History of the Court
The Court of Owls get the 'Villain's Month' treatment this week, and basically this issue, written by present Talon writer, James Tynion IV, is an overview of the history of Scott Snyder's and Greg Capullo's creation, The Court of Owls.
Establishing History
In recent years, several comic book publishers have introduced characters without going too much into their history and origins, apart from the odd filler issue or editorial note. One thing I have really come to appreciate from DC is the effort that they have put into fleshing out the history and continuity of the Court of Owls. What started out as a secret society in Gotham in the pages of Batman, barely two years ago, has made a number of appearances in the other Bat-Books, but more significantly to this issue, All-Star Western, and its own spin-off title, Talon - two books I highly enjoy.
Following the events of Forever Evil #1, we see Gotham in dispair, and are treated to a brief history of how the Court has dealt with social unrest, and how they have orchestrated events in Gotham to protect their power. Much of this is reminiscent of the other tales of Court that we have read in the pages of Batman, Talon and All-Star Western, and is a welcomed extension of the history of the Court that is becoming increasingly richer and richer.
Art
Jorge Lucas wins my vote...there's a very Moritat feel to this issue (the artist on All-Star Western), which is welcomed, as the issue largely goes back and forth between historic events.
To Summarize
I enjoyed this issue for several reasons. This issue builds on the popularity of the Court of Owls, adequetely digs deeper into their history, and nicely establishes continuity between three other books by DC (Batman. Talon and All-Star Western). James Tynion IV has been putting out a solid title over at Talon, and this issue is a welcomed extension.
4.5/5
