Batwing #9 gives a nice payoff from its location in Gotham this issue. Though my feeling was not positive with Batwing chasing Massacre to Gotham, this issue makes that minor mistake a positive for this issue.
The issue begins with the Court discussing how radical Alexander Staunton has become, and how he must be decommissioned. Lucky enough, he will be called again to serve in a not so distant future. The issue transitions to Batwing and Matu at Batman INC research and development. There, Lucius Fox is getting ready the upgrades the former two are suggesting for Batwing’s missions. David and Matu are then invited to a party for Batman INC as they stay and rest after the battle with Massacre. The Court then issues its strike against Gotham. The reader is introduced to how disciplined David is when Matu suggests trying to romance some women. He feels the gala makes him a bit uncomfortable due to the grandeur of it all. They bump into the head of an African state who recognizes Matu, and David thinks the man is disgusting. Mr. Fox reminds David that social compromise is a good thing even though; we may not always like it. David did not really want to talk to him for too long. Lucky for him, the talon strike begins. Alfred gives his announcements out to the allies of the Bat, and Matu is alerted. As Mr. Fox is alerted he is the target, David jumps into actions as Batwing. He analyzes how to take him down, and Matu gives him ideas on how to defeat them as he heard what Alfred told him about them. The talon threatens someone if Lucius does not give himself up. Luckily, Batwing takes this opportunity to take the talon down as he sees no other way for Lucius or the man to get out alive. The man is the previous prime minister, and as he comes to thank David, David knocks him out in disgust stating to Mr. Fox that is how they compromise in Africa.
This issue is great. Judd Winick does a great job writing it, and uses this opportunity of him being in Gotham to display the morality of David. He also does a great job showing off Mr. Fox, and his contributions to the Batman world. New mainstay artist Marcus To kills this book. He can absolutely draw anything, and he seems to have changed his art style a little for this book. It seems to depart a bit from his previous books such as Red Robin and Huntress but it is all well and good. Together, this team should stay together, and I look forward to seeing To in the next main stories yet to come.
