Batman Vol. 7: Endgame (the New 52)

So I have a few problems with this one and the previous book. Reading from vol 1 through to 5 is pretty straightforward then 6 was a mess of random stories some really good some just confusing with out the context of the spin offs. This one tries to get back on track with a self contained continuity but starts out messy. You have Alfred's daughter who is helping him and Batman on missions and Jim Gordian is not in jail like he was in the previous book, none of this is really explained. Once you put that past you and get into it though this a pretty good story about the return of the Joker from Vol 3 Death of the Family ark, and this time he wants to kill Batman and get revenge for dropping him to his death at the end of that ark. Really enjoyed how this one took another dark turn, with the extremes that Joker goes to and the detective work Batman has to under go to find a cure. It was good fun. I took a Star off this one as my copy has really bad print for several pages and its hard to read as the font is blurry or faded.

Endgame sees the first reappearance of the Joker following the events of Death of the Family and feels a lot like a conclusion to Snyder and Capullo's run, with most of the narrative coming full circle (insofar as is ever allowed in comics, at least) and with callbacks and references to their previous story arcs sprinkled throughout.The story kicks off in explosive fashion, with Batman being attacked by his allies in the Justice League. The confrontation is as thrilling as you might expect, though a little familiar. On this occasion, each member of the League has been singled out and infected with a new strain of Joker venom, which has caused their homicidal rage. It was a little disappointing that all members of the League did not make an appearance, though my guess is that some confrontations were reserved for a tie-in issue of a different series. In any case, the issue sets the frantic pace of the rest of the book.In fact, it's the pace that I feel is the books greatest weakness. While it makes sense that Batman would refuse to take a break until the crisis the Joker unleashes on Gotham is resolved, it left me feeling like the book would have benefited from a narrative that played out a little slower, with some character moments every now and then in order to allow the reader to get their breath back.At its heart, Endgame is about the unique relationship between Batman and the Joker, who is more ruthless and dangerous than ever before. A large cast of supporting characters make an appearance but they fade into the background as Batman and Joker's mutual obsession inevitably guides them to a seemingly ultimate confrontation.The portrayal of the Joker as being intent on humiliating and eliminating Batman, rather than the usual slow torture he is intent on having the Dark Knight endure, is an interesting and unique iteration of the character. His implied immortality is another source of intrigue in the story.Snyder ends the story with his typical ambiguity, but the threads that are concluded do so in a satisfying way. It's a shame the story wasn't more of a slow burn, I think, but all the same, Endgame was an exciting and enjoyable read for me.

a bit disappointed that the cover and issue number didn't match the previous six issues in the series,(the spine print of "batman and 7" ) are blue instead of white so looks messy.On to the important bits.As with the other TPs the artwork ,if you like the artist is top notch.the story line jumps around a bit as issue 6 graveyard shift did,but i did not feel it detracted from this being a good read.If you are up to date with this story arc then it does make sense however its not recommended if you haven't read earlier parts.there are three more issues to end this run,the final being the soon to be released rebirth,

When reviewing Volume 3 Death of the Family I felt the lack of lasting consequence held back an otherwise great story but was also aware it was planting seeds for this...and what a great job they did!Joker is off the chain as he ends his relationship with Batman and all hell breaks loose.Friends become enemies, enemies become friends all before a huge finale that feels intimate and personal.5/5 for a Bat-classic!

I'm a huge fan of the new 52 batman series and the Death of the family joker run they did was incredible. This is not quite as good but it's still fantastic. Everytime you turn the page you are just hoping the joker will be there because when he is its just great reading. I highly recommend anyone who likes batman to read this, but if you haven't read any of the new 52 batman don't start wiTh this, start at the beginning. It will make this so much better if you do!