Bats to a Flame, Batman: Gotham Adventures 42 Review

Craig Rousseau steps in as guest-penciller for Scott Peterson's incendiary and explosive "Tuesday Night". Definitely explosive as Peterson and Rousseau open with Batman leaping from a burning building and a "KA-BOOOM" courtesy of Albert DeGuzman that Marvin the Martian would be thrilled by.

It's a hot time in the old town! Buildings across Gotham are burning. The fickle finger of fate points toward Suzanne Cormier. Tim contacts Alfred for background. There's a lag, due to disrupted communications and the Batcomputer slowing down. The Dynamic Duo face the same problem when Cormier invites them to find answers as to why her buildings are on fire. Clues lead to contractor Mark Bender, who admits the ventilation system is computerized! The reveal is that Gotham is experiencing sunspot activity! Which is causing the system to overheat and burst into flames.

The science, along with art by guests Rousseau and inker Dan Davis is sunspot on.

However, this would be a golden opportunity to introduce Firefly. Or even Firebug. Perhaps, down the road. The story is solid and enjoyable. Peterson, Rousseau and Davis really fan the flames to put Batman and Robin through their paces. Still, perhaps a missed opportunity.

"Tuesday Night" is thrilling and gripping, earning four stars.