With hidden legends, dark secrets and deadly assassins, the first arc of DC’s rebooted Batman has been interestingly creepy since the first issue. This week’s newest issue, “No. 6: Beneath the Glass,” continues that pattern. Brought to the lair of the Court of Owls, a generations-old secret organization, Batman spent issue No. 5 wandering lost in a gigantic maze. This issue picks up where that one left off, the court’s main assassin, The Talon, plunging a blade through the hero’s chest.
“Beneath the Glass” opens with The Talon presenting Batman’s broken and beaten body to the court, proclaiming him defeated and asking what should be done to finish him off. The choice is made to continue torturing him, resulting in The Talon beating the hero down even more. Down and out, Bruce nearly resigns himself to the court who are drawing near to rip him apart. Only when he sees the scared portrait of Alan Wayne, his great-great-grandfather and another court victim, does he remember his need to help those calling out for help against the Owls. Batman proceeds to muster all his strength, bare his teeth and returns to fight The Talon. As Batman escapes into the Gotham River, the comic ends on a cilffhanger.
Dedication to duty prevails
Up until this point, the Court of Owls had barely been seen. The only glimpses given were through either The Talon or once at the end of issue No. 4 on a video screen. In this issue, writer Scott Snyder gives his greatest reveal of the organization. Joey Esposito, comic editor for IGN.com, sees this as the most notable aspect of this issue.
“Snyder successfully paints a vivid picture of their organization and downright creepiness,” Esposito wrote.
There is also some symbolism I see in Snyder’s portrayal as well. At one point, they believe Batman to be defeated and swarm him as an owl would its prey. But when he regains his resolve, rising above them, they scamper away like frightened mice.
With the majority of the comic being devoted to the fight between Batman and The Talon, this issue gives very minimal plot advancement. But when Batman is thrown down by the Talon and swarmed by the court, his willingness to accept defeat shows his weakness and his humanity. However, when he recalls his duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves, he pushes his limits, going against his humanity. It’s a small but nice reminder that in much of what we do, we will want to admit defeat, show our weakness and give up. But these are the times we can’t give up, instead, we should admit our weaknesses and push harder toward our goals.
Average art, strong characterization
The comic has many strengths. The cover is good, emoting the fear and rage shown by Batman in the comic. Even though the comic is mainly a fight scene, it is done with great effect, and the minimal story progression is told moderately well. The characterization for the story is done greatly. Batman has his moment of weakness and reinforcement, and the creepiness of the Court of Owls and The Talon are done very well. What stands out about the issue’s art are the panels that highlight Batman’s eyes and bared teeth, showing his fear, rage and strength.
Even with its strengths, the comic is weak in some areas as well. Aside from the aforementioned panels, the rest of the art is average and while the cover is good, the splicing of Batman into an owl-bat creature just seems a bit too weird. It’s also paced faster than it should feel.
All in all Batman No. 6 gets a 4.5 out of 5
