DETECTIVE COMICS #10

[ BAT-SALE ] 

Can Batman defend his empire? Especially when his own son is a right liar? Mr Toxin say 'no'. Two-face is a no show. Plus Red-Robin is living in Yorkshire. Or maybe it is at some other location populated by the creators: Tony Sally-Anne Daniel, Ed Benes, Symon Kudranski, plus Publisher: DC Comics in May 2012.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

If you have ever stuck your finger into a light-socket whist peeing into it at the same time, then you'd have good idea what this issue of Detective Comics, called 'On the Brink', is truly like. Strangely shocking and relaxing in temperament. 

• Well, Bruce Wayne thought that he was having a hard time of it when he heard that his wounded girl-pal, Charlotte, was pissing off to Paris to get way from he troubles.
• But no. Not really. A group of suicidal 'Bat-men' cause havoc whilst trying to get away from the police. Worst still, they manage to hand over the items they've stolen to the mastermind who hired them to commit this deed.
• OK, so who is this evil mastermind then?  Why Mr Toxin of course. The skeleton-faced jerk who gives Batman a shock in more ways than one.

Meanwhile, in the Two-Face back-up feature, we get to find out if a cult leader is able to get Harvey to see the light again. Plus we discover what the chances are of Steranco's bodyguards finding out the outcome of Harvey's fate before he does.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

OK, I know that this may sound weird, but I did like Harvey Dents new phrase of 'Baldilocks', when he was referring to 'the Leader'.

Moreover, I did find Batman's description of the red fluid he discovers very 'William Shatner' in inflection.  'But this... some kind of fluid I'm standing in. A puddle mixed with blood. Some sort of energy... it's drifting as if there's an airflow or wind pushing it'.

Agreed?

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

The best thing about the Batman part of this comic was more to do with the way that this story was told, rather than the story in itself. You see, somehow it felt a lot easier to follow, almost as if the story was allowed to progress in a more natural and free-flowing way.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

As I yet I do not see the point of Charlotte turning up at the beginning of this issue, only for her to tell Bruce that she won't be around anymore. Granted, this may be a plot-thread that Sally Ann will pick up next issue. But as of yet - yawn - no point.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: I thought that the suicidal Batmen were a very creative addition to this adventure because it amped up the excitement a notch or two. Also, I really did get a kick out of watching 'The Leader' trying his best to convert Two-Face to become a better person as well. Very 'Cult'.  

ART: Both Ed Benes and Symon Kudranski really did a good job within their respective segments of this book. I found Ed's pencils a lot earthier than usual, almost having a Norm Breyfogle slant about his artwork. Whereas Symon's use of negative space gave his layouts a more definable edge and scope. Bravo guys.  

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

ONE OF THE MOCK-BATMEN: Now it doesn't really bother me which of these rogue hooligans he plays, just as long as Alex Baldwin play some sort of pseudo-Batman for at least once in his life, that would be OK by me.

HARVEY BULLOCK: Although tough-guy actor, Ray Winstone, is British by birth, I always thought that he could play this American maverick cop with no problem.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

It's Batman Verses The Batmen. Trust Me. The Ending Is A Shocker.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

OK, so this story was simple, shocking, dynamic, and strangely placid to follow. So what about comparing it to something like Chocolate Chili Ice Cream? No joke. This sh*t it real.

FINAL thoughts...

Now I don't want to sound like a moaning mini or anything, but I find that Tony Daniel writes a much better story when he is not creating the art. Fair enough, I am sure that wearing both hats must have is advantages at times. Nonetheless, from my own personal perspective, his story-telling abilities do come across more naturally when he has more time to work on them.

Sorry buddy Tony. You're still a fine creator when given the chance.

MARKS out of 10? 8