Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Detective Comics #991

By Philip Schweier
October 24, 2018 - 09:00

If you came to see Batman kicking the collective ass of the Gotham underworld, you came to the wrong place. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as we all need the valleys so we can better appreciate the peaks. What this issue of Detective Comics does provide is answers, mostly in the form of an extended conversation between Batman and Two-Face, with Commissioner Gordon added as a Johnny-Law-Come-Lately.

Robinson further explores Harvey Dent’s fractured psyche, providing insight beyond a man obsessed with the number two. He also struggles with the other personality within, that of criminal prosecutor Harvey Dent. How the two personas reconcile their mutual existence is explored to greater detail, suggesting each leans further toward the middle than previously recognized.

Carmine Di Giandomenico’s artwork is exemplary. He includes a remarkable amount of detail, but not so much so that it becomes a burden. It enough to enhance and strengthen, and then allows Plascensia’s colors to complete the sense of action or place. Together, they convey an almost animé style to the storytelling. That may sound old hat, but I don’t recall seeing it done so effectively.

Regretfully, one of the problems I’ve always had with extended story arcs is I get bored, perhaps sooner than others. This is chapter four, and I’m ready to see things wrapped up. It’s an okay story so far, but I have yet to be overly impressed by it.

Rating: 7/10 (mostly for the art)

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12