We See What Could Have Been In Batman #63
by Tony Thornley
For the last few issues, we’ve been watching Batman fight nightmarish visions of his life. However, in Batman #63, we get a view of a much happier life and a look at what’s really going on in this arc.
Tom King, Mikel Janin, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles give us a glimpse of what could have been this issue.
Bruce Wayne is about to jump off the rooftop as a familiar voice stops him. It’s Selina, and she’s made it. We see the next few months of their marriage and their life, while Bruce sees glimpses of John Constantine, who warns him not everything may be as it seems…
This “what if” (I know, that’s the other guys) is at turns hopeful and heartbreaking. It’s great to see what Batman and Catwoman could have been as crime fighting partners, and also as husband and wife. However, the inevitable tragedy is also heart breaking. Constantine is the perfect presence to tell Bruce that something’s wrong, as his mercurial nature makes you hope he’s telling the truth but seeds doubt that he’s not.
Janin and Bellaire’s work are the perfect choice for this issue, considering their work on Batman #50. They’re incredible artists, but their presence also sells us on the reality of what’s happening, even as the presence of Constantine makes us doubt. Their work is what makes us believe that Bruce and Selina should be together, from the glances at each other, to the body language they share, to even small color cues around them. It’s a master class in comic craft.
This next stage of this Bat-epic has had the intended effect for sure. I’m as disoriented as Batman himself and I can’t wait to see where things go.
Batman #63 is available now from DC Comics.
