REVIEW: Batman #8

Last month, Batman barely escaped the clutches of the Court of the Owls. Just when we all thought everything had finally calmed down in Gotham City, a gang of Talon assassins invades Wayne Manor...and the Bat Cave. The Night of the Owls begins!

The secret is out!

Writer Scott Snyder's Night of the Owls crossover event starts in Batman #8, another superb, suspenseful and exciting issue. Bruce Wayne/Batman has made it home (alive) to Wayne Manor to rest and recover following a week trapped in the Court of Owls grueling maze. There's clearly no rest for the weary, as the Court has set their eyes on Bruce Wayne.

The suspense in this issue just doesn't let up, and as with most of Snyder's books I found myself quickly turning the page. As the Owls invade Wayne Manor, Bruce and Alfred have no choice but to retreat to the depths of the Batcave. The two soon discover that the Court has set their Talon assassins loose on Gotham City, targeting not only Bruce Wayne but a number of Gotham's elite and powerful. 

"Trapped" and outnumbered in the Batcave, Alfred gets the signal from Bruce to alert the "family" of the Court's plans, as readers are treated to welcome cameos of Nightwing, Robin, Red Robin, Red Hood, Batgirl, and the Birds of Prey. (I don't think I'm alone, but that two page spread gave me goosebumps!) The Night of the Owls has indeed begun, but not if Batman and the rest of Gotham's protectors have anything to say about it. Squeeee!!

Bruce and Alfred trapped in the armory

To put it bluntly, I cannot wait for what happens next!! It'll be interesting to see how Batman and Alfred deal with the cave being overrun by Talons, but they are on Batman's home court so it should be a fun fight. As with last month's issue, it might also be a good idea to pick up Nightwing #8, which is actually a prelude to the Night of the Owls event.

Also, a tip of the hat to Greg Capullo for that awesome cover. The variant is beautiful yes, but it's not often that a comic book cover actually illustrates what happens in the book itself. :P

THE GOOD: A great opening act to what will likely be a very memorable event. Scott Snyder is excellent at building suspense and has kept this book going superbly strong already eight issues in. Excited for the next chapter!

THE BAD: It's a minor complaint, and I'm actually a fan of both Greg Capullo and Rafael Albuquerque, but I don't like when art changes right in the middle of a comic book. Then again it is a larger sized issue. Meh.

FINAL VERDICT: A

When Batman calls for help...