DC Comics reviews for the week of 5/22/19
Detective Comics #1004
Last issue we got the major bombshell of the Arkham Knight’s identity.
In the acclaimed video game, Batman: Arkham Knight, The man behind the mask was Batman’s old partner. Writer Peter J. Tomasi tops that with an origin story as heartbreaking and tragic as some of Batman’s greatest villains.
It doesn’t play out at all like I expected as Dr. Arkham explains why the Arkham Knight so desperately wants to kill him and save Gotham from the curse of Batman. This is a tragic story that gives Arkham Knight enough motive to be a recurring Batman villain for years to come.
Tomasi is such an incredible writer that he can make a new character feel like they’ve been part of the Batman mythology for years. This isn’t a case where Arkham Knight pops up and instantly becomes a player without a compelling back story. This origin explains exactly why Batman and Robin need to be somewhat concerned.
Bradley Walker’s art is nothing short of amazing and this issue shows his versatility in showcasing different sides to some of Batman’s greatest adversaries. Best case scenario is Walker remains the book’s main artist as long as Tomasi is writing it. This is an elite creative team cranking out on all cylinders.