COMIC REVIEW: DETECTIVE #824
Author: Bill Ramey
Saturday, October 7, 2006

The Penguin returns to Gotham in DETECTIVE #824.

The Penguin is back, allegedly reformed, and opening a new nightclub called “The Iceberg Lounge.” And from the looks of things, he’s doing quite well. He’s having the grand opening in Gotham, and guess which playboy billionaire is invited and attending this soirée? Alfred has taken the liberty and hooked Bruce up with a date who is a not so subtle parody of Paris Hilton.

The story revolves around a poker game taking place at The Penguin’s nice establishment and it seems that one player is taking it to the house. Is his winning legit, or is there some sort of underhanded operation going on? Of course, this is DETECTIVE COMICS, so guess who does the detecting and saves The Penguin’s hide? Wrong, it’s Bruce Wayne actually, as The Batman only makes a cameo appearance at the beginning and end of the story.

And speaking of cameos, there is an appearance by The Riddler -- who seems to be second guessing his recent reformation -- and Lois Lane is featured a bit more than a cameo role. Dini even throws in Zantanna who shows (via cell phone) up and gives Bruce a hand.

Overall, I’d have to chalk DETECTIVE #824 up as simply “OK.” It’s not bad mind you, but not as good as the previous editions also authored by the great Paul Dini. The best part is having the Bruce Wayne front and center for most of this story. Also, one wonders just how long both Cobblepot and Nigma can keep things on the up and up.