It has been a while since we've seen an actual fight between Batman and one of his numerous foes. The past several issues of Arkham Knight have had Bruce Wayne dealing with the aftermath of Joker's death and the destruction of Arkham City. It hasn't left much time for battling super villains.
That changes this issue, as Harley Quinn tricks Batman into a potentially deadly confrontation with one angry Killer Croc hiding in the depths of Joker's old hideout.
If Batman wants to save his friend, he is going to have to get past Killer Croc to do so. The battle between the bat and the crocodile takes up the majority of this issue in one long, extended fight sequence that is briefly put on hold in order to explore what Penguin is up to on the other side of town.
From the get-go it seems like Killer Croc has the advantage, as he takes Batman by surprise and immediately snatches away his utility belt. Batman's brains aren't much use here, in what turns into a old-fashioned slug fest, the two trading blows as Croc hurls barrels of anti-toxin at Batman.
The fight's conclusion is a nice nod to the Batman: Arkham City game and leads into a joke - yes, an actual joke - from Batman himself. While there isn't a written rule that Batman can't wisecrack every once in a while, the moment here seems a little out of place given the circumstances. It's clear writer Peter Tomasi likes to inject a little humor into Bruce Wayne. He's done it before during his Batman & Robin run, and he will likely do it again. It just feels like this particular line misses the mark.
Action may take center stage this issue, but Quinn's secret plot also helps to move the story forward. It seems that now, finally, Tomasi has put Joker's storyline to rest. Quinn will be taking over in his stead, and she's quick to make an alliance that should be entertaining to watch play out on page.
Batman: Arkham Knight #6 wraps up "The Last Will and Testament of the Joker" story arc that has been going on for the last three issues. With its conclusion comes the hope that with Joker out of the way this series can now focus on moving the Arkham universe forward rather than retelling the past.
Story
★★★☆☆
Art
★★★☆☆
Overall
★★★☆☆
More Comic Book Reviews:
Mortal Kombat #12
Batman: Arkham Knight #5
Batman #39
Gotham Academy #6
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