Very strange in my opinion is the trend that continues in the latest DC comic lines. First of all, the heroes encounter stranger and stranger adventures in which paranormal forces are involved - to a greater or lesser degree, of course, and secondly, the writers show us the everyday life of the heroes. And here I have a problem. I can't clearly decide whether I like it or not.
Selina Kyle, or a bag with a cat in Batman’s life
It cannot be denied that from the very first meeting, Gacka and Catwoman have a special relationship. For decades, this couple has been in a constant tango of courtship, getting out of each other’s troubles and conflicts. The romance between the super thief and the greatest detective of all time seems at first glance out of place. Well, how is it so, a hero and a villain ?! But let’s be honest, doesn’t Batman himself have more darkness than light?
Analyzing the achievements of the Dark Knight so far, we can definitely see that he is rather a loner who, however, needs support from time to time, even mentally. This is evidenced primarily by the numerous, ever new members of the Batrodzinkai. And Alfred, perhaps the brightest of Batman’s lanterns, who always knows how to go home.
Honestly, the Defender of Gotham lifestyle does not suit me in any way the vision of an exemplary husband who, after beating a few criminals, returns home, as if nothing had happened, for dinner. And this is probably where the proverbial dog is buried. A special man needs an extraordinary woman (or a man, you know) by his side. When I have that in mind, it is much easier for me to understand why it was Catwoman who became Batman’s favorite. After all, living with such an unpredictable woman is a real roller coaster ride, constant stimulation and work on mutual relations.
Catfight
Okay, we’ve already figured out why Bruce and Selina’s relationship looks good for the future. However, as you may have guessed, there is no such thing as an idyll for the rest of your life, as with Disney. Catwoman is sentenced to exonerate and the fiancées must find a witness who is hiding in the city of Khadym lying in the middle of the desert. The problem is that crossing the border is strictly prohibited. Any violations are immediately reported to the Justice League. So, in order to save his beloved, Batman not only breaks the rules that he set himself with his super friends, but also, in a way, betrays them (because why explain to Superman what we mean first – no?). If the difficulties were not enough, Talia al Ghul is hiding in Khadym. Upon the news of the appearance of the Dark Knight, the Daughter of the Demon has one answer – she orders her to prepare her swords.
Double date
After three notebooks entitled Engaged , the album includes two parts of Superfriends. Superman , in which Bruce and Selina, and Clark and Lois go on a double date at an amusement park. To the surprise of the protagonists – and to the delight of the readers – couples go to a superhero evening. Anyway, the script by Tom King is packed with awkward moments. I must admit that it reads quite nicely. Batman on a date in an amusement park sounds quite unbelievable, and when we add a scout like Superman and two fearless and unconventional women (Catwoman and Lois Laine), we get a recipe for a delicious dinner. Who do you think had the best time?
Sentimental bonuses
At the end of the album, the authors placed two stories. The first was about the beginnings of the relationship between Batman and Catwoman, and the second was about their old age. Such a sentimental rollercoaster is unclean and, in my opinion, unnecessary play. The main axis of the comic book is the relationship between Bruce and Selina, which makes the scenarios fit together thematically, but the vast majority of the album is kept in an adventurous-comedy tone, so adding sentimental and somewhat sloppy stories disturbs the coherence of the narrative.
Drawings
The graphic layer of the Engaged is undoubtedly the greatest value of Tom King’s album. Dressed in a raincoat and cargo pants, Batman riding a black horse is already an iconic representation of the hero. I really like the fact that when our protagonists went into the desert, the writers, and most of all cartoonists, did not force them into the skin and spandex. Of course, some elements of the outfit were kept for obvious reasons, but Batman and Catwoman in the desert version is a great and creative departure from the convention. I have only one objection to the Joëlle Jones dash; if it weren’t for the context, scale and different clothes, I would have a problem distinguishing the faces of some characters.
Summary
They are engaged to be an album in which there is definitely more form than content. Despite the sensational frames (many of which could be successfully hung on my wall), the script itself made me a bit tired. It is true that a double date in an amusement park is almost amusing to tears, but the first three notebooks were too stretched for my taste. They show more action than actual content. The whole thing could be successfully shortened to two notebooks. Bonuses, however pleasant, are unfortunately not consistent with the main stories. Quo vadis , Batman?
