DETECTIVE COMICS #27 by Various
Considering that this is an oversized anthology issue of sorts, I'm going to break down each story individually before giving you my take on the issue as a whole.
The Case of The Chemical Syndicate by Brad Meltzer and Bryan Hitch: The opening segment in this monumental book is a retelling of the first Batman story presented way back in the first
Detective Comics #27 (1939) with modern sensibility. Meltzer hits all the beats of the original, but adds tremendous heart to the story. Batman's "I do it because" internal monologue reminds us why the character has endured for three quarters of a century and how a fictional character can inspire countless fans. Speaking of internal monologue, it's divided between what Batman is currently focused on and his journal recordings. Perhaps I'm reading into it a bit too much, but it almost seemed like Meltzer gave Bruce Wayne and Batman two distinct internal monologues. If that was his intention, it was a pretty interesting manner of presenting the character. The only thing missing for me was the line "a fitting end for his kind!" If you read the original, you know what I'm talking about. Hitch also delivers what I think is his best artwork since
The Ultimates.
Old School by Gregg Hurwitz and Neal Adams: This is without a doubt the best Batman story Hurwitz has written. It tells one seamless tale that shows how Batman and Robin have evolved throughout the decades. Said evolution is captured in such an awesome fashion that I don't want to give it away. Despite the fact that Neal Adams had such a distinct and hallowed look for his Batman, he expertly retrofits his art to accommodate each era captured in this tale. If you were someone that enjoyed Neil Gaiman's
Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader?, then this is right up your alley.
Better Days by Peter J. Tomasi and Ian Bertram: This is a rather enjoyable and light-hearted tale that shows Bruce celebrating his 75th birthday with his loved ones. Those loved ones are Damian Wayne/ Batman, Dick Grayson/ Nightwing, Tim Drake/ Red Robin, Commissioner Barbara Gordon, and Alfred in a wheelchair. Bertram's art is kind of like a hybrid of Frank Quitely and Andy Clarke and is a fitting complement to the tone Tomasi set. There's also a nice throwback to
The Dark Knight Returns when Bruce decides to suit up again.
Hero by Francesco Francavilla: This one is very brief, but pretty good. It's set five years in the past and should capture the interest of fans of
The Black Mirror.
The Sacrifice by Mike Barr and Guillem March: In this story, The Phantom Stranger shows Batman what life would be like if his parents were never murdered. Sure, he has a nice family life, but what became of those closest to him when he was Batman? Hint: nothing good. Bruce realizes that the death of his parents was a necessary sacrifice and the segment features an utterly tragic, yet bittersweet end. It brings to mind the episode "Chill of the Night" of
Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Gothtopia by John Layman and Jason Fabok: This kicks off a three issue arc that will end Layman's run on 'Tec before he moves on to
Batman: Eternal. We find ourselves in a bright and shiny Gotham that's protected by Batman and Catbird (Selina Kyle). They aren't gritty urban vigilantes, but rather public defenders. Imagine if the '60s TV show had been taken to its logical extent. Batman's costume is pretty darn cool; it's basically the
Arkham Origins costume, only white. There are some very creative reinterpretations of supporting characters. If they interest you, check out some of the other Bat Family books throughout January and February, as they are "Gothtopia" tie-ins. Batman eventually figures out that Gotham is under some kind of mass hallucination and it leads to a cliffhanger that has me very excited to see where the remainder of the arc will go. The incomparable Jason Fabok also delivers his last interiors for
Detective Comics. As of now, he's waist deep in the forthcoming Batman: Eternal. Believe me, he goes out on a high note.
Twenty-Seven by Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy: Snyder is joined here by Sean Murphy, who provides artwork for his Vertigo title
The Wake. The present us with a science fiction tale that shows how the legend of Batman continues 200 years in the future. Apparently Bruce came up with a program to make the mantle of Batman forever. It's an interesting showcase of various Batman over the next two centuries, but was my least favorite story in this issue.
Pin-up artwork by Pat Gleason, Jock, Kelley Jones, Graham Nolan, and Mike Allred is also scattered about the issue. This is a MUST BUY for every Batman fan. Regular comic book collectors can bag and board this and those that just collect trades can put it up on their shelf. (This 96 page tome is bound, not stapled.) This is the Anniversary issue that Batman needs and deserves.
Score: 10/10
SMALLVILLE: ALIEN #2 by Bryan Q. Miller and Edgar Salazar
Since I regularly write about
Smallville, I thought I'd throw this in as an "honorable mention" of sorts. Not only does Superman commence his battle with the Monitor, but Batman returns to the series. Villains Bane and Zsasz are also introduced to the
Smallville universe. Whether you've been keeping up with Season 11 or read only the "Detective" arc, you owe it to yourself to check out this mini-series. It's an absolute riot.
Score: 8/10