This is Your LIFE, Bruce Wayne! Batman: Gotham Adventures 33 Review

What difference can one Batman make? Ed Brubaker and Brad Rader's "World Without Batman" answers that very question. Batman is standing alone in Gotham Cemetery anguishing before his parents' grave. If ever there was an opportunity to uncover Batman's secret identity - this is it! Batman standing in front of the Wayne tombstone - there's a giveaway! Fortunately, The Phantom Stranger is the only witness. 

He presents for Bruce Wayne an opportunity to see a world unfold had Thomas and Martha Wayne lived. Bruce's life is better for it. He ends up marrying Selina and having two sons. Dick Grayson's and Tim Drake's lives do not turn out so well. Barbara Gordon becomes a policewoman. Harvey Dent is a total nervous wreck.

The story unfolds very much like "It's a Wonderful Life", in that Bruce Wayne becoming The Batman affected and influenced others around him. Bruce was there for both Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. He was there for Barbara. He was there as much as possible for Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent.

There's no getting around that Batman has made an impact. Bruce's sacrifice has meaning for the living more than for those that have passed.

Brubaker's story is compelling. Rader is backed by inker John Lowe, with Loughridge and Harkins on backup.

A rare guest-appearance by The Phantom Stranger really makes this story. 

Batman: Gotham Adventures 33 earns four stars.