Batman: Detective Comics #1083 – Ram V, Dan Watters, Writers; Riccardo Federici, Stefano Raffaele, Jorge Fornes, Artists; Lee Loughridge, Triona Farrell, Colorists
Ray – 9/10
Ray: As his Detective Comics run approaches its final act, Ram V continues to put Batman through a dark night of the soul. Doctor Hurt, serving as a twisted Jiminy Cricket/Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Batman’s spirit through different futures and pasts—culminating this issue in a segment that finds him encountering a twisted alternate version of himself who has become a fascist hulking beast. As he once again rejects temptation, he finds himself confronted with a very different specter—that of Barbatos, the ancient Bat-demon God who has been tormenting him through three different creators’ runs. But now, the two almost seem to come to an understanding as he races back to the world of the living.
Speaking of the world of the living, Renee Montoya continues to dig into the mystery of her fellow officer’s death as she discovers just how deep the Orghams’ roots have burrowed into Gotham. This includes the media, the mayor’s office, and the criminal elements. With no vigilantes currently active, she calls on her old friend Jim Gordon for help—but it’s not long before they get backup from the finally-returning Batman. The segments where Bruce emerges from the void and begins his fight again are some of the best of the run, especially the banter between him and Talia as they take on an old enemy. Ram V continues to deliver near-perfect characterization for this star-crossed and thorny pair.
The backup brings the twisted tale of Doctor Hurt to an end as well, as the mad doctor finds himself targeted by a group of his victims—until one reveals themselves to be not who they appear to be. This is a very strange story, shifting the narrative and our perspective until everything we’ve seen before is in doubt. But then, Doctor Hurt’s identity has been a complex story, and this winds up taking on the feel of a mind-bending thriller. It’s a great primer for those who aren’t familiar with the role this immortal villain has played for almost twenty years.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
