This comic review is about the Death of the Family story arc in the Bat titles available from DC Comics. Death of the Family follows the return of the Joker and his plans for the Bat family. This review covers Batman issues #13 and #14 as well as Batgirl #14. There are more stories in other Bat titles out on newsstands now, but I haven’t gotten my hands on them yet.
Death of the Family starts in Batman #13. Signs point that the Joker is back in town and that he wants to play. When you read these titles you will realize not only is the Joker back, but he is more insane than ever. As Batman tries to look at the clues to find the Clown Prince of Crime, Wayne Manor is paid a visit. When Alfred opens the door, none other than the Joker is there with a smile on his face.
In issue #14, we find Batman returning home to an empty house. While looking for Alfred, he comes across a “gift” addressed to Bruce Wayne. When he opens it he finds a tape. The tape has the Joker giving a clue to what his plans are. But that is not the only thing on the tape; he also hears the cries of a tortured friend. Bruce enlists the help of Nightwing to help catch the Joker. What happens next? You need to get this issue to find out.
Meanwhile in Batgirl #14, Barbara has received a phone call from her mother and she hears her mother’s cries for help as she is attacked in her own home. While Barbara is freaking out, she receives another call. This time the call is a clue to where her mother is. She suits up as Batgril to find her mother and save her. She does find the Joker but before she can do anything she realizes that he knows her secret, but she is also given a gift that shows how truly insane he has become.
I thought the Night of the Owls was a good strong story arc, but it has nothing on the Death of the Family story arc. This story is not only well written, but well drawn as well. Will someone in the Bat family die? How will this change Bruce’s life? Who knows? That is why I cannot wait to see what happens next. So far, all the issues in this story arc are rated a perfect score of 10.
Batman 13 & 14: Writer: Scott Snyder Pencils: Greg Capullo
Batman created by Bob Kane
Batgirl 14: Writer: Gail Simone Pencils: Ed Benes & Daniel Sampere
