It is onerous to overstate the impression of Dwayne McDuffie on the DC Universe. He wrote and produced iconic animated collection like Justice League Limitless, created beloved characters like Static, co-founded the creation of Milestone Media, and wrote numerous comics for numerous characters which earned him a complete of three Eisner nominations via his profession. With a legacy like that, it is fairly tough to zero in on only one factor to learn—and relaxation assured, you can just about throw a dart at McDuffie’s bibliography and provide you with some wonderful tales—however I’m right here at the moment to speak about one in all my favorites. It is referred to as Batman: Blink, and although yow will discover it collected as a commerce now, it was initially printed in Batman: Legends of the Darkish Knight #156-158 and #164-167.
The Premise:
Blink is an efficient ol’ usual detective story for Batman and Gordon, that includes a mysterious serial killer stalking the streets of Gotham. Bruce is working alongside the GCPD to attempt to put the items collectively when one thing unusual occurs—a blind man by the identify of Lee Hyland arrives at one of many homicide scenes someday and inadvertently makes himself a suspect.
However naturally, there’s extra to it than simply dumb luck or fateful accidents. It seems Hyland has a outstanding skill to see via the eyes of the folks he touches. It does not final eternally—just some hours, perhaps a day. But it surely finally permits him a window into their lives. After all, that is Gotham, so Hyland’s been utilizing his reward to rip-off folks till he winds up utilizing it on the fallacious individual and witnesses a homicide. That is how and why he arrived on the scene, however now he has to persuade Batman and Gordon he isn’t responsible and assist make them the actual killer.
The Expertise:
We already talked about McDuffie’s legacy, so it will not shock you to know that this e book is fantastically written, however McDuffie’s scripts are elevated by the strains and coloration of an outstanding writing and coloring crew. Val Semeiks, Dan Inexperienced and James Sinclair be part of forces throughout the problems. Their work brings a vivid, graphic look to the grit and dirt of an in any other case noir story. This e book seems to be and looks like pure, early-aughts Batman—and we imply that in one of the best ways doable. Additionally, Mind Stelfreeze offered the covers for the problems, so ensure you do not miss out on them.
A Few Causes to Learn:
- In case you like Batman because the World’s Biggest Detective, look no additional. That is your quintessential Batman thriller, with fascinating twists, a (largely) grounded taste, and loads of moments that may maintain you guessing to the very finish. It additionally introduces a handful of name new, very colourful characters to populate the story. They is probably not main gamers just like the Joker or Catwoman, however they’re actually memorable!
- McDuffie’s work on animated TV exhibits earns numerous well-deserved reward, however this story drives dwelling his ability as a author in a model new means. In case you solely know him from issues like Static Shock or Justice League Limitless, that is the right stepping stone to bridge the hole.
- On the lookout for a Batman story that requires completely no catching up? Look no additional! This Weekend Escape is precisely that—you do not have to be caught up on any present storylines and it requires no prior information of any form of continuity. You can begin from absolute zero and nonetheless get pleasure from each web page.
- Have you ever already learn and memorized different basic Batman mysteries like Hush or The Lengthy Halloween and now need one thing that may supply up the identical pulp-y true crime vibes? Give Blink a shot!
Why We Assume You may Love It:
There actually is nothing higher than a superb Batman homicide thriller and this one’s acquired all the pieces anybody might ask for: grisly murders, hard-boiled detective motion, loads of strange surprises that solely a metropolis like Gotham can ship, all wrapped up in a punchy, simply digestible shell. Blink is a Batman e book for everybody, from model new readers who’ve perhaps solely seen the animated TV exhibits or watched a film or two, to very long time veterans who need to fill within the gaps of their information. It is the very definition of a Weekend Escape—good for a quiet Saturday or Sunday night at dwelling.
Batman: Blink by Dwayne McDuffie, Val Semeiks, Dan Inexperienced and James Sinclair is out there via bookstores, comedian retailers, libraries and digital comedian retailers. It can be learn in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Mason Downey writes about comics, motion pictures, TV and the historical past of superheroes for DC.com. Search for extra of his writing on IGN, GameSpot and Polygon, and observe him on Twitter at @rustypolished.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this function are solely these of Mason Downey and don’t essentially mirror these of DC Leisure or Warner Bros.
