A Comprehensive Review of the City of Bane: Why It Failed as a Batman Story

City of Bane is often a polarizing entry in the Batman comic book universe, where readers and critics alike have mixed opinions about its quality. As a dedicated Batman fan and an SEO professional, I aim to provide a detailed review of this particular storyline, discussing both its strengths and the aspects that made it a disappointment.

The Artwork: A Silver Lining

Among the few positive aspects of City of Bane, the art significantly stands out. Created by Tom King, known by some fans as a controversial choice for the Batman series, his art in City of Bane is uniformly praised. The visual style is impressive, with detailed backgrounds and expressive character designs that bring the Gotham City setting to life. This artwork is a stark contrast to the criticisms surrounding the storyline itself.

The Plot and Pacing: A Missed Opportunity

However, it is the plot and pacing that collapse under the weight of this storyline. One of the most criticized elements is the pacing and the inclusion of what some fans term as filler content. The narrative takes a dramatic detour when Catwoman offers Batman a solution to defeat Bane, only to go on a vacation for a substantial part of the story. This disrupts the narrative and creates a sense of frustration among readers, as our hero's journey is interrupted by trivial side events.

Flaws in Character Development and Plot Consistency

The character of Thomas Wayne, or Flashpoint Batman, is a significant source of annoyance. Thomas Wayne's transformation from an anti-hero with a good heart to a malicious villain is questioned on several fronts. His refusal to accept help and his unrealistic combat scenario where he overpowers the entire Bat-family with his age and injuries, add to the frustration. Additionally, the impetus for his villainy is particularly baffling. The idea that killing Alfred would make Bruce Wayne happy is illogical and poorly executed, making it difficult for readers to connect with the plot's emotional core.

The Climax: A Disappointing Resolution

The final showdown between Batman and Bane, particularly the ending, is perhaps the most disappointing part of the storyline. Instead of a tense battle, Batman breaks his back and then disposes of Bane by shooting, which feels like an anticlimactic resolution. Furthermore, the way Batman seemingly defeated Flashpoint Batman by mere dialogue and a single punch is absurd and diminishes the character's storied reputation for ferocity and determination. This moment felt like a missed opportunity to deliver a compelling and satisfying conclusion.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

Overall, City of Bane is a miss for the Batman universe. Despite the impressive artwork, the story's pacing issues, questionable character developments, and ultimately unsatisfying resolution combine to create a reading experience that is disappointing at best and frustrating at worst. Fans of Tom King and the Batman series may want to reevaluate their expectations regarding this specific storyline.

Rating

While the art alone keeps it from being a complete misfire, City of Bane receives a Two out of Ten from me. I recommend readers to approach this storyline with caution and consider exploring Batman comics from other creators for a more satisfying Batman experience.