Batman 664

[literally exaggerated]

Wow, by far the best issue yet. Bruce featured prominently and had a funny, charming personality that makes it easy to see why he has a playboy reputation, Bane shows up, and hints of the next arc.

Its pretty cool how we're finally starting to see some of the threads Morrison is laying for the bigger arc.

[We R. Venom]

I didn't get to read this one. Anyone got a review cuz it sounds interesting enough. Glad to see Bruce Wanye around again.

[Sean Walsh]

I don't think that was Bane. Bane's back home in Santa Prisca, running the country.

This was some big 'roided goon connected with the fake Batman who almost killed the Joker.

And that mask looked like the KGBeast (or NKDemon?)...

[Jack Zodiac]

Didn't like it. After the last issue, and the crazy-fun arc before Ostrander and Mandrake's arc, it seemed like there wasn't very much direction. We get some Bondesque playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, which is nice, because that's something we haven't gotten much of in the past few years. And then we get some Miller-style Batman kicking the !@#$ out of pimps and talking with whore contacts.

This "black case file" thing seems interesting, especially considering this guy that looks like a bad amalgamation of Bane, Batman, and KGBeast is connected to the Batman impersonator that shot Joker in the face, but this issue itself was probably the worst of Morrison's since he took over the title.

[Starba]

Yeah, I didn't see the point of the Sin City or James Bond homages at all, and in the end this just didn't really feel like a Batman comic, at least not the kind I want to read about. Also, Jezebel Jet is an f'ing obnoxious name for a modern comic book. Is there any black character in the DCU who DOESN'T telegraph their skin color in their name or nickname?

[bennyblanko]

this one's the best of the morrison run (not that that's saying a whole lot) . i didn't like bruce's line about being cooler than bond though. (not that bruce isn't cooler than bond... he just shouldn't have to say so.)

[The Nuke]

Yeah, that ain't Batman. Nice try by Morrison though. I'm sure someone out there is wondering why Batman has his back broken again.

Good issue though

[van_line]

Yeah, I didn't see the point of the Sin City or James Bond homages at all, and in the end this just didn't really feel like a Batman comic, at least not the kind I want to read about. Also, Jezebel Jet is an f'ing obnoxious name for a modern comic book. Is there any black character in the DCU who DOESN'T telegraph their skin color in their name or nickname?

What? you didn't like the fact that the Batman hands out a Waynetech business card?? How many people does Waynetech employ that have had contact with Batman?

[The Xenos]

Hm.. What if the Waynetech thing was a red herring?

See, I'm thinking that there was no Batman in this issue. Well, not the real one. I think while Bruce on vacation with that Jezebel Jet (ugh) where ever, a couple of imposter Batmen are mucking up Gotham. We already had one in Morrison's first issue. Now we might have two more, the one who handed out the card (and got his spine stomped or something) and the Bane-like Batman who was killing prostitutes. Hell, the story is called The Three Ghosts of Batman.

So... I honestly don't know what the hell is going on. I'll chalk that up to a possible good mystery. I guess we'll see if it is a good mystery once Morrion reveals more of this tale.

[Nitz the Bloody]

Yeah, I didn't see the point of the Sin City or James Bond homages at all, and in the end this just didn't really feel like a Batman comic, at least not the kind I want to read about. Also, Jezebel Jet is an f'ing obnoxious name for a modern comic book. Is there any black character in the DCU who DOESN'T telegraph their skin color in their name or nickname?

No more ridiculous than Cassandra Nova, Chubby da Choona, Babylon Mandrill, Stepford Cuckoos, Zauriel, King Mob, or any other Morrison character. From where I'm standing, it's more of a ornate name thing than a racial stereotype thing.

[Tequilamokinbrd]

Is there any black character in the DCU who DOESN'T telegraph their skin color in their name or nickname?


Um, Amanda Waller?


Mr. Terrific?


Cris Allen?


Cyborg?

[Tequilamokinbrd]

Oh and the issue was really really fun. Don't get what people mean when they say it didn't feel like a Batman book, because it did to me.


That "Cooler than James Bond" line was awesome, you got the feel that even though he was saying that to play up the playboy thing, deep down he kinda meant it, lol.


Jet isn't all that bad, and certainly not ridiculous in a world where Superman can know Lois and Lucy Lane, Lex Luthor, Lori Lemaris, and Lana Lang




And that wasn't Bane, I think if it was, Batman would have said somethng about it in his inner monologue.

[General Grievous]

i must pick this issue up today

[filthysize]

Hm.. What if the Waynetech thing was a red herring?

See, I'm thinking that there was no Batman in this issue. Well, not the real one. I think while Bruce on vacation with that Jezebel Jet (ugh) where ever, a couple of imposter Batmen are mucking up Gotham. We already had one in Morrison's first issue. Now we might have two more, the one who handed out the card (and got his spine stomped or something) and the Bane-like Batman who was killing prostitutes. Hell, the story is called The Three Ghosts of Batman.

