Batman: Death by Design

Eisner Award–winning designer and novelist Kidd teams with veteran Batman artist Taylor for a fantastic period piece about architecture, politics, and murder. Bruce Wayne is preparing for his father’s condemned Old Wayne Central Station to be torn down and replaced by a new design. A falling crane signals that there are those opposed to the plan willing to take action. Wayne, as himself and as Batman, must square off against the beautiful and dedicated Cyndia Sil, who wants to see Old Wayne Central Station restored; Exacto , a costumed figure hoping to bring down corrupt union boss Bart Loar; and the Joker. While the story is enjoyable, what really shines is Taylor’s art, mostly done in black-and-white, but with flares of pastel color that bring the pages to life. Taylor frequently uses alternate panel sizes to tremendous effect, from dramatic two-page spreads to a tiny eight-panel sequence along the bottom runner of a page. Only some slightly illogical storytelling at the end mars a beautiful effort that is clearly a labor of love for both creators. That aside, it’s a solid, stand-alone adventure that Batman readers will love. Reviewed from a black-and-white galley. (May)