Batman: Europa

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The art is the reason to pick this one up, as it enhances an enjoyable three star Batman story to a four. It does some things for the pacing that some may not like (more on that in the bit), but for me, it gives the book a true re-read value.

Batman and the Joker are both infected with the same virus, given a time limit they are forced to work together to find the cure and whoever it was that infected them.

When we last left our heroes, they failed to save Nina, and a man who dressed as the amalgamation of Joker and Batman had left them a clue in the form of burning coals. If instead you are looking for a fun take on Batman and the Joker having to work together as a team, then you're in the right frame of mind for this one. Otherwise, the more casual reader can probably skip it—unless you want to see a beautiful portrait of Europe through two very demented perspectives. Sure, there were some good parts, the fact that the Joker and Batman were "working" together was a cool idea. To make it even more interesting though, Paris is also the Joker's favorite city they visit (opposite viewpoints coming to the same conclusion yet again.

The basic outline for the story is, Batman and The Joker have both been infected with a virus and only have one week to live. They’ve both been infected with a virus and the solution is really stupid… I mean I figured it out in the first chapter of the story and yet the world's greatest detective had to have his hand-held and told the solution. If one is looking for a great Batman story, something along the lines of The Long Halloween, they will probably be disappointed. Ein Comic mit einer Menge Potential, nicht nur wegen der beiden zusammengeführten Figuren, sondern auch wegen der neuen Kulisse. Seriously, this is like looking at the Ark of the Covenant: you can’t avert your gaze even as it kills you.For me, the story isn’t over until Batman drops Joker at Arkham– the guy’s just too clever for me to believe there are no further complications. Seriously, if you thought that Batman likes to wax poetic about Gotham, one thing is clear after reading this issue. And while the story takes four chapters to set the stage for this question, it’s already answered it by having Batman team up with the Joker. The Dark Knight is finally facing an enemy that even he can t defeat a deadly, custom-engineered virus that will drive him mad and then kill him within a week.

That right there should tell you the idea behind the plot which is a long time Bat villain pulling all the strings until the final reveal.

No offense to the other artists, but as a 90’s Marvel kid, I was only interested in this series for my artistic hero’s work. With a quick history lesson at the beginning of each issue to introduce the latest country they’re about to visit, the story escalates and explores deeper into the psyche of both our characters. Then again, this has been gestating for so long, maybe those pages pre-date the New 52 (which launched in 2011)? The Bat and the clown must work together, to find who did this to them and of course to find the cure.

Matteo Casali and Brian Azzarello seem intent to show off their knowledge of Berlin and then have to hurry to finish up the issue.It’s extremely dark and reminded me of Dave McKean’s work in Arkham Asylum, the book he did with Grant Morrison in the ‘80s.