Review: Batman Room Full of Strangers

I have a shit ton of comics. Most of them, I have not read yet. But as you all know, I have a love for Batman. Now, for those of you that have the same situation, I'm sure there's always that time as you stare at your “not yet touched” collection and find something obscure yet interesting. This story is one of those comics. I first looked at it and was perplexed by the art; it reminded me of a children's book. Then I see Jim Gordon holding a pistol and I immediately had to pick it up and read it. I should also admit, I think the Batman universe, the heroes, villains, side characters, etc. and the city of Gotham and its surrounding areas is probably my favorite comic book setting. So I really enjoy the Batman comics that, well, don't really star Batman(hence why I think Gotham Central is so bad ass). Room Full of Strangers isn't some long story arc; just a one shot. But I think it deserves a look.

First thing I want to point out is that this book is written and illustrated by Scott Morse. Morse has done work on Plastic Man, Elektra and Catwoman. He is also know for a series called Magic Pickle...whatever the fuck that is. I've never heard of him before this and this is the first and only work of his I have read. Like I said before, the illustrations in this book remind me of a children's book. Smooth and powerful colors, a type of character art that you might see on Nickelodeon or Disney; like it's abstract but it is not at the same time. In better terms, it looks like animation you would see on a cartoon show pretty much. My thoughts going into this were up in the air, because I knew this would be a Jim Gordon story but the fact that it is drawn in a different way than I'm used to seeing, really placed a big question mark in my head.

I love the way the colors are used

The story of the comic is after Jim Gordon retires from being the commissioner of Gotham(check out Batman: Officer Down and you will see what lead to it). Jim is out to get some R&R in the country at a bed and breakfast. Upon his arrival, he meets the colorful group that is staying there now, including a young boy named Graham that is completely into Gotham and the Batman. A terrible storm rolls in and knocks the power out. Noise is heard from the couple upstairs and Jim investigates to find that a murder has been committed. Jim has to investigate the inn while dealing with the deadly storm outside and gets help from an unsuspecting “fan” of the Dark Knight.

It's not who you think it is, the ending of this book is very unique

Now, I know this isn't much info to go on, but since this is just a one shot, I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Let me put it this way, if you are thinking that the look of this comic is geared towards children, wait until you read the end. Very real and pretty shocking shit, I must say. I liked this book. The style and colors are done really well and any indecisive thoughts I had about the art just dissolves away. It's a great story and an interesting look at people in Batman's universe that are outside of Gotham. I felt like I was on a vacation from Gotham myself as I read this. It's a good read if you want to read a Batman comic but want a fresh look at things.