BATMAN #705

While patiently waiting for the delayed, David Finch written and drawn new Batman title, Tony Daniel has been showing everyone who's boss. The dude has written, drawn, and inked two issues already in his current run on this flagship title. Not too shabby, especially considering that Daniel is one of DC's best artists. It's certainly strange when a long time artist all of a sudden starts writing as well. You always have to wonder if he's a bit too narcissistic. With Daniel, I think he got sick of drawing Grant Morrison's obtuse plots and just wanted to have fun. In this issue, he certainly has fun. Batman rides a horse! The Riddler returns! The Riddler's daughter, Enigma, shows up! There's a fight with a samurai/ninja dude! He befriends a sexy Asian chick, Peacock! Definitely this is more in the spirit of a regular, action spectacle than the dark, brooding, and gloomy world that Batman usually resides in. Daniel's script is of course by-the-numbers, but he doesn't want to break new ground and that's okay. The art is terrific; it's detailed, fluid, and in your face. If you loved Batman: R.I.P. for the art but hated the story, pick this book up. It's old-school in a sense and definitely not remarkably fantastic, but it's a fun ride. **1/2