DETECTIVE COMICS #3

[ GIMME MY BARGAINS ] 

It is generally well known that Batman’s no fool. Especially when he is battling a dangerous ghoul. He shows no fears, and he has pointy ears, plus he did learn an awful lot at school. All presented to you by Writer and Artist: Tony Daniel; Inker: Sandu Fletcher; and Publisher: DC Comics in December 2011.

So what’s the story morning glory?

In this installment of Detective Comics called ‘Cold Blood’, we see Batman continuing his confrontation with the living-dead patchwork man, the Doll-Maker. 

Now this generally happens at the beginning and at the end of the issue – initially, when Batman escapes from Doll-Makers clutches with a goon in toe – and subsequently, when he is captured at the end of the issue, due to a trap sprung by nefarious means.

As for the middle segment of this chapter, however, it basically envelopes and digests the following scenarios: (1) Who is the Doll-maker? (2) Jim Gordon’s plight, whilst detained by the Doll-maker. And (3) Olivia – is she a captive or an ally of the Doll-Maker.

Please note, the conclusion of the tale is kind of hooey, Batman Verses ‘The Jokers’.

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

Even though it did seem somewhat out of character at the time, and a slightly strange thing for Batman to say, I did like it when was taking one of the Doll-Makers goons away with him, and said ‘Let’s go sunshine’.

Was the story any good?

Yes – I liked it – because it concentrated more on an evolving a story-line, rather than a way of showcasing a new Batman within the DCnU. However, the only slight nag that I did have with this tale, is that it did feel more like an adventure story and not like a mystery. Well, the name of this title is Detective Comics, isn’t it? And the only mystery to this story, is how many dead people does it take to stitch up a Jim Gordon – so to speak.

Was the art any good?

Yes – I have to say that I liked that too. In many ways, Tony’s art seems to be evolving with this tale, in which he is able to adhere towards a very grungy and bleak overtone that suits this yarn very nicely. Moreover, I did like how the colourist, Tomeu Morey, complemented this style with a more in depth and moody feel to his palette.

To juxtapose this stance, though, in places, Tony’s ‘grotesques’ come across as very wrinkled and obtuse – almost as if they need a ‘good ironing’ or something. Plus, his ‘pretty people’ all look very generic on a certain level, and very ‘flat’ in the face too. 

What is the best thing about this issue?

I liked the scene in which Bruce was in the Batcave, trying to piece together who the Doll-Maker actually is. Granted, I know that this scene is very ‘play it by numbers’ where a story is concerned. Still, there was a very nice and pleasant ways behind Bruce’s demeanour, with an additional incite into how his mind works.

What is the worst thing about this issue?

Personally speaking, I thought the ‘cliff-hanger’ was groan worthy at best. Well – come on – a bunch of ‘Jokers’ on stings? It does feel a bit too over the top within this oblique tale.

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

Mainly due to the amount of wrinkled and smooth faces in this comic book, I have the urge to say something like ‘Why not use Oil of Olay anti age wrinkle cream, to combat the signs of aging?’.

This seems strangely appropriate somehow.

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

As much as I would not like to admit it, I have to say that this issue reminded me of an old Disney movie called ‘Mr. Boogedy’. Because they are both kind of obvious in places, whilst being a pithy adventure at the same time.

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

I would have liked to have seen more of the monkey in this issue. Well, if a monkey is on show – it should be utilised in a more pronounced way (right kids?). Also, I would have liked to have seen a more in depth way in how Batman's mind works – from Tony’s perspective of course.

Final thoughts...

One of my gripes with this issue of Detective Comics, is that there was not much detecting in it. Now in my opinion, Scott Snyder is a lot better at writing this type of thing than Tony is – so why not re-swap this paring – Batman for Detective?

It couldn’t hurt.

Marks out of 10? 8.5