Detective Comics #1076: The Bat, The Cat, The Plan

Detective Comics #1076 is a sharply written and well drawn issue in the Orgham story-arc. From cover to the last page, this issue brings pieces together for a thrilling experience.

Humanity is very much the core of this issue and the issue prior and it’s for good reason. The Caped Crusader has been through so much loss from childhood to as of recent and while it’s common to use this trauma for storytelling, writer Ram V does such an interesting twist in asking, what if Bruce was at risk of losing the memories of his parents and Alfred?

Any DC fan can immediately feel the weight of that question and it is a fresh concept from V. For an issue with very little action, the pacing and story is so great that the tension had me bouncing from page to page to see how everything was coming together. I’ve been a fan of this run since the beginning, and it’s such a relief to see how the writer has the pieces come back together for a larger view of what’s at stake. While last issue was a bit too somber and downright depressing, this issue brings the crux of issue 1075 into the larger narrative making for a follow up that knocks it out of the park. 

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Dave Stewart bring it all together with art that exudes horror and also has such creativity, coloring, and linework. A feat that is impressive on its own considering the many themes of this issue. 

In addition to the main story, there are several back up stories making for a larger issue of Detective Comics. Stories from Dan Watters and Ram V cover Azrael, Montoya’s Question, and all make such a great read from start to finish. Christopher Mitten (artist), Trionna Farrell (colors) all bring their A-game and there wasn’t a back up story that I felt wasn’t worth checking out. In a surprise addition, Ram V has a back and does the art for a story that is dark and closes out this issue for a nice moody ending.