DC Comics reviews 11/28/23 – Titans: Beast World #1, Green Arrow #6

Detective Comics #1078

While the Gotham Nocturne storyline has dragged on seemingly past its expiration date, this latest chapter has reinvigorated it in a major way.

The Orghams have Batman in their clutches and are preparing to hang him in the middle of Gotham for all to see. True it makes zero sense that not one of Batman’s Justice League allies hasn’t already sped, flown or dropped into Gotham to help him since this execution is broadcast on TV. Writer Ram V is basically conducting this story in an Elseworlds realm where there’s no Batman/Catwoman Gotham War, Knight Terrors or Beast World playing out.

And in a way, that’s probably neater. It certainly keeps the focus on this storyline. Catwoman has assembled a crew including Batgirl, James Gordon, Lian, Chesire and Azrael to help save Batman. Ram V’s Catwoman has been written better than the character has since V’s Catwoman stint. And Azrael is coming off incredibly bad a$$ as well.

Jason Shawn Alexander’s artwork strongly fits the creepy tone of this story. Alexander’s Sam Keith-inspired style is a natural fit for Batman’s world and colorist Dave Stewart knows how to complement the artwork with darker hues.

The Nocturne arc seemed dead in the water a few months back, but this chapter has made it intriguing again. Hopefully this creative team can drive it to a satisfying conclusion.

Rating: 9 out of 10