[Best of Batman] Blind Justice by Sam Hamm

What I genuinely liked about this story was the introduction of Henri Ducard, one of Bruce Wayne’s mentors who contributed to his training as the Batman. However, Ducard is quite an opportunist who doesn’t share any of Batman’s ideals and this makes his relationship with Bruce himself quite interesting and how that unfolds as this comic book progressed. Plot-wise, Blind Justice was as audacious as it can get. It dealt with mind control and some garden-variety villain who overcompensates for his physical weaknesses through the use of his intelligence. The writing remains very compelling despite the silliness of the plot nevertheless because Hamm was able to divulge into the dynamics at play among the chief characters. We get to see Bruce Wayne unmasked more often than when he’s Batman which then gives us insights on how people relate to him as the reclusive billionaire. 

Bruce is as socially awkward as one could expect which further alienates the people around him and that’s why it’s no surprise he retreats to his Batcave even during mornings. There are many amusing scenes about this especially when he had a brother and a sister as his house guests and they’re both trying to be friends with him yet Bruce refuses to take them fully into his confidence.

I find that some of the best Batman stories often revolve around the Bruce Wayne persona and how he works outside the costume since in this story, WayneTech faces indictment on the grounds of treason charges and he had to focus on this which somewhat cuts back his mask avenger hours at night. Alfred and Gordon were once again the centerpieces of such stories as their strenuous relationships with Bruce and Batman respectively became a strong presence for Blind Justice. Gordon also begins to suspect Wayne as Batman and even offers to testify for his defense but when Bruce fails to show up in court, that suspicion only blossoms. These plot points are the highlights of the story that make up for its average villain who feels more or less like a filler role. The real draw of Blind Justice is Bruce Wayne’s flashbacks of his training and they further paint his single-minded pursuit to become a symbol of justice and how exactly that kind of psychological obsession does damages to his personal relationships as a man.

RECOMMENDED: 6/10