Book: Batwing volume #2: In The Shadow of the Ancients (issues #7-12 and #0) by Judd Winick with illustrations by Dustin Nguyen (issues #7 & 8) and Marcus To (issues #9-0)
Edition: Read the single print issues
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Review:
To me the strongest issues (#9-11 and 0) were the ones when Batwing (David Zavimbe) was on his own or getting just a little help from Nightwing. The other issues were good but not as good as those because the story felt crowed with unnecessary characters.
Issues #7 and 8 continued where the first volume left off with Batwing trying to stop Massacre from going after former superheroes who he feels have committed a horrible act. In these two issues the Batfamily (Batman, Robin, Batgirl and Nightwing) were there for assistance and the reader finds out the truth behind Massacre's motives and who's behind everything.
Issue #9 was a tie-in to the Night of Owls storyline, in this story David and his mentor/assistant Matu Ba were invited to a Gotham Batman Inc. gala along with Lucius Fox. Even though David really didn't want to go, it was a good thing he was there because one of the Owls' Talon assassins showed up.
Issues #10-12 had Batwing attempting to stop pirates but inadvertently stumbled upon an even deadlier crime with ties to one of Gotham's top criminals. With clues that lead Batwing and Nightwing to China, they were in the process of gathering information when they were attacked. While they were there, Batwing's assistant Matu Ba was experiences a horrific family tragedy but the worst of it was that the information and Matu's tragedy led them to a isolated stronghold in Africa. Justice League International were there to provide assistance.
Issue #0 told David's backstory of how he became a masked vigilante which eventually led to him becoming Batwing. Because although he was a police officer he felt like he wasn't making any real difference. He continued to see the corruption within the police department and criminals getting away due to bribes. David fed up, figured out a way that he could make a difference.
Although I thought this was a good group of issues, I felt like some scenes were over crowded with characters that didn't really need to be there. The appearance of the Batfamily felt like they were trying to pander to those fans who felt like Batwing should have a connection to Batman. It's obvious he does and didn't need the entire family to show up. The story also didn't need the appearance of the JLI which felt like another way to promote that series instead of actually adding to the story.
I wasn't disappointed reading this because Judd Winick is at his best when the focus is on Batwing and the story telling. David was great as Batwing and it makes me wonder why he was replaced later on in the series that's not a spoiler since DC announced who the replacement was going to be. They never can seem to keep their secrets a secret can they.
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