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Batman: The Widening Gyre (Batman)

by Kevin Smith, Walter Flanagan (Illustrator), Art Thibert (Illustrator), Jared Fletcher (Letterer), Art Lyon (Colorist), Bill Sienkiewicz (Artist), Gene Ha (Artist)

3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 · rating details · 621 ratings · 76 reviews

As The Dark Knight stalks the night preying upon Gotham City's criminals, Bruce Wayne spends his days getting reacquainted with former girlfriend Silver St. Cloud, who attempts to teach Bruce about trust. Meanwhile Batman has taken on a mysterious new partner in his fight against crime in Gotham City, but will his attempt at trusting someone cause him to be rewarded...or p...more

Hardcover, 200 pages

Published December 14th 2010 by DC Comics (first published 2009)

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May 31, 2011 Jacob rated it 1 of 5 stars

Library copy.
Absolutely horrible Batman story with out of character dialogue that's painful to read aloud. Who talks like this? Try reading the scene in the beginning with Poison Ivy out loud where she's, I guess, talking about wanting Batman's tongue for cunnilingus--it doesn't end there. In typical Smith fashion, it takes her three word balloons to say it, but maybe he was trying to sneak it past the editor by being long winded. Later on there's more sexual innuendos by mention of another char...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Dev Seetharaman rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: batman-dark-knight

For starters the book was an interesting read. Its the kind of book whereby, when you put it down, you felt that it a worthwhile read, but nothing special. My problem with this book, was that as a Batman fan, it didn't stimulate me intellectually. There wasn't any big plot twists and the pacing never changed throughout the book. The only truly stimulating part throughout the whole book was the unpredictable ending. And sadly it was too late by then

I also didn't like how Batman was made to look s...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Ryan Miller rated it 1 of 5 stars

I like Kevin Smith's films. His characters, as he writes them, sound like his characters. My biggest problem with his Batman run: these characters are not HIS characters.

Every character Smith writes in this book is a variation on Smith's stock schtick. There's nothing wrong with that schtick--it's made Smith hugely successful. But Poison Ivy shouldn't sound like Catwoman who shouldn't sound like Etrigan who shouldn't sound like Nightwing who shouldn't sound like BATMAN, for crying out loud. Take...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Brady Smith rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Kevin Smith fans

having read Batman for over 8 years now i would consider myself a true fan and very knowledgeable on the character and his history hence why this does not sit well for me. Having read Kevin Smiths work on other comic characters an interesting picture forms, kevin doesn't write these characters how we know and love them he writes them as if he were said hero and this shows very much so in this installment of his run on Batman. There are moments in here that are truly cringe worthy and made me wan...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Eric Klee rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read Kevin Smith's BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE mini-series in its "entirety" (You'll find out why I put "entirety" in quotes later.)

First, I'll start with the title. The title is taken from a poem called "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats. The poem was written in 1919 in the aftermath of the WWI. While the various manuscript revisions of the poem refer to the Renaissance, French Revolutions, the Irish rebellion, and those of Germany and of Russia, others suggest the text refers to the R...more I read Kevin Smith's BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE mini-series in its "entirety" (You'll find out why I put "entirety" in quotes later.)

First, I'll start with the title. The title is taken from a poem called "The Second Coming" by William Butler Yeats. The poem was written in 1919 in the aftermath of the WWI. While the various manuscript revisions of the poem refer to the Renaissance, French Revolutions, the Irish rebellion, and those of Germany and of Russia, others suggest the text refers to the Russian Revolution of 1917. The poem uses Christian imagery regarding the Apocalypse and second coming as allegory to describe the atmosphere in post-war Europe.

The poem begins:
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.

With that imagery in mind, "the widening gyre" in Batman's case is the appearance of many of his villains all at once. He's bombarded with different villains in each issue. Meanwhile, there are subplots of Bruce Wayne/Batman's romance with Silver St. Cloud (that comes with a lot of jealousy from a famous feline lady), as well as the appearance of a new vigilante in town sporting a goat mask by the name of Baphomet. (You can read about the origins of that name on Wikipedia.)

