Detective Comics #1086
Recap
CAN EVEN BATMAN SAVE GOTHAM CITY? An unexpected villain has made an appearance in Gotham, trailing chaos, destruction, and horror in their wake. Now, as chaos tears a bloody gash through the sinister order of the Orghams' Gotham, Batman is the city's only hope for salvation. But is the city too far gone for even the Dark Knight to save it?
Review
The Bat is back in act three of Ram V’s thrilling Gotham Nocturne saga. Ram V has been taking readers on a gripping journey through the underbelly of Gotham City, bringing the dark back to the Dark Knight to overshadow the Orgham’s light. Detective Comics #1086 is part three of this act, delivering a narrative that blends noir mystery with dark character exploration. Batman has come back to life and returns to a Gotham run by the Orghams, who have stopped crime in the city. But is there more to their plan? The Joker and Batman seem to be working toward the same goal in different ways as they scheme to bring darkness back to Gotham. Can Gotham be saved from the light?
Ram V is absolutely nailing the characterization of Gotham’s mainstays and brings an edge and darkness that has been missing from Batman comics. The Joker returns in this issue and is more sadistic and scarier than ever. This comic review must include a trigger warning as there is a rather graphic scene involving the death of a pet. It’s perverted and horrifying, so of course it was done by the Joker. This issue leans heavy on the detective aspect of Detective Comics as the reader is left trying to solve the mystery alongside Batman. Admittingly, this issue is confusing at times, so it’s not new reader friendly, but it adds to the mystery of the plot. The pacing is tight yet allows for moments of introspection, particularly as Batman confronts the moral ambiguities of his crusade. Throughout the issue, Ram V peppers the narrative with thought-provoking dialogue that reveals the complexities of his characters. Batman’s internal monologue reflects his struggle with his own darkness, making him not just a vigilante but a flawed and introspective hero. Ram V’s exceptional writing is bringing the darkness and mystery that is core to the Batman character.
Artist Stefano Raffaele and colorist Lee Loughridge complement Ram V’s storytelling with dynamic illustrations that capture the gritty essence of Gotham. From shadowy alleys to sleek skyscrapers, Raffaele’s detailed artwork immerses readers in the dark atmosphere of Batman’s world. The use of light and shadow enhances the mood, creating a sense of foreboding that mirrors the narrative tension. The new character designs for Batman, the Joker, and Bat Girl are fresh and perfectly parallel Ram V’s ominous narrative. Each panel is stunning and feels like a horror comic.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Detective Comics #1086 is a must-read for fans of Batman and detective fiction alike. Ram V's masterful storytelling combined with Raffaele's evocative artwork creates a captivating reading experience that stays true to the core of the Dark Knight while pushing the boundaries of his narrative depth. This issue exemplifies why Detective Comics remains a cornerstone of the comic book industry, delivering compelling mysteries that resonate long after the final page.
Detective Comics #1086: Under Her Skin
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10