By Cat Wyatt

Batman issue number 45 starts off a whole new plot, though it’s worth noting that in a warped way this all still has to do with the buildup towards the wedding. This is one of those issues where you kind of have to take a moment, breathe, and let it run its course until everything is explained. So please do bear with me! The cover should give you a pretty idea of how skewed things have become (for one reason or another) in this issue, as Batman is screaming for the death of Blooster Gold.

Before I continue, I just want to take a minute for a quick side trip. The second page of this issue covers on it, so I shall as well. DC is celebrating their eighty years of publishing, and this image is one of the ways they’re commemorating it, which is pretty cool (I’m not sure if that would affect the collectors’ value at all – I’d have to look it up). Anyway, happy eighty years DC

Things start off pretty weird…which considering the cover we’ve already seen is saying something. Hal Jordan (whom is on earth for one reason or another – though I personally would like the details on that bit as well) is not acting like himself…in fact if I was forced to hazard a guess, I’d say that Hal Jordan is acting a lot like one would expect him to, should he be affected by any number of the Joker’s gases…which is pretty bad, to say the least.

Here we see Hal going on and on about the green lantern rings (okay, that bit isn’t all that different, but humor me) and how they’re programmed to prevent the user from hurting themselves (interesting tidbit, but it makes sense; a trainee could do a lot of damage to themselves unintentionally). Like most programming, there’s a way to override it, and in the green lanterns case that would be by using more will. So in essence in order to hurt oneself with the green lantern ring one would have to be really really determined to do so. Which apparently Hal is.

This scene is odd and understated (it could have been a lot worse, when you stop and think about it) and does a terrifying job of setting the tone. I’m almost afraid to turn the page. But of course I can’t resist; and what do I find but Blooster Gold watching the events unfold (and we’re not really spared the imagery of it, as his glasses are mighty reflective).

I think most people would be confused to come upon a scene like this, so I don’t blame Blooster (as I’m affectionately going to call him from now on – I swear it isn’t laziness) for any confusion he’s feeling. Nor do I blame him for finding the whole thing intense (it is). I do blame him for finding it somewhat awesome however. Especially since he hasn’t actually checked to see if Hal is okay. But I digress.

That odd introduction is how Blooster is brought into this issue, believe it or not. At least the strange events made him decide he needed to go find Batman (a logical choice whenever shit hits the fan). However, a quick chat with Skeets (his adorable droid whom I swear I’m not going to get overly attached to…aw who am I kidding, I’m already in love with the little guy!) a new scenario is being made clear. Skeets is blaming Blooster for what is happening. Which is odd, because I doubt the Blooster gassed Hal, but what do I know?

So now that introductions have been made, it’s time to see what everyone else is up to. Tim Drake is apparently working at Wayne Engineering? He looks a little too bored for him to be undercover, but I could be wrong. The doofus behind him regaling us with the story of a murdered woman and a dead Joker is way to calm, considering the circumstances. I don’t know what is going on here, but I don’t think I like this world (also, it totally reminds me of Batman Beyond, which I kind of like – but I doubt we’re crossing the streams here, so to speak).

The bat signal is busted, and based on the response to its repair (er…Blooster imitating it with his hands, that is) I can see why. Unless I’m gravely mistaken (please note my mild sarcasm here), normally when one lights up the bat signal help arrives…not a pissed off Batman looking for blood.

Now for the sake of honestly I’m not really sure what is going on here. There’s a chance that Blooster deserves this, but I doubt it. Batman doesn’t typically go after people with lethal force (though I guess I can’t say for certain that he is, since Blooster is still alive…for now). He certainly seems to be giving it his best though.

Even the revelation that the man behind the mask isn’t Bruce Wayne doesn’t ease my confusion (and before you ask, no it isn’t Terry). So this is Batman, but isn’t Bruce Wayne. That means we’re either dealing with the future (a messed up one) or an alternate reality (a very messed up one). All things considered, I’m not sure which I prefer, but I’m sure we’ll be finding out shortly.

Well Bruce Wayne is dancing with his very much alive mother…so I think we have our answer as to which set of events is actually occurring here. The question is why? And how does Blooster fit in with all of this?

The big reveal certainly explains a few things, such as how we came to this set of events (as well as being a gentle reminder of how the butterfly effect works) and how Blooster is involved with everything. I’m a little worried about how this whole thing is going to get sorted out, though I’m sure it will be in time for the wedding (or else I’m worried they’re won’t be a wedding? How much can some things change, while maintaining other elements?).

There’s clearly something very serious going on here, and there are a lot of heavy events that occur in this issue. I think the most dramatic for me is the introduction with Hal Jordan – that one absolutely set the tone for this whole plot. Obviously I hate seeing him get hurt, but it added the necessary impact for the scene. Meanwhile Blooster adds the very much needed comedic relief for the plot. It ends up balancing out, mostly.

I loved the artwork for this issue. I think out of all the panels, page 18 was probably my favorite. Blooster is dramatically (and in a somewhat silly manner) jumping through a window, leaving glass flying all around. It’s pretty, it’s dramatic, and it still has a comical tone to it despite everything else.

Score: 4/5

Batman #45
DC Comics