If you were to tell me exactly one year ago, that Detective Comics would end their first volume by this month, I'd be upset at this. But now, looking back at it, this is not a forced ending. Instead, this final issue, fantastically made by Scott Snyder, Jock, Francesco Francavilla, and David Baron, is a vocal and visual tribute that reinforces an unwritten tradition in Detective Comics; to make great stories worthy of the name Detective Comics. The following review will demonstrate why this conclusion to The Black Mirror and to Detective Comics, overall, is one of the most celebrated issues, and more importantly, it paves the way for future stories in the Bat-universe.
The Good
James Gordon, Jr. has definitely been shown as the new breed of Batman villains that aren't afraid to be more bold, more daring, and in this issue, more decisive to scar lives.
Commissioner Gordon's inclusion in the book really adds a new level of depth that totally challenges the usual routine of his just being a supporting character for the Caped Crusader.
Barbara Gordon, in this issue, was not shown to be a damsel in distress, even in the face of James Jr. as it was seen last issue, and in the preview to this issue.
Dick Grayson, in what could very well be, his final outing as Batman, went out in style, and only makes a reader wonder, why stories of this quality weren't made within his first year as Batman. In overall, Scott Snyder has crafted a definitive and enjoyable conclusion, that if you pay close attention, leaves little bits of information that will make you wonder if there will be any aftermath by this book's end. Francesco Francavilla and Jock have both gone above and beyond to provide some impressive visuals, and in Mr. Francavilla's case, some chilling, if not creepy depictions of James Jr., with David Baron providing the coloring needed to make the visuals of the book even more of an imperative to read and buy. Snyder and co. didn't just hit a home run with this book, they knocked it out of the park and into the next state. All the accolades that are given to them are well-deserved, without a doubt. And Scott Snyder can safely say that he has made a story arc that can easily be hailed as one of the great Batman writers to grace Detective Comics, previously touched by
Greg Rucka's amazing
Batwoman run, and
Paul Dini's
Heart of Hush.
The Bad
Absolutely nothing. Seriously, nothing. That complaint that has been put in the air that Francavilla and Jock's visuals were too uncomfortable to switch into, it's not even that big of a gripe.
The Verdict
Next to
Secret Six, this is one book, that for its final arc, went out with a bang. It's constantly attested that all who were involved brought their absolute best to end this book with a proper conclusion. However, this book will live to see another day in the DCnU. It is up to Tony Daniel to fill some very big shoes left by Snyder and Co to put Detective Comics Volume 2 back in the spotlight. But until then, for what it's worth, if you've been collecting since issue #871, get this issue, and fast, because it's being reported to have been sold out. If you haven't followed since #871, all I can suggest is to wait for the hardcover trade in November. In conclusion, this issue, should be the standout issue for this week, and I stress this once more; get this issue.
5/5 PICK OF THE MONTH
