524

I didn't care for some of the art in this, but the story is great. ( )

A compilation of stories from the various "Batman" books, in which Commisioner James Gordon is gunned down from behind and hangs by a thread in the hospital while Batman and company try to track down his assailant. They do, and Gordon eventually recovers, but his response is to announce his retirement, precipitating a realistic and very well-handled confrontation between him and the Dark Knight. These two don't often discuss their relationship or their feelings, but much of it comes out here, and to moving effect. The Batman portrayed at the end of this story is more human than I've seen him portrayed in some time. Artwork is generally good, but uneven. ( )