Batman gets into the holiday spirit.
Batman Annual #1 is one of those comics that sells itself on the strength of its ensemble cast. Where else can you buy a comic that features such an an impressive lineup of classic Batman creators and current favorites? None of the stories within are necessarily career-defining work, but the overall package offers a fun look at how the Batman family celebrate the holidays.
This issue opens with a new story from current Batman writer Tom King and rotating artist David Finch. The story essentially serves as a new origin story for Ace the Bat-hound, tracing the poor pup's journey from rejected Joker experiment to valued member of the Wayne household. Basically, if you've enjoyed Grant Morrison and Pete Tomasi's work with the Bat-pet menagerie, you'll be right at home here. King's script makes for a lighthearted alternative to his darker work on the main series, and one that's suitably heartwarming. It's not a story that caters especially well to Finch's storytelling strengths, but Finch is still able to convey the warm emotion of King's script.
Next up is tag-team effort from co-writers Scott Snyder and Ray Fawkes and artist Declan Shalvey. Snyder and Fawkes offer a very simple look at winter's evening where nothing seems amiss in Gotham for once. Optimistic as it is, this story has strong echoes of Snyder's final issue of Batman. Shalvey and colorist Jordie Bellaire are very much the standouts here. The script gives them ample opportunity to render dynamic figures in flight and capture the stark beauty of Gotham in winter.
The next story offers the most intriguing creative pairing, as writer Paul Dini teams up with Neal Adams for a brief Batman/Harley Quinn team-up. It's always great seeing Dini write his most famous co-creation again, and the dynamic between the carefree, holiday-loving Harley and the grim Batman is a hoot. It's also a treat seeing Adams render a distinctly pre-Flashpoint interpretation of Batman, external underwear and all. The fact that Adams inks and colors his own work is impressive, as well. Unfortunately, the storytelling falters during the story's linchpin scene, a montage of crime-fighting set to a Christmas Carol tune. The flow of the story is unclear and the panels often too cramped to properly convey what's going on.
Following that, Steve Orlando and Riley Rossmo reunite for an intriguing story that initially focuses on a clash between Batman and a goofy, winter-themed villain but eventually takes a darker turn. This story, at least, promises to have an impact on the franchise going forward, though in what books exactly remains to be seen. For his part, Rossmo proves once again what a great fit he is for the world of Gotham with his energetic page design and dynamic figures.
Rounding out this issue is one final tale from writer Scott Bryan Wilson and artist Bilquis Evely. This story cleverly divides itself in two, focusing on both an Arkham inmate breaking out to be with her true love and Batman dealing with their crime spree. The art is great about alternating between the two story threads, especially with Mat Lopes' colors drawing such a distinction between them. Unfortunately, the script loses its luster towards the end, suffering from an overly chatty portrayal of Batman and a generally abrupt, anticlimactic finish.
The Verdict
As with most anthology issues, the stories included in Batman Annual #1 are fairly uneven in quality. But there's plenty of enjoyment to be had as Batman and friends celebrate the winter season. And with everyone from Tom King to Scott Snyder to Neal Adams pitching in, it's hard to go wrong with this creative lineup.
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