DC Comics reviews 12/12/23 – Green Lantern #6, Superman Lost #9

Detective Comics #1079

For as long-winded as the Gotham Nocturne arc has been, writer Ram V has infused it was some much-needed direction and energy in this Intermizzo chapter. Essentially pausing Batman’s battle with the Orgham crew, Ram V set up an elaborate heist featuring Catwoman, Chesire, Batgirl, Solomon Grundy, Oracle, Jim Gordon and Azrael to save Batman. Briskly paced and dramatically told through the electric art of Jason Shawn Alexander and Liam Sharp, this was exactly the spike of adrenaline this arc needed.

Catwoman hasn’t been written this well in many months and her actions are much more consistent with the longtime love interest/friendly rival of Batman than the horrific take in Gotham War. Ram V writes a pretty strong Azrael to the point he might be better suited to craft longer form stories for Jean Paul Valley than Bruce Wayne.

Alexander and Sharp make a formidable art team as both have dramatic styles that lean hard into the tense setting of the story. Dave Stewart gets how to properly color this art with heavier blacks and darker colors that blend into the shadows.

This was a welcome reprieve for an arc that for too long seemed like it overstayed its welcome. With the boost of the Intermizzo, maybe Gotham Nocturne can get back on track for a memorable conclusion?

 Rating: 9 out of 10