Comics Review: Detective Comics #880
After what seemed like an incredibly long build up, everything kicks into high gear in this penultimate chapter.
Written by Scott Snyder, pencils by Jock Published DC Comics In stores now! Despite the enormous acclaim that this run has received elsewhere, Ive actually been a little underwhelmed by Scott Snyder and Jocks Detective Comics run. Sure, the issues with Francesco Francavilla on art, in which Commissioner Gordon took the spotlight, were excellent- possibly some of the best Bat stories in years. However, the main plotline was far less interesting, relying far too much on huge passages of exposition and on the nose narration that clumsily conveyed the so-called dark themes that this run has been hailed for. It was hardly a stinker (I'd give it an average of 3 stars), but compared to the innovative Batman Incorporated it was nothing new either. After what seemed like an incredibly long build up, everything kicks into high gear in this penultimate chapter. All of the disparate narrative threads come together seamlessly as we crash towards the climax, with the Gordon centric sub-plot emerging as the beating heart of the story, feeling far more important than any of the Batman scenes- and for this we should be thankful. Gordon deserves to be treated like the main character he is, and not just a supporting role, being one of the strongest characters in Batman lore (something Nolan's movies knew only too well and, arguably, is one of the strongest things in both of those films). Seeing him pushed to the edge is truly nail biting stuff, resulting in a palpable sense of dread and genuine danger that is missing from most comic books. It has to be said- Jock's cover for this issue is perfect, both in terms of the technical quality of the line work as well as the stylistic idea behind it. It is a truly unforgettable image and, considering the Joker is one of the most regularly drawn characters in all of comic books, that is no simple task. His work on the interiors is equally as good, though personally speaking, I sometimes find his work a little too rough and murky. However, that is purposely a stylistic choice, and it does help add to the dark tone that this book is aiming for. The next issue is not only the last of this year-long 'Black Mirror' storyline but also the last of this current volume of Detective Comics, as in September DC relaunches new # 1 issues for all of its books. Snyder will be involved with launching the main Batman title, with Image great Greg Capullo on art duties. On the strength of Snyder's work here, along with his excellent Vertigo series, American Vampire, the franchise seems to be in great hands. 