Taking Over the Asylum

Justice Leagues:Justice League of Arkham #1
March 2001

The prime chapters belong to the Justice Leagues formed by Batman and the Martian Manhunter. Paul Grist writes superb Batman. He accepts that the JLA is a vital part of Batman and who he has become. He doesn't give in to the darker philosophy: the group to Batman is vestigial. He understands Batman's reasoning. The Dark Knight is not teaming up with the villains. He instead uses them and implements his understanding of his nemeses psychology. Thus, Batman knows which buttons to break in order for Arkham's inmates and Blackgate's cons to unite for the good of the city.In no way does any villain overshadow the Batman. Mr. Grist makes Justice League of Arkham all about Batman. He narrates. Nightwing's loyalty to his mentor--not, I repeat, not unrequited lover (imbeciles)--affects the direction of the plot. Batman not only almost pieces together the meaning behind the multiple Justice Leagues. He also anticipates the inevitable double-cross through his role as a scientist in the analysis of an unknown chemical compound. Yow!Coy Turnbull isn't what I would call a definitive Batman artist. There are no great artistic Batman moments. His villains are his strongest characters. The Riddler and Joker steal much of the aesthetic spotlight. His interpretation of Scarface is horrific, and perhaps better suited for a story of that type. His Poison Ivy and Catwoman however raise no hackles. Sex appeal is the duo's greatest weapon, but Mr. Turnbull can't seem to create sensuality with his style. Mr. Turnbull's work is undeniably compelling. He experiments with multiple angles to produce a wholly unique work that still crates a flow beneficial to the story. Not once does the visual narrative waver. We watch Batman set an objective. We watch he and his team carry out that objective. End of story.