DETECTIVE COMICS #5

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Say 'hello' to Batman's nemesis named 'Penguin'. Who I'm afraid to say is ugly as sin. In fact he looks so rank, that if he got beaten by a plank, then it would considerably improve his skin. Now if you want to know any more dermatological tips, ask Writer / Artist: Tony Daniel and Symon Kurdranski; plus Publisher: DC Comics in February 2012.

So what’s the story morning glory?
'Wheel of Fortune' is a pithy tale of Batman's confrontation with whoever crosses his path. Plus there is a back-up feature of 'strange' proportions too.

Batman - I am afraid to say that Batman is very pissed off at the moment. For a start, he is perplexed that there is a protest going on - relating to the Jokers 'death'. Next, he is annoyed when the gangsters he is scoping out, is quickly attacked by an unknown culprit - whom is very proficient in this task. And finally, Batman is down right peeved when the unknown culprit in question manages to get away from him - because the 'Joker protesters' get in his way.

Oh! And on a side note, journalist, Charlotte Rivers, penetrates the Penguins Iceberg lounge.

Oops - I can see trouble ahead.     

A Strange Tale - A young kid called Eli Strange plays a game of cards with some very dubious characters indeed. However, when Eli has the upper hand in this 'ploy', his ally, Catwoman, suddenly turns up and beats the living ka-ka out of his opponents.

In the aftermath of this event, Eli's father muses about his son from afar - his father is named Hugo.

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

In the back-up feature, I enjoyed the phase 'I like the cut of your jib' - because it's both nautical but nice.

Ha! Naval pun alert. 

Was the story any good?

OK, so because there are two separate stories in this issue, I would have to say that: (1) Both of them were a quick read, but I did find that the back-up feature had a more earthy quality to it, and was a nice pleasant surprise. (2) The main feature was a fine tale in retrospect too - though the overall through line was kind of sparse in content - as it felt like a television series precursor, and not a tale in itself. And (3) Hugo Strange on this book has got me excited - because he is a great villain.

Was the art any good?

Yes - I am glad to say that both artists did a bang up job on this book.

Tony Daniels tried his best at channelling Frank Miller, whilst at the same time adding his own simplistic tone into the proceedings. Plus, his Charlotte Rivers is a knock out.

Where as Symon Kurdranski tried his best at channeling Michael Lark, whilst simultaneously adding a depth of shade that is very nourish indeed. However, his Hugo Strange does look like Mr Freeze.   

What is the best thing about this issue?

Again, I would have to say the back-up feature - because it did stand out compared to the main feature in both depth and tone. However, in the same vein, I have to complement Tony Daniel for doing a very nice job in trying to do something different with this issue - and for that alone I do applaud him.

What is the worst thing about this issue?

Personally speaking, after looking at the cover and reading what was on the DC Comics website, I thought that this was going to be a Batman Vs Penguin issue - which it's wasn't - shame. Also, I was not too keen in how the main feature read very quickly - and felt empty in plot.

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

As this issue is a combination of two tales - one separate, and one expansive - only one word springs to mind... 'Hodgepodge'. Its a nifty word, and has a nice bumbling way about it.

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

Well, what I will try to do here, is get the basic essence from both of the two stories presented, and ascertain that they had one unifying trait - rebellion.

And nothing says rebellion to me more to me than Alexei Sayle's silly song 'Ullo John! Gotta new motor?'. Well - it is a mix-mash - like this issue.

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

I would have added an additional feature to this issue, where Batman and Doctor Who were both playing a game of Monopoly together, only for Barry Manilow to abruptly turn up and ask for his replacement nose wig.

Well? It could happen!

Final thoughts...

I wonder if this back-up feature is going to be a regular thing? Also, if Tony's middle name is 'Salvador', what's Symons middle name? Myxlplyx? As it would synergise very nicely with the rest of his name.

Moreover, I hope that next issue has some story to its story, or otherwise I will have to start talking in Flemish and write something that actually makes sense.

Nah - never happen - but I am not saying which, ha!  

Marks out of 10? 7.5