Connect with us
Batman: Last Knight on Earth #3 review: A fitting end that stands alone
DC

Comic Books

Batman: Last Knight on Earth #3 review: A fitting end that stands alone

A fitting end with deeply meaningful points made about Joker, Batman, and an eight-year long legacy.

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are finishing their eight-plus year run on Batman today in an epic, quasi-future story that serves as an ending to their version of the Batman. It’s hard to believe they’ll never dip their toes back in the bat-waters, but it’s exciting to see them put a period on their narrative. In this third and final extra-sized DC Black Label issue, the two are wrapping up the journey Bruce Wayne goes on after waking up in a terrible and chaotic future. A man calling himself Omega and looking a lot like a futuristic-looking Batman is going to take over the minds of everyone. Can Batman and his familiar friends (Batgirl, Dick Grayson, Jim Gordon, etc.) beat this impossible force? More importantly, what is the message Capullo and Snyder are going to deliver to part ways with Batman in a definitive way?

This may or may not be an elseworlds tale, but it has the feel of one. It opens with a bombshell idea that changes Batman’s origin completely. It’s an idea I’ve never seen or even thought of before, which adds an exciting buzz to Batman’s origin and the entire reason why he is Batman. This flashback transitions to the present well via Jim Gordon who is a lot older, blind, and a bit less serious in his old age. This issue could very easily be read without reading the first two. With the opening flashback and the call to action to defeat Omega, Snyder and Capullo offer up a rousing conclusion complete with deep meaning for Batman and a satisfying conclusion bathed in hope.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
Batman: Last Knight on Earth #3 review: A fitting end that stands alone

DC Comics

We get to see different forms of Batman in this issue. The new cloned version is more hopeful and says as much as he leads an army for their last stand. Outside of the young leader we also get filled with doubt, hopelessness, and one that inspires. Snyder utilizes an interesting point about bats that connects well to Batman’s main purpose. We learn bats don’t communicate as they broadcast different signals. This concept leads to an interesting take on Batman’s purpose. Funny to think Snyder also related a bat-fact to Batman in Batman Who Laughs earlier this year. It’s an interesting way to connect the symbol to the man. Without spoiling anything, there’s a bold turn when thinking about what Batman could become. It’s an interesting revelation in this issue as it was explored a bit with the Batman Who Laughs, albeit in a less fantastical way here.

Another highlight of this issue is the use of Joker. He’s still a disembodied head, but he continues to be hilarious and it’s fun to see him swear. His desire to be Robin continues and it plays out in a funny way. More importantly, Snyder gives him a purpose in this story that I didn’t see coming, but it makes a lot of sense. Joker’s use in the story has been mostly comical in nature, but he’s used to imparting a powerful message.

Capullo’s art, with FCO Plascencia’s colors and Jonathan Glapion’s inks, is quite strong. There are multiple panels that will stick with you either due to the way heroes are depicted in this futuristic dystopia or simply due to their clean, detailed look. Omega looks particularly cool in this new Batman costume. Thanks to the DC Black Label we get to see Jim Gordon smoke a bunch, which adds a sense of nostalgia to the story since we haven’t seen that since the ’90s, or so it feels. Layouts can at times feel a bit crowded, but it’s still easy to follow. The amount of detail Capullo can stuff into a tiny panel is remarkable, and while it affects the pace of the book, in general, it does its job.

This is a fitting and satisfying end to Snyder and Capullo’s final three-issue arc. It capitalizes on the concept of a Batman who would clone himself, pays off on new reveals of the future, and most importantly makes strong statements about Joker and Batman himself. If this is their final word on the character, they’ve done an admirable job capturing a unique purpose for him as he serves as a shining beacon to hold the line even when there’s only a glimmer of hope.

Batman: Last Knight on Earth #3 review: A fitting end that stands alone
Batman: Last Knight on Earth #3
Is it good?
This is a fitting and satisfying end to Snyder and Capullo's final three-issue arc. It capitalizes on the concept of a Batman who would clone himself, pays off on new reveals of the future, and most importantly makes strong statements about Joker and Batman himself. If this is their final word on the character, they've done an admirable job capturing a unique purpose for him as he serves as a shining beacon to hold the line even when there's only a glimmer of hope.
Could serve as a standalone story
A key flashback pays off later
Joker's and Batman's purpose are given strong arguments
Looks great
Scenes can feel less impactful as layouts tend to have many panels with only a few splashes
9.5
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup