Review:
Comic book writers and publishers sometimes dare to take well-known characters in exciting, unexpected new directions. new looks or new powers are pretty standard, the low-hanging fruit; new sidekicks or a retirement and replacement get a little more significant. Killing off the hero or major characters can be even more shocking and news-worthy, even breaking into mainstream awareness.
The Batman and Catwoman wedding in 2018 was both daring and predictable. The two had been flirting with each other and the idea of a forbidden hero-villain romance for decades. But Batman was always so ethically good and Catwoman so unapologetically bad that it seemed impossible.
Impossible, that is, until Catwoman turned into a complicated anti-hero, a morally grey character with loads of redeeming qualities. Finally, it seemed possible, maybe even natural.
The Deluxe Edition Wedding Album is a beautiful keepsake of the climax of their quest for marital bliss. Leaving to other collections the history and evolution of their relationship, this book focuses solely on their engagement, preparations (dress-shopping) and the oversized #50 of the wedding day itself.
As these three included stories are all available elsewhere, in other collected editions and formats, this deluxe edition offers a higher quality packaging with loads of extras. It is an oversized hard-cover book, wrapped by soft leather-like black matte finish capped with a faceplate worthy of a wedding invitation.
Inside, the three Tom King tales are a mixed bag. The engagement story (Batman #24) is ponderous and meandering, before coalescing into a full-page proposal. David Finch handles the Bat and the Cat artistically while Clay Mann and Seth Mann draw the pages of pensive hero-therapy parts.
I have reviewed #44 'The Dress' elsewhere, and it is loads of fun to tag along with Catwoman as she looks for the perfect wedding dress.
The wedding itself (Batman #50) is beautifully structured as a pair of love letters with interstitial nods to the happy couple courtesy of a real who's who of guest artists. It makes for such a treat for the eyes and a solid read.
The book also includes so many terrific special features. From cover variants to pinups, dress sketches to story outlines and their history pages for reference.
A beautiful book, a fine way to remember this celebrated moment in the on-again off-again romantic history between the Bat and the Cat.
Description:
The day has finally arrived: the nuptials of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. But their road to wedded bliss won't be easy! The historic journey to the wedding day of Batman and Catwoman is commemorated in this must-have collector's item, featuring more than 30 variant covers and exclusive behind-the-scenes design sketches and scripts.
Written by the critically acclaimed Tom King, this hardcover collection celebrates one of the biggest milestones in DC history and features art by superstar artists Mikel Janín, David Finch, Joëlle Jones, Jim Lee, Neal Adams, Frank Miller, Andy Kubert, Becky Cloonan, Ty Templeton, José Luis García-López, Tim Sale and more!
Collects the road to the altar in Batman #24, #44 and the seminal, oversize wedding celebration in Batman #50.
Collects: Batman #24, #44, 50
Authors: Tom King
Artists: Mikel Janin, Joelle Jones, many more
Published By: DC Comics
Published When: Sept. 11, 2018
Parental Rating: Teen
ISBN: 978-1401286538
Pages: 73 pages
No comments:
Post a Comment