So... I honestly don't know what the hell is going on. I'll chalk that up to a possible good mystery. I guess we'll see if it is a good mystery once Morrion reveals more of this tale.


I thought the same thing, because the voiceovers didn't read like Batman was talking. It was a slight off. And the fight seemed clumsy too. After a first page showing Bats casually walking off a mass of Man-Bat bodies, getting his cape pulled in a fight doesn't feel consistent.

But we're probably looking too much into it.

[The Xenos]

With Grant Morrison, you're not looking into it enough.

[TheBatGotHim]

I thought the James Bond thing was cool. Not a bad issue though. And I don't think thats Bane.

[Starba]

Um, Amanda Waller?


Mr. Terrific?


Cris Allen?


Cyborg?

That's not necessary, you know I was being sarcastic.

From where I'm standing, it's more of a ornate name thing than a racial stereotype thing.

I'm thinking it's both, personally. "Jezebel Jet" also gives her an icky James Bond "flavor of the month" quality. Bleh.

[PastePotPete]

Xenos - really good call on Batman not being Batman in this issue. I think you're right...or damn close. There's something more going on here.

We've got a very small part of a more complex puzzle here. Plot-wise, I'd say this is one where you have to stick through the entire story to see if it clicks with you. Not sure if I'll like it or be left cold in the end, but I'm intrigued. With Morrison, I usually just enjoy that I don't know what's coming next. If nothing else, the guy is original.

[davros42]

No more ridiculous than Cassandra Nova, Chubby da Choona, Babylon Mandrill, Stepford Cuckoos, Zauriel, King Mob, or any other Morrison character. From where I'm standing, it's more of a ornate name thing than a racial stereotype thing.

It's also kind of a nod to the Vicki Vales, Kathy Kanes, and Silver St. Clouds of the past. Bruce likes chicks with alliterative names, is that a crime?

[Ian J.N.]

See, I'm thinking that there was no Batman in this issue. Well, not the real one. I think while Bruce on vacation with that Jezebel Jet (ugh) where ever, a couple of imposter Batmen are mucking up Gotham. We already had one in Morrison's first issue. Now we might have two more, the one who handed out the card (and got his spine stomped or something) and the Bane-like Batman who was killing prostitutes. Hell, the story is called The Three Ghosts of Batman.
Ooh, good call. That might explain why Batman beat the crap out of those hoods for having a conversation. Also, the opening page places Bruce Wayne in Gibraltar, where it seems he's been cleaning up man-bats since the end of Batman & Son.

[brundlefly]

The "L-Pod" advertisement was pretty funny, but what the heck is "Luthor Industries?" Morrison surely knows that it's LexCorp. Odd.

I'm with Xenos' theory that the "Batman" in the second half of the issue wasn't Bruce. Wayne being in Gibraltar in the first half, along with another Batman-imposter appearing in the Son Of Batman arc, are both solid enough indicators.

[filthysize]

The "L-Pod" advertisement was pretty funny, but what the heck is "Luthor Industries?" Morrison surely knows that it's LexCorp. Odd.

LexCorp is the parent company. It has many subsidiaries, and one of them is Luthor Industries.

Someone doesn't get as rich as Luthor by dabbling in just one market.

[Von Zombie]

I'm new to Batman, and comics in general. The first issue I read was #663, I liked it enough so I picked this up the other day. I'm a little lost as to what happened with the Batman impersonator, other than shooting Joker did anything else important happen with him, or is there some back issues I shoule read so I dont get lost any further as the story moves forward?

[Starba]

I'm new to Batman, and comics in general. The first issue I read was #663, I liked it enough so I picked this up the other day. I'm a little lost as to what happened with the Batman impersonator, other than shooting Joker did anything else important happen with him, or is there some back issues I shoule read so I dont get lost any further as the story moves forward?

There's been strong indications that the previous storyline by Morrison will tie into this arc, especially in #666. That related arc began at #655, I believe.

[ultramandingo]

check out the gotham zip code on the biz card (!) and dig andree 3000 with a penguin umbrela ! ......too bad they didnt do joe kubert to the inside of the book

[Adset]

I hate not reading books on Wednesday. Everything's been discussed by the time I get around to reading it and can chime in...

Agreed with the 'Batman' in Gotham not being Bruce theory. Thought it was strange that one moment Bruce is overseas, the next he's slapping around a pimp in Gotham

Morrison's run hasn't been a definitive take on the character by any means, but it's been a fun read, which is something that a Batman story can often lack. Another decent issue

[casual Bat Fan]

Just read the issue. I loved the homage to James Bond at the beginning with Bruce parachuting onto the mountain. That was a direct remake of the opening scene to The Spy Who Loved Me Which is my 3rd favourite Bond movie of all time.

