In the Make-Up, Batman: Gotham Adventures 39 Review

There are strange occurrences going on with the production of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Legend has it that the play is troubled and haunted, to the point that performers do not refer to it by name or title, it's simply referred to as "The Scottish Play". Thespian Alfred Pennyworth enlightens Barbara and Dick on the legend of the play. 

Barbara continues to investigate as more and more strange occurrences happen. Eventually Dick and Bruce are drawn in. Obviously, it turns out that Matt Hagen has been drawn to the production like a moth to a flame. Performing and theatrics are just part of his make-up, no matter his guise.

It's such a fun, yet tragic story by Peterson, Levins and Beatty. The focus upfront is more on the play and the accidents which inevitably lead to Matt Hagen's other identity. His other guy enters, "stage left" for a brief curtain call. Clayface nearly brings down the house battling The Dark Knight.

"Acts", Batman: Gotham Adventures 39 earns four stars.

    

"Whubba!" Batman: Gotham Adventures 30 Review

"Whubba." A hilarious *choking* stutter.

Commissioner Gordon summons Batman when a young boy goes missing from a military facility. The concern has to do with his condition. Following the trail, Batman comes upon the doctor that was on duty when the boy's parents removed him from the facility. When Batman catches him by surprise, he spills some of his coffee! And "Whubba."

The boys condition leads Batman to Arkham and Clayface. The former actor, Matt Hagen, might be able to teach the boy some mental self-control over his form. Hagen starts a riot leaving Arkham that Batman has to quell. Later, he tries to upgrade his deal. The boy makes a stand on right and wrong.

Under a Bob Smith-Terry Beatty cover, Scott Peterson and Tim Levins show a melancholy, sentimental story. Hagen as Clayface is a tragic figure. One can feel sorry for some vanity that drove Hagen to the condition he's in. Some choices are just plain bad. Nearly all Batman stories are about poor choices. A good choice is Beatty, Loughridge and Harkins backing Levins.

"Deals" is a heartfelt story, providing some redeeming qualities for Matt Hagen's Clayface. Batman: Gotham Adventures earns four stars.