COMIC REVIEW: DETECTIVE COMICS #817
Author: Bill "Jett" Ramey
Thursday, March 9, 2006

Story Arc: "Face The Face"
Story Title: "Face The Face," Part 1 of 8
Writer: James Robinson
Pencils: Leonard Kirk
Inks: Andy Clarke
Letters: Travis Lanham
Colors: John Kalisz
Cover Artist: Simone Bianchi

As I told you readers not too long ago, I’ve only recently returned to reading comics. I have not been a regular reader of the various Bat-mags since around ‘99. I have since picked up subscriptions to BATMAN and DETECTIVE as it seemed that this whole INFINITE CRISIS would provide an excellent opportunity to get back on board.

In March of 2006, DC COMICS monthlies are all under the “ONE YEAR LATER” moniker. Essentially, the stories in each commence a year after the end of the IC events and the storylines in the comic books begin anew. As previously stated, they provide an tremendous chance to begin reading comics, or in my case, start reading them again.

The first book I received was DETECTIVE COMICS #817 and it is this one in which I will be reviewing for you today.

As the story begins, we find Jim Gordon -- Commissioner Jim Gordon -- tossing and turning in bed. He receives a call at 2:45 AM from someone he knows. “It’s GOOD to hear your voice too,” he tells the person on the other end.

The storyline is two fold. There is a semi-mysterious vigilante in Gotham whom we first see taking on the KGBeast. Also, Poison Ivy is wrecking havoc in Gotham and Gordon needs help bringing her in.

Guess who he calls? And yep, it’s done the old fashioned way: on the rooftop of the GPD headquarters via The Batsignal.

Of course The Batman arrives with Robin -- who I believe is sporting a new (and better) outfit -- to meet with Gordon. “You called. I came,” he tells the commissioner. Gordon fills in The Batman on what is going on with Ivy, “So what will you do?” he asks The Batman. “Get in somehow and stop her,” The Dark Knight tells Gordon, “It’s what I do, isn’t it?”

And with that, The Batman and Robin exit via The Batwing.

I found part 1 of “Face the Face” an excellent set up story. It does indeed feel as if they are starting from scratch, but writer James Robinson tosses in a few allusions to what occurred over the last year. Obviously, as the story progresses, we’ll find out what happened in the world of Batman since the end of INFINITE CRISIS.

I also enjoyed seeing the Gotham PD play a role in the story. Det. Bullock is seen in the beginning doing a bit of detective work. Gordon also brings a young officer -- who he says reminds him of Barbara -- with him up to the rooftop to call The Batman.

The artwork was quite nice and very “iconic” so to speak. The fight scene between the mystery killer/vigilante was done quite well and I loved the way The Batman looked. Good stuff there. I particularly enjoyed the dealings between Gordon and The Batman. It was done very well and is how one would expect the two to interact with each other.

As for The Batman himself. Well, he seemed quite like The Batman I've always known. I know many fans have been upset with the way he's been handled lately, but I saw none of what they've complained about here. It looks as if DC has brought back The Batman that we all know and love. He's still dark, brooding, and aloof, but perhaps he's regained his key quality: humanity.

All in all, I recommend reading DETECTIVE #817. Good story that is assessable to both new and longtime readers.