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    Detective Comics #864

    Detective Comics » Detective Comics #864 - Beneath The Mask released by DC Comics on June 1, 2010.

    jlat89's Detective Comics #864 - Beneath The Mask review

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    "Let's talk about masks."

    Batman has returned to Detective Comics in 864.  For all intents and purposes this is Jeremiah Arkham's story.  
     

    What You Need To Know

     Dr. Jeremiah Arkham has recently been revealed to be the new Black Mask and has been sent to the Asylum he helped rebuild.  
     

    The Good

     The story is a nice correlation between itself and Batman, basically lining the two series up as we see Arkham in prison, after he was revealed to be Black Mask
    Jeremiah Arkham takes the main stage which is a nice change of pace, and makes the story interesting.
    David Hine does a good job characterizing in his writing.  
     

    The Bad

     The art looked pretty bad at numerous points throughout the issue, not a good start for Jeremy Haun.
    While the writing was good for a majority of the issue there were key points where the dialogue fell flat.   
    The second feature.
     

    The Second Feature.

     The second feature needs to go.  With Batwoman gone from the series, the back-up feature has no business being in there.  The art is pretty bad, while the story doesn't quite deliver. 
     

    The Verdict

     The story had some good moments, while other parts fell flat.  As this is the first part in a 2 part arc, it's a good jumping on point.  Also it's a logical place to start as Batwoman has left Detective, making this Batman's book once again.  If you're following Batman then you probably will pick this up.  Is it essential to the Batman universe, not really.  I would consider giving this a higher rating, however that Second Feature is dragging down the series. 
     

    3.5/5

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    Other reviews for Detective Comics #864 - Beneath The Mask

      Just a bit crazy 0

      Detective Comics #864 - Beneath The Mask by comicbookheretic on April 29, 2010

      I put it out on the DC boards some time ago that I felt that David Hine should be the next writer on Batman.  Citing his Arkaham one shot and mini.  I really felt that he had the chops to take on the Bat himself.  Now that hope has seen its realization!  Hine is the new writer on Detective.   With this issue we start off with a montage of history and some good narration by Dr Arkham.  The tour of the asylum and the day to day life of its newest inmate.  We then join Batman out on the street who ...

      5 out of 5 found this review helpful.

      Review: Detective Comics #864 0

      Detective Comics #864 - Beneath The Mask by zack_freeman on April 28, 2010

      Jeremiah " Black Mask" Arkham journeys into the dark recesses of his psyche as he integrates into life as an inmate at his own Asylum.   THE GOOD This actually transcends a simple superhero book and serves as an involving psychological profile that would intrigue readers in any context. Hine crafts a multi-faceted personality in Arkham that's truly engaging. The scene where he psyches out the Mortician into swapping cafeteria trays with him (it makes sense in the comic...

      5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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