Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Christian Duce Fernandez
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Review by Deanna Chapman
Detective Comics #951 brings us part one of the “League of Shadows” arc. The League of Shadows is an organization run by Ra’s al Ghul and later Talia al Ghul in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises. In this issue, the League of Shadows is seen as more of a conspiracy theory to Batman. The issue starts with Shiva torturing a member of the Colony, which is no longer welcome in Gotham. Batman ends up being framed for the murder of the mayor not too long after and then Joker gas is let loose on the city. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s a great introduction to this story arc.
James Tynion IV writes a great Batman story and adds the team aspect well. Batwoman gets a lot of face time in this issue with the interaction between her, Batman, and her father. He warns them about the League of Shadows and wants Kate to be safe. One thing of note, though, is how Tynion’s not afraid to show that Batman can in fact be wrong. He even admits that he’d lose in a battle with Cassandra. We all know Batman isn’t someone who loses often, so it’s refreshing for him to acknowledge it.
Christian Duce Fernandez takes over art duty this issue and does an outstanding job. When you have heroes in masks, you’d think it would be difficult to show what it is their feeling, but he does a great job with the facial expressions. Batman’s shock as he finds the mayor stuck to the wall with knives in him alone is something that makes the scene feel complete. The knives even have bats on them, so you know this frame job is going to make for an interesting story as this all plays out. The colors by Alex Sinclair do help add that finishing touch to this issue. It’s a great piece of artistic work all around.
Detective Comics is on a roll during Rebirth and it’s a title that obviously has a ton of history to it. This story is proving that it can stand of with that history and gives us something amazing to look forward to.
Verdict: Buy. Considering this is a new arc, it’s not a bad jumping on point. The story gives readers something to look forward to. Not to mention, finding out the consequences for the multiple situations Batman finds himself in. The team on this book is great and they have a lot to offer with this story arc.
