Comics Fondle

When Lucius Fox and Alfred mysteriously run off to Paris together–after each receiving a telegram–does Bruce Wayne think the most obvious thing (an ebony and ivory gay marriage)?. Actually, we don’t know, because Conway never lets the reader know what Batman is thinking. Instead, Batman’s just a snoop. Admittedly, Lucius and Alfred running off to Paris together is a little strange, but who knows, maybe they’re just planning a surprise party for Bruce. Eventually, the contents of the telegram are revealed, but not until after Batman’s acted the control freak.

Once in Paris, there’s some great (hilarious) stuff with Batman introducing himself to the local police. There’s just something so wonderfully 1940s about it… Batman being an unofficial-official police detective or whatnot. It’s goofy, but somehow it really does work.

Finally–Conway paces the issues well, so my finally is referring to a first part revelation–it’s revealed both Lucius and Alfred are suspected of killing Mademoiselle Marie, a classic DC character. Well, then it’s revealed everyone knows Lucius didn’t kill her, they only invited him along to keep Alfred unaware, because Alfred is the suspect. And why doesn’t Alfred say anything in his own defense?

Because he’s the father of Mademoiselle Marie’s daughter. I love that DC let Alfred father a bastard. It’s fantastic.

The second issue is Batman solving the mystery. It gets a little confusing because Conway’s pace is so fast, it’s hard to keep track of all the Frenchmen.

Don Newton’s art here–as absurd as it is, Batman running around the Paris rooftops looks fantastic–is particularly good. There are some nice action scenes, but Newton’s Bruce Wayne, tourist, stuff is also good.

Conway’s story’s got a lot of effect–maybe because Alfred’s such a likable character. It’s a fine story, even if it features Bruce Wayne getting his ass kicked by an amateur.

B+

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