DC Comics reviews 1/25/22 – Action Comics #1039, Robin #10
Detective Comics #1050
Shadows of the Bat part 4 explains how Nightwing got into Arkham Tower and unravels more of the mystery behind the scenes.
Writer Mariko Tamaki set up the mystery well and wisely didn’t drag it out to an unbearable level. Even better, the payoff makes sense and connects the secret of the Tower’s ability to reform the inmates in a way that makes the reveal so much sweeter.
Nightwing also wants to figure out what’s happening with Huntress, who seems disturbingly docile. Ivan Reis’ art is killer. Reis crams so much impressive detail into every page with such a strong sense of emotion and action throughout. Danny Miki’s inks and Brad Anderson’s colors help ensure this is among the best-looking books each week.
In the secondary story, writer Matthew Rosenberg and artist Fernando Blanco continue the origins of the House of Gotham. Scarecrow leads a group of orphans to Wayne Manor only to be stopped by Robin. This has been a very effective one-two punch as this is another rare excellent backup story.
Finally, writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora provide a preview of Batman/Superman World’s Finest. Waid quickly shows off his legendary writing skills and Mora shows why he’s one of the more exciting new artists to join the DC ranks in years. Tamra Bonvillain’s color work is crisp and bombastic, truly enhancing the Metropolis skyline.
This was a terrific milestone issue with three strong stories and dazzling artwork all around. If you’ve missed the first three installments of Shadows of the Bat, it’s worth picking up the earlier issues and catching up to one of the best stretches in Detective Comics since Peter J. Tomasi and Brad Walker’s recent run.
Rating: 10 out of 10