Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Detective Comics #21
DC Comics
Layman, Eaton & Mendoza
The latest Detective Comic seems to introduce the next big threat for Batman. As the cover suggests we get an introduction into this new shadow assassin but the nice part about this comic is the involvement of Harper Row. It really helps to tie this comic into the larger Batman universe of titles. The backup, which continues the Man-Bat story, helps to enhance a solid issue. Overall, this was an entertaining read.
The comic book opens with a flashback to Bruce Wayne training in the Himalayas. Bruce appears to accidentally kill a woman. This is a woman he seems to have deep feelings for as it shakes up Bruce. Apparently this woman didn't die and no longer has the same free mind she had long ago. This can only mean trouble for Batman and Gotham.
As Batman works the night it is Harper Row who spots this mysterious woman out and about. Sensing danger and enjoying trouble, Harper involves herself and this leads to Batman entering the fray to rescue Harper.
The inclusion of Harper is an interesting one. Assumed by many to become the next Robin, this issue makes a direct reference to that event occurring. By watching Batman and Harper interact it's impossible to not see the teacher-student chemistry unfold. If this continues then this could be a great subplot for this comic.
The artwork is good. The pencils are tightly detailed and the coloring creates the darkest shadows while illuminating the parts that require brightness. The chilling last panel is a testament to the terrific artwork. The backup story only enhances this idea of telling a comprehensive artistic story front to back.
Detective Comics has sort of been operating out on its own up to this point. Layman has been able to bring in a new villain to the mix, Emperor Penguin, while playing with an old one, Penguin. It's been fairly self-enclosed to this series. However, now we see a story that is bringing in a new character but building up a subplot involving a character that crosses into multiple Bat-books. This comic really is much more grounded to the greater DCU and it looks like Layman is digging in for the long haul. This is a good thing. I can't wait to see where Layman takes this comic.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
