Less detection, more action. There’s even a sequence where Batman’s on a motorcycle driving across a bridge’s suspension cables. It’s a little much. Along with Mr. Freeze messing around with drug dealers, it seems like Gabrych and Woods are trying to bring some measure of realism to the comic. Not a lot, but a little.

It mostly works, though Gabrych then has the problem his flashbacks are more interesting than the present action. Young Bruce and Alfred visiting Leslie in Africa. Alfred has the hots for her, Bruce has to beat up guerillas. It’s a lot more compelling than Batman driving all over Gotham looking for clues.

The villains and their whole plot is too intentionally confusing and repetitive. Freeze’s little gang brings some pep but then the story hits the cliffhanger.

Still, some great parts.

The backup art’s Dzialowski again. Otherwise, it’s still terrible. Lieberman’s just a bad writer.

CREDITS

The Surrogate, Part Two: The Blinding; writer, Andersen Gabrych; penciller, Pete Woods; inker, Cam Smith; colorist, Jason Wright; editors, Michael Wright and Bob Schreck. The Tailor, Part Four; writer, A.J. Lieberman; penciller, Jean-Jacques Dzialowski; inker, Dan Green; colorist, Giulia Brusco; editor, Matt Idelson. Letterer, Clem Robins; publisher, DC Comics.