DC Comics reviews 12/12/18

Detective Comics #994

I never get enough of Batman stories where the writer makes his detective skills an important component. After a run on Batman and Robin and revitalizing Superman, Peter J. Tomasi returns to The Dark Knight for a very personal story.

Batman and Commissioner Gordon investigate a murder case of a couple made up to look like Thomas and Martha Wayne. There is no connection to this couple and the Waynes so Batman has to slowly start piecing together clues. It’s always fun to see Batman not in total control and at a loss for answers. Given the personal nature of this case someone knows exactly how to get in his head. The real question is whether he can avoid getting too wrapped up emotionally in this case.

Before Batman can crack this case, a mysterious monster appears and goes after one of his closest allies. Can Batman save them in time? Maybe, but not without some serious repercussions. Tomasi already has a clear understanding of how to write Batman so it’s not a matter of him finding Bruce Wayne’s voice. That means he can spend more time establishing the new threat.

Doug Mahnke joins Tomasi as the book’s artist. They collaborated often on Superman and it’s great to see Mahnke on a regular gig. His partially sketch style works well with a grittier character like Batman. As always, Mahnke delivers the goods with strong details and expressive characters. Inker Jaime Mendoza and colorist David Baron enhance and bring out Mahnke’s work very well. That’s not always the case with some inkers and colorists on Mahnke’s art so hopefully this trio will stick together long term on the book.

This is a strong start to the new creative team’s run on Detective Comics.  They’ve got a lot of possible directions they can take it and I’m excited to see where they go.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10