Review: Detective Comics #1000
By Philip Schweier
March 27, 2019 - 05:22
DC Comics
Writer(s): Scott Snyder, Kevin Smith, Paul Dini, Warren Ellis, Denny O’Neil, Christopher Priest, Brian Michael Bendis, Geoff Johns, James Tynion IV, Tom King, Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller(s): Greg Capullo, Jim Lee, Dustin Nguyen, Becky Cloonan, Steve Epting, Neal Adams, Alex Maleev, Kelley Jones, Alvaro Matinez-Bueno, Tony S. Daniel, Doug Mahnke
Inker(s): Jonathan Glapion, Scott Williams, Derek Fridolfs, Raul Fernandez, Joelle Jones, Jaime Mendoza
Colourist(s): FCO Plascencia, Alex Sinclair, John Kalisz, Jordie Bellaire, Elizabeth Breitweiser, Dave Stewart, Alex Maleev, Michelle Madsen, Brad Anderson, Tomeu Morey, David Baron
Letterer(s): Tom Napolitano, Todd Klein, Steve Wands, Simon Bowland, Andworld Designs, Willie Schubert, Josh Reed, Rob Leigh, Sal Cipriano, Clayton Cowes
Cover Artist(s): Jim Lee, maybe
The landmark Detective Comics #1,000 follows the DC Comics tradition of being an
anthology of stories from some of the best talent in comics. Many have
high-profile associations with the Dark Knight, some do not, and some are the
road less traveled.
The opening story is among the weakest, as Batman continues an investigation that dates back to his very first case. His results are anti-climactic. Another weak entry is “Batman’s Greatest Case,” by Tom King, in which the Bat-family gathers for reasons unknown on the anniversary of the Wayne Murder. Really? How many different ways does Batman honor his parents on that date?
But there are stronger entries in the book, such as Paul Dini’s twisty “Legend of Knute Brody,” and Kevin Smith’s “Manufactured for Use.” Longtime Bat-scribe Denny O’Neil is represented, though appreciatively NOT with Neal Adams. I know for many they are the creative team of choice, like Laurel & Hardy, so seeing them split up is an interesting treat. Kudos to DC for not going for the easy crowd pleaser.
And kudos for allowing artist Kelley Jones to FINALLY get Dick Grayson’s Robin costume right in Tynion’s, “The Precedent.” It’s a great story that touches on the Batman mythos dating back to the Dynamic Duo’s earliest pairing, while acknowledging their rich history together.
Overall, the artwork is terrific. I may be imagining things, projecting my own interests, but I see where some of the artist’s seemed to be channeling those who have come before. I detected the influences of other master artists such as Marshall Rogers and Walt Simonson. However, some of the rendering seemed a little too consistent in places, suggesting maybe the artists were following the lead of Jim Lee.
The book ends with the opening chapter of what is to come in Detective Comics #1,001. I understand that marketing demands a teaser to keep the readers interested, but I much would have preferred a self-contained issue, with the next 1,000 issues beginning next month.
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