the Dark Knight in BATMAN VOL. 3: I AM BANE, the
stunning new chapter in writer Tom King’s (THE SHERIFF OF
BABYLON) wildly acclaimed Batman saga.
He is not a joke. He is not a riddle. He is not a bird
or a cat or a penguin, not a scarecrow or a plant or a
puppet. He is not a fairy tale or a circus act, a broken
friend or a regretful mentor. He is no rich boy
pretending to be a knight.
He is Bane. The Batman invaded his home, scarred his
mind and broke his back. Now Bane has returned to Gotham
City for a single purpose: break the Batman once and for
all. But first, he’ll destroy everyone the Dark Knight
has ever loved…or loathed.
The young heroes who’ve worn the mantle of Robin. The
cops, crime-fighters and vigilantes who make up Batman’s
army of allies. Even the madmen and monsters that haunt
the halls of Arkham Asylum. Batman will need all of their
help—and more—to fend off this unstoppable challenger.
Because both Bane and Batman know one thing: only one of
them will walk away from their final confrontation
unbroken…
Collects stories from BATMAN #16-20, 23-24 and BATMAN
ANNUAL #1.