Batman #3

Of all the different versions of Batman, my favorite is the "World's Greatest Detective."

It's a skill that's usually underplayed, perhaps because it's difficult to write. Thee's nothing tougher that writing a smart character (except maybe comedy).

But that's the character we're seeing put to the test by writer Scott Snyder. Batman - and Bruce Wayne - are being menaced by an organization of Owls - and one of them almost succeeded in killing Wayne (and they're not done trying yet).

So Batman has to solve the mystery of where the Owl organization hides - no small task - and he has to learn more about that ancient organization that may have been controlling Gotham City for more than a century.

The art by Greg Capullo is wonderful and expressive, evoking the dark environments Batman thrives in and creating a living, breathing city that hides many secrets and dangers.

This one ends with a heck of a cliffhanger. This is the third strong issue in a row, and keeps this title as the best of the Bat-books and one of the better comics in the entire "New 52."

Grade: A-

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