Review: Batman Vol. 10- Epilogue

Quick Summary

Pros: The majority of the stories here are great approaches to Batman as a character, bringing in both emotion and action. The collection works well as a finale to the current Batman series. The majority of the chapters have great artwork, particularly the chapter from Greg Capullo.

Cons: One of the stories isn’t as good as the others. 

Overall: This is a solid collection of Batman stories and a satisfying conclusion to this era in the Dark Knight’s history. The stories told here are packed with emotion and inspired character moments, yet still manage to find time to depict exciting action in the meantime. The volume bids farewell to some concepts and hints at new ones on the horizon. Though this volume might not be the best for new readers, it is perfect for fans looking for a touching conclusion to the New 52 Batman saga

Story

Batman Vol. 10: Epilogue, by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and others, is a collection of individual stories that highlight Batman as a character and celebrate the end of this Batman series. Many of these stories contain flashes of action and have Batman in tense situations, making for an exciting read. However, the real reason to pick up this volume is for the collection’s emotional appeal. The volume digs into concepts that drive Batman forward and hits emotional notes that are often unexpected. Plus, Batman #51 is an amazing conclusion to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s work on this series.

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The opening chapter in Epilogue focuses on the extreme limits of Batman’s commitment to protecting Gotham City. It builds on the future reality of Futures End (Reading Order) while also building on concepts within the Batman series, particularly the concept of Batman keeping himself alive through a series of clones. Batman’s descent into Luthor’s compound is exciting and the essence of his mission is a testament to his dedication or, possibly, his insanity.

The following chapter goes back in time, to the days before Bruce’s memory was restored. A group of criminals hold Bruce Wayne and his allies hostage and Bruce is forced to defeat them in order to free the lot. Though this is probably the weakest chapter in the collection, it is still a fun peak into who Bruce Wayne can be, even when separated from his Batman persona.

The next chapter takes things back to the present, where a power outage has Gotham immobilized. Batman goes from location to location, sure that the power outage is the start of some nefarious individual’s plans. However, in a wonderful twist, it ends up being a quiet night, as the power outage was completely natural. Narration throughout the chapter reinforces Batman’s importance in the legacy of Gotham City and connects back to narration from the very first issue of this series. The entire chapter works well from an entertainment standpoint and as a fitting conclusion to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s fantastic run on the character.

Finally, James Tynion IV tells another present day story. Batman tracks down and captures a criminal who attempted to steal something from Bruce Wayne. Though the present day story isn’t all that exciting, flashbacks to Bruce’s development into Batman are highly emotional. These flashbacks then lead to a wonderful scene between Bruce and Alfred, where Bruce is reminded that his parents were always proud of him.

Epilogue also contains a preview chapter for the next Batman series. This preview chapter is wonderfully exciting on its own and works as a great way to build even more excitement for the next series.

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Art

Epilogue is filled with good-looking chapters from an array of talented artists. ACO starts the collection off with a creative dive through laboratories of the future. The atypical paneling here makes the adventure feel more chaotic and dangerous, adding to the suspense. Later on, a chapter mostly drawn by Riley Rossmo allows for a lighthearted but still intense take on the Dark Knight.

However, the crown jewel in Epilogue comes in the form of Greg Capullo’s work on Batman #51. This chapter, the last from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, is mostly told through a series of larger panels and longer narration. It allows the artwork to speak for itself and give views of Gotham City that have not been seen at any point in this series. The entire chapter is beautiful and nearly makes this collection worthwhile on its own.

The only exception to the wonderful artwork here is in Batman Annual #4. Roge Antonio’s work in this chapter looks a bit plain and is not nearly as memorable as the rest of the collection. It still manages to look alright but is a divergence from the quality seen elsewhere in this volume.

Continuity

Batman Vol. 10: Epilogue continues the story from Batman Vol. 9: Bloom (Review).

The story started here is continued in Batman Vol. 1: I am Gotham (Review).

This volume also references other comic books, detailed below:

• This volume’s opening chapter is a tie-in to the Futures End (Review) (Reading Order) event.
• Bruce Wayne lost his memory and Alfred lost his had due in the events of Batman Vol. 7: Endgame (Review).
• Bruce Wayne lost control of Wayne Manor in Batman Eternal #35, collected in Batman Eternal Vol. 2 (Review).
• Arkham Manor was shut down after Jeremiah Arkham went insane in Arkham Manor: Endgame #1, collected in The Joker: Endgame (Review).
• A new Batman took over Bruce Wayne’s old role starting in Batman Vol. 8: Superheavy (Review).
• Riddler references Zero Year. The events of Zero Year are detailed across Batman Vol. 4: Zero Year-Secret City (Review) and Batman Vol. 5: Zero Year- Dark City (Review). 
• Batman #51 makes a direct reference to a fight between Batman and the Wisper Gang from Batman #3, collected in Batman Vol. 1: The Court of Owls (Review).
• The Court of Owls’ conversation in Batman #51 alludes to events that would later lead to Dark Nights: Metal (Review) (Reading Order).