Scott Snyder’s epic conclusion to “Death of the Family” is in stores now with Batman #17. You can read our full review of this major issue right here, but this issue is such a big deal it deserves a closer look. Below you’ll find the ten best moments from the issue, but be aware that if you haven’t already picked up the issue there are some big spoilers to be found here.

The Joker’s Shocking Reveal

While it will turn out to be just another Joker prank, the reveal of the family’s faces in the pot was a huge shock in the issue. While I, and others, expected Alfred’s head to be there; him faking Batman out to think it was his friend’s faces was brilliant and a really big “OMG” way to kick off the issue. That leads directly to the next point:

Batman’s Reaction

In one panel Snyder perfect sums up the Batman/Joker relationship. Joker really pushed Batman in this story, and for a moment I think some people believed that Batman was prepared to break his one rule. Batman’s been this pissed off at the Joker before (he nearly crushed the Joker’s skull in Hush), but with the Joker messing with the family like this; he really sent Batman over the edge.

Father and Son Reuinited

I love this silent moment and Capullo nails it here. People don’t like Damian much, but I love the dynamic it brought to Bruce in Batman & Robin. He’s a brutal killing machine in a kid’s body, son of Talia, but he’s still Bruce’s son.

Batman vs Joker

This (final?) confrontation between the two enemies ranks right up there with the Tunnel of Love scene in The Dark Knight Returns. In a way, this is the Tunnel of Love scene for this generation’s comic readers. Batman at his end of dealing with the Joker, unhinged, and he’s just not going to take it anymore.

Sherlock Holmes?

If Batman is the best detective in the DCU and the Joker is his Moriarty, it’s only fitting that the two should have a climatic fight over a waterfall.

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