DC; $3.99

Batman #55 begins a new arc that splits focus between two stories. One thread follows a mysterious man as he enters the country via Gotham, eats dinner at a fast food joint, illegally buys a gun, and – readers can assume what’ll happen next. The other thread sees Batman and Nightwing on patrol, coming up against a villain and henchmen who appear to be mummies.

The premise doesn’t sound all that thrilling, but Tom King wrote a very good issue, completed by the art team of Tony S. Daniel, Danny Miki, and Tomeu Morey. Nightwing has been around since the non-wedding, obviously there to make sure Bruce is mentally and emotionally okay, but this issue doesn’t focus on that. Instead it’s filled with humorous banter as Nightwing cracks jokes and Batman responds with taciturn grumpiness. The rapport is smooth, and the dialogue is great.

The art shines through in the story with the curious “Mr. Zimmerman.” His interactions with others are limited and brief, but it’s obvious from his expressions and the focus in each panel that he is assessing his surroundings and the people in them. By only giving a few clear views of his face, the artists are also keeping him detached and intimidating.

Based on this issue, it could be a good story.

-Amanda Sheriff