Batman: Streets of Gotham #2 - DC

While we already have the Batman and Detective books, this one seems to focus more on his supporting cast. Which is actually quite large when you thing about it. This issue, Hush decides to take advantage of the recent human combustion throughout the city. He leads Alfred to think that he is also a victim, igniting himself in his cell. He then escapes, but tells Alfred "You're the last person I want to hurt, Alf. From this point on, we're going to be best of friends. I have a little work to do, but I'll be back. I promise." We also see that Batman has some new help with the crime in town. We don't really see his face, or know his name, but he kind of looks like the Thing, or Blockbuster in a trench-coat and fedora. And, when the Firefly makes an attempt on Black Mask we see that Zsasz comes to his rescue. "Take it easy mask. I've been watching, waiting. I knew one of the others would turn on you. You took a chance letting me out. That goes a long way with me." He escapes, but Dick takes down Firefly. The issue ends when Bruce / Hush reappears . . right in front of Wayne tower. He goes through a long speech, ingratiating himself back into Gotham society. Everyone's watching . . the JLA, Ra's al Ghul, and Alfred, Dick and Damian come out to join in the spectacle. But the big news comes at the end of the speech . ."With our nation's economy in recession, Gotham's only source of salvation lies in the private sector, with individuals willing to open thier wallets as well as their hearts. . . Only the first in a series of payments to spark Gotham's resurgence. One Billion dollars . . with a Billion more coming each month until the crisis is past." It appears that Thomas Elliot has decided to introduce his own 'stimulus' package . . one that will put Bruce back in the spotlight, but also, most assuredly, bankrupt Wayne Foundation. That was an interesting turn of events. This story was brought to us by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen. I thought the back-up ManHunter story was also interesting. Kate has also become a part of the Gotham City skyline. In fact she's now the District Attorney. Currently she's looking for Jane Doe, a villain who assumes the identities of others, but is coming up with zero leads. Her search brings Arkham Asylum and Dr Arkham back into the story. But in the end, Jane Doe finds her. Be careful what you wish for. Marc Andreyko writes this story, as he did the series. But what makes it better for me is Georges Jeanty's pencils. With the 5 pages of previews from the Doom Patrol series we get 35 pages of art this issue. Which helps alleviate the $3.99 price tag, but . . I remember when 80 pagers were a $1.