Batman: Turning Points

Turning Points is a five issue series that highlights the strange friendship between Jim Gordon and the Dark Knight. Taken from their earliest encounters, we see the strange evolution of begrudging trust mold into a symbiotic guardianship of Gotham City. Unwavering partnership was never the final destination of these two. As long of Gordon never really knows whose under the cowl, there will be the slightest doubt as to the Caped Crusader ability to not cross the line from vigilante into ruthless criminal.

Each issue features a famous artist and writer duo from the past 70 some odd years of Batman’s career. I loved issue one very much as it was a return to Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One storyline. Though, I wish they’d got Miller to do the writing or at least the plotting. Other issues involve Gordon going up the GCPD ranks from Lieutenant to Captain to ultimately Commissioner while Batman goes through a number of partners and gains members of the Batman family.

I do wish that the fourth issue wasn’t set when Azrael was the Batman. I know that that issue highlighted the doubt that will forever linger in the back of Gordon’s head like I mentioned earlier. I just wish that all five chapters could’ve involved the Bruce Wayne Batman. Also, I think a sixth issue epilogue would’ve been great. That one could’ve been set during the Dark Knight Returns timeline and maybe in a twist featured the Batman: Beyond Caped Crusader rising to ranks as the new protector of Gotham City.

While that story would’ve been awesome, the final chapter is a unique and heartwarming ending to events that unfold in issue 1. Thus a cycle of what is old is new again is complete. So, despite my fan boy dream team, I think Turning Points ended as strongly as it began a fantastic tribute to two of the DC Universe’s most trusted crime fighters.

Worth Consuming.

Rating:

Issue 1: 10, Issue 2: 10 Issue 3: 7, Issue 4: 3 Issue 5: 9

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10