Detective Comics #31

Potential Spoilers Ahead in Problems section.

The Book

First off let me start off with saying that I am so happy that Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato have stayed together after their Flash run. I can't imagine them working apart anymore. The art, as expected, is phenomenal. Manapul and Buccellato manage to capture movement.

I love their take on Bullock as well as the more Detective take on the story. This kind of story is what I love about Batman. Bruce following clues, looking for leads, and uncovering a underlying plot below a surface one.

Problems

This is one of those times I wish I could give a four and a half star review. While they manage to capture the feel of Gotham down pat, their art style is too bright and airy for what I picture Gotham as. That's not to say their art isn't great, it just has a much more vibrant tone than what I feel like it should.

While I'm loving the mystery take on the story the flow is somewhat off. Certain scenes feel disjointed and out of place. It may flow better as the story moves on but as of this issue there do seem to be some minor pacing problems.

This may be a minor gripe but this isn't the first time Sumo has shown up in The New 52. He showed up during Arkham War. Also I may be mistake but I'm pretty sure he was in the Arkham Breakout in the very first issue of Snyder's Batman.

Conclusion

The new creative team on Detective Comics has made it readable again! While in the past I would glance through it if I picked up a copy or a trade, now I'd classify this as a must read and it should be on everyone's pull-list. While Snyder's Batman is great this is the kind of Batman story I love and I can't wait for next month's issue.