They will hang Batman, and only a few can save him. He can’t even save himself, as he’s in a constant battle inside his mind. Can Catwoman concoct a heist to save her lost love, or is it the end for Batman for good? That’s the big question, as “Outlaw” continues with part two in Detective Comics #1077.
Surprisingly, this second part is a pretty good jumping-on point for new readers. That’s partly due to Catwoman and Commissioner Gordon laying out the problem at hand as they plot a heist to save Batman. Some ongoing elements could use a read of previous issues, like Solomon Grundy, for starters, but the basic situation is clear. There are only a few days left before Batman is killed, and the Gotham residents are cool with it.
Like any good heist, there are some big twists and turns as the plan is laid out. It’s early for the planning at this stage, so expect some surprising allies Catwoman drums up. What’s exciting is Ram V is clearly keeping key details in the dark, and you can already tell the plan that’ll be hatched will be exciting and thrilling.
Look at that city! Amazing.
Credit: DC Comics
The reveal of a certain villain is incredible, thanks to Jason Shawn Alexander’s art. Every image of Batman is drop-dropping, and it’s great to see the Kelley Jones ears used. In a double-page splash early in the issue–which you can see in the preview–Alexander draws an incredible outdoor scene in Gotham, complete with blimps and gothic architecture. This is a Gotham that’s unrelenting, hard, and cruel. There’s a rougher tone to the work that’s unmistakably edgy and noir.
Oh, and can I just say there is an extreme close-up of Catwoman’s eyes that’s just stunning? Some incredible stuff here.
Dan Watters writes, and Caspar Wijngaard draws the backup, focusing on a mother and a daughter. This helps zero in on a few characters who will likely participate in the heist. Watters probes the complicated relationship of these characters while they trade barbs and stories. One can see a mutual respect there that’ll blossom at some point. At eight pages, this story did feel a touch long, as if it was hammering home its point a little too slowly.
Wijngaard uses all his usual tools, like bright pinks and purples, to amp up the scene. The hues are particularly pretty. Solomon Grundy may steal the show in this short backup as he’s sometimes comedic but also serves to express the emotions in the room only he knows how.
Detective Comics #1077 slowly builds its heist narrative in fun and exciting ways. We’re in the planning stages, but you can already start to anticipate key elements that make it fun to guess.
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