This past week something happened that I have been personally waiting for quite some time to happen. The Batman has discovered the evil that lurks in the hearts of man with his 2017 run in with The Shadow in the first issue of the Batman/ Shadow crossover was released this past Wednesday on New Comic day, and boy did it not disappoint.
When you think of enigmatic and theatrical heroes the list is topped by two people: Batman and The Shadow. As the latter provided inspiration for the former, having the two crossover seems only natural. While it has been done before, this new story was scribed by the legendary Scott Snyder, whose run writing the Bat throughout the New 52 is considered to be one of the greatest runs an author has had on the character. The blending of these two characters so enshrouded in the darkness was just meant to be and Snyder writes it beautifully. (Just as a warning there are spoilers ahead )
The story starts off with Bruce going to see a former mentor about a murder he is having issues with, after all what else could bring these two detective figures together better? However, there is a twist. The victim of the murder in question is a young food caterer to Arkham Asylum: Lamont Cranston (this name should be familiar to those who are fans of the Shadow as one of the alter egos to the character). While investigating the crime, Batman has a run in with a suspect he can only assume to be the murderer of Lamont that turns out to be The Shadow. Eventually Bats gets out stealthed and The Shadow literally disappears without much of a trace. Bruce then takes it upon himself to research the victim and ends up finding out that the original Lamont Cranston was in fact The Shadow.
After following some leads and interrogating those of The Shadow's associates left alive still (including an AMAZING moment where an old and jaded Margo Lane punks out Batman), he finally had found a safe house for The Shadow. While exploring the safe house he came across some evidence that gives him a lead that his aforementioned former mentor also trained The Shadow. Leading him to confront his old teacher on the location of Lamont Cranston.
This brings us to the end of the issue where the greatest reveal of all happens. The teacher recounts Bruce's first time coming to him, calling him "Ducard the Manhunter" and describes his struggles as one of going against the grain. However, while he is explaining the panels get smoky and distorted and while Bruce's back is turned, the former mentor's form begins to change, until it finally is revealed that Bruce's mentor, Ducard, is in fact none other than The Shadow himself!
As a fan of the Shadow, naturally I let out a high pitch squeal, frothed at the mouth, ran in a circle and hit a wall a few times in excitement. I realize this is a crossover arc, but I am praying that it is cannon to the Batman mythos. It is just such an excellent nod to the fact that Batman has taken much of his inspiration in character and design even from The Shadow, so to see The Shadow literally be one of Bruce's mentors, I nearly had a stroke from joy. An excellent ending to what is an incredible start to a promise miniseries!
Well this has been another edition of Comic Relief! I hope you have enjoyed and we will see you again soon!
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