After the reveal at the end of last month's issue of Batman, fans expected some major payoff this month as the Dark Knight and Superman become locked in a bitter struggle. This issue definitely delivers, and kicks off in style with Batman and a brainwashed Superman going at it in epic fashion, courtesy of Joker. Superman isn't pulling his punches either. He's out to kill Batman, and it takes everything in Bruce's power to prevent him from doing so.
At first it looks like Batman is winning, as he punches Superman with an armored gauntlet filled with the remains of dead red suns. Yes, dead suns. From space. That doesn't faze Superman for too long, however. Batman eventually plays the old kryptonite card (although in a unique way) and takes Superman down for the count.
Then come the questions. How did Joker survive? Why did he take out the Justice League? What is he planning? Nobody knows for sure, but it's big, so Bruce sets out to learn more about the Joker and discover his next move. Of special importance is the fact that Superman, controlled by the Joker, was out to kill Bruce, not maim him or prevent him from saving the ones he loved. Bruce notes that where at one time the Joker viewed Batman as a friend in a twisted way, this latest scheme by the madman is something else entirely. Joker didn't appreciate Batman tossing him off that cliff at the end of the "Death of the Family" storyline, and now he's back and more serious than ever before.
Bruce's investigation takes him to Arkham Asylum and to the Joker's longtime jail cell. I won't spoil what comes next, but I can honestly say I didn't expect things to move so quickly, and the reveal towards the end of the book is beautifully set up. Writer Scott Snyder continues to do great work, diving into Batman's mind to learn what he's thinking. He also understands the relationship between the Joker and Batman better than most. It's that understanding which makes "Endgame" a pleasure to read, and it will no doubt only continue to shine as the arc moves forward in next month's issue.
When it comes to Greg Capullo's art, there isn't much to elaborate on; the man is simply a genius. He does a stellar job here, with some impressive close-ups of the bloodied, Joker-crazed Clark Kent in particular that are legitimately unsettling. Just like last month, a side story involving the Joker's plans for Gotham also appears in this issue, and shows how the Joker is influencing the minds of a group of mentally unstable inmates. The tale is certainly a grim one and goes well as a companion piece to the main story.
The stakes continue to get higher and higher with each issue of "Endgame," and if this installment is any indication, #37 is going to be a must-read for any Bat fan.
Story
★★★★½
Art
★★★★☆
Overall
★★★★½
