Apparently issues #1-9 of The New 52's Batman The Dark Knight sucked, but I wouldn't know because I jumped on at #10 when writer Gregg Hurwitz came on board. It was easy for me to jump in and I was impressed by its mature Scarecrow-centric story but I wasn't blown away. This issue ups the ante with a very entertaining issue that will have me digging into my wallet each month as long as the quality stays consistent to what #11 delivers.
Scarecrow is capturing children and torturing them with a gas that makes them very fearful, and did the same to Commissioner Gordon as to stall persecution by the police. It's really quite horrifying and surprisingly dark for a T-rated book. These kids leave having symptoms similar to children that undergo sexual abuse and it's quite heartbreaking. Like last issue, there is a tear-jerking scene in which Batman very gently talks to a little girl who was a victim to Scarecrow. It's very effective.
There's a scene towards the beginning in which Bruce Wayne has to turn down time with his girlfriend to investigate the capture of the Commissioner, which is a good subplot to show how obtrusive Bruce's second life is. There are evil folks like Scarecrow abusing children and capturing Gordon: Bruce surely doesn't have time for a girlfriend. Does any superhero?
David Finch's art works very effectively for the type of story that is being told. The detailed, expressive, and dark artwork is equal parts impressive and gloomy. The two-page spread of the Batmobile a few pages in is a highlight, second only to the disturbingly-drawn Scarecrow.
The issue ends on a frightening scene that puts Batman in a very vulnerable position for issue #12. It's a great read. It looks great, nails a dark tone, and tackles mature subject matter effectively.
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