Detective Comics #1065 ushers in part 4 of “Gotham Nocturne”. Once again, we’re treated to some stunning cover art from Evan Cagle. Thanks to this approach, this book stands out against everything else on the shelves each month. Last month brought some stronger story progression and left us on a cliffhanger that gets us right into the action.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Detective Comics #1065!
We left Batman a few steps behind the League of Shadows, with a looming fight breaking out at the docks. We open on the pandemonium of this scene with the League of Shadows assaulting the Orgham vessel. Though we’re told there’s a large-scale battle occurring, for the issue’s purpose it just boils down to a masked assassin with a suicide vest. This scene plays out rather strangely, with both parties entering a standoff until Batman shows up to bring some action.
We get a cool scene of Batman pulling off a classic smoke bomb sleight of hand, before his ongoing sluggishness sabotages him. This increasing hindrance no doubt stems from whatever musical/mental malady has been affecting his judgement, but to me it’s just becoming an excuse to have him act out of character each issue. Bruce’s narration reads a bit too on the nose at times, too – he makes obvious observations to himself and even reminds himself he’s “the Batman”. These few inconsistent pages are all we get with Batman before he’s out of commission for the issue.
DC Comics
Following this up comes a sequence between the Orghams and the Arkham trust executor that slows the issue to a crawl. We spend way too much time on the Orghams buying out the executor as they detail, step-by-step, their asset acquisition dealings. There’s talks of market value adjustments, historic significance and legal settlements. This is just what I come to a Batman comic for…real estate estimates. It’s fitting and relatable that Batman was unconscious for this part of the story.
The art team of Albuquerque and Stewart continue to render a great-looking issue. Batman looks great and the grim atmosphere seeps through in every page. Their artwork has been the one consistently great aspect of this arc, and they don’t miss a beat.
DC Comics
Following the main adventure comes the start of a new Harvey Dent-centered backup. The tale leans into Harvey’s internal struggle with his demented other half and the lurking demonic presence of the azmer. The distinction between Harvey’s voice and Two-Face comes across immediately and works to the tale’s benefit. The artwork goes all-out psychedelic complete with trippy colors and mind-bending visuals. The lettering complements the artwork, too, and in one particular splash page leads the eye well. With the events from the last backup spilling directly into the main narrative, I’m intrigued to see how this one will tie in.
Detective Comics #1065 rolls out the gate from the momentum of last issue and progressively loses steam. The inconsistent voice for Batman and strange pacing choices bog this issue down. If you’re bought into this story arc, this issue might make you question continuing on. If you’re not already reading, I can’t recommend this as a Batman comic.
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