Writer and Art: Tony Salvador Daniel
Inks: Ryan Winn
Colours: Tomu Morey
Lettering: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover: Tony Salvador Daniel
I am not normally a follower of Batman within the comic book world, not because I in any way dislike the character quite the opposite, but purely because financial constraints in the past have forced me to follow just one superhero. This has always been Spider-Man (apologies to the DC hardcore fans).
However with the rise of digital comics, DC’s ‘New 52’ and the same day digital push the practically impossible to resist temptation to jump on the bandwagon now and follow a Batman series was impossible to resist. I have chosen Detective Comics over the Batman series purely because I liked the thought of following a series that had more focus on the detective and investigative side of things, rather than all out action. Therefore I approach this series as a completely new reader and we shall see if the book is successful or not from that angle.
Now onto my thoughts on the cover of this debut issue. I think it is very striking and ever so slightly disturbing, what with having a demonic-looking Batman peering down at the reader and the crazed and bloodied Joker’s head grinning inanely, surrounded by decapitated dolls heads. A suggestion of the direction that the comic will take perhaps? A series that might be indulging in themes of horror and suspense. I think that the art of the cover ultimately works well with the maniacal Joker being my favourite part of it.
I think that the story in this issue is fantastic. Although I am aware that the previous continuity within the series is pretty much still in place, at no point in this issue did I feel lost or feel that I did not know enough about any of the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Batman’s chase of Joker throughout the issue and I think that having the entire issue narrated by Batman’s thoughts was brilliant; I only hope that this style of storytelling is maintained as it could continue to be a highly immersive path into the mind of Batman. I just have to comment on the final page of this issue, it was admittedly shocking, but oh so unexpected and brutal. It leaves me fervently wondering what Joker’s plan is and how doing that to him will fit into it all.
I think that the art overall in this issue is of a very high standard and Daniel has done a very good job what with writing it as well. The drawing of Joker was definitely the highlight of it all for me; I think he looked perfect, insane and dangerous, but perfect. The mood of the story is captured well by the good use of colours and I look forward to seeing what Daniel can do in the next issue.
Overall I think that this debut issue lived up to the hype. The story gripped me from start to finish and the art was brilliant. I shall definitely be getting issue #2.
Issue Rating – 9/10
I thought this was good but underwhelming…right up until that last page, whereupon the clicking noise of a jaw dropping open was utterly deafening.
Awesome. Can’t wait for #2, and may subscribe.
https://readrant.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/review-detective-comics-1/
My take on this was a lot less positive. From what I’m seeing on this though is that most of the newer readers are enjoying it but the older readers are generally finding this a lackluster issue.
To xxadverbxx, what are older readers not liking about this issue?
Hi Scott, I agree that last page was outstanding and totally unexpected. It paid for the entire issue.
I agree with your points. I too am a new reader using the DCnU as a jumping on point. You can read my take on Detective Comics #1 here: http://comickata.com/featured/dc-new-52-detective-comics-1-review/
I think I’ll be sticking with this one for a while to see how things play out. There are too many Batman titles to read them all so I’m kind of backing this horse for now.
One more Batman specific to go (not counting Bat-family or JL as Batman)! If you want plain Batman though so far I’d suggest “Batman” myself; Snyder does a good job. Little behind that “Batman & Robin”.
Wondering though Comickata, have you so far read all the Batman based books (again not counting the Bat-family or JL ones)? If you have and you being a new reader I am a little curious which one(s) you think you’d follow along. Same goes for Adrian really as I think he’s a new reader too (at least to Batman).
What other Batman based books are you referring to xxadverbxx? Do you think that there will be a noticable difference between Detective and Batman on how Batman acts? As the reason I chose Detective was because I wanted a more investigative approach.
Well the Batman specific books I’d count as (in order of release):
Detective Comics
Batman & Robin
Batman
Batman the Dark Knight
As I said, my first choice so far is Batman followed by B&R. Not sure of course how Dark Knight will be yet as it comes out tomorrow.
Thanks for the comment comickata, really good review by the way! Glad to see that as new readers of Detective Comics that we are on the same page. I’m throughly looking forward to issue #2
I’m not too familiar with Daniel’s writing (does he even have much history as a writer?) but I know Snyder just got done with Detective Comics writing it while Dick was Batman and I caught the end of that. He did a great job with the detective aspect in that from what I saw at least.
Ah I see thanks xxadverbxx, this might be a stupid question but would Snyder be allowed to emphasise the detective elements within Batman if readers are going to Detective and expect to see it there?
Fair enough, well i’m still going to stick with Detective Comics for the time being. If it goes downhill rapidly then i’ll switch to Batman