Batman has died, fought a demon, and lost the trust of Gotham in the latest story arc of Detective Comics, and that all comes to an end this week. It’s the grand finale of “Gotham Nocturne,” and with multiple parties in play, Batman takes down the Orgham family for good.
Like any good Batman battle, Detective Comics #1089 issue is all about his plans coming together. We’ve seen pieces here and there, like Azrael and Two-Face’s involvement, but now it’s all about the payoff. In fact, the win for Batman seems so inevitable the issue almost lacks stakes. The Orgham Queen is nearly on her back foot at all times, and Batman always seems so certain he’ll win.
The biggest stakes come by way of the Gotham people potentially losing to Orgham Queen’s weapon. This leads to one of the best scenes in the issue as Batman attempts to stop the Thelemus Engine the only way he knows how. While others think it means taking a life, we all know Batman won’t fall to that low. Or will he? The result is not only clever in how it puts Batman back to a status quo, but it also tests him against his one rule.
This issue also seems to set up future stories for key characters like Two-Face and Mr. Freeze. It’s subtle, but you get the sense there are plans for them, and their story is not done here.
Ready for a beat down, lady?
Credit: DC Comics
Guillem March draws the first 18 pages, with Christopher Mitten taking over for the last twelve. Both give the book a gritty feel. March delivers on the action scenes and the disturbing-looking Orgham Queen, while March uses a clever map of Gotham changing colors to convey change in the city.
Writer Dan Watters also takes over on writing when Mitten takes over for the luftpause. It blends the feel of an epilogue while carrying the themes through till the end.
Ultimately, this is a story of the Dark Knight standing tall and standing proud for his city. Ram V has proven Batman is not just a man, but something more and something symbolic. While that case has been made before, it’s here that Batman admits to it and is proud to be that figure for the people. Proud to be the embodiment of fear itself in the Gotham people.
Detective Comics‘ latest epic ends a strong story of life, death, and everything in between. This tale ends like an opera with music playing and high drama, and while it feels inevitable with stakes seemingly passed by, it’s epic in its tone and atmosphere.
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