DC Comics
Detective Comics #944
By Avi Weinryb
November 12, 2016 - 22:10

DC Comics
Writer(s): James Tynion IV
Penciller(s): Eddy Barrows
Inker(s): Eber Ferreira
Colourist(s): Adriano Lucas
Letterer(s): Marilyn Patrizio
Cover Artist(s): Alvaro Martinez, Raul Fernandez and Brad Anderson; Variant by Rafael Albuquerque



detective944.jpg
A luxurious black-tie gala event is taking place in Gotham City to celebrate the police force’s acquisition of a new array of high-tech weapons. What could go wrong? If the gala-getting-crashed-by-bad-guys cliché wasn’t enough, the villains’ gripes certainly are; a grievance dreadfully over-represented in mainstream superhero comics. The unnamed “First Victim” and a gang of baddies inform Batman and his crew that as self-assigned protectors of the innocent, they wound up creating conditions in which some bystanders have been hurt when the good guys  have battled villains, thereby making the heroes legitimate targets for censure and perhaps destruction. We’ve seen this all over the place, including most famously as the underpinning of a certain Marvel Comics storyline, and seeing it crop up again in Detective Comics, which had been recently hitting its (latest) stride – well, it makes this reader disappointed. But perhaps writer James Tynion IV can elevate the material with which he has shackled himself? As this story arc continues, one should definitely hope so.

The Bat team of Gotham vigilantes are in good form in this issue, working together to back up Batman. While some may be nostalgic for the days of Batman as a lone wolf, it’s fun to see him clash and connect with a bunch of youngsters. Luke Fox’s Batwing is a great addition and others, like Batwoman, Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown round out the team. Batgirl isn’t present in this issue, but that’s likely because her own title has her traveling through Asia this month. To off-set the subterranean Bat Cave under Wayne Manor, the team has its own Belfry, a penthouse lair inherited from Red Robin in which there is a round-table for the Bat-family’s heroes, reminiscent of the Justice League’s traditional meeting table.

This issue is well illustrated, with engaging action and strong, consistent likenesses of the characters, all of whom have a wide range of emotion. There are some well-composed depictions of movement, such as when Luke Fox jumps out of a building, transforming into Batwing before he hits the ground. The “First Victim” villain is creepily presented, with a textured look others don’t have. It’s almost as if everyone was digitally inked and she or he (we don’t yet know) is a watercolor. It’s a creative move, however it was actually achieved.

Readers shouldn’t be entirely put off by the clichés. This storyline has promise and previous outings demonstrate the creative team deserves a chance. The motivation of the villains has been revealed, but the entirety of their plans remains unknown. It will be fun to see where this all goes.
Rating: 7/10

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