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Gotham Wars took us by storm after the events of Knight Terrors, but did we need another event so soon? Ehh who knows, but we got it anyways. The “Gotham Wars” event is a new installment in the Batman/Catwoman saga that unfolds across a changed landscape of Gotham City. After reading the “Battle Lines” one-shot, we felt the intense and evolving conflict between Batman and Catwoman, with Selina Kyle playing a pivotal role in the city’s shifting power dynamics since Bruce’s absence after the Failsafe arc.
The way our review scale works for events is based on our interpretation of each issue and how it ties in with the bigger picture and also the concept of the theme itself. Please beware with most reviews there is the possibility of spoiler alerts, so if you don’t want anything spoiled wait until after you’ve read to check out our review!
How Are We Feeling After The Gotham Wars?
Hey there, fellow readers! Let’s dive into the “Gotham Wars” event, where we experienced a whirlwind of action, deep psychological drama, and some seriously intense character exploration.
But let’s be real, did it really hit all the marks? I’m talking about those moments where things felt, well, a bit forced and out of sync, probably due to the myriad of writers and their varying takes on our beloved characters. Take “Red Hood,” for instance. Sure, it was a tie-in, but did it genuinely add to the overall narrative? We get a peek into Jason Todd’s reasoning for siding with Catwoman, but it leaves us questioning the legitimacy of his motives.
Now to the elephant in the room, after the rollercoaster rides of “Failsafe” and “The Bat-Man of Gotham,” courtesy of Chip’s incredible storytelling, readers were on the edge of our seats for what’s next with Zur-En-Arrh. But alas, it barely gets a nod in Battle Lines at the beginning, locking him away, leaving us hanging and slightly disappointed with the direction the main Batman story took.
Then there’s the puzzle of how Selina magically managed to lower crime in Gotham by marketing to goons and selling them a different way of living while also convincing the Bat-Family what they do doesn’t help. It’s like all the henchmen just up and left their allegiance to the likes of Riddler and Scarecrow without much explanation?
The whole event, spanning eight issues, felt overstuffed with plots and character arcs, which honestly might have shone brighter if they had their own space, instead of being crammed into this “war.” Sometimes, less is more, and in the case of “Gotham Wars,” a focused lane might have served these stories better.
Issue Breakdown
Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Battle Lines #1
“Batman / Catwoman: Gotham War – Battle Lines #1” sets the stage for an intense and complex narrative in the heart of Gotham City, where a significant decrease in crime sparks a heated debate between Batman, Catwoman and the Bat-Family. As Gotham experiences an unusual lull in violent crime, the story unveils a mysterious, coordinated effort that seems to be driving this unexpected peace. Batman’s suspicions center around one pivotal figure: Catwoman.
Zdarsky brings it again as this opening one-shot captures the essence of a city at a crossroads, with its criminal elements thrown into disarray and its heroes confronting new challenges. Batman, freshly grappling with the aftermath of his grueling journey through the Multiverse and the harrowing events of Knight Terrors, suspects there’s more to this calm than meets the eye. The plot starts to delve into the complexities of what a “safer” Gotham truly means, questioning the cost and the forces behind this sudden change.
As Batman and Catwoman find themselves on opposing sides of this unfolding scenario, the tension escalates, promising to erupt into a full-blown conflict that threatens to fracture the Bat-Family, all because crime is down in Gotham. This opening chapter of the Gotham War lays down a nice foundation for what is to come in the short term, especially with the last page where Batman sees one of Catwoman’s henchman bite the dust and get shot after attempting to steal from a rich person’s home, in turn making Batman even more angry.
Unrelated but pivotal to the current Batman arc, there is a slight foreshadow in the beginning with Bruce talking to Zur-En-Arrh, which is what as a reader I’ve been wanting more of since Failsafe and Bruce’s multiverse trip.
Batman #137
In “Batman 137”, the tension in Gotham City reaches a boiling point as Batman intensifies his efforts to reclaim control over the city. In a bold and aggressive move, Batman strikes first as he targets eight of Catwoman’s henchmen and storms her hideout, marking a significant escalation in the “war”. This direct assault on Selina Kyle’s operations highlights the growing chasm between these former allies.
