Geekscape Comics Reviews: “Batman Annual #1”
This week sees the release of “Batman Annual #1” from Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with art from Jason Fabok. Inside this annual we are (re)introduced to Mr. Freeze and “The New 52” take on the character has some very cool changes. Seeing as here at Geekscape we aren’t big fans of spoilers I shall do my best to dance around the big ones found in this issue. Here we go…
As the issue begins we are introduced to Victor Fries as a young boy in Nebraska as he is on his way to a snowman building contest with his mother. In typical comic book origin fashion an accident occurs. The story then jumps to the present day as we find Victor, now locked up in Arkham Asylum during the “Night of The Owls.” Mr. Freeze then orchestrates a pretty chiller and killer escape from Arkham, once free he sets his sights on Wayne Tower and seeking some good old fashioned vengeance. Along the way there is a flash-back sequence that shows us the origin of this new Mr. Freeze that involves Bruce Wayne and how he was directly involved in the accident that turned Fries into Freeze. He blames Bruce Wayne for keeping him from his beloved Nora and plans to make him pay. Back in the present, Mr. Freeze faces off against both Nightwing and Robin in the bowels of Wayne Tower, defeating both in short order. Batman shows up on the scene and the two fight, during which time a stunning new twist is revealed. At the end we are once again taken back to a young Victor, this last scene will leave you with chills, pun intended.
This issue is co-written by regular “Batman” writer Scott Snyder and he is joined by James Tynion IV, a former student of Snyder’s at Sarah Lawrence College. They have crafted a great story that takes full advantage of DC’s “New 52.” They have put an awesome spin Mr. Freeze’s origin as well as managing to tie the story into the “Night of The Owls” event currently spanning all of the Bat books.
Jason Fabok is the artist on-board for this icy tale. Prior to reading this I was unfamiliar with his work, but after seeing his gorgeous art I look forward to seeing more from him. His redesign of Mr. Freeze doesn’t depart too drastically from Freeze’s previous incarnations but is updated for the “New 52” world. His panel layouts are easy to follow and his fight sequences, especially Freeze’s escape from Arkham, are down-right cool (sorry, had to get another cold pun in there).
Peter Steigerwald colors in Fabok’s art and he colors the book with lots of blue, red and black. He baths the flashbacks almost all in blues that help set them apart from the rest of the book. His colors complement Fabok’s art beautifully and helps distinguish this Annual from the ongoing “Batman” book and drive home the point of this issue. This is not Batman’s story, it’s Mr. Freeze’s.
“Batman Annual #1” is not only a great read but is also great way for DC to kick-off the first of their “New 52” Annuals. If the rest of DC’s Annuals are as well handled as this one fans are in for a treat.
Score: 9.5/10
