It cannot be denied that Polish fans were waiting impatiently for the premiere of the Batman Metal series . No wonder, after all, the concept of the dark world as if out of a nightmare is a breath of fresh air for superhero stories. In addition, the entire project is very consistent in terms of script, graphics and release. But will die-hard fans of the Dark Knight put this series on a par with a similar, equally sensational comic book Batman / Judge Dredd - All Meetings ?
A mystery as old as the world
Bruce Wayne conducts an investigation, the main subject of which is previously unclassified elements, or more precisely – metals. Interestingly, these ores show unusual properties. During the investigation, it turns out that an unknown force – or organization – is using them to open an inter-space portal.
The first volume of the Batman Metal series presents a multi-threaded story that seems to stick together, but leaves the reader with more questions than answers. The viewer will encounter, among other things, the mystery of the first human tribes, the great evil lurking in the dark, the true story of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, or the challenge that Damian Wayne will have to face.
Cthulhu R’lyeh – evil is coming
Batman Metal , due to what Batman experiences in this comic, reminds me very much of the cult short story by HP Lovecraft The Call of Cthulhu . It is not the first time that the writer of the comic book about the Dark Knight has been inspired by the works of the master of horror. It should be emphasized, however, that The Destruction of Gotham – because this is the comic I mean – is related to the most famous story of The Loner from Providence more directly, although in Dark Days the atmosphere of ancient evil is strongly felt and fits the overall concept of the series.
Batman Metal a DC Rebirth
I definitely mind the fact that while Gotham has scenes from Dante’s Hell, Star City’s Green Arrow series looks like nothing has happened. I understand that the stories about the individual DC heroes are parallel, but let’s be serious. Since in one part of the world depicted there is almost an apocalypse, then when the sun shines in another at the same time, and things are actually going the old way, it is a manifestation of a huge inconsistency.
Screenplay and graphics
I have the impression that in recent years, Batman’s view as the best detective in the world has faded. In Batman Metal comics, the authors focus primarily on the superhero side of this character, setting aside criminal plots. It’s a pity, because the most popular titles about the Dark Knight, such as Long Halloween, Hush, Killing Joke or Batman: Dark Victory , are based mainly on the investigation conducted by the protagonist.
Edition
Batman Metal is a comic book that is aesthetically very well published. The metallic elements on the cover are eye-catching and are an integral part of the series. I must also admit that I really liked the character design – especially the antagonists. Everything is kept in a dark, Final Fantasy-like style. If you are a fan of interestingly designed melee weapons, a real treat awaits you. There is nothing to cheat, the Metal series gives artists a wide range of possibilities. I believe that if someone would ever adapt the series, the costume designer would have an Oscar in his pocket!
A virulent casserole of leftovers
Undoubtedly, Batman Metal is an interesting comic book, albeit relatively imitative. Reading these kinds of stories, I miss the old Masked Crusader comic books, where the main plot was investigative rather than supernatural phenomena.
Despite the multithreading and undoubtedly drawing handfuls from the classic blessings of culture (for example, the Divine Comedy and the Call of Cthulhu ), the first volume of Batman Metal is an easy-to-digest dish cooked from seemingly incompatible ingredients. I am delighted with the graphics and design of the characters and weapons. However, I feel a great dissatisfaction. I want more and may I receive it in the next volumes.
