I like it when a Batman title actually focuses on the
central character’s gimmick. Especially a Batman title entitled Detective
Comics. In this aspect the book does well. I felt throughout as if it was
inviting me to piece everything together bit by bit before confirming what I
had deducted as truth from what I was given, rather than slapping me in the
face with a great big fish named ‘Plot Construction Blatancy’. This made the
book that little bit more enjoyable to read, and left my pre-set daily
requirement of detective work partially satisfied.
The art, in comparison to last month’s issue was a bit
disappointing for me. Granted, it can’t always be raining and dark in Gotham
city but it still didn't have the same atmospheric quality that the previous
issue had, although the expressions on Batman’s face in this book are still
hands down the best Batfacial expressions of the New 52, and the added stubble
makes him seem just that little bit darker. In the back up however, the art is
stunning. The level of detail in the drawing and the realism in the colours was
immense, well above that of the issue’s main feature, surprisingly enough, the
best element of it being the colours chosen to represent the masses of blood
and gore that filled numerous panels in the backup.
The recently re-introduced ‘Anti-Batman’ villain named Wrath
continues to develop well, with his character receiving more flesh not only on
the mask, but also on the man behind it (read to find out). This is also the
case for Bruce Wayne, who holds a fairly significant amount of space in this
issue, which is more than welcome considering how scarce old Brucey Boy’s
appearances have been in this title. Alfred’s appearance is also very welcome,
and genuinely interesting and useful in advancing the story and adding a greater
level of threat in the reader’s view of Wrath.
The execution of this issue’s main points is effective and
relatively fast paced, although I must admit, I felt that the main conflict between
Wrath and Bats had a fairly cheap ending to it that was intensely clichéd and
forced, but the actual meat of the fight was enough to show off Layman’s action
scene skill, add in some real time detective narration from Batman and also add
more substance to Wrath’s mannerisms and individual voice as a real character.
However, I feel there is still more work to be done on advancing his charisma,
even in spite of the character’s intriguing connection to Wayne Enterprises and
Bruce Wayne.
One thing that I must give credit for is the way that the
backup is executed. The merging of flashbacks over narration may be a common
storytelling technique but in the backup it is used to damn good effect.
Coupled with the art, I really felt for a character that I knew hardly anything
about, whilst also developing a severe dislike for another unfamiliar
character. This, for me, is what a comic book should be able to deliver as its
bread and butter, so it’s a shame that the main story hasn't managed to inspire
the same sense of dislike towards its main villain that the backup managed to for
me.
Verdict:
While the art may not have been as striking as the previous
issue, and with Wrath still remaining that little bit too undefined, I still
feel that Detective Comics #23 does enough to still increase my interest in
this arc, whilst also providing a genuinely interesting and welcome backup that
is of a real benefit to the main story.
Final Score:
8/10
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