Dear Journal I was straight up giddy to be handed the latest issue in the Absolute Batman series, one that proves that the Dark Knight is the best superhero in any universe. Issue 11 left us with the ominous scene of Bain standing over Batman's closest circle of friends, who, in the regular universe, positioned themselves as his greatest foes. I guess it just goes to show that Bain is positioned against Bruce, no matter which timeline they traverse, although this time, he shows that there's more than one way to break a bat beyond bending a back. In one go, Bain becomes the common origin source for The Penguin, Two-Face, Croc, and the Riddler, and what a way to do it. Halt, hear all ye squeamish ninnies, the visuals from #12 will give you nightmares, but the response from Batman and Alfred has me salivating, and while the entrance of a very cool looking Cat Woman was welcome, it's Joker's (hopeful) entry that I'm hoping and holding out for. Now what to read whil...
Splash-Page Spotlight: Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue
Contented
The first image jumped out at me with its tranquil and serene tones, which none the less managed to communicate something far deeper. While the traditional Japanese countryside home remains a bucket list destination, I felt it appropriate to appreciate the sense of balance that the page communicated. The home, a wonderful representation of culture, of values and tradition, is dwarfed by the larger natural landscape, which further dwarves our contented monk and cat below, thus perfectly illustrating and completing a well-balanced natural hierarchy.
Scars
For my second choice, I chose the striking image of one of the primary female characters. A young lady orphaned as a girl and raised by a different family. Her steely eyed gaze communicates both a kind of indifference, and yet also a severity that suggests a hardened heart molded in the furnace made manifest as the worst trials offered by the world. I liked the addition of the farmer's hat and walking stick, which further communicated both simplicity, as well as hard work and humility.
Demons
Even amidst the chaos, the brilliance of black white in manga is demonstrated in its incredible shading, sharpness of line and attention to detail.
The Future
Our protagonist walking with a raging inferno behind him, struck me as deeply appropriate given Takezo's determination to move forward in life while leaving his past to be cleansed in the flames of acceptance, determination and rage.
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