The first half of the issue was truly a breath of fresh air seeing Bruce's playboy personality in full effect. Bruce can be very charming and it's nice to see that side of him. I also agree with the others that the 2nd half seemed a little "off" but I loved the dark atmosphere to it. It felt like a really dark noir. I'm still a little lost on what's going to happen but I usually find this to be the case with the opening issues to a story arc.

It seems Morrison is setting us up for some very interesting stuff. I can't wait to see where this story goes.

[Frizey]

Really liked this issue!! I haven't really enjoyed the last 5 issues of the series so it was good to get a really good one! Kubert's art was absolutely gorgeous in this issue! The first half of the book was sweet, Morrison writes a great Bruce Wayne:D

[Mia]

I thought the James Bond thing was cool. Not a bad issue though. And I don't think thats Bane.


Yes he clearly borrowed from two James Bond films for that. The skiing and shooting down the helicopter was from The World is Not Enough. The parachuting in was from Die Another Day. Can't wait to see what he borrows from Casino Royale. I'm sure it's coming.

I liked issue a lot too. While I am extreemely disapointed with Morrison's story telling abiltiy (someone want to explain to me why he isn't hunting down Talia?). I at least I enjoy his take on Batman.

I've resolved myself to the fact that in order for me to enjoy Morrison's Batman stories, I'll have to turn my brain off. But the characterisation (not to mention Kuberts art) make it worth it. Just tired of reading stories about uptight one dimensional Batman. Nice to see a fully fleshed man with testoterone for a change.

[casual Bat Fan]

The parachuting in was from Die Another Day. Can't wait to see what he borrows from Casino Royale. I'm sure it's coming.


I'm pretty sure the parachuting was more of an homage to the THE SPY THAT LOVED ME. That's just me tho.

[ultramandingo]

....I'm pretty sure morrison stoped watching bond films after "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" . and dont even ask me what i think he thinks about Roger Moore.....

[Mia]

I'm pretty sure the parachuting was more of an homage to the THE SPY THAT LOVED ME. That's just me tho.

Could be. Not one of my favourite Bond films. I saw it once and only remember the submarine.

[Nitz the Bloody]

I liked issue a lot too. While I am extreemely disapointed with Morrison's story telling abiltiy (someone want to explain to me why he isn't hunting down Talia?). I at least I enjoy his take on Batman.

The beginning of the issue has Bruce Wayne in Gibraltar, cleaning up Ninja Man-Bat bodies. This seems evidence enough that he's still on Talia's trail.

[SpaceBooger]

I agree that it was not bruce as batman... and I think that the "steriods" being used has to do with the man-bat arc and the collection of the seurm... I dont think Talia's master plan was to have an army of Man-Bats

Damion, Three Batmen, and Ninja Man-Bats... all to distract and lead up to one big bang!

[BooCoo]

I was thinking about the "Batmen" angle of this ish...I swear, if I didn't know better I'd think the other batman was THE QUESTION. The inner monologue sounds more like someone else other than Bruce, and he'd be an ideal candidate.

Like seeing Brucey make some moves. IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

And I think there's more to Jet than meets the eye. Didn't anyone think it odd she was so concerned for Bruce's safety (from the man bats) for a casual accquaintance??

[barking_frog]

Grant Morrison, Andy Kubert. "Three Ghosts of Batman." Picking up where "Batman & Son" finished back in #658 before the four-part "Grotesk" arc by Ostrander and Morrison's one-shot last issue.

Observations as I'm reading:

Have to love Bruce acing a paparazzi. This is such a great humorous insertion of old-style Batman into the digital age.

Love the eyes Kubert did at "I got over it."

"Sick sweet smell of human flesh past its sell-by date." Granted he dresses up like a bat to punish criminals, but Morrison's Batman has quite the morbid sense of humor. (Not complaining.)

Also, how nice to see that stupid (but classic, and mandatory) cape treated realistically.

Observations after:

Well that was intense. ^.^ Good story (not great yet, but it was a setup issue), good art, some great Batman moments, and plenty of really black humor (which is a weakness of mine). Good things in the offing -- I'll be picking up #665.

Comments on the thread:

I'm thinking that there was no Batman in this issue. Well, not the real one. I think while Bruce on vacation with that Jezebel Jet (ugh) where ever, a couple of imposter Batmen are mucking up Gotham. We already had one in Morrison's first issue. Now we might have two more, the one who handed out the card (and got his spine stomped or something) and the Bane-like Batman who was killing prostitutes. Hell, the story is called The Three Ghosts of Batman.

I thought the same thing, because the voiceovers didn't read like Batman was talking. It was a slight off. And the fight seemed clumsy too. After a first page showing Bats casually walking off a mass of Man-Bat bodies, getting his cape pulled in a fight doesn't feel consistent.

