comics

Batman #502 Recap

Last time, AzBat faced his government created opposite number.

Batman #502

Written by Doug Moench
Art by Mike Manley
Inks by Joe Rubenstein for pages 1-11
Lettering by Ken Bruzenak
Colors by Adrienne Roy
Edited by Jordan B. Gorfinkel & Denny O’Neil

AzBat and Mekros fight, with Jean-Paul using battle banter to sow seeds of doubt. Mekros gets away, but AzBat is confident that he got his hooks in.

Elsewhere, the CIA has caught wind that Mekros has popped up in Gotham and wants him taken care of.

Minor goof – this guy’s wearing an FBI badge when Mekros was a CIA Asset.

AzBat is listening in and recording the conversations with a parabolic microphone. He then eavesdrops on a conversation between the other two bosses about Mercante’s death as Mekros approaches – and whacks the other two bosses’ guards before saying the price has gone up.

AzBat presents the recordings he made to Commissioner Gordon. Gordon is not a fan of Batman’s new methods, but he does let AzBat know that the CIA has an interest in this assassin, and where to find their man.

At home, Jim talks to Sara about his suspicions that Batman literally isn’t the same person anymore.

To add insult to injury, Mayor Krol calls Gordon in to tell him he’s disavowing the police department and endorsing Batman

It’s interesting how this scene would have entirely different connotations if we were in Batman’s first year and Gordon wasn’t commissioner.

The CIA’s assassin tries to rob Mekros for his payroll, only for AzBat’s arrival distracting him, allowing Mekros to kill the killer and flee.

It’s interesting how this isn’t the “AzBat goes too far!” point. I’m assuming it’s mainly because Bruce hasn’t recovered yet, so he’s not in a position reclaim the mantle. Also, I just now noticed the roller blades.

AzBat chases Mekros into a grocery store, where they fight, with stray rounds from Mekros’ gun killing several bystanders.

Ultimately, Batman overcomes Mekros, and leaves him dangling by his armor by a meat-hook in the grocery store’s meat-locker.

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