Welcome back BOF’ers!
It is that time once again when we gather around the old Bat-Site and break down the OG, Detective Comics.
Issue #1111 by Tom Taylor and Mikel Janin starring Batman, Green Arrow and Black Canary continue with part five of “Flight”. Can we see Tom Taylor rebound and get this arc on track, or are we in for more of the same? The Bird, The Bat, The Arrow, the review!
I know what Taylor is trying to do, but this is not working. This is by far the worst issue in this arc. Flashbacks, present day, doesn’t matter when in the timeline you are; this book is dull. One thing is consistent in this issue and the four previous issues. Batman is not the star of his own title; that belongs to Green Arrow and Black Canary. In fact, the only time Batman shines is when he breaks into the nursing home and fights Grandma Gotham. Back when James Tynion was writing Detective, I would often hear fans complain that he was breaking down Batman to build up other characters. I feel very similar with Taylor and this arc: Green Arrow and Black Canary stealing “pt” from Batman or giving a novice the ability to track The Dark Knight; it all feels just too convenient at times.
Mike Janin is the new Jorge Jimenez, a brilliant artist on a wasted story. While Green Arrow and Canary have stolen the spotlight, they also have never looked better. Janin, as he has done in previous issues, takes total control over all art and does so brilliantly. Regardless of timeline, our heroes look perfectly vintage or modern. Janin’s action is easy to follow, as are his layouts. Seeing Batman standing out in front of the Batwing is just beautiful. You won’t find a more stunning-looking book in your LCS this month.
This arc was dead on arrival. I get that Taylor wants to honor some of his favorites from the 70’s, but this arc is as bland and uninteresting as they come. This one will wrap up next month, and this reviewer is very thankful for it. Art alone is not enough to sell a story, and for the love of God, please let Batman shine in his legacy title again. – Peter Verra
GRADE:
- STORY: D
- ART: A+
- OVERALL: C