For some reason–editorial interference one suspects–Tarantula takes center stage this issue. I guess she needed some exposure, but Gabrych gives it to her at the expense of Batman’s time.

Gabrych splits the issue between Tarantula, Batman and regular people. He does great on Batman–he even takes the time to do an epilogue to the previous arc, which sadly features Matches Malone. Even with the rest of the Batman stuff tying into Tarantula’s case, it’s good stuff.

The regular people of Gotham stuff is good too much. Gabrych and Woods give the setting a lot of texture to Gotham; Gabrych has a very nice third person voice for his narration. It feels very Batman.

The Tarantula stuff, however, even though Gabrych writes it pretty well… is just a waste of time. Her first person narration is annoying; she seems sort of incompetent.

At least the awful backup concludes.

CREDITS

Monsters of Rot, Part One: Cleansing Fires; writer, Andersen Gabrych; penciller, Pete Woods; inker, Cam Smith; colorist, Jason Wright; editors, Michael Wright and Bob Schreck. The Tailor, Conclusion; writer, A.J. Lieberman; penciller, Jean-Jacques Dzialowski; inker, Dan Green; colorist, Giulia Brusco; editors, Nachie Castro and Matt Idelson. Letterer, Clem Robins; publisher, DC Comics.