The issue started off very strong. The first half of the comic was great. I enjoyed the flashback sequence, it shed light on Alfred's and Bruce's past. Sometimes I forget how deep and complex their relationship is and I am always fascinated when it is fleshed out for us in the comics. 648 did a nice job of that.

The second half of the comic is quite weak. This story arc has been exciting so far but this issue dragged on. First off I think the whole Black Mask character is kinda lame. As I read the Red Hood/Black Mask portion of the book I just kinda felt like "who cares?". Black Mask is supposed to be the almighty crime lord of Gotham Cities underworld and he comes off like a chump. It's not believable that Gotham's thug population would fall in line for this guy. They are used to working for the most ruthless and remorseless psychopath criminal masterminds in history.

I want some answers about Jason, they've dragged this out long enough. I think Winick (the writer) is getting off easy by leading us down this vague trail of rumors and myths about what happened with Jason. I want some facts.

Side note: Jason Todd used to be Robin. Then was "killed" (were not sure now) by the Joker. Jason's death sent Bruce Wayne into a even deeper state of mental despair and has become a driving force in the psyche of Batman and Bruce. I found a pretty good description of Jason's biography here.

I think Winick's not shining the light on the facts because they aren't there. He doesn't seem to know where this whole arc is going. It feels like he makes it up month to month and leaks as little information as possible so he won't have to craft a complete story. Boy I love reading DC comics but I get this feeling sometimes that they are making up the issues without anyone seeing the big picture. Sometimes I wonder who is steering the ship over at DC. I don't like it when writer's give me the feeling that they are flying by the seat of their pants and making it up as it goes. Winick is usually a good story teller but needs to give us some facts now. Cut the fluff and make with the goods.

That is one of the biggest attractions to Robert Kirkman's Invincible, there is always alot going on and it all plays a part. He has many complex story arcs simultaneously unfolding that all make sense. They interplay with each other, forming a complicated fabric that serves as a backbone for Invincible. It's not this convenient, tid bit, just enough information to get by crap that DC on occasion will churn out and try to pawn off on us. Winick throw us a bone. No more playing it safe, tiptoeing around waiting for Infinite Crisis to resolve. Make a move, don't just float around scared to mess up continuity, make a wave, lay it on us, what's with Jason!? ...Whew... I got a little worked up there.

Anyway, the art in 648 is decent, nothing special but not lacking either. In the end I would say if you have been following this arc don't stop because of this issue. On the other hand, if you're not into this story arc already and are just looking to find out what are the facts behind Jason Todd's "death" and reappearance, this is not the place to look. No answers here.

One last thing, did anyone else feel like the Red Hood's mask looked a little too much like Deathstroke's? Hmm. Cue deep speculatory thoughts.

Batman: The Man Who Laughs:

Probably for the last week or so I've been reading some really great comics. This book I read yesterday. First of all, if you don't know by now the Joker has always been one of my favorite characters. I think his character is important enough that it is possible to have the Joker almost be a characature of the Joker. He is very indepth, and just such a sick dichotomy of a hilarious clown and a serial killer. His laughs go hand in hand with his victims screams of terror.

This book was a great read. If someone is a new reader to Batman or is interested in finding out how the Joker was created, this is the book to read. Second to only The Killing Joke for Batman/Joker history.

The Man Who Laughs is also the title of the 1928 movie that is rumored to be the main influence of which the Joker is originally based. I've never actually seen the movie but read reviews and seen pictures, it seems like the rumor is true.

The Man Who Laughs (the comic) sheds light on the first main scenario that goes down between the Joker and Batman. The Joker is mysteriously killing prominent figures in Gotham with his laughing toxin. Even Batman isn't sure if there is any rhyme or reason to the murders. The police are stumped (as the jackass cops in Gotham usually are), and with the stakes rising, more people dying, even Bruce Wayne is named as the Joker's next target.

This book has a strong story with an element of mystery that I've come to love in the Batman titles. It paints a great portrait of the Joker and his uncanny meld of humor and horror. The story goes even deeper into Batman's past, by showing his off the books relationship with Captain (commisioner) Gordon. They have always had a turbulent, "you sctratch my back, I'll scratch yours" kind of relationship. Both of them have their own agendas with their own techniquess but they have to compromise and help each other. This book portrays the weight of their relationship along with the struggle these two stubborn men suffer when they have to aid one another to acheive the same mutual goal: The safety of Gothamites.

The art in this book holds up to the story well. It is not quite as dark as many Batman issues are, but still has the long shadows and dark corners that Gotham city is famous for. All the while paying particularily close attention to facial gestures and expressions. The art is all extremely focused on the character's with not a whole lot of fighting sequences. I found it refreshing for a Batman book. I think by paying special attention to the characters expressions, it allows the story to carry more weight and hit with an emotional punch that might not be possible if the drawings weren't so upclose.

I really liked this one, it's a good read, check it out.