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Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
spencer1984
Dark Knight
Posts: 1271
Location: Upstate NY
Joined: 30.06.05
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| Posted on 07-07-2006 16:15 |
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Darknight wrote:
Since "Face the Face" has ended there are now new creative teams on Batman and Detective. This week's releases included Paul Dini's first issue of Detective.
It looks like the format will be single issue detective stories. Does anyone remember the last time that there were detective stories in Detective Comics? ...me neither.
This issue was fun little story. I am having difficulty not directly comparing it to Batman: The Animated Series, but it really does have that feel. It was cool for them to start out without using a known well established villain.
If you haven't been picking up the main Bat-titles, now is the time to start again.
I thought this was a great issue. I like the detective aspects, I like that it's a stand-alone issue (I've always preferred 1- or 2-comic stories over long story arcs), and I really liked the art.
Did anyone notice how the "high society" sections were done in a more cartoonish style, while the "grittier" sections were done in a more detailed style? I thought it was a really neat touch, emphasizing how Batman & Gordon lived in the real world while Gotham's elite drifted through a fake world.
I agree, it definitely had a