Selina’s reacts to Batman’s actions, notably by breaking her phone, capturing an emotional and strategic fallout of this clash. The storyline is further complicated by the unexpected entrance of Vandal Savage acquiring Wayne Manor, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding events in Gotham. This second chapter of the Gotham War sees Batman adopting a more ruthless and relentless approach in his crusade to safeguard the city.
As he navigates this new landscape of Gotham, where the lines between friend and foe are increasingly blurred, his actions raise questions about the morality and consequences of his methods. The involvement of characters like Vandal Savage introduces new dynamics and challenges, setting the stage for further turmoil and conflict within the city’s fragile ecosystem, but is this really needed? This chapter not only continues the high-stakes battle for the territory of Gotham but also examines the personal and ideological struggles at its core.
Catwoman #57
In “Catwoman 57”, the intricate web of alliances and conflicts in Gotham continues to evolve as the Riddler steps in to assist Batman, introducing a fresh and strategic element to the ongoing battle for the city. Meanwhile, Catwoman, never one to be outdone, forms her own powerful coalition. She is joined by Jason Todd, also known as Red Hood, who brings his unique brand of expertise to her operations. Their collaboration is highlighted during a high-stakes heist at a ball, showcasing a blend of stealth and distraction tactics.
The third part of the “Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War” saga brings a stark contrast between the protagonists. Batman finds himself increasingly isolated in his crusade, his solitary figure casting a long shadow over Gotham’s chaotic landscape. In stark contrast, Selina Kyle, as Catwoman, thrives in her element surrounded by allies and underlings. The balletic dance of strategy and power between her and Batman reaches new heights with these developments, each maneuver bringing unexpected twists and deepening the stakes.
Adding to the complexity, Vandal Savage makes a calculated move by offering Selina a job, while also revealing a deeply personal connection to the conflict: Marquise, his daughter, is now a key player in the unfolding drama. This part of the saga not only intensifies the conflict but also underscores the differing paths and tactics of Batman and Catwoman in their respective quests to shape the future of their city.
Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Red Hood #1
In “Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Red Hood #1,” a pawn in the Gotham War, Jason Todd, known as Red Hood, finds himself entangled in the complex web of Gotham’s underworld politics. He strikes a deal to train Selina’s henchmen, leveraging this opportunity to gather information. These henchmen, who previously aligned with the Joker, offer Jason a pathway to potential leads on his long-standing adversary.
The events of “Red Hood #1” have more of an impact on the character of Jason Todd, but don’t really add to the “Gotham Wars” event holistically, also his character feels like he has different mannerisms in comparison to other Gotham Wars issues. Jason’s involvement in training former enemies and his subsequent encounter with Scarecrow’s lethal tactics demonstrate the blurred lines and moral complexities that the characters navigate in this war-torn Gotham.
However, this issue does a good job in showing some of the choices he makes within the chaos of Gotham’s streets. However, the mission takes a dire turn when Scarecrow intervenes with a devastating attack at the end of the issue. The deployment of nerve toxin proves fatal for one of the henchmen, Bash, leading to a tragic and violent conclusion to their operation.
Batman #138
In “Batman 138”, the fourth installment of “Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War”, the tension and conflict in Gotham City escalate to new heights. Batman, in a desperate bid to rein in the violence, instills a streak of fear in Jason Todd, aiming to curb his lethal tendencies. This act reflects Batman’s increasing willingness to manipulate emotions to maintain control, signifying a shift in his usual approach to justice.
This issue further intensifies as it showcases a series of confrontations among key members of the Bat-Family: Batman clashes with Nightwing, while Tim Drake and Damian Wayne face off in a poignant battle of ideologies and skills. These personal battles are set against the backdrop of a greater threat – the formation of a new League of Shadows under the guidance of Vandal Savage, a man whose quest for immortality via the Lazarus Pit has been thwarted, fueling his ambitions in Gotham.