Some really good points! This hadn't occurred to me, but the pieces seem to fit.

[jadrax]

I'm pretty sure the parachuting was more of an homage to the THE SPY THAT LOVED ME. That's just me tho.

TBH, looked a lot more like "die another day" to me.

[BatKnight89]

I was wondering if I missed something, did I read through it too fast, was that guy Bane at the end who beat up Batman, or some guy using Venom and eventually maybe Bane will pop up?

It was wierd but cool how he looked like a mix of Batman and Bane.

I heard what they did to Bane after Knightfall, it sounds like crap, a wasted character.

They should revamp him, and bring him back, he is a great Batman villian.

I loved Knightfall and the rest of that saga, but shortly after I didn't like where the comics were going so I went away from gotham for a few years from 98-2006.

I started reading regularly again with the OYL stuff, and I'm happy to see they cleaned up Batman and brought him back to the wayhe used to be and, should be.

[DWEarhart]

Bane's been messing with Hourman and Checkmate recently, and I would say that he's been rejuvinated. I enjoyed Scott Beatty's story with Bane in Gotham Knights, but he was near bottom. These recent appearences have kicked him up a few notches.

I dropped Morrison's run after the first arc. It's best for me if I read this in tpb format. I wasn't liking his New X-Men singles, but enjoying the hardcovers much more.

[spidervenom]

in the latest issue when the prostitute said that the monster is a cop who was she reffering to, is she talking about that bane look alike.

[ZacharyLovesYou]

Didn't like it. After the last issue, and the crazy-fun arc before Ostrander and Mandrake's arc, it seemed like there wasn't very much direction. We get some Bondesque playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne, which is nice, because that's something we haven't gotten much of in the past few years. And then we get some Miller-style Batman kicking the !@#$ out of pimps and talking with whore contacts.

This "black case file" thing seems interesting, especially considering this guy that looks like a bad amalgamation of Bane, Batman, and KGBeast is connected to the Batman impersonator that shot Joker in the face, but this issue itself was probably the worst of Morrison's since he took over the title.

I very much miss the fun of ninja man-bats and suprise sons. Ol' Grant is really all over the place lately.

[Choppa]

What was the Sin City reference?

[barking_frog]

What was the Sin City reference?

I don't think it was a reference so much as borrowed atmosphere. Some techniques were used that smacked highly of Miller's work on Sin City. One in particular that I recall was the predominance of boot tread -- I remember there were a couple panels where bootprints were very noticeable or we had a character's feet right in our face, and that's (to my knowledge) something that Miller first put into use heavily in Sin City.

Beyond that, just the overall feel of the latter part of the issue -- the slightly surly Batman, the prostitutes, the sudden appearance of Bane/whoever-that-was in a big panel in the middle of the book -- other minor elements that all seemed to add up to a somewhat Sin City feel.

[drwho]

Any comment at all on bruce's dead child, or has grant decided not to address it?

[barking_frog]

Any comment at all on bruce's dead child, or has grant decided not to address it?

It's been two weeks since I've read the issue at this point, but I don't think any mention was made. I -think- the only connection with the previous arc was that this story began on the 'Man-Bat island' for a panel or three before moving back to civilization.

[agentofthebat]

I hope thats Bane!

[The Xenos]

I don't get why people keep saying Bane. The only similarity was that he was a muscle bound freak. Also, didn't think pimp and hooker say it was a cop? Also, again, Bane is back in Santa Prisca trying to take over that country in checkmate. Plus Bane is much smarter than this guy sounded.

[agentofthebat]

the mask my friend has the same look

[Choppa]

I don't think it was a reference so much as borrowed atmosphere. Some techniques were used that smacked highly of Miller's work on Sin City. One in particular that I recall was the predominance of boot tread -- I remember there were a couple panels where bootprints were very noticeable or we had a character's feet right in our face, and that's (to my knowledge) something that Miller first put into use heavily in Sin City.

Interesting. When I first saw the boot sole I thought of HUSH because of the way Jim Lee drew them. I think these soles even match those.

I guess Lee was also emulating that?

[barking_frog]

Interesting. When I first saw the boot sole I thought of HUSH because of the way Jim Lee drew them. I think these soles even match those.

I guess Lee was also emulating that?

I don't know! I'm not familiar with much of Jim Lee's work, and I haven't read HUSH. That's an interesting possibility.

[Powerboy]

I've just started getting back into reading Batman and I liked it although its clearly coming in on the middle of a story.

At first, when Batman appeared, the way he was speaking was such I thought it was some sort of imitator that didn't have his speech patterns quite right. I guess he's changed though as it was him.

I liked the whole Bruce as James Bond takeoff with the helicopter and his obvious lie or pretension that he has 'gotten over it'.