"The Widening Gyre" was supposed to be released monthly. However, like Kevin Smith's Spider-Man/Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do, there were delays. The six issues were released in October 2009, November 2009, December 2009 (so far so good), and then February 2010, April 2010, and lastly, September 2010. Ouch. Nearly a year for a six-issue mini-series. (Note to Kevin: if you're not going to write them in timely manner, please don't take or ask for the assignments; there are many, MANY other comic writers out there who would LOVE to have the opportunity to write a mini-series. Note to DC and Marvel Comics: don't start printing/releasing Kevin's comics until he's completed all issues of a mini-series.) Luckily, I didn't start reading the issues until I had them all, so it was fairly cohesive for me. Reading this graphic novel will be similar.

I enjoyed Batman facing off against his most popular foes, one after the other. It reminded me somewhat of "The Gauntlet" storyline that just ran through The Amazing Spider-Man series last year. Best of all, though, was the romance developments between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Silver St. Cloud. She's the only non-superhero who could handle being partnered with Bruce Wayne, knowing what he does in his spare time. She's mature, yet fun. Attached, yet not clingy. And she certainly doesn't need the Wayne fortune. It left me wondering, though, if this series was a dream, took place in the distant past, was an Elseworlds story, was a "what if?" type scenario, etc., because this could seriously change Bruce/Batman emotionally, not to mention his relationship with Catwoman.

As I finished reading the sixth/final issue, it ended with a cliffhanger (I won't reveal what) and said to look for Volume Two. WTF? When? 2026? This was supposed to be a six-issue mini-series and now there's more? I want to know what happens, but I don't want to know on Kevin Smith's time schedule. Imagine if Dallas had decided to take a three-year break to reveal Who Shot J.R.? I enjoy Kevin Smith's writing and the stories he comes up with for such superheroes as Batman, Green Arrow, and Spider-Man, but I'm more than a bit frustrated with his lack of dedication, as well as DC and Marvel's acceptance of his flagrant disregard for deadlines. He's not exactly winning over fans. Perhaps the "widening gyre" refers to the gap in time between comic releases? (less)

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Feb 06, 2012 William Thomas rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: absurd-garbage

Kevin Smith was a hero of mine in high school. His intellectual narcissism was something I could relate to, being of that same mind at the time. Coupled with his oft-times sophomoric sense of humor and it seemed like he could do no wrong. I still watch his early movies often and still love them. But I've never read one of his comic books that I'd ever want to re-read.

So,Kevin Smith, stop writing comic books. Please.

You may have grown up on them, you may love them, but you don't write them as if...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Brandon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: comix, 2011, fiction, the-dark-knight

I really want to like this, I really do. In fact, I'm such a Kevin Smith fan that I think it may be the only reason I'm giving this a 3 star rating over a 2 or a 2.5.

In my review of Batman: Cacophony, I stated that I had high hopes for the sequel in which Kevin Smith promised a superior story. Already, my hopes were probably too high. I mean, I love the guy's work! Big fan of his movies and podcasts; I also really enjoyed his Daredevil and Spider-Man runs. So I knew that he probably just wrote a...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Tif rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novel, dc

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I felt like I missed something while reading this. Was Kevin Smith being serious? Was there some sort of joke that went over my head that would have helped me to understand this story? I hope so, because without that missing piece I seem to have gotten sucked into some teen-scribed fan-fiction. I don't mind Batman being happy, even foolishly, sappily so. I can even handle Batman being a little silly once in a while. But this was not Batman. This wasn't even Bruce Wayne. Both guys are infinitely...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Panos rated it 3 of 5 stars

BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE (3/5)

Probably the most hated graphic novel on the Dark Knight of the last 5 years at least. Everything from artwork to script and plot has been judged and found inadequate, offensive and nonchalant. Hardcore Batman fans were at the point of burning the book in public by the time the sixth and last issue of the relative mini-series came out. Deemed by some a grotesque pervertion of not only the Caped Crusader but his alter ego as well, many few people were able to see pa...more BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE (3/5)

Probably the most hated graphic novel on the Dark Knight of the last 5 years at least. Everything from artwork to script and plot has been judged and found inadequate, offensive and nonchalant. Hardcore Batman fans were at the point of burning the book in public by the time the sixth and last issue of the relative mini-series came out. Deemed by some a grotesque pervertion of not only the Caped Crusader but his alter ego as well, many few people were able to see past those remarks and appreciate the certain charm of this book.

