When DC decided to scrap its eighty-plus years of sequential numbering (and quite a bit of their storyline continuity) many people rejoiced at the so-called do-over. Not so much me. But then I started reading some of these “new” comics and was captivated, even against my better judgment. One of the better relaunches is Batman. Batman Vol. 1: the Court of Owls Collects: Batman #1-7 Writer: Scott Snyder Artists: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion DC Comics May 2012 Batman re-imagining has been done so well (like Frank Miller’s Year One) and so poorly (like Frank Miller’s incomplete All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder) that a little continuity clean up is definitely in order. While it is early in this series, the first 7 issues collected in this volume show definite promise. There is a new enemy in Gotham. One that Batman isn’t even sure exists, but one that threatens the hold he has on the city and causes doubt about exactly who Gotham belongs to. The “Court of Owls” is an old story used to spook children into behaving, but until now there hasn’t been any reason to take the stories seriously. But it is real, and Batman is caught up in a new rivalry that adds depth to the relationship between Gotham and Batman. [SPOILER]: Another launch title, All-Star Western, featuring Jonah Hex also features a sinister secret society in Gotham City during the late 1800s. Several of the visuals include Owls. I bring this up to show that DC is doing a fantastic job of tying some of the launch titles together to build this new continuity. [END SPOILER] Capullo and Glapoin’s art is as squarish and gritty and their fans won’t be disappointed. Snyder’s story is tight, taunt and pulls the reader in. Of the launch titles, this is clearly one of the better ones. It features higher quality artwork, deeper and more foundational writing and is a must read for those looking to jump into a DC New 52 Title. Highly recommended.