Batman: Detective Comics #1089 – Ram V, Dan Watters, Writers; Guillem March, Christopher Mitten, Artists; Luis Guerrero, Triona Farrell, Colorists
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Ram V brings his run to a close this issue, but it hasn’t really been entirely his run. With the exception of a few issues, Dan Watters has been by his side doing backups on almost every issue, and the two have pieced together one of the darkest and most epic Bat-runs in a long time. Now, it all comes to a finale as the battle against the Orghams wraps up, with the twisted Matriarch having transformed into a horrific monster. But she’s no longer alone among her family – her son has been resurrected by the efforts of Talia Al Ghul, and he’s ready to challenge her for the throne. But Dariah Orgham doesn’t plan on the fight to end with her – she’s already put together a plan that will transform Gotham into a city of perpetual darkness, one that will live in fear – and virtually all of Batman’s enemies have a role to play in this. And the only way to stop this may be for Batman to betray his greatest beliefs.
This run was so ambitious that in some ways, it maybe overextended its grasp at points. Certain subplots feel like they’re given short shrift here, but maybe that just leaves things open. Dan Watters and Christopher Mitten don’t exactly have a backup here – their story is interspliced in the main narrative, focusing on a few villains who are sent in new directions by Batman’s actions at the end of the issue. It also feels like a fresh start for Jim Gordon and Renee Montoya, both of which are reminded of where they’re strongest. The decision Batman makes when faced with an impossible choice is incredibly in character, serving as a reset but also one that takes us back to one of the most iconic versions of the character. This story has felt very different from any other Batman run, reliant on high-fantasy elements that give it a mythic vibe. Very much looking forward to what Taylor does on this title, but this will be a run to remember.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
