OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: When Batman and Batwoman each face off against a knife-wielding killer, they soon find themselves working different sides of the same case. But will they arrive in time to rescue the missing girl and stop the killer from claiming another victim? Things do not end well in "Cutter" Part 3.
And in The Question, the mastermind behind the human trafficking ring and the gunrunning scheme is finally revealed, and The Question and the Huntress find themselves in the fight of their lives
I know that many of you (including myself) are curious about what's going on with DETECTIVE COMICS, so before we get to the review of "Cutter" Part 3, let's take a quick look at the release schedule for the next few issues. April and May (#s 864 and 865) are an Arkham Asylum/Black Mask two-parter (featuring what I'm assuming is Dick Grayson's Batman) by guest writer David Hine, and June's #866 is a 40-page "celebration" (also starring Dick's Batman) of BATMAN #700 by the legendary Dennis O'Neil. According to DC's website, July's #867 will be "the return of the Question and Batwoman."
As for the main event, "Cutter" Part 3 doesn't cut any corners but still feels somewhat slight compared to the two rock-star issues that preceded it. So far in this story we've seen ultimate Bruce-as-Batman bad-assery, ultimate Bruce-as-Bruce detective work, and plenty of suspenseful, bloody action involving both Batman and Batwoman that culminated in last month's grisly cliffhanger.
Most of the conclusion focuses on wrapping things up matter-of-factly, though it does introduce opportunities for both a recurring villain and a sidekick(!) for Batwoman. As always, I love the Kate Kane character, her relationship with her father, and her drive to succeed. She keeps a cool head here despite very emotional circumstances, saves a life, and kicks some ass, all in one fell swoop of her sexy cape. I don't find any faults with the issue, and it will read really well with the other two when this story is eventually collected, but as a single chapter it doesn't pack quite the same punch as the previous chunks. Greg Rucka is one of the finest writers in comics today, and what he's done with this title so far is nothing short of spectacular. With the next three issues in the hands of other scribes, I hope Rucka comes back to the title with a big bang in July.
Jock's art works really well for the grit, action, and violence of this tale.
In The Question backup, things aren't looking too good for the captured Question and Huntress. But pieces of the puzzle begin falling into place when a major player is revealed. Hint: It's a familiar face from another high-profile comic once written by Rucka. And if you think that's shocking, wait until yet another never-do-well shows up to provide the cliffhanger.
This month I'll give both main story and backup a B+. - John Bierly
