Since the early 1980s, I’ve had an on again, off again relationship with Batman comic books.
I’d read for a while, and then something would happen -- usually a big-ass, multi-title crossover/”Event” -- and I’d lose interest and stop spending my money on ‘em. Then something would come along and suck me back in for a while. Like I said, this hot/cold thing between me and Batman comics has been going on for nearly 3 decades now.
Now DC is rebooting -- sorry, “relaunching” -- the entire comic book DCU, SO…
We’re back together again.
When DC announced all the Bat-Comics that would be part of the “New 52,” I gave first dibs on titles to the fine folks who have been reviewing them for ME and YOU here at BOF the last several years. For some reason, not too many were keen on taking on DC’s flagship title, so I stepped up to the plate “volunteered” to review Vol. 2 of the monthly that first gave us The Batman over 70 years ago.
As I’m sure you all already know (or perhaps not), Tony Daniel has moved from writing and drawing BATMAN to doing the same now for DETECTIVE. Admittedly, I like his artwork -- which, in my opinion, certainly has a “Jim Lee Vibe” to it, if you will. I was reviewing BATMAN for BOF back during Grant Morrison’s writing-run and always gave TD props for his Bat-Art. I don’t see much of a difference when it comes to that -- other than that The Batman’s sporting his new comic book threads. On the other hand, I’m going into this gig pretty much without an opinion on his Bat-Writing -- which is a good thing methinks.
Since I’ve provided y’all with my personal “Tony Daniel’s Backstory,” let’s get on with the review of DETECTIVE COMICS #1...
It’s OK.
While it did not blow me away, I’d say it’s definitely a good start for DCV1. And what a better way to get things rolling than to give us a story featuring The Batman vs. The Joker.
Essentially, DETECTIVE #1 sets up the world of Batman as it will be in this particular title. The Dark Knight is seasoned but still not OK with the Gotham City Police Department -- other than ( a red-headed) Commissioner Jim Gordon. Speaking of hair, one Alfred Pennyworth is sporting a full head of it. This makes me wonder…
How far removed from YEAR ONE (which is still canon apparently) are we based on how much and what color is growing out of Gordon and Alfred’s dome? That’s probably what they want us all to wonder as well. Anyway…
Like I said, 90% of DC #1 is Batman chasing The Joker -- whom he ultimately catches and has locked up in Arkham Asylum right near the end of this issue. However, things aren’t like they always seem when it comes to The Joker, right? In fact, this one ends with a gruesome “WTF?!” that makes one wonder what the “New 52” incarnation of The Joker will be…aesthetically.
And who in the hell is this villain-dude with the knife that The Joker’s in (really, Really, REALLY BIZZARE) cahoots with?
I don’t know, but I want to find out!
I’m glad Batman Comics and I are back together!
Well, at least for now.
GRADE: B
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A life-long Batman fan, "Jett"
is the founder of BATMAN-ON-FILM.COM.
He resides in the great state of Texas with his wife, three kids, and two Boston Terriers.
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SYNOPSIS: DC's flagship title is relaunched for the first time ever! A killer called "The Gotham Ripper" is on the loose on Batman's home turf -- leading The Dark Knight on a deadly game of cat and mouse.