ryonslaught's Batwing #8 - What I Am is Born From Death review

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    A perfect end to an awesome opening arc!

    Summary and scans can be viewed here

    The Good

    Cover-Awesome looking cover as Batwing and the Bat Fam circle in on the mass murdering Massacre

    Action-Plenty of action to keep everyone happy

    Reveal- So as originally suspected Massacre is Batwing’s brother. Things did not play out as expected which made this issue very exciting. The bigger reveal was the identity of the real villain behind the whole thing, the very man who financed and provided equipment to the Kingdom, Josiah Kone.

    Misdirection-Despite initial suspicion of Massacre’s true identity Winnick played an elaborate form of misdirection that added weight to the reveal even though you knew it was coming thanks to the solicits which still touted a mystery. Good form Winnick!

    Bat Family- I really enjoyed this issue as Batwing moved back into the spotlight while Batwing, Robin and Batman provided support. Last issue he appeared to be a guest star in his own book.

    Tear jerker- It’s been years since a comic has tugged at my emotions as much as this one. The big reveal and Batwing’s reaction to the revelation, his talk with Batman and the flashback at the end made me feel incredibly connected with Batwing. I felt his pain. Judd Winnick has crafted a masterful first adventure for Batwing that will stay with me and many others for years to come.

    Nature vs Nurture- This issue brings up an interesting twist on the Zavimbe boys. Both child soldiers with the same beginning. David was found and nurtured by Matu Ba who made him and instrument of good, Batwing. Issac found by Josiah Kone who honed him into the killing machine Massacre. Both see justice in different ways due to how they were socialized after they were boy soldiers. They could have each been the other under different circumstances. Was this their destiny? or the influence of the world which pulled them down such radically different paths.

    The Bad

    Art- Not the beauty that we once beheld when this book first came out. Such a pity because the TPB will suffer from the unevenness. Hopefully the art will become a highlight once more.

    The Ugly

    It’s all been leading up to this very satisfying 8 issue and despite lackluster visuals it’s story and the emotions its resonates make this one of the best books on the shelves! 4.5/5

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    Other reviews for Batwing #8 - What I Am is Born From Death

      Obvious Identity is Obvious 0

      Sigh. I miss Ben Oliver's covers, especially #4. So let's see. This cover's pretty crowded as many of the recent ones have been. Batwing, facing AWAY, takes up too much of the image. But the crazy lines coming off of Massacre's blade look like the sky is cracking, so that's cool. But a lot of it really pales in comparison to what is ALWAYS my first thought when I see this cover. DAT ASS.Ugh. Batwing's recap narration says it all. Because he so specifically says that he 'suspects' that Massacre i...

      1 out of 1 found this review helpful.

      Welcome to America 0

      Batwing #8 features the final battle against Massacre, and a couple of revelations that will leave you saying "Whaaat?" Great story. For me, the artwork is still the weak link. Marcus To will be taking over soon, so that will give the book a well deserved boost.Please check my mini-review here:http://bit.ly/HFivRmComments and feedback are always welcome!...

      0 out of 0 found this review helpful.

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