Batman: Rules Of Engagement Review | DC GRAPHIC NOVEL TALK

Before the Comic Book Wedding Of The Century, we must learn the Rules Of Engagement.

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past year then you are probably unaware that Batman and Catwoman are engaged to be married. As always though, several obstacles will stand between them and their happiness and throughout this review, I will be discussing if the graphic novel manages to set up a shotgun wedding or leaves me with cold feet.

There will, of course, be heavy spoilers, so if you want to read the book with fresh eyes then I highly recommend that you skip to the score and read this article at a later date.

But for everyone else, let’s dive into Rules Of Engagement!

Knightmare Scenario

The book opens with Catwoman and Batman trekking across the desert to reach the country of Khadym. Fans of Batman V Superman will lap this up as Batman is striding in his Knightmare costume from that film and the outfit makes for a fantastic Easter egg.

Back home things are in turmoil. The Bat family have just learned of Bruce and Selina’s engagement and it doesn’t sit too well with the Robins. Add to this the fact that Batman is breaking many UN and Justice League sanctions just by entering Khadym and you have yourself a story is immediately engrossing.

We learn that the duo are attempting to reach Holly Robinson (see I am Suicide for why) and the only thing in their way is Talia Al Ghul. She battles Catwoman and it’s great watching the ex vs the new interest show off in the book’s midsection. It’s by far one of the best action set pieces King has put to page and knocks it out the park.

‘Fight Or Die’

Unfortunately, the main storyline of the graphic novel doesn’t climax in the way that one would expect and leaves a lot more questions than answers. Due to this, it becomes hard to really recommend the story because of its short length and lack of impact overall. However, Batman Annual #2 which is included in the book more than makes up for it.

This beautiful tail recounts some of the Bat and Cats first encounters and builds the blossoming romance between them before flashing forward to tell the story of their twilight years. It’s completely breathtaking and in all honesty, brought a tear to my eyes the first time I read it.

It perfectly wraps up the book and is a unique tale that makes this story well worth picking up.