Batman #35

Writer: Tom King
Artist: Joelle Jones

Before Reading:

The Rules of engagement storyline has seen Batman and Catwoman head to Khadym to confront Talia Al Ghul in regards to her harboring of Holly Robinson who is wanted for the murder of 237 people. Meanwhile the Wayne kids (Dick, Damian, and Jason) have learned of the engagement and Dick and Damian have also come to Khadym to confront their Father and future Step Mom (that is crazy to type!) Last issue ended with Talia and Catwoman ready to square off one on one. We pick up from there.

During Reading: 

The story picks up literally right where we left off. Catwoman and Talia have already entered battle and the real fun has begun with this story. For the majority of the issue we are treated to a dialogue heavy fight. However, the creators moves us out of the intense fight to catch up with Dick and Damian as they contemplate their part in all of this. Both Catwoman and Talia have some really great points and even better rebuttals. By the time the issue wraps up, some characters have changed their views of one another and there is a really nice moment with Damian.

After Reading:

With this issue bringing this arc to a close, we got pretty much what was expected from a fight between Batman's current love, and his fiery former ex. Through a detailed fight scene, we learn how Talia currently feels about Bruce and more specifically, how she feels about Bruce's new fiance Catwoman. King expertly handles the talkative fight. The women go back and forth on Bruce, but they also size each other up and compare their own prowess. This makes for one of the more entertaining parts of the issue.

Joelle Jones finishes up this arc on art duties and I will say I really enjoyed Jones' storytelling abilities. Specifically, the fight scenes from this issue and the last are drawn really well as they play out. I have to say that Catwoman's eyes are piercing in this issue and it feels like it was done this way to show her determination and passion for the man she loves.

Batman #35 wraps up the "Rules of Engagement" story line and does so with having accomplished many things. It really sets up the series to tell even more interesting stories. With King's ability to write the Bat family so well, readers can really look forward to future stories with them and their future Step Mother Selina Kyle.

8.5/10

Talk-Fight!