Detective Comics #1092 starts with our mysterious blood-draining killer, Asema, taking another teenager’s life, in gorgeous pinkish-orange and bluish-green tones. Like a permanent sunset reflecting off the sea, Mikel Janin’s psychedelic colors elevate this story to the best of acid trips. After her murder act, Asema then disappears from the entire issue – or does she? It seems clear to me who Asema is from the way the story is told, but I might be wrong. Even if that’s the case, it would be no different from other Batman mysteries such as Hush, which focuses more on the drama and ensemble of characters. By the same token, this twist’s quality won’t matter as much if the character gets some interesting motivations or if she drives a wedge in Batman’s relationships, which I expect will be revealed in later issues.
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The investigation of the teenager’s death leads to a change of pace, with Bruce and Scarlett having a fancy date. The evening accelerates into a “normal” activity by Bruce’s standards. This downtime with his new purple-haired friend, even if it’s a covert mission, may distract not only Bruce but also the readers from the urgency of the killings.
Tom Taylor writes his Batman full of emotion and inner turmoil. His inner monologues clarify his actions. He cares for his son, Robin, and he feels guilty for getting Scarlett’s special treatment that makes him younger. He thinks of all the other people who need it but don’t have his privilege. This is also a sneaky way to handle Bruce’s increasing age in comics, explaining why he can still be an athletic and fit Batman at his age, with Damian growing into his teens and Nightwing well into adulthood. The core of this arc answers the nagging question readers have been asking. Now that Batman’s age is slowed down, it makes sense within the sliding scale of DC’s timeline for him to keep fighting crime for thousands of comic book issues.
Taylor gives Scarlett and Bruce some ample bonding time, cluing into a conspiracy that might lie underneath her youth serum. But nothing about her stands out yet from Bruce’s previous short-term flings, of which there have been many. Luckily, the Batman, Robin, and Oracle team-up makes for a great trio and satisfies readers looking for more of the Bat Family. There’s also some good-looking action. Mikel Janin, having drawn many Batman pages since Rebirth, has never missed in this regard. And getting the chance to color his own lines only shows him at his best.
However, three issues in, the setup of Thomas and Martha Wayne from issue #1090 remain undeveloped. Overall, it’s been a slow burn that might benefit from a faster pace or surprise turn of events. Still, the art gives a reason for you to take a moment on each page just to drink it all in.
Detective Comics #1092 shows off more of Mikel Janin’s stunning high-contrast colors, coupled with Tom Taylor’s Bruce Wayne grappling after the effects of a miracle rejuvenating treatment. The mystery is a slower burn that lets Bruce leave the cowl for a night to exercise his newfound youth. We’ll have to wait longer to see if he has to deal with unforeseen side effects or satisfying twists.
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