This chapter portrays the intricate web of relationships and rivalries within the Bat-Family and their adversaries, painting a picture of a war-torn Gotham where allegiances are tested and moral lines are blurred. The revelation that Vandal Savage, with his centuries of experience and cunning, is orchestrating events behind the scenes adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the story, but again is this needed? As Batman grapples with the challenges posed by both his allies and enemies, “Batman 138” sets the stage for further dramatic developments in this epic saga of the Gotham War.
Catwoman #58
In “Catwoman 58”, part five of “Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War,” the emotional aspect of the narrative deepens as Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne share a significant moment amidst the chaos engulfing Gotham. This brief breakthrough is soon overshadowed by unfolding revelations: Savage, with his own agenda, confronts Selina, and tempts her with the allure of immortality, albeit at a grave cost.
Meanwhile, Jason Todd finds himself racing against time and danger as he attempts to rescue a child from a blazing inferno set by Firefly. This act of heroism culminates in a dramatic rescue by Batman and Catwoman, showcasing their enduring commitment to protecting Gotham’s innocent. The issue concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger, featuring Savage’s associates poised ominously on the city’s streets to take back their goons, signaling more turmoil to come.
Part five of “The Gotham War” continues to weave an overly complex narrative of alliances, betrayals, and personal struggles. Selina Kyle’s plans begin to strain the city’s fragile balance, demonstrating her role in the fate of Gotham. Red Hood’s journey, marked by profound changes, underscores the theme of personal evolution and the search for identity in a city losing its sense of self.
Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Red Hood #2
In “Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Red Hood #2”, the story delves deeper into the tumultuous life of Jason Todd, aka Red Hood, following the tragic death of Bash from the first issue. “Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Red Hood #2 “ is filled with flashbacks, providing a deeper understanding of Red Hood’s motivations and his relentless pursuit of Joker and Scarecrow.
This personal vendetta becomes increasingly complicated as the Joker enters the fray, taunting Jason with a cryptic note about his whereabouts. The tension escalates when Jason, originally planning to meet Ravager, misses the rendezvous due to the events involving Batman in “Batman 138”. The climax of the issue is intense and fraught with danger as both Scarecrow and Joker converge on Red Hood in a burning building, setting the stage for a dramatic and potentially deadly confrontation.
Jason Todd, influenced and shaped by Batman’s strategies, finds himself inadvertently prepared for what may be the final battle of this city-wide conflict. As Red Hood gears up for the ultimate showdown, the issue leaves readers questioning what the aftermath will hold for him. Will he emerge victorious, or will the cost of this war leave a lasting impact on his psyche and future in Gotham? Also, why is Joker seeking out Jason? Feels like he would have more pressing matters to attend too but alas, it happened.
Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Scorched Earth #1
In the climactic finale of “Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War – Scorched Earth #1”, the Bat Family unites for a fierce showdown against Vandal Savage’s associates, bringing the Gotham War to a head. Batman, in a crucial discovery, unravels the true objective of Vandal’s sinister plans, adding a layer of urgency to the already intense battle.
Amidst the chaos, Jason Todd, executes a daring and desperate maneuver, to prevent Gotham from total annihilation. However, this heroic act doesn’t completely shield the city from danger. In a dramatic twist, both Selina Kyle and Vandal Savage plunge into what appears to be a newly formed Lazarus pit.
Meanwhile, Batman, grappling with the aftermath of the war and its toll on his allies, decides to withdraw from the grid and work solo, entrusting Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon with the responsibility of leading the Bat-Family. Nightwing has become HIM in the DC Universe now, leading the Titans and Bat-Family to new heights.
The conclusion of “Scorched Earth” marks a significant turning point for Gotham and its protectors. Batman’s decision to pursue a more proactive approach, especially in his relentless chase after the Joker, signifies a shift in his strategy and mentality, will we finally get to see ZUR-EN-ARRH????!?!. This change in Batman’s character, coupled with the revelation of his secret identity to a henchman, plants a few seeds for a new era in Gotham’s vigilante justice.
Top Cover Options for “The Gotham Wars”
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