Detective Comics #1081 is a moody and atmospheric issue that leans well into the supernatural element of Batman’s history. From the prose to the art, it’s grand.
What has worked well with the Orgham saga from writer Ram V’s run is how much territory has been spent on the mystical side of the Dark Knight. Connected appropriately to the al Ghul family, in addition to the new family bent on destruction of Batman and his city, the themes continue to work well with this story.
The issue picks up where Talia al Ghul has taken an infected Batman in hopes of helping him heal from the azmer that was injected into him. The serum is not only destroying his body, but has put Bruce in the center of looking at the demons that constantly haunt him. Only now, they aren’t just painful memories or thoughts, they are full fledged monsters attacking and hunting.
The theme of a tortured Batman isn’t exactly new, but the way in which the monsters are given their defined roles is refreshing and a reminder of how well Batman fits into many thematic elements. Writer V has put together a story with twists and turns and it has kept this series fresh.
The art in this issue from Riccardo Federici and colors from Stefano Raffaele are a beauty to behold and the pages and panels mirror that of art work fit for the classical section of a museum. There are epic structures that are straight out of an anxiety-inducing dream that readers get to witness Batman explore and aside from the story, the art is worth taking a moment to appreciate. In addition to the interior art, the cover from Evan Cagle continues to set a high standard for covers. It’s an epic design and fits well into the themes of this issue.
Combined with the phenomenal writing from Ram V, the entire creative team is on top of their game. This issue has limited action, but it’s the tension and the otherworldly environment that Batman has to traverse that makes for such a compelling read.
The back up stories from writer Dan Watters, artist Hayden Sherman, colorist Triona Farrell, and letterer Steve Wands have dual purposes and work well for this issue. The story focused on “The Question” is a slow burn and a reminder of what is going on in Gotham–even if it’s a small scale story (for now). The other story focuses on Dr. Hurt–a key character in this issue and it’s a twisted story that is unsettling.
