DC; $2.99

In this issue of Batman, “The War of Jokes and Riddles” has an interlude for “The Ballad of Kite Man Part 2.” The last issue of Batman was wild. Bruce Wayne had invited the Joker and the Riddler to dinner at his home in the hopes of finding a solution to the fight. It ended with Bruce/Batman deciding to throw his weight behind one of the factions. Here, we learn which team he joined.

But, the issue is focused on Kite Man. As he narrates a conversation he had with his son, Kite Man is repeatedly sent out on missions and interacts with other members of Team Joker. The fighting continues to rage as Kite Man ponders and answers the riddle of whether or not he is a joke.

While this issue by Tom King is an interlude, it doesn’t stray too far from the main storyline. After the last issue, it would’ve been downright frustrating if he’d chosen to abandon the “The War of Jokes and Riddles” thread. But, thankfully it’s integrated into Kite Man’s own experience during the war. He’s not the most exciting villain in this fight, which is made clear throughout, but he does have a purpose, which will likely (hopefully) come to fruition in the next issue.

-Amanda Sheriff