BATMAN #629

7/10

"As the crow flies" part 4. The Scarecrow/Scare Beast component of Winick's story pulls it out of the average realm and into the "good." Bats plans to capture the powerful Scare Beast, so he prepares himself as he would for battle with Scarecrow. Turns out, this thing doesn't use the same grab-bag of tricks, and Bats gets himself into trouble. Even after taking precautions, he's poisoned by fear gas. He manages to retreat from the fight, but he's overwhelmed by fear and halucinations.

Spoiler:
The ride home in the Batmobile was terrifying for Bats. He's telling himself that the visions aren't real, but they keep coming. Joker and Two-Face really work him over (in his mind). Alfred dispatches Robin, and when he shows up, Bats thinks it's Jason Todd. Alfred nurses him back to health and Bats insists that Tim head back to Titans Tower.
End Spoiler.

Still not a huge Nguyen fan, but the Batman/Robin art was really good this time. I especially like the throwback to blues in Batman's costume.

I don't expect every single story to be a 9 or 10, so if this one ends well in #630, I'll be happy.