Detective Comics #1079: Death is Not the End

Detective Comics #1079 is an intense issue filled with sleight of hand moves and heist level action. A Catwoman focused issue– its pacing and storyline remind readers why Batman is not the only one with a plan.

Batman has been kidnapped, drugged, and arranged to be punished by hanging from the Orgham family in an effort to destroy the symbol of hope for Gotham. It’s been a race against the clock as Catwoman and her band of unlikely rescuers (Cassandra Cain Batgirl, Mr. Freeze, and more) have worked together to save the Dark Knight from a certain death.

Writer Ram V has put together a strong story arc in this operatic saga and this plot has been refreshing from the explosive challenges in Gotham City. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, I enjoyed V’s Catwoman run and how the focus on heists made for great storylines in the DC Universe and this use of the character works well in the fight against the Orgham family.

As an individual issue, its pacing is very fast paced making the pages fly by and ending before you know it. This is not to say it’s a bad thing, however, with the roster of characters included in the issue and Catwoman’s maneuvering in the rescue mission, it’s easy to miss some plot points, so I definitely recommend reading to understand the plot and taking more one read to fully appreciate everything happening.

Artist Jason Shawn Alexander and colorist Dave Stewart make a bleak and dark tone for this story and it’s fitting as the Caped Crusader is on full display with a noose around his neck. Their work is a great combination and the action feels brutal as Orgham henchmen take various blows from masked characters.

The team behind the back up story is writer Dan Watters and artist/colorist Juan Ferreyra. It’s a horrific connection to the main story and showcases Dariah Orgham’s power and influence. It’s a solid connection to V’s main story, however, the ending suggests it might have worked better in a previous issue. (No fault of the creative team.)