Here we are once again, BOFers. It is review time for Detective Comics #1083. The combo of V and Watters continues to underwhelm at the lowest of levels. Pardon me if you have heard this before, but Batman is having a massive brawl in his head. Does it sound like anything else you have been reading?
It doesn’t matter if you are reading Batman or Detective. Both books involve Batman having a mental breakdown, and we have a front-row seat to both. Here, Batman is fighting a Baned-out Batman in Dr. Hurt’s Fight Club, scuffles with the Wolfman again, and then sits under a tree and talks about the finer things in life with Bartbatos.
What the hell is going on here? This story takes pretentious to the next level.
I was on the phone with Lower this week. I told him, “This is the most fantastical Batman in print across the board in the last ten years.” We agreed and continued to bash the character’s direction. This is some of the worst Batman I have ever read.
The Question story is still weaving in and out of the primary. I will say that this issue Watters was able to keep my attention for more than a page. Seeing Question out in Gotham, dealing with the people and Six-Eyed Sally was interesting. The Question is doing more “Batmanning” in Detective than Batman!
The art in the book is the only saving grace. Riccardo Federici is the only person in this book who brings their A-game monthly. Federici’s Frank Quietly-like style is impressive and almost fitting for a sequel to Morrison’s trippy run back in the day. Jorge Forńes brings a silky-smooth noir vibe to the backup that mixes well. Ultimately, these artists do a great job of taking the themes of the story and bringing them to life. Federici does wonder with a beaten Batman and terrifying monsters. Forńes easily creates dramatic tension with his sexy and think line work. But alas, they are just a life raft on a sinking ship.
I’m not one to compliment a Dan Watters tale, but I got to give it to him this month; his back was the better story here. While not as bad as months have passed, at least Batman is “awake” and back in Gotham. Hopefully, this will be the last of the intertwining arcs within the book. There is a massive problem with the Dawn of DC and Batman. As much as I love Williamson, this is happening on his watch. Main continuity: Batman is suffering badly and being outshined by Black Label every week. Something needs to be done. – Peter Verra
