The five-part “Batman: Outlaw” story reaches its midpoint this week with Detective Comics #1078. Batman is going to be hung in front of Gotham’s residents not as a punishment but as a message. Catwoman and Jim Gordon are rushing to save him, but can they do it in time? Given the cliffhanger of this issue, it’s looking really bad, folks.
Detective Comics #1078 opens with Batman being walked to the hanging area. As people watch, it’s discussed the demon inside him is still being held at bay. It’s an impossible feat, but it certainly hurts the ability to sway the people that he deserves it. Jason Shawn Alexander renders Batman in the most macabre and edgy way, not unlike something out of a Sam Kieth sketchbook. It’s vivid and awesome to see.
Most of the issue is focused on the heroes trying to save Batman. A few highlights include Azrael being a total force and Cassandra Cain kicking butt in an excellent fight scene done all in silhouette. As his brutality is apparent, Mr. Freeze might steal the show, even if he promises not to kill.
This issue suffers a bit, however, since it’s mostly setup and table setting for a likely fantastic fourth part. It also lacks a check-in on Bruce’s mind, which has always added a nice nightmare visual in previous installments.
Will DC kill Batman!?
Credit: DC Comics
This issue also has a backup featuring Eiko Hasigawa on a date. Written by Dan Watters with art by Caspar Wijngaard, her date is doing some shady stuff with guns, and Eiko won’t be a part of it. There’s an interesting metaphor about leopards and their spots, and the apt title “Camouflaged” adds to the meaning. Wijngaard customary pinks and purples amp up the visuals and there’s a great sequence where Eiko goes full Catwoman. In the end, we learn there may be predators and prey, but some predators don’t mix.
Detective Comics #1078 features an awesome collection of badass moments for a variety of heroes–Azrael may have never looked better–but it’s mostly setting things up. A perfect example of a single issue that’ll read best in the collected format.
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