My Take On Detective Comics #1

 

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

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