Detective Comics #1077: A Plan in Motion

Detective Comics #1077 mixes heist level planning with unlikely comrades for an issue that builds tension while being entertaining. Batman needs saving and it’s up to Catwoman, Jim Gordon, and an icy adversary.

If there’s a word to describe how Detective Comics has been since Ram V took the helm, it would be “intentional.” From the back up stories to the nuggets of information, the editorial team and Ram V have made such an interesting story that twists and turns and just when you feel lost, brings it all together for a fabulous reveal. 

In this latest issue, Ram V has returned to writing Catwoman (after his stint a couple of years back), and much of the issue is spent on the plan to save Batman from being an imprisoned zombie after being given Azmer a couple of issues back.

With slick writing and good pacing, I found myself connecting the dots from issues prior and anxiously ready for the next issue. I’ve consistently enjoyed V’s saga and the change of style to match the story is a refreshing tonal shift.

Handling the art is Jason Shawn Alexander and the colors are done by Dave Stewart. There is a difference in style from earlier issues but it works really well considering the Orghams have maneuvered their way into capturing Batman with the intent of having a public hanging. It’s dark, gritty, and bleak, and with this moment in the story I don’t hate it. Colors are dark and Batman’s ears are extra elongated, similar to the Knightfall style from the ’90s. It’s a good fit and combined with Evan Cagle’s dramatic cover from cover to the last page this issue has great art.

As part of the issue there’s a back up called “Toxic Love” from writer Dan Watters with art by Caspar Wijngaard. It’s a story on mother/daughter dynamics and with the limited page count, there isn’t enough to provide more critical insight other than I hope it continues future issues.