Batman: Detective Comics #1094 – Tom Taylor, Writer; Mikel Janin, Artist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Tom Taylor has been telling a dark, complex story of one of the most predatory institutions out there – private prisons that abuse kids for money. Somehow, all the kids that have been filtered through the corrupt institution known as Faultless have then been targeted by the mysterious Asema, an assassin who may have ties to Bruce’s new girlfriend Scarlett Scott. After barely managing to save the life of one of the boys who have been released from the prison, Batman realizes he needs more information on the prison itself and its role in this conspiracy – which means it’s time for an undercover mission. Damian is given a new identity, a new look, and a mission to collect as much information as he can. There’s just one problem – Damian cares about justice as much as his father, and sticking to the rules and playing along is going to be one of his biggest challenges.
While Damian is installed as a prisoner in the facility, Bruce has his own undercover mission – meeting with the warden and convincing him that he’s not only supportive of what he’s doing there, but that he might want to invest. Taylor does a great job of selling us that Bruce is actually repulsed by this man and is looking forward to having an opportunity to shut him down and personally destroy him. But it’s not long before Damian winds up unable to contain himself, and starts a riot to defend a much younger inmate being abused. This leads to a tense standoff, and Damian ultimately getting a look at the punishment chamber within the prison – which is much worse than simply solitary confinement. From Damian’s rebellion to Batman’s conversation with Bullock, this is one of the most pointedly political books out of DC I’ve read in some time, and it’s all the better for Taylor’s passion over this issue.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
