Batman: The Mask in the Looking-Glass in our comic review – Ntower Tower

Usually, reviews of superhero comics from the Marvel universe or DC Comics are rarely found here, but we sometimes make an exception, for example when a new Batman movie starts in cinemas. A big problem for new readers of every universe is continuity. What do I need to know to match the character and understand the background? Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have had their adventures for over 70 years. It is simply impossible to know all the characters and backgrounds.

For this reason, major publishers keep making reruns so that new readers also get a good entry point. Another possibility is the so-called “single shot”, where artists, separated from any continuity, tell a story in a small frame. This story is then reduced to a few issues or a paperback, without starting a big fence story.

Now coming to stores as part of the DC Comics Black Label series, Batman: The Mask in the Looking Glass is a reimagining of Batman that’s worthwhile for newcomers who recently watched the new movie The Batman starring Robert Pattinson. Under the Black Label, leading artists have created great works in the ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ tradition. Very independent comics for connoisseurs, newcomers, and casual readers. Usually no prior knowledge is required here, and the stories are designed in such a way that they have nothing to do with the current continuity of DC Comics or the corresponding characters. In the case of Batman, you don’t need to study 80 years of comic history or know the current state of Batman comics. This has the advantage that corresponding authors and illustrators can unleash their imagination and not limit their creativity by the similar weight that the character brings with it.

This anthology now contains the three singles released by Maske im Spiegel, which were already available as singles albums in stores last year. The premise is similar to the current movie, though not entirely new in the history of Batman. We meet a relatively young Bruce Wayne who may be in his early or mid-twenties and has his own problems with Gotham City and Gotham City. New to Gotham City as Batman, he’s been chasing crime, but he’s made a name for himself and made corrupt cops and criminals uncomfortable. In the world of Maske im Spiegel, Commissioner Gordon is no longer active, but we haven’t found out for sure.

Now, Batman’s doubling has appeared in town, killing criminals in front of Gotham City’s security cameras. One day, Bruce Wayne manages to get into Dr. Save Leslie Tompkins. She is a doctor and a former friend of Bruce’s parents. She is horrified when she finds out that Bruce is Batman’s alter ego and takes care of him without reporting him to the police. In the conversations it turns out that Bruce Wayne in the role of Batman does not kill these criminals, but rather kills a double. Meanwhile, a dedicated police officer named Blair Wong sets out to find the Batman killer and falls under the allure of billionaire Bruce Wayne. An interesting case unfolds as Half of the City is looking for Batman, including Bruce Wayne as Batman himself.

Gorgeous graphics and an exciting story

The Mask in the Mirror is a thrilling, well-told story that leaves open until shortly before the end who hides behind another Batman costume. Written by director Mattson Tomlin (including Netflix’s “Project Power”) and directed by illustrator Andrea Sorrentino (Joker: Killer Smile, Gideon Falls), backed here in brilliant color by Jordi Belair (Moon Knight, Batgirl).

I love the place and that the story is about a criminal case, after all Batman has its origins in Detective Comics. Stories like this always have a rock in my tablet, especially when you get straight to the heart of the matter and the reader throws it right in. Backing up this really cool artwork by Andrea Sorrentino, it’s so close to reality that it sometimes left me speechless. As a reader, you have to reorient yourself on every page because there is almost no classic board arrangement. This is confusing at first, but once you step in, you’ll realize that a lot of thought has been put into it. Exciting and exciting at the same time, because as a reader you don’t know what to expect on the next page. Plus, there’s a gorgeous coloring by Jordi Beeler, who finds a suitable color arrangement for Gotham here in darker pastel hues. For me a great overall package with a coherent Batman story. I’d love to read more from this creative team.

If you want to see Batman: The Looking Glass artwork for yourself, you can even find a trailer for the comics here:

Batman: The Mask in the Mirror anthology published by Panini Comics, ISBN: 978-3741627040, paperback, 172 pages, €19

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Our online magazine ntower is a member of the affiliate networks Amazon PartnerNet, Awin, Webgains, Media Markt E-Business GmbH and Saturn online GmbH. If you order via one of our affiliate links, we receive a variable commission from the respective store operator. There are no additional costs for end customers.