In a way, it's difficult to explain what I find so perfect about this issue. But I do know this issue has been stuck in my memory ever since I read it when it first came out two years ago. POSSIBLE SPOILER, SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...... Batman is a secondary character, and two new characters (creations of Scott Snyder) are the leads. It's obvious from reading this issue that the fascinating Harper and Cullen Row (sister and brother) will both play very important roles in the DCU for years to come. I love the characters because they are natural and realistic, unlike almost every other character in the history of Batman. It's refreshing.

Beautiful cover, great interior art, and a wonderful story. Snyder's work on Batman is amazing, and though Capullo is only here for cover art, Andy Clarke and Becky Cloonan do a great job of filling in. The only thing I didn't like was that they switched artwork near the end of the book. Both artists are good, but they should have stuck with just one. Aside from that, an excellent read!