Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Andy Kubert
Colors: Brad Anderson
Letters: Clem Robins
Cover: Kubert and Anderson
As mentioned in my weekly Comic Reviews a couple weeks ago, Batman is in a good place right now. His eponymous title has been consistently solid and often better than that since James Tynion IV came aboard. Detective Comics’ new creative is off to a promising start following their very good Future State miniseries. Tom King is completing the final act of his story in Batman/Catwoman. And now the poorly titles Batman: The Detective joins the group!
The most interesting thing about this series is that it is the first time in a long time that Bruce Wayne feels like anything like he did at the end of Batman Incorporated. The last decade has largely felt disconnected from Grant Morrison’s seminal run and more in line with Scott Snyder vision for the character even after he moved to Justice League.
This Bruce has some fun showing off how cool he is for the new Squire. The first thing he does at the hospital is ask Knight how she is doing. Sure Bruce is reminded to do that by Squire, but it seems clear he would have done it anyway. It is a much more cheerful version of the character than has been seen recently, even in the face of darkness.
That’s not to say he doesn’t have some inner turmoil to deal with; he is still Bruce Wayne, after all. Here he’s questioning if what he’s done has meant anything. On a macro level, that is. He is very aware that each individual life he has saved is important, but it seems as though every time he makes headway in his crusade, something or someone new appears to set it back. It's an interesting angle for a typical concern of what seems to be a slightly older Bruce, even though this miniseries appears to take place in current continuity.
It helps that the as yet unnamed villain organization is preying on that uncertainty. Adorned with white Batman cowls, they crash a plane filled to the brim with people Batman saved at some point. What they want is unclear at this point, but they have certainly an impression. The group is set up to be a worthy foil for our hero.
I would be remiss to not shine a spotlight on Kubert’s phenomenal work in this issue. Kubert’s Bruce has a definitively Frank Miller look, likely owing to the fact his last big Batman story was The Dark Knight III. Interestingly, he doesn’t feel at all like the Frank Miller version of the character. He is too playful and friendly. Part of that is due to Taylor’s script, but Kubert imbues the character.
Batman also gets a sick new outfit for this series. It’s a reminiscent of the Knightmare costume from the recent Zack Snyder films with a coat and goggles over a more utilitarian Batman costume. Most importantly, Batman has pouches on his suit belt and a pseudo-belt on the outside of his big coat. It. Rules.
This issue is a promising start to this miniseries. Taylor and Kubert have a captivating take on one of comics most well trodden characters. It will be fascinating to see how this creative team explored the story and themes they've introduced thus far.
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