Title: Batman #50
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: July 4, 2018
Price: $4.99
Written by: Tom King
Yesterday was Independence day for the United States; however, it was also a big day for the comic world. The wedding of Batman and Catwoman. Will Batman and Catwoman tie the knot or not. Fans claim that this issue was a hoax and a sham. I like many other anxious comic fans waited in line at the local comic store to receive my copy. Fortunately, the Coliseum of Comics also had the Alternate Cover Artist Alé Garza signing, and I did win an exclusive interview from him.
All the work and hype put into the article from the number of artists to the level of advertising kind of left the ending of the comic very disappointing. Beginning with both Catwoman and Batman making preparations for the wedding, witnesses, officiator, and venue, the Wedding issue has a unique writing technique. In and out of the story you read every two pages a continuing letter from each other to the other. At first, starting the letters, they are declaring their love for one another. You continue to see it grow and how they don’t want to live without the other. A page in the story that shows more emotion than the letter or actual topic of the story is when Bruce chooses Alfred as his witness.
Alfred inquires as to who he should call for the honor, Dick Grayson or Clark Kent, Bruce responds. ” I was just thinking it could be YOU, Alfred. IF you’re free. Since its BEEN the two of us. Since the BEGINNING. I cant do ANYTHING without you I NEVER could or will.”. All while still paying attention to his phone, Alfred leaps into Bruce’s arms with tears. The most inspiring and heartfelt moment, more so than Bruce and Selina’s kiss a few pages before.
Upon approaching the rooftop venue chosen for the wedding, Bruce and Selina look as if they have doubts they reveal the letter never sent to the other. The comic ends with no marriage and the last panel are Holly Robinson back at Arkum approaching and kneeling before a group of people. Bane at the center saying “The Bat is Broken.” With Joker, Riddler, Dr.Hugo Strange, and Batman from what looks to be the Thomas Wayne Universe. Leaving fans to question was everything in Batman’s life all the cause of Bane.
It can’t be, but the eerie image gives chills and no resolve. Fans stated, in interviews with me, that even though it was foreshadowed to be a possible ending of no marriage, they had hoped it would have happened. All efforts made for Batman and Catwoman to get married, breaking Holly Robinson out of Arkum Asylum as Catwoman’s’ witness and getting a drunk judge to sign all legal documentation leave us dazed and confused. It’s baffling why the end was the way it was.
Fan Freddy Rodriguez stated ” you know everyone is aware of Batmans drive ok. He needs his pain to be Batman. Catwoman is sultry and mysterious, but you know her, and they don’t know her, we all know it. I wanted to see them tie the knot, not some DC trick of had you going.” Freddy further explained his disappointment. He states he had no closure with this comic, after being so excited he was let down. I must agree. I was informed of #50 when the invitations listed for all the comics involving the wedding came out, and I pre-ordered the alternate artwork. I’m just amazed at why DC would leak the story only three days before, knowing its fan bases would be in an uproar.
The light at the end of the tunnel for me vanished when I purchased Catwoman to get further insight. The cover of this comic even states to read Batman “The Wedding” before reading this one. I continued reading Catwoman and again was left with confusion and disappointment.
Starting a week later and Selina is no longer in Gotham. She is gambling for money, and as she leaves her Pai Gow game, she is approached by police with news of her alias leaked. Attempting to arrest the playful and flexible “villain” they are left wounded with empty cuffs. When she reaches solitude and is comfortable where she is staying for a while, she reaches home with a package awaiting her. Containing her Catsuit with a letter from Alfred, “I took it upon myself to forward your belongings, as I am sure they will be missed.” -Pennyworth.
It is clear Selina has been underground and not been Catwoman while she’s been away. Bursting into tears, she is listening to a news report of her impostors gallivanting, suits up and is on the prowl. Apprehending the copycat is a priority for her to remain underground she needs the world to leave her be.
Verdict: All in all, I hope that Batman #51 and Catwoman #2 show us a more satisfying and less confusing end. Or at least some closure for Batman #50 and Catwoman#1. As I said before I feel shortchanged. Hoping for something as remarkable as Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle getting married and you get jipped. Hopes are still high the situation will be deemed necessary for the future.
Batman #50 Review
- The first storyline is well-told and unique
- Incredible Artwork
- Romance is there
- The ending was offputting
- Both Comics left you confused and unresolved
- Too much hype for nothing to happen
