A review by cleheny
Batman Vol. 5: Rules of Engagement (Rebirth) by Tom King
2.0
This is about 2.75 stars for me. I'm finding myself increasingly annoyed by certain aspects of King's writing, even as I really like other parts.
The first arc, The Rules of Engagement, find Batman and Catwoman journeying to Khadym, a fictional haven for all sorts of bad people, and one that no one may enter, per the rules created by Batman and the Justice League. But rules are for people other than Batman and Catwoman, so off they go. I'm not sure what kind of tone King was trying to strike in the first part. It opens with Catwoman shooting a foundering horse (because they're travelling over 12 hours in a desert), and then she and Batman exchanging endearments. I don't know if this was an attempt at humor, but it came off as unbelievably callous.
I really dislike the tendency of Batman writers (and fans) to fetishize Batman--the human who can beat anyone because he's so brilliant and well-prepared. In the world in which Batman lives, that's simply impossible. The only plausible explanation is that he is superhumanly intelligent. But that explanation can't be permitted because it would make him a metahuman, which defeats the concept of why Batman is impressive.
I had thought King less likely to fall into that trap, but not only does he have Batman do something that no one else (even the Martian Manhunter) can do, Catwoman suddenly becomes the most amazing fighter ever. No one can stop her, and the course of her swordfight with Talia is ridiculous.
I am becoming a bit tired of King's narrative device of having characters mirror each other's dialogue. The 2-part Superfriends story gets at some of the tension between Batman and Superman, as well as their admiration for each other. But almost the entirety of the first issue is Catwoman and Batman, and Lois and Superman, having parallel conversations. I think it's supposed to be revelatory, but it comes off as contrived.
What continues to make King's run worth the read are the character moments. Whether it's another great scene with Bruce's sons learning about his mission and engagement, Dick supporting Damian, or Bruce and Clark and Lois and Selina bonding, the connections between the characters feel real. And there's a fantastic moment where Bruce and Clark team up to take down a mugger--this is who these guys are and it shows how well they work together and complement each other.
The first arc, The Rules of Engagement, find Batman and Catwoman journeying to Khadym, a fictional haven for all sorts of bad people, and one that no one may enter, per the rules created by Batman and the Justice League. But rules are for people other than Batman and Catwoman, so off they go. I'm not sure what kind of tone King was trying to strike in the first part. It opens with Catwoman shooting a foundering horse (because they're travelling over 12 hours in a desert), and then she and Batman exchanging endearments. I don't know if this was an attempt at humor, but it came off as unbelievably callous.
I really dislike the tendency of Batman writers (and fans) to fetishize Batman--the human who can beat anyone because he's so brilliant and well-prepared. In the world in which Batman lives, that's simply impossible. The only plausible explanation is that he is superhumanly intelligent. But that explanation can't be permitted because it would make him a metahuman, which defeats the concept of why Batman is impressive.
I had thought King less likely to fall into that trap, but not only does he have Batman do something that no one else (even the Martian Manhunter) can do
Spoiler
(hit a pitch from Superman and knock it out of the park)Spoiler
Throughout the fight, Talia narrates how incredibly well-trained and proficient she is--and it's clear that this isn't ego-maniacal ranting. Yet Catwoman doesn't simply hold her own--she beats her, all the while saying that she (Catwoman) has only picked up a sword 3-4 times (including this one). It would be fine if Catwoman beat Talia using her other skills--her agility, speed, willingness to fight in an "underhanded" fashion--but the resolution of this fight is just a way to make Batman seem more awesome through the reflected glory of his awesome fiancee.I am becoming a bit tired of King's narrative device of having characters mirror each other's dialogue. The 2-part Superfriends story gets at some of the tension between Batman and Superman, as well as their admiration for each other. But almost the entirety of the first issue is Catwoman and Batman, and Lois and Superman, having parallel conversations. I think it's supposed to be revelatory, but it comes off as contrived.
What continues to make King's run worth the read are the character moments. Whether it's another great scene with Bruce's sons learning about his mission and engagement, Dick supporting Damian, or Bruce and Clark and Lois and Selina bonding, the connections between the characters feel real. And there's a fantastic moment where Bruce and Clark team up to take down a mugger--this is who these guys are and it shows how well they work together and complement each other.