Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato continue to emphasize the “detective” in “Detective Comics” in the penultimate chapter of their ‘Icarus’ storyline. Gorgeous art and colors accompany an intriguing story that is striking a fine balance between bombast and quieter character-building moments.
Written by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Illustrated by Francis Manapul and Brian BuccellatoIn “Icarus” part four, Batman must contend with a gang war between The Squid and the Kings of the Sun before it consumes all of Gotham City! But can even the World’s Greatest Detective defuse a blood feud that’s about to go nuclear?
In “Detective Comics” #33, writer/artist Manapul and writer/colorist Buccellato continue to prove why they make an excellent storytelling team. After their memorable “Flash” run, they are finding their niche in the Bat-world. Living up to the legendary “Detective” title, both men depict a true creature of the night who is obsessed with solving crimes and saving (or avenging) lives. At times stealthy or vicious (depending on the situation, of course), Batman utilizes his brain as well as his brawn. The fourth part of ‘Icarus’ ramps up the intrigue, throws in a curveball, and never strays from focusing on the characters and the main mystery each one is embroiled within.
When discussing Manapul and Buccellato as a team, they usually receive more attention over their art than their writing skills. Without having read a previous issue, a new reader can understand what’s going on because the mystery is still so deep, despite this being the fourth part of a five part arc. While not wrapping up any plot threads in this issue, the story ramps up and progresses full throttle from action packed beginning to mysteriously dramatic end. When the issue reaches an electric conclusion, there’s no way a reader, longtime or new, would want to miss next month’s concluding chapter. The writing is never lazy, but is methodical and, like the art, is laid out with care. When a certain plot point is revealed, it is natural to the story and opens up wider possibilities for plot and characterization progression.
This book is not only for the most diehard of Batman fans. The target audiences for this book are lovers of detective yarns, action, strong characters, and just flat out quality comic books. Manapul and Buccellato don’t mire the story in continuity and, when they do mention past events, it’s only in passing and never confusing. They simply allow us to experience great characters in a world that comes alive, through pictures and words on the page.
Besides his exceptional intellect, Manapul and Buccellato showcase the resourcefulness of the World’s Greatest Detective. Whether using his cowl in one particularly quiet yet awesome, scene or having his faithful friend and manservant Alfred Pennyworth (affectionately addressed as “Penny-One” when out in the field) assist him, he is able to procure evidence necessary to solve this current mystery. Although there are no heartfelt moments between Bruce and Alfred, as in the previous issue, they share a genuine discussion between two people as they attempt to piece together the mystery. Manapul and Buccellato have a strong sense of the rapport and respect that these two characters have for one another, and it is a particular strength of this issue.
Batman and Alfred aren’t the only ones involved in solving the mysteries surrounding the drug Icarus. Manapul and Buccellato have transformed Detective Harvey Bullock into a very reluctant ally of the Bat and a much more complex character than he has been so far in the New 52 Universe. Bullock cares just as much as Batman does for Gotham City, despite employing non-Batman-approved tactics. Manapul and Buccellato take great care when building up Bullock’s character and it would be great to see him become part of this book’s main recurring cast.
Despite the spot on characterization, the dialogue is occasionally problematic. Certain scenes have dialogue with an appropriate crime noir feel. However, when some of the goons talk, it is generic and stilted: “I always knew you had a big mouth. Let me shut it for you!” Manapul and Buccellato are more adept at writing natural dialogue when Batman interacts with Alfred or Bullock, allowing characterization to come through those interactions.
Continued belowManapul and Buccellato bring their own distinct artistic abilities to the book. Manapul’s pencils are exceptionally intricate, and this is especially evident on the second and third pages, which combine to make a watery double splash (no pun intended). Batman’s boot makes impact on some mook’s face as water rages around them; Manapul, through his detailed linework, is able to make us feel the impact of that boot. Not only are all the elements of the scene lavished with detail (such as the individual specks of water flying as battle ensues), but the fight scene is brilliantly thought out and choreographed. So much is going on in these two pages, yet no part of it ever appears clunky or staged. Manapul has a smooth and natural style befitting a book that features an obsessively meticulous character.
Manapul’s art is enhanced by Buccellato’s soft water color style palette. His colors are used for effect and evoke a wide range of feelings. We feel a buildup of suspense and a sense of awe when electric blue reflects off the smoke in an underground scene and we are plunged into a murky environment. The detail of Manapul’s pencils in the opening pages are made more vibrant by Buccellato’s colors. His ability to contribute even more added depth to Manapul’s detailed illustration makes the water look tangible as it appears to cling to Batman’s cowl. One touch of the page and you would swear liquid would wipe right off it. Whether it’s a darkly quiet scene of a stealthy Batman or the brightness of gunfire bursting from a gun, Buccellato’s colors evoke an emotion from the reader and make his artistic contributions just as vital as Manapul’s.
Francis Manapul continues to create gorgeously memorable covers for this book. Like the use of the opening credits in Manapul and Buccellato’s “Flash” run, Manapul utilizes the covers of “Detective Comics” to make an impact and tell a story. This is one of those rare times that judging a book by its cover is appropriate and allowed. With the powerful outline of a gun, Manapul fills the space with the characterization and mystery that is prominently displayed in the book. What you see on the cover is most definitely what you get in the story.
The Batman of Manapul and Buccellato’s “Detective Comics” has a style distinct from the other Bat-books. Manapul and Buccellato’s art is alive on the page throughout this issue, whether evoking danger with a car pulling up to an abandoned building or inducing excitement with pump-your-fist-in-the-air Bat-entrances. In the back of the book, six pages of bonus material shine the Bat-signal on how both artists worked together to create this issue. Judging by the way they work, it’s very appropriate that, in the comic’s credits, they are listed together as “storytellers”. This book is a joint creation, and, like Batman and Alfred, Manapul and Buccellato collaborators of the highest degree.
Final Verdict: 8.8 – With their fourth issue of “Detective Comics”, Manapul and Buccellato continue to impress with their interpretation of the Dark Knight Detective. Their meticulous attention to story and art make them a natural team. They shine the Bat-signal on the “detective” part of the Dark Knight Detective and bring depth of characterization to not only Batman, but his supporting cast as well.
