Writers: Derek Fridolfs (Surgeon’s General)
Paul Dini (Three’s a Crowd and Glacial Speed)
Art: Pete Woods, Al Barrionuevo, and Jimbo Salgado
Cover Art: Brandon Badeaux
Publisher: DC Comics
Batman created by Bob Kane
The Batman Arkham Unhinged comics are taken right out of the Arkham City game. The purpose is to inform you about how these characters met and why they are important to the game. Issue #4 has three stories focusing on different characters. The story, Surgeon’s General, deals with the effect of Batman on the inmates of Arkham. In Three’s a Crowd, we learn that Harley doesn’t like to share Mr. J with anyone, and in Glacial Speed, we learn a little more about Freeze’s determination to be with his wife again.
This issue begins with one of the Jokers retelling his experience with the Batman. What I love is the story pays tribute to the Miller classic, The Dark Knight. The other inmate’s stories of several similarities to different Batman stories any Bat fan will catch as they read the story. I really enjoyed it.
The second story, Three’s a Crowd, shows Harley at odds with the puppet Scarface. Scarface has taken the fun out of her relationship with Mr. J, at least in her fragile mind. Harley’s jealously is so great that it brings her to commit murder, well, sort of. But the Joker doesn’t hold a grudge and has the last laugh as always.
The last story is called, Glacial Speed. This story goes into a little more detail about Freeze’s mission to reunite with his wife. In his way is the Batman as well as Hugo Strange. Hugo has hidden Nora and will return her to Freeze if he does work for him first. Freeze takes the deal and vows to be with his beloved very soon. This story lets you get in the head of Freeze, which I think is important to understand what drives him.
First of all let me say the cover by Brandon Badeaux is awesome! The writing of Fridolfs and Dini is breathtaking, and the art of Woods, Barrionuevo, and Salgado is astonishing. I really loved this issue. All the stories are great, but my favorite is Surgeon’s General. I give this comic a rating of 9 out of 10. It is a must for any Batman fan, comic or video game related. If you like the Bat, you will enjoy this comic.