To the root of the problem first. Kevin Smith's characterization of Bruce Wayne as both a man and a bat-man is very unlike anything I've ever read. Many called it blasphemous; I'll go with interesting. For starters, Batman is much less brooding than we are used to. He takes jokes with more than a silent glare. He actually makes some (no shit, seriously!) He still has trust issues with other people but to a much lesser degree. In fact, Batman explicits some shocking amounts of blind trust in this book. It takes him some time but he does. All the while without losing his lovable and absolutely hilarious paranoia that defines him.

Scattered all over the book are also tales of Batman's past. More specifically, selected incidents from his relationship with Dick Grayson. More than once Bruce Wayne remembers his ex-sidekick's jokes and advices towards him and tries to implement them in his life. Some of those flashback scenes will totally crack you up, especially one with Superman coming to Gotham in order to take down Toyman. They explicit amazing character growth, at least in my opinion.

The script of this story suits the general tone of this storyline. It's funny and clever, although sometimes it degenerates to silly puns and really lame innuendos. That kind of spoils things a bit. That and Walt Flanagan's art. I mean, come on! When you choose an artist to draw a Batman novel you have to make sure he draws the main character right! It's common sense! I will agree on this with the masses of reviewers everywhere; the man can't draw Batman for his life. Surprisingly, he gets most other characters right. Especially women. Flanagans makes every woman in this story look very pretty and sexy. Awesome way to draw Robin also.

If you want something light to laugh with while still reading a dark Batman tale, this is a book for you. If you are supporters of the view "Batman should be dark and brooding as Hell", you won't have to search hard for something to pass your time with.(less)

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Apr 23, 2011 Orren Merton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Perhaps starting with the "follow up" story isn't the best way to go, but the blurb on The Widening Gyre sounded more interesting to me, so I didn't read Kevin Smith's Batman: Cacaphony first. Perhaps I missed out on some of the finer points but I din't think that this story was all that confusing or that it can't be understood as a standalone piece.

I happen to be someone who enjoys more psychological, emotional comics, so the fact that the majority of this graphic novel focuses more on "has Bru...more Perhaps starting with the "follow up" story isn't the best way to go, but the blurb on The Widening Gyre sounded more interesting to me, so I didn't read Kevin Smith's Batman: Cacaphony first. Perhaps I missed out on some of the finer points but I din't think that this story was all that confusing or that it can't be understood as a standalone piece.

I happen to be someone who enjoys more psychological, emotional comics, so the fact that the majority of this graphic novel focuses more on "has Bruce Wayne found love, and a potential successor" rather than on a few epic combat set pieces worked for me. So did Smith's snappy, contemporary dialog. His conversations make rub some wrong but to me they sound more like speech, which I appreciate. I also appreciated that in his "internal monologue" he dealt with the issue of constantly having children with him as backup—sure, "Batman and Robin" is a tradition, but while dressing in tights and a cape to fight crime is psychotic, dressing a child in tights and a cape to fight crime with you is criminally negligent (and psychotic).

