A five-week bi-weekly story kicks off in Detective Comics #1076 this week, and DC Comics is coming out swinging with multiple backup stories to pack in a ton of stories. Many of these tales are written by Ram V (and he even draws one!), as his take on the series continues to send Batman down a very dark road. That’s literally and figuratively, as his mind is no longer completely in his control, and he’s tucked away beneath the rubble of Arkham Asylum.
This issue starts with a main story by Ram V with art by Jason Shawn Alexander. “Batman, Outlaw” is focused largely on two characters: Catwoman and James Gordon. That’s because, at the start of this tale, Batman is captured, chained, and scheduled to be hanged. Although this issue features multiple stories, they all connect logically, making it more like a tapestry building towards something rather than an anthology.
That’s thanks to the main story following Catwoman and her work to get Batman’s help and the appearance of Azrael. Ram V’s operatic take on Batman continues to shine in different ways, mainly with a macabre look and feel that feels hopeless. Batman looks statuesque when we first see him, rendered masterfully by Alexander. These aren’t just characters, but icons or myths come to life. As the story progresses, we get appearances from some Batman mainstays, each with a splashy title card as if Ram V is turning over tarot cards. These are key characters in a larger tapestry set to continue this tale.
This scene is incredible.
Credit: DC Comics
A highlight of the main story is when we dip into the mind of Batman. Once there we see Alfred is helping Batman keep it together with a giant bat tied up in ribbons holding the demon at bay. In just two pages we see Batman is going through it and may be close to losing himself completely.
The second story is by Dan Watters and Christopher Mitten, focusing on Commissioner Montoya, who also happens to be the new Question. Her appearance in the main tale makes this feel like a natural inclusion. Watters and Mitten showcase Montoya on a single mission to stop a killer. A cop to the very end, she questions the vigilantism she takes on to ensure justice is served. The mystery she embarks on is entirely twisted, with crucial details laid out, making for a solid detective tale.
Liam Sharp draws the next tale written by Dan Watters, focusing on Azrael. Sharp’s art is epic and as iconic as anything he’s done. The almost Biblical take on superhero-ing is captured well via captions and dialogue. This is a heavy character, and it matches the incredible art that comes with it. He’s a bit obtuse for my tastes, but he adds much to what Ram V has built so far.
Ram V writes and draws the final story with letters by Aditya Bidikar in a two-page tale. The painterly look suits the operatic themes mentioned above. The dialogue is laid out wonderfully, creating a nice flow to the narrative.
Detective Comics is an impressive book that balances dark intrigue and a story you’ll hang on the edge of your seat to read. There’s a theatrical nature to this tale that’s unmistakable and sets it apart from most superhero comics.
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