DC RETROACTIVE: BATMAN – THE ‘80s #1 ONE SHOT
A mystery tale brought to you by writer Mike W. Barr and artist Jerry Bingham as Batman uncovers the identity of the new Reaper. Ganglord Professor Paxton is targeted by the Reaper as Batman intervenes and saves him. Batman joins Commissioner Gordon and the new District Attorney Samuels to apprehend the new Reaper who they suspect is the daughter of the original Reaper Rachel Caspian.
Bruce Wayne used to be in love with Rachel until both of them had a higher calling.She joined a convent however she is currently missing. Batman infiltrates Tommy Garnett’s gang as his henchman Nails Norkofsky who was spying on the convent looking for Rachel.
Tommy Garnett and Professor Paxton agree to meet to deal with the mysterious Reaper however the Reaper shows us and kills Paxton. Batman tracks down the Reaper to a construction site where Robin finds the missing Rachel Caspian.
The Reaper is focusing on the Ganglord Professor Paxton while his competitor is Tommy Garnett who used to be in construction. Garnett has a son Johnny who is a Reaper. However Barr turns the tables on the reader by revealing that there were two Reapers. The other one was Professor Paxton’s daughter Grace Paxton.However the mastermind was District Attorney Samuels who had political pursuits to the White House.
An enjoyable story ruined by a very complicated ending like a bad Scooby-Doo episode. The ending reminds me of the Batman:Mystery of the Batwoman (2003) which revealed three different women playing the role of Batwoman. Really wanted to enjoy this issue especially the challenge the author presented of finding out who is the Reaper.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT – 3 OUT OF 5