However, even though I enjoyed it overall, two major issues keep me from giving The Widening Gyre a higher score. First, I felt that after a while, he was treading water, repeating the same pattern of "date during the day/crime fighting at night" without it adding to the story; it seemed to drag. Really, he could have cut the entire series down by 1-2 full issues and we still would have gotten the same story. The second issue is the gore. I'm no stranger to gory comics, loving Warren Ellis and other Vertigo/indie adult comics. But this is Batman for crying out loud. I couldn't help but imagine an 11-year old pointing at a shrink-wrapped graphic novel on the bookstore shelf, and a parent, who doesn't know any better (Batman is on Cartoon Network, right? And PG-13 movies) reading that the director of Chasing Amy wrote this and buying it. There is NOTHING on the cover stating that this should be for older kids or mature readers, and yet its got intestines spewing out of ripped corpses, severed limbs being eaten, you name it, real "hard R" style of gore. Personally, I'm not sure any of that is necessary for a Batman story to begin with, but certainly there needs to be some sort of notification that this is not a children's Batman story.

Overall this is a good story, and I'm glad I read it. I'm looking forward to Part 2, but unfortunately Kevin Smith is busy with other things (and notoriously slow when it comes to comics anyway) so who knows if it will ever see the light of day in my lifetime (and I'm not that old. ;) ). It would have been a better 4 issue story than a 6 issue story, and I'm not convinced about the gore being necessary. But I guess if you read my review, you're prepared for it, and it won't be as surprising.(less)

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Mar 21, 2011 Rae rated it 2 of 5 stars

First: Before you read this book, you need to read "Cacophony", also by Smith, to understand the story. I didn't like that one a lot but it's an OK read and the backgroundinformation is quite useful to understand "The Widening Gyre".

That said I'm pretty unsure how to rate this book. For every good thing, every good sentence or dialogue, Smith wrote, there's something amazingly wrong with the story or the characters. Some act less like themselves and more like Smith or some of his Clerks-characte...more

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Sep 16, 2010 Guillermo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wishlist, graphic-novel

If you haven't read Batman: Cacophony, I strongly suggest that you do before picking up the first volume of Batman: The Widening Gyre. Like Cacophony, The Widening Gyre is written by Kevin Smith with art by Walter "Tell 'Em, Steve Dave" Flanagan.

The volume - the hardback to be released on 14 December 2010 - features a cast of infamous and not-so famous Gotham villains. However, there isn't a single one that is a singular in the story arc. The focus is on the hero in town. One called Baphomet, w...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Michael rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: collected-comic, read-in-2012

Kevin Smith and Walt Flannigan team up again for their second Batman mini-series, the longer and more complex "The Widening Gyre."

As Bruce Wayne contemplates if and how he could hand on the Batman mantle to someone else, a new figure arrives in Gotham. Saving Batman's bacon a couple of times, Bruce begins to wonder if might not finally have found his successor. Meanwhile, Silvia St. Cloud returns to Bruce's life and the two rekindle their romance, leading to an eventual proposal by Bruce.

In a lo...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Bob Parks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: comic

The plot was great. The end is not what you expect. The art was excellent as well.
The dialogue was all Smith. It was fun but at times, the interior dialogue of Bruce Wayne/Batman didn't seem at home. Where Smith seemed on target was with Dick Grason and Tim Drake. Oh, and Aquaman. Great cameo by Aquaman. There were various references to other comics as well -- Miller's Dark Knight Returns, Gaiman's Sandman. I would definitely like to hear the various bits of dialogue out loud. I heard that Smith...more

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Mar 07, 2011 Jake Kilroy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: batman, graphic-novel

Most of this first volume handles way too fast or way too slow. It's half a-new-criminal-every-night and half oh-my-god-is-Bruce-Wayne-finally-happy. This all happens while Batman is fighting his lesser-known wacky, almost silly, super-violent villains, such as Crazy Quilt (murderer of eye doctors) and Cornelius Stirk (eater of human hearts).

It actually feels pretty manic and unfocused or a lot of it, but the ending is so tightly-wounded and precise that it almost makes you furious (because now...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Gavin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: comics

After I read Batman:Cacophony, which was Smith's 1st Batman story with Walt Flanagan, it was OK, but I knew that he could do better, and he said the very same himself in his forward. This book is a much better Batman story. A fantastic one in fact, because as much as being a Batman story, it's actually more of a Bruce Wayne story, and a history lesson as well. There are flashbacks to earlier days, allowing for views of Robin/Nightwing/Superman, and many others. Also, there's a whole bunch of oth...more

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Jun 06, 2012 Scott Lee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kevin Smith was right. Cacophony was not the best batman book he could write. This one was better. Stronger all the way through.

