By James LeBeau

Paul Dini steps aside for an issue as former Detective writer Peter Milligan (also known for his work on X-Force/X-Static) takes the helm to put to rest the origin of the mysterious armor given to Batman by Talia Al Ghul during the Resurrection of Ra’s Al Ghul storyline.

In yet another brilliant one-shot, we see a Batman that is struggling for control against an almost blinding, uncharacteristic rage that he attributes to his new armor, called the Suit of Sorrows. Ever the detective, Bats undergoes a quest to discover the history of the suit, a quest that takes him from the streets of Gotham city to the snowy mountaintops of the French Alps. Milligan really excels in his portrayal of Batman’s search for answers; both in the physical sense and an introspective one. I really loved the glimpse inside Bat’s head that this issue offered. His sense, no his need for self-control is brought to the forefront as he is challenged with his own humanity. The story may have no long term impact but it is one of those needed ones that really help to flesh out the character.

Something else you can take from this ish is that if you needed any proof of the relevance of the upcoming mega events of Final Crisis and the Batman R.I.P. storyline due to start in the other Batman title, then look no farther than this book. Despite enjoying these one-shots immensely, it’s obvious that this title is in a sort-of ‘stand by’ mode, offering interesting yet uneventful short stories that show no major change in the next few issues. Depending on your take on the recent events in this mag, this is either a good thing or a bad. Personally, I don’t mind it at all as long as the quality stays up to the standards placed by the last two issues.

Writer: Peter Milligan
Pencils: Dustin Nguyen
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $2.99

CRAVEONLINE RATING: 8 out of 10