Batman #13
"Knock Knock"; "Tease"
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
October 2012
DC Comics


This issue kicks off the Death of The Family arc with a foreboding setup... without spoiling what happens, Scott Snyder has always been the type of writer who brings things full circle with pretty much every single issue I've read of his, so you'll know what I'm talking about once you've read the issue. It's creepy and freaking fantastic!

You can tell that Snyder has an academic background/sincere love for creating endearing and expositional narratives. Not that that's a bad thing (although some might think so) but I personally love it. Scott has developed a style of his own so well now that he doesn't seem overly wordy or lengthy in what it is he's trying to convey in his 20-page stories. He has become such a strong, tight writer and he is capable of keeping things short and sweet, while simultaneously building a momentum of terror.

Scott creates plot threads that work well within the smaller confines of the issue itself, as well as the grand scale of the entire arc. This is definitely an issue (and those that will follow it I imagine) that deserves multiple readings, not only to fully understand and appreciate everything that's occurring, but also because it's so well-written that it will make you want to read it over again right after you've finished.

A lot happens in this issue, but the events in the narrative never feel poorly paced or thrown in. Without spoiling anything, there are at least six different scenes in this issue (in "Knock Knock"), if not more that include well over ten main/supporting characters (not all at once folks). It sounds like a lot but despite this, the story functions extraordinarily well and we get glimpses of horror, action, and some more horror and a tiny bit more action. Solid character development is a given for any Snyder story, and Batman #13 is no exception. Joker is built up tremendously, and in a way that is not unfamiliar with that of the treatment of the shark in Steven Spielberg's "JAWS." The Joker is obviously in this comic, but for the majority of the issue he is not seen, at least not in the light, which helps to create the sense of terror and brooding that people have come to expect from masterfully crafted horror stories, films, and now, comics. This shouldn't come as a surprise, but for anyone who is not reading comics and/or not aware of the Joker's recent happenings in the New 52, he willingly had his face removed by the Dollmaker back in September 2011's "Detective Comics #1", and that continuity is still in effect throughout this arc. It's not much of a spoiler as it's not a main part of the story/plot, but the choice to keep Joker hidden in the darkness is a smart and conscious choice made by Snyder and Capullo (and the rest of Team Batman) that effectively has the reader at the edge of his or her metaphorical (and perhaps physcial) seat.

For hardcore Batfans out there, there are plenty of guest appearances in this story and it appears that these characters will continue to be portrayed in this flagship title for the remainder of the arc. So far, Snyder writes each of these characters relatively well but it's hard to properly judge since their presence is only minimal thus far. It's a nice treat though for those interested in these sort of things and it surely will make your inner fanboy smile and blush with glee.

The artwork department is fabulous and really deserves more mention in this review. I'm not very well versed in how creating visual artwork goes, so I won't spend a lot of time trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about, but from what I gather, it is pencilled, inked, and coloured spectacularly. Capullo has come to be known for his signature style on Spawn and as of late, Batman, but he could not have this credit without the wonderful inker Jonathan Clapion and the equally talented colourist FCO Plascencia. To me, when I first saw Capullo and team's artwork back in Batman #1, I wasn't sure if I liked it or not (I was also new to comics so I wasn't familar with any one particular artist's style). Now, having read comics religiously for fifteen months, Capullo is THE definitive Batman artist to me. His style has the same impact that the Animated Series had on me as a child. Whenever Snyder and Capullo choose to finish their run (which thankfully won't be for a long time), I will be able to identify Greg Capullo's art style as the classic Batman of my generation. I imagine that when I'm flabulous and forty, I'll recall the good ol' days of the Snyder/Capullo Batman run and remember how incredibly bombastic it was in terms of both writing and illustrations.

There is a backup story entitled "Tease" that compliments the feature, and is written by Snyder and his prodigy James Tynion IV with artwork by Jock. Quickly summing that up, it feels necessary to explaining some background work of "Knock Knock" and is a memorable backup story that does not feel like it has been shoved in to make an extra dollar per issue. I won't say anymore than this, but it has a really creepy premise featuring the Joker and another famous villain that will surely manifest butterflies in your stomach. Jock's rendition of the Joker is creepy in its own right and is a nice addition to the new look he sports.

The main story concludes with a gut-wrenching (is there a dash or no dash? not sure how this word is spelled) cliffhanger that will break your heart as well as someone else's bones. It's difficult to say what, if anything, will come of what happens, but knowing Scott Snyder, ANYTHING is possible. Excellent introduction to Death of the Family, and I highly recommend this comic book to any Batfan who either reads or doesn't read comics.

Story: 4.5/5
Art: 4.5/5