In my review of Cacophony I complained that the humor felt slightly off, in fact, I called it Whedon light. Well, I still feel that way. It was better done in this one, but still the jokes felt like moments in which the comic book was winking at me. In which Kevin Smith broke the fourth wall and told me a joke (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more, say no more) rather...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Jake rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novels, fiction

With Batman: The Widening Gyre, Kevin Smith makes up for the ordinariness of his first Dark Knight work: Cacophony . This six-parter has a richness of character and theme that you often don't get from comic books, or from Kevin Smith for that matter. As an avid fan of his film work (most of it), I find Smith’s storytelling strongest when it stems from his personal experience (Clerks, Dogma, and Chasing Amy). In The Widening Gyre, I found this narrative strength emanating from some great scenes w...more With Batman: The Widening Gyre, Kevin Smith makes up for the ordinariness of his first Dark Knight work: Cacophony . This six-parter has a richness of character and theme that you often don't get from comic books, or from Kevin Smith for that matter. As an avid fan of his film work (most of it), I find Smith’s storytelling strongest when it stems from his personal experience (Clerks, Dogma, and Chasing Amy). In The Widening Gyre, I found this narrative strength emanating from some great scenes with Dick Grayson, formerly Robin and currently Nightwing.

Through slow boil plot construction, and evocative artwork, The Widening Gyre explores a mature, but past the pinnacle, superhero who is struggling to balance life in and out of the costume. There is plenty of action. The threat of violence, with its inevitable suspense value, kept me engaged. Only the love story between Bruce and Silver St. Cloud seemed distractingly clunky at times. Though thanks to Walt Flanagan and the art team, it’s easy to see why Bruce finds her so irresistible.

Still, where the story really grabs me is in the thoughtful look at Batman’s often turbulent collaborations with his various Robins. For me, the most absurd part of the Batman universe has always been Robin—specifically the notion of dressing a teenage boy in bright skimpy clothing and asking him to dodge bullets. By having a world-wise Nightwing take jibes at his former mentor’s behavior, Smith deftly explores the questionable nature of Batman’s use of pubescent sidekicks. With the possible exception of A Death in the Family , this may be the most I’ve ever enjoyed the inclusion of a Robin-focused subplot.

I won’t try to suggest this is a Batman classic. Still, I found it a deeply satisfying addition to caped crusader lore. Be aware that, a la Smith fashion, there is a deliberate crudeness present in the storytelling. The Widening Gyre is violent and sexual in a direct and often wanton way. I don’t mention that as a criticism, just as a heads up. (less)

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May 24, 2013 De rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: batman

Smith's second outing with Batman is slightly better than his first. It was neat to see just about every "major" villain from the Dark Knight's history and the exploration of Bruce Wayne possibly giving up the mantle wasn't bad. Batman had a much more adult voice this time than in Smith's Cacophony, but the adolescent dialogue is instead transferred to Nightwing here.

I know Kevin Smith's stock in trade is vulgar and borderline-vulgar adolescent humor, but it seems out of place in a Batman story....more

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Jan 26, 2011 Frank rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novel, super-heroes

I don't know why I read this which is not true at all. I read it because I can't seem to shake the idea that Kevin Smith is still relevant. As he has been kind enough to let us know over and again, he loves comics. And he did do a very good job with the Green Arrow a few years back. But, seriously, there are no Batman stories left to tell. None. Please print this out and fax it to DC.

As for the book, it starts off at a meandering pace, builds some steam with the introduction of a love interest...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: being-human, fanfiction, graphic-novel, headology, hero-s-journey

That was AWESOME.

