Batman and the Mad Monk Review
We pick up The Ultimate Batman Chronology this week right where we left off with the direct sequel of Batman & the Monster Men, Batman and the Mad Monk. Also written and illustrated in 2006 by Matt Wagner, this trade includes Batman and the Mad Monk issues #1–6 and is the second, and final part, of the Dark Moon Rising saga.
As always, I will begin with the art. To put it simply, I am impressed. Many of the problems that I had in ‘Monster Men’ were fixed in these issues. It’s odd, seeing as Wagner illustrated both, but something about his work in these issues stood out as much better. There weren’t really any low points in Wagner’s work here and some of the major panels were absolutely magnificent portrayals of Batman, Jim Gordon, Harvey Dent, or the Mad Monk. Great work.
Additionally, I didn’t have the same issue with misplaced speech bubbles and Dave Stewart once again put together the perfect colour palette.
As with most of the first stories that we have read so far, the artwork is in the style that you would expect from “Year One” Batman stories. This means that it will be accepted and enjoyed by almost all readers.
This story is a direct sequel to Batman & the Monster Men and takes place immediately before Batman: The Man Who Laughs. It heavily references and deals with the ramifications of the former and provides small details to set-up the latter.
The story takes place in Gotham City just over a year after Bruce Wayne assumes the identity of Batman. Some of the major characters involved are: Batman, Julie & Norman Madison, Alfred, Jim Gordon, Harvey Dent, Sal Maroni, Carmine Falcone, and Catwoman (briefly).
Following the “Night of the Monster Men” at Carmine Falcone’s secluded hideout Norman Madison and Sal Maroni are dealing with the lasting effects. Norman fears the Batman, whom he came face-to-face with, and Maroni is feeling the pressure from Falcone to tighten his grip on their business in Gotham. Julie continues to struggle both being in a relationship with a man that is never around and helping her father through his paranoia. I could see people having mixed feelings about the relationship drama between Bruce and Julie but, like in ‘Monster Men’, I found myself finding her character compelling. Their relationship provides insight into why the Batman, we have come to know and understand, feels the way that he does about his relationships and letting people in to his world.
While Batman continues to search for the drugs that Maroni has brought into Gotham, he and Jim Gordon must solve the mysterious murders of two victims. Their necks bitten and their blood drained. Bruce grapples with the possibility of a supernatural cause and attempts to find a reasonable explanation. The interactions between Batman & Gordon and Batman & Harvey Dent are highlights in these issues. Although Dent makes a very brief appearance, the few panels he was on were a highlight.
Conclusion
The artwork was actually quite good; ranging from average to excellent. The colour palette was again a stand-out positive. The story was quite engaging and I found the interactions between characters to be memorable.
Final Rating: Recommended
This trade has acquired my personal stamp of approval. I don’t think that anything significant to the canon happens here but it was a very enjoyable read. The artwork was great to look at and the story provided a backdrop for the character interactions that I like seeing between Batman and his various allies and enemies. The question that remains, given my unimportant rating of ‘Monster Men’, is whether the series as a whole is worth reading. I will say two things about this. First, you really won’t enjoy this trade unless you have read Batman & the Monster Men. Second, I think that Batman and the Mad Monk is a great read. After being a bit disappointed with the first trade in this series I really do feel that Wagner redeemed himself in the final portions of his arc. Either read them both or, if you only care about the canon, just give it a skip. That being said, if you choose to skip this series I think you’ll be missing out on a great trade.
If you’re interested in purchasing this trade, it can be found here.
If you would like to see how I review and rate trades, you can find that here.
Finally, if you’re interested in viewing The Ultimate Batman Chronology (for trades) that I am putting together, click here.
