Issue Review: Batman #8

I don't usually like to review Single Issues, much less when its in the middle of a story arc or just randomly in the middle of the series.
As a reviewer and comic book store clerk, I feel that it's my responsibility to tell you about Batman #8. The series up to this point has been great, especially issue #5, but as far as the story goes, this particular issue launches the story and action upwards. If I could give this issue a subtitle, it would be "The one where the shit hits the fan!"

Officially titled "Attack on Wayne Manor", this issue portrays everything I've loved about the series. The dialogue and story flow is great. The action is fantastic and well paced without disrupting the flow of the story. Scott Snyder is quickly becoming my favorite comic book author, he has a great grasp on the characters, from Al's protectiveness of Bruce, to how obsessed Batman is with Gotham that he feels betrayed after learning about the Court of Owls. Capullo gives us great art that fits the title fantastically. As always, Rafael Albuquerque's art is a great treat in the follow up story presented at the end of the issue.

This issue pretty much gives us the catalyst into the Night of the Owls event that we've been expecting since issue 5, and it does it well. You start out by seeing Bruce Wayne still healing and still trying to piece together  how the Court has stayed hidden from him for so long, when the Talon's finally start attacking. Not just singular attacks mind you, this is an all out assault on Bruce and several of Gotham's influential citizens. Bruce is forced to hide in his Bat-Cave and regroup.

My complaints are few in this issue.When we switch to Albuquerque's art Alfred suddenly looks like a bartender out of the old west. His mustache gets too thick too fast. My other complaint is that when you finish the main story, it tell you to wait until the next installment, but the next installment is just a page turn away, why do this in the first place?

Overall, I give this issue 5 bat-punches-to-face out of 5.
A real roller-coaster of action, story and bad-assery!
Pick it up, and pick up everything before it while you're at it.

Batman #8 is published by DC Comics at 3.99 (and 4.99 for a digital combo pack).
Pick it up and let them know that Aldo Approves!