Seriously insightful, deeply meta-textual, and full of laugh out loud lines. Kevin Smith at his best. A taste, as he’s fighting a demon at Arkham Asylum, he thinks:

“Every evening as I suit up, I remind myself this could be the night I don’t come home because I’ve been crushed beneath the key of a giant prop typewriter. Or the night I die at the business end of an umbrella. Or the night I die at the hands of a caped alien god who’s realized he can just as easily enslave the worl...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Emilia P rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: comic-books

I picked this up at the Bookmobile. I had just watched Red State and kinda liked it alot and I like it when Smith branches out and it more or less works! However, Batman is totally weird! Comic book universes are totally weird! Catwoman is whiney! Silver St. Cloud is boring! Poison Ivy is wildly attractive! Pick her, Batman! Wait, no. What? Also Superman rules, sorry mopey old Bruce. And most of the villains in this were very very scary with very very silly names (and the illustrations of them a...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Magic Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I like about Kevin Smith's Batman stories is that they are tales that could only be told by Kevin Smith. There is no other mind in which the characters of Batman talk like this. He has his own kind of dialogue that he somehow makes work with Batman characters. Kevin Smith also clearly has a vast knowledge of Batman's history as he pulls characters, vehicles, and storylines from the past out into this new story. If you like Kevin Smith you are likely to enjoy this story. Also, if you want so...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Alastair rated it 5 of 5 stars

So Kevin Smith writes batman.
as only he can.
My Gods I love this comic.

Haiku aside this is a nervy, disorienting adventure for Gotham's dark angel. Packed with bleak humour sometimes reminiscent of Garth Ennis and other times of a quiet bloke in an overcoat. I like Batman, I like Kevin Smith's work so i thought it was a pretty safe bet but I was awed by quite how well the cocktail works. I haven't read cacophony and having read the reviews on here i am confused, i didn't know it was there but if...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Karen rated it 1 of 5 stars

For the love of god, will *someone* pay attention to who Batman is, and stop writing crap completely out of character for him? I've really liked Smith's comic book work 'til now, but after Grant Morrison pissed me off so much with the absolute stupidity of Batman Inc., this just feels like another slap in the face. I'm not kidding -- I'll take up a fund to fly one person to Morrison's house just to punch him in the throat.

And now, et tu, Kevin?

Can someone...anyone (Dini? Winick?)...*please* rem...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Renata rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Kevin Smith fans, idle Batman fans

Shelves: graphic-novel

I really dug this. I like Batman movies, but I haven't read too many of the comics. I understand Kev Smith got a fair amount of flak for writing "un-Batman-ish" comics, but I loved this. It had a really good dash of Kevin Smith humor (which I know isn't for everyone, but which I really enjoy) and a genuinely surprising/scary twist (no spoilerzzzz). Oh, and you should read Batman: Cacophony first, if you're going to read this.

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Jun 10, 2013 Misty Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a HUGE Batman fan and while parts of this story I wasn't particularly thrilled I thought it was a great spin. Clearly Kevin Smith is telling Batman's story from his own perspective and I thought it was terrific. I want to read fresh Batman. I've read so many Batman comics and I felt this one put an original spin on the story line. I enjoyed the inner battle Batman has within himself over his love for Silver St. Cloud and his flame that still burns for Catwoman. The art is amazing as well. S...more

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Jul 30, 2011 M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kevin Smith returns with this "sequel" to Cacophony, following Batman's paranoia about letting a new crimefighter into his inner circle. Thanks to the mysterious Baphomet, The Dark Knight's rogues do not stand a chance in Gotham. Yet the return of Silver St. Cloud to Bruce's social life cause Batman to ponder over this new vigilante as a replacement. A visual romp through the rogues' gallery and an intriguing twist - too bad we'll have to wait a lengthy span before Smith gets to finishing his mi...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Sam Quixote rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fresh from their first Batman collaboration - "Cacophony" - writer Kevin Smith and artist Walter Flanagan return with their second collection, this time longer than the first, called "The Widening Gyre". A new superhero comes to Gotham wearing a wooden goat mask calling himself "Baphomet" and kicking evil-doer ass, giving Batman the idea that this might be the man he's been looking for to replace him and let Batman retire. Meanwhile Silver St Cloud re-enters Bruce Wayne's life after her husband'...more Fresh from their first Batman collaboration - "Cacophony" - writer Kevin Smith and artist Walter Flanagan return with their second collection, this time longer than the first, called "The Widening Gyre". A new superhero comes to Gotham wearing a wooden goat mask calling himself "Baphomet" and kicking evil-doer ass, giving Batman the idea that this might be the man he's been looking for to replace him and let Batman retire. Meanwhile Silver St Cloud re-enters Bruce Wayne's life after her husband's death, and the two begin a whirlwind relationship. But who is Baphomet and why has he suddenly appeared to take down Batman's Rogues Gallery?

