Batman 2021 Annual #1
After defeating the Peacemakers, Scarecrow, Simon Saint, and stopping the collapse of Gotham by Poison Ivy, we conclude The Ghost-Maker Saga. Featuring as a backup story in Batman 107-111, we finally get the culmination of his journey through Devil Skull Island to defeat Madame Midas in Batman 2021 Annual #1.
DC Comics
Words by James Tynion IV
Art by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz
Colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters by Clayton Cowles
After defeating the Peacemakers, Scarecrow, Simon Saint, and stopping the collapse of Gotham by Poison Ivy, we conclude The Ghost-Maker Saga. Featuring as a backup story in Batman 107-111, we finally get the culmination of his journey through the Island to defeat Madame Midas.
The issue starts with Batman and Ghost-Maker taking on Firefly and leads into the story’s conclusion. Many revelations are had as we see why this particular mission is essential to Ghost-Maker. We are also treated to his origin story and why he became the man that he is.
Tynion can take the small sections of each backup and stitch together a cohesive and gripping conclusion. The ability to recap readers from a 5 issue gap and reintroduce villains and the journey so far is the strength of this book. What helps separate this story from many others is how his origin played out. Tynion executes it perfectly, and it is an excellent contrast to Batmans.
The art is consistent and fits perfectly with the narrative that has been built from the backup stories. Lopez can blend all the themes and different styles of fighting showcased in the issue. The balance used with backgrounds, characters, and action blends harmoniously with each other. The variation of splash pages helps set the stage for the more significant battles. Lopez shows great character emotions, especially during the origin sequences.
Final Thoughts on Batman Annual
Overall, Batman Anual 2021 is superb and hopefully brings Ghost-Maker his own series. Tynion has been on a roll with creating new characters with the potential to be new favorites. Lopez and Tynion’s balance for the issue works to help develop who and why Ghostmaker was created. The only knock on the issue is how long it took to be concluded.