Detective Comics #1069
Seth A. Romo
Recap
The Orghams have arrived to Gotham and with them is a meticulous plan to take over the city through supernatural means. Last issue, their plan included Harvey Dent/Two Face as a pawn to take down Batman. After a giant fire in the narrows of Gotham, their plan ultimately failed as Two Face lost to Dent’s good conscious.
Review
Detective Comics #1069 is a solid follow up to the explosive events from the previous issue. With tight writing and excellent art, this issue resets the board and its pieces in the operatic game for control of Gotham.
The theme for Ram V’s run of Detective Comics was rooted in being operatic in style. Throughout the now seven issues, the story and tone has consistently delivered.
Last issue was action packed and the chaos that ensued was incredibly tense. This issue is much softer. Act I – Part IV in Gotham Nocturne, this issue manages to allow all parties to regroup as they strategize their next approach without being dull. It’s more exposition than action, but the tight dialogue and awesome art keeps this issue feeling fast paced.
V’s writing never feels dull and the art is still phenomenal. I particularly love a full page spread of Batman soaring over Gotham as the page is split in two different styles and colors. It’s a wonderful image and could only be accomplished through this medium.
The artists for this issue are Dexter Soy and Steffano Raffaele with colors by Adriano Lucas. While this is the first time they are the art combination for this run, they certainly are setting their own wonderful standard. Designing the main cover is art by Evan Cagle. Every cover done by Cagle has felt like its own art piece and this issue is no different. The subtle additions included are reminiscent of renaissance art. It feels classical and modern at the same time.
In addition to the great continuation of the main story, readers will get part of of a Mr. Freeze focused back up story written by Simon Spurrier with art by Caspar Wijngaard and letters by Arianna Turturro. I have enjoyed the back up stories in this run and Absolute Part I is a great addition to the smaller stories that have been included. This story is about Mr. Freeze, his obsession, and a kidnapped woman stuck in his way. It’s creepy, stylistic in design, and I am anxious to find out how Mr. Freeze will be stopped.
Final Thoughts
The emphasis on discovery and refocusing—infused with more characters becoming involved—makes this issue an enjoyable read after an epic blow out from last month’s issue. Furthermore, the back up story is well done in its narrative around Mr. Freeze. Fans of this run will definitely enjoy this issue as it sets the stage for what is coming next.
Detective Comics #1069: All Players Regroup in the Game for Control of Gotham
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9.5/109.5/10
- Color - 9.5/109.5/10
- Cover Art - 9.5/109.5/10