"Gyre" is a mixed bag for me - there's plenty of action but not a strong enough plot to say this is a great Batman book. For example, there are a lot of old Batman villains that get aired for a few pages before being taken down again - Baron Blitzkrieg, Etrigan, Cornelius Stirk, Black Spider, and Crazy Quilt all get their day in court along with regulars Joker, Mr Freeze, and Poison Ivy. All it really does is show again and again that Baphomet can handle the action and underlines to Batman repeatedly that this guy might be the one to fill his boots when he retires. But seeing one villain after another being beaten up gets a bit boring after a while.

The other main focus is the love story between Silver St Cloud and Bruce Wayne. It's very soap opera-y. They jet to tropical islands, make love on the beach, jet to Aspen and ski, blah blah blah. Wayne gets loved up - how many scenes of him smooching with Silver does the average Batman reader want to see? Then there's Selina Kyle and we really get into Melrose Place territory.

The Baphomet story is the interesting piece of the puzzle, though he de-masks early on and it's nobody from Batman's past that's revelatory. In fact, it's kind of a red herring... but I don't want to spoil it for you. No, despite its humdrum story throughout, "Gyre" is redeemed in the final pages with a real sucker punch of an ending from Smith and makes me want to read the next book in the series.

I quite like Smith's writing so I enjoyed reading the book but I already know one person who didn't like the way Smith humanised Batman by showing him eating a sandwich in between arrests and especially on one page that references "Year One" and Batman's first encounter with incendiaries. But despite being a Batman fan and having read hundreds of comics featuring the guy, it didn't jar me in the way it might - might - a Batman purist.

Flanagan's art is better than his work in "Cacophony"'s and his Batman looks a lot better too - more fierce, menacing, masculine. His drawings of Poison Ivy were awesome too. I know some people disliked his artwork in "Cacophony" but I think it was an overreaction, I mean, he's not Jim Lee but he's not Sam Kieth either.

I guess I was a bit disappointed with the book overall. It felt like there was too much padding and not enough of a substantial story. It felt like the ending was the start of the real story and I would've liked to have skipped a lot of the dross that led up to it and started there instead. That said, it was a decent read and I'm looking forward to a more dynamic "Gyre: Vol 2" from Smith and Flanagan.(less)

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Jul 26, 2011 Anne rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: comics, graphic-novels, read-in-2011

1.5 stars
This is the sequel to Batman: Cacophony, which wasn't all that good, but I didn't hate it. The Widening Gyre? Well, a more appropriate name for it would be, Batman Goes Retarded .
Unless the majority of this story turns out to be some sort of drug-induced dream sequence, then this is quite possibly one of the dumbest Batman plots I've ever read.
Read it for yourself, if you don't believe me.

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About Kevin Smith

Kevin Patrick Smith is an American screenwriter, director, as well as a comic book writer, author, and actor. He is also the co-founder, with Scott Mosier, of View Askew Productions and owner of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash comic and novelty store in Red Bank, New Jersey. He also hosts a weekly podcast with Scott Mosier known as SModcast. He is also known for participating in long, humorous Q&A...more

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7939733-batman?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322930415l/7939733.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7939733-batman?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Batman: The Widening Gyre by Kevin Smith[/url]

Batman: The Widening Gyre (Batman)

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