Tagged: Kevin Smith

The eagerly anticipated [[[Batman: Cacophony]]] #1 finally hit shelves this month, and, on many levels, it did not disappoint.  The three-issue series is authored by famous screenwriter/director Kevin Smith, and his signature style is evident.   Smith, as always, manages to weave in a healthy dose of crude, sexual humor, and it is surprisingly successful coming out of The Joker’s mouth.   The tone of the book, however, is not as dark as one would think.  The atmosphere created by the creative minds at work is more a cartoonish, brightly colored Pulp Fiction than the noir-esque Batman of years past.   A color palette of burnt oranges, yellows, and primary colors adorn the pages in the book, and this tone nicely compliments Kevin Smith’s clever, quick witted humor. 

On the topic of art, the book is drawn by illustrator Walt Flanagan, making his DC debut.  Although he shows promise, his style is definitely that of a rookie and not a seasoned veteran.   The drawings lack the stylistic flair that many accomplished comic artists have mastered.   While the absence of pop in the drawings can be distracting, Smith manages to set the stage for what is sure to an interesting story.  He is weaving together a tale that links the Joker to a ring of Greek mobsters and designer drugs which is also peppered by the presence of the always fascinating villain Onomatopoeia, not seen since Smith introduced him during his short run on [[[Green Arrow]]].   Onomatopoeia happens to be one of the characters that is drawn very well by Flanagan, and the story lines are sure to collide and provide solid entertainment for any reader who shows interest.