Widening Gyre is not going to be high art. The first issue makes that abundantly clear. What it doesn't make clear is what the overall story is truly about. But despite all this and some rather serious storytelling flaws, I'm willing to keep an open mind about the series. Smith and Flanagan display just enough flashes of brilliance that I'm willing to hold out hope for something better. Read Full Review

The art is consistently good, not incredible usually, but good. There are some dynamic and exciting comic panel borders that are used and it adds to the experience and awe of what's going to happen next. I love the exploration of Bruce and Dick's relationship as they joke and smile with each other. The mystery of what's happening at Arkham is gripping, seeing the familiar faces of the Joker and Two-Face is a fun cameo. Etrigan is as brutal as ever, but his motives aren't always entirely clear, which only adds to the experience. Ivy's the same old Ivy, just not as subtle as usual. The mystery of the character who showed up at the end of the issue only makes me want to know more of what's happening. I think it might have been a little too packed with villains since it doesn't seem like any of them except Etrigan were any kind of challenge. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, I appreciated focusing on Batman's investigative side, but no villain except Etrigan seemed like a threat and so the stakes felt relatively low. I'm hopeful for the series, it's off to a good start. more