Review: Batman #148

Chip Zdarsky gives us a rushed attempt to wrap up this version of Batman vs. Failsafe, this time w/ Zur-En-Arrh & the Bat-family in the mix. For all the time spent getting her, having things "settled" in one issue is cop out in order to clear the slate for Absolute Power's start.

We see Batman devisea a plan to defeat Failsafe after admitting he needs the Bat-family's help. Where have we seen that before? Oh, so many other Batman stories! It was interesting that the cover of the issue labels the battle as "Batman vs. Batman" when the emotional beat of the issue is Bruce trusting everyone else & Jason Todd being such a core part of the endgame. Worse, the final plan is so simple you'd have thought Bruce, who gleefully boasts that of course he has plan because "I'm Batman, aren't I?" would have thought it up several issues ago. I also find it to be extremely cheap when writers purposefully misdirect readers only to immediately explain things away via a flashback. It's a lazy plot device when you realize nothing else that you've included would indicate where you led readers & now you need to cover your tracks.

Perhaps the worst part of it all is that we know this really isn't the end for Failsafe. DC's marketing previously revealed Failsafe as one of the evil trinity, along with Amanda Waller and Brainiac, who will be the main protagonists of the Absolute Power event. And now they expect us to feel something over this ending? Sorry. Nope.

The art team attempts to save the issue with some amazing kinetic action sequences and character designs. Morey's colors specifically give the issue a visual identity that makes you want to stay invested in it all.

Overall, Batman #148 feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a satisfying payoff to the Batman vs. Failsafe storyline. Instead, it reads like a rushed clearing of the decks for DC's next big event.

Rating: 6/10