Batman - the Widening Gyre #4 - DC

I'm not sure what the point of this cover is. The only mention of Joker in this issue is when Bruce is reminiscing about his Rogues' gallery. 'They weren't criminals so much as egocentric personalities in need of attention. A nuisance, at worst. The media made stars of these head cases. The dailies pulped whole forests just to supply the volume or paper needed to track their exploits. The were painted as outsiders and dreamers who dared to be 'fabulous' against the urban criminal landscape. And everyone thought they were 'a real hoot'. Until the Joker started killing people. When that idea caught on . . the talk show bookings dried up.' This idea comes across his mind because he tangles with another one trick pony, the Quilted Man, who's been running around Gotham killing optometrists. Anyways, he brings him down, with the help of Baphomet. But in the exchange after the fight . . in the debriefing on one of Gotham's roof tops . . Baphomet oversteps his bounds. He removes his mask. 'It's to soon. I'm nowhere near ready for that level of commitment.' But you have to wonder, is he talking about the commitment of having a partner out in the field, or . . is he talking the commitment of having a partner back at the mansion, Silver St Cloud? Silver seems to have moved right in and is making herself right at home in both the mansion and the Bat-Cave. In fact she's been scouring through Bruce's crime journals. She thinks he's a fantastic writer. I'm not sure what her plans are . . I'm sure she's just trying to help in her own confused way, but when she leaves she takes one of the journals with her. But Batman has even more stuff going on in his life. This all occurs about the same time that he was associated with the Outsiders. And between them, and Dick . . he almost feels like he's part of a family now. But then . . life comes along and smacks you upside the head. While taking down a common criminal, he hears an alarm go off. It turns out to be one of Selina's holdings. She set off the alarm to attract his attention. And now that she has it, she lets him know that she's aware of the relationship that he's been hiding. Why? Because there's absolutely nothing in the papers. Which means it's not just a cover . . this one's serious. And she let's him know that she's very jealous. While she knows that Bruce is attracted to Silver because of his need for a semblance of normalcy, the Batman side of him is attracted to Catwoman. And she's more than willing. The issue ends with them in a passionate, sensual embrace. Apparently Bruce doesn't have it all together as much as he thought he did. It's funny how life jumps up in your face to show you that sometimes. Kevin Smith is fantastic with these Batman stories. I know he's a good writer, and he's been good on other titles. But, personally, I really prefer him when he scripts this character. He just seems more connected to this character. I'm also enjoying Walter Flanagan's art on this series. I wasn't really sure, when this series started, but . . I really feel like it's growing on me. This has turned out to be a great story. I can't wait for more.