In Review: Batman: Curse of the White Knight (2019-) #7

Synopsis: Bruce Wayne and Batman have come undone. Powerless after learning the truth behind his family’s name and legacy, Bruce prepares to shed all of his secrets and make one final appeal to the people of Gotham as Azrael takes control of the city.

Review: Sean Murphy steps things up as his story reaches a whole new level.

The Story

Having learned in the last issue that he wasn’t truly a member of the Wayne family and that his wealth has been stolen. Bruce does some serious soul searching and with some help from Harley Quinn. He makes a momentous decision to put himself at the mercy of Gotham’s citizens in the hopes that they will forgive him and allow him to be The Batman for one last mission. To bring Azrael in. Dead or alive!

The Artwork

It continues to impress me that Sean Murphy both writes and draws this story and am hoping that he will continue to do so because I’m really enjoying his take on Batman as well as the rather rough and ready art style that he has incorporated throughout the entire run of this series. Of course, Murphy’s art is enhanced greatly by the colorwork, which is done to wonderful effect by Matt Hollingsworth. I particularly enjoyed the final few pages of the issue, which sees Batman preparing to go after Azrael. The orange color wash that Hollingsworth provides really enhances the tension and the overall mood of a city that is lit up, but near deserted as two Knights prepare for battle.

Overall

This is a wonderful issue, which has lots of great moments in it. I loved the opening few pages where we see a flashback sequence of a young Bruce Wayne blaming himself for the murder of his parents. In this sequence, Bruce thinks that him wanting to see Zorro so he could learn how to use swords was why his parents were killed. We then see Alfred calm Bruce down and promise to teach him to use the swords safely.

Also really good was the dialogue between Bruce and Harley who helps him decide what his best course of action is.

Overall. A really good book, which sets things up beautifully for the coming fight with Azrael.