Silence means violence in Gotham City. A quiet man came knocking on the door of the Iceberg Lounge. He wanted to meet with the Penguin. A one on one with the Kingpin of Gotham is easier said than done. This lead to a massive body count and a destroyed lounge. All that’s left were some silver coins in victims eyes.
An attack like this has got the Dynamic Duo’s attention. Can they unravel this mystery before another victim is claimed?
BATMAN AND ROBIN #26 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Fico Ossio, Marcelo Maiolo, and Steve Wands (DC Comics) continues The Quiet Man’s tale.
Let’s take a closer look at where events lead now.
BATMAN AND ROBIN #26 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Fico Ossio, Marcelo Maiolo, and Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
How dangerous can one man be? that is the question Johnson poses to the readers. The initial stages brings Batman and Robin to Penguin’s door. Their conversation is very familiar in tone. Neither are playing their hands concerning the killer. This game of Cat and Mouse leads to a stand still. Much as anything with the Penguin, take his words at face value.
Readers watch as the Waynes’ reflect on their work life balance. The theme of giving Damian an normal life has been hovering on the pair for a bit. This comes back to provide a larger challenge. It results in Damian finding “normalcy” in the “Gotham Irregulars”. The group assess the Quiet Man’s moves as a major power meeting is unfolding. Adding Two-Face into the mix throws more gas on the fire. The resulting payoff delivers on fireworks. Readers watch as the writing exposes the Quiet Man’s truths. It is an understandable motive to attack.
Knowing the past, the final page sets up for a deadly confrontation in the near future. Johnson has introduced a very complex figure into the Gotham landscape. Who survives is very much up in the air.
Ossio & Maiolo never shy away from the deadly aftermath of the Quiet Man. Penguin’s rage is crystal clear. It’s met with Batman’s scowl. This instantly creates the tense atmosphere. Showcasing the Silver Dollar victims makes a loud statement into the methodical attacks. The panels coloring highlights the key points before moving events into the next phase.
The Duo’s rounds looming in the city has great panels to spotlight. Batman crashing down on some thugs jumps off the pages. Ossio has shown quickly readers how to make Batman more dramatic in presence. His warning to the thugs is prime example. This leads into a strong full page Batcave image to move into Penguin’s meeting. The art kicks this into high gear fast. A thunderous surge puts Batman into the fight via near full page. Each image boils with excitement. The action is fast paced right to the close. Readers are left with a shocking reveal as the final panel hits. Another stunning issue to enjoy.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
The Quiet Man’s impact stretches far beyond expectations with another fantastic issue. Johnson’s writing weaves a strong mystery. Ossio & Maiolo craft a dark look inside one man’s revenge mission. This story is a welcomed addition to the Bat family & your comic collection.
Let me know your thoughts on Batman And Robin #26 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!