Writers: Art Baltazar & Franco
Artist, Colorist, Letterer & Cover Artist: Art Baltazar
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: November 21, 2023
Release Date: $12.99
Bruce walks beside Alfred. He shelters beneath the butler's umbrella. Yet no rain falls on the Joker. A blue sky and a rainbow fill his sky. The Joker greets young Bruce warmly, then struts toward Arkham Apartments. The Joker talks to his home, and the building welcomes him. Why must Bruce and Alfred suffer through a storm when the Joker enjoys such a fine day? Let's leap into Arkhamaniacs TP and find out!
Story
Joker cheerfully greets Supervisor Gordon as he enters Arkham Apartments. Carrying a gift bag, the Joker visits his fellow residents. When a penguin hesitates to leap into Oswald's pool, the Joker reaches into his bag and gives it a set of swimming goggles. When he sees Mr. Freeze sweating, he produces a bucket of ice. He gives Poison Ivy's plants some Quick Grow Plant Food he procured. Regardless of how the recipient greets his attention, the Joker is eager to help.
Bruce often gets lost in the mansion. His parents don’t have time for him in Arkhamaniacs TP. They think rigidly & don’t move with the times. He can tell the folks at Arkham are having more fun. That evening, he sneaks out and visits them.
Bruce makes a new friend along the way. He likes the people he meets at Arkham, even if he's nervous about sneaking out at night and being in a strange, new place. So when something freaks him out, Bruce runs away. In the morning, Bruce knows he's not happy. Despite his family's wealth and privilege, Bruce is missing something all the residents packed into Arkham Apartments possess. He speaks to Alfred about it.
Yesterday, the butler claimed he had mail to pick up. Yet after Bruce met the Joker, they returned home. Bruce tries to explain what’s different about the Arkham Apartment residents. When Alfred fails to respond, Bruce says, "You wouldn't understand." The butler smiles and says, "Maybe you could help me understand." All too soon, Bruce has talked Alfred into another visit to see the Joker and his friends.
In Arkhamaniacs TP, Art Baltazar and Franco remind us that money doesn't ensure happiness. Their story suggests that the people who follow the rules most stringently may be the least happy. Accepting others' differences and embracing them as strengths can help them understand the consequences of their actions.
Art
Art Baltazar’s art is fun and appealing. Bruce wanders through many rooms in his mansion. An entire room is devoted to video arcade games and pinball machines. Yet in the morning, Bruce draws Joker and Harley. They’re smiling. Bruce draws himself. In his picture, Bruce isn't smiling.
The Joker has a swinging, bouncy gait. Scarecrow is dejected. Poison Ivy evokes Lucy from Peanuts. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne are happy together. Yet they look oblivious to Bruce’s needs. Scenes provide hints of the boy’s future. Bruce spies a bat in a bush. Robins eat crumbs in front of the manor. Man-Bat gives Bruce water wings to keep him safe while swimming.
Art Baltazar lavishes a loaded palette on Arkhamaniacs TP. Bruce wears blue and gray. Blue, purple, and lavender dominate his family home. A Black & White portrait of his parents hangs on the wall. A gray-toned advertisement for their favorite cinema reinforces their outdated worldview. Even when a rainbow doesn’t rise over Arkham Apartments, the residents' vibrant personalities—and Poison Ivy's lively plants—imbue the grounds with life, energy, and color.
Black lowercase letters in white dialogue balloons with blue outlines are easy to read in Arkhamaniacs TP. Larger-size colored letters help you hear Poison Ivy's plants grow, Croc splashing in the pool, the thunder shaking Gotham, and how quickly everyone disappears when Supervisor Gordon lays down the law.
Thanks to DC Comics for providing a copy for review.
Final Thoughts
Young Bruce Wayne makes new friends and discovers that adopting an open mind can expand your world in Arkhamaniacs TP, a valuable resource for parents and educators and a ripping good read for fans of all ages.
Rating 9.6/10
This review first appeared at Comic Book Dispatch.
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