Written by Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Jock and Francesco Francavilla
Up-and-coming writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE) and acclaimed artist Jock (THE LOSERS) make their debut as the new ONGOING creative team of DETECTIVE COMICS!In “The Black Mirror” part 1 of 3, a series of brutal murders pushes Batman’s detective skills to the limit and forces him to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils.
Plus, in the start of a COMMISSIONER GORDON second feature also written by Scott Snyder, when a figure from the past returns to Gotham, Jim Gordon must face some of his darkest demons. Featuring; Art by Francesco Francavilla (GARRISON).
To say that I am excited about Scott Snyder taking over Detective Comics is the understatement of the year…I am beyond excited. Snyder quickly turned into one of my favorite up-and-coming comic writing talents with his work on American Vampire, and based off interviews his Detective work with Dick Grayson was going to be something to behold. Plus, incredible art from Jock and a Jim Gordon back-up with Francesco Francavilla on art? How could this be bad?
Find out what I thought of this debut issue after the jump.
I’ll get this out of the way in the very beginning, because everyone knows it’s coming: this is not Grant Morrison’s Batman. While some LOVE Morrison’s run, this is not the same type of thing, so get that out of your head before you even turn the first page.
This is better than Morrison’s Batman. This is the Batman that I have wanted for a long, long time. This is the Dick Grayson I’ve wanted since Chuck Dixon’s run on Nightwing. This is the book that I have been waiting for.
It could say any name on the cover and this would be an absolute smash because the story is just compelling work, with characters that are wonderfully rendered and fully understood, an understanding of the relationship between Batman and Gotham City, and a rich grasp of the history of the Bat-titles without feeling like it’s beholden to that same past. That the name on the cover is Scott Snyder just makes it more believable, but this is someone who simply gets it.
There are moments in this issue that just make me feel satisfied quite unlike most comics do. The rooftop scene between Jim Gordon and Batman (Dick Grayson, that is) in particular, as the two discuss the current rash of evidence being sold on the black market (a conversation that continues one the two had earlier, except Gordon is unaware of that connection). While we know that Bruce and Dick have different styles of being Batman, it’s remarkable to see Snyder actually have characters comment on it. When Gordon tells Dick that he hasn’t grown used to Batman still being there when he looks up (a reference to Batman always disappearing in the middle of conversations when he has gotten enough), it’s a simple but elegant shout out to the differences of approach these two characters have. It’s deftly handled by Snyder, and the fact that this type of scene is the norm in this issue indicates the absurdly high quality of it.
This is one of the most well written books I’ve read all year in comics, and it is just a joy to see Dick put the detective in Detective Comics again (namely the scene in which he breaks into the suspected evidence thief’s home – “Kid stuff…”). From a writing standpoint, this book is so on point it blows away the other bat books.
Jock’s art has settled into this book very nicely. Oddly enough, when he took over Detective previously after JH Williams III took over, I was a bit turned off even though I really enjoy Jock’s work. I think it was mostly a JH Hangover, as that guy is a god and even some of the best would pale in comparison. His work in this issue fits Snyder’s script perfectly, layering a real atmosphere to the events that transpire. I love the colors as well, as David Baron brings an unexpected but perfect palate to many scenes (namely the aforementioned rooftop scenes with the red sky and bats that appear). Throw in Francesco Francavilla’s inviting but grim art in the back-up, and we’ve got a beautiful book on our hands.
Continued belowUpdate: I forgot to mention the cover. This isn’t just the best cover of the week, but the best cover of the month and a strong contender for best cover of the year.
I can’t say enough about this book. From top to bottom, from the writing to the art to the editing to everything else, this book is simply one of the best big two superhero books of the year. To me, it may have been the best Batman book in years. I was intensely excited for this new team to take over, and I am very, very happy to say that they didn’t fail to reach the high expectations I had for them. Great work guys…keep it up.
Final Verdict: 9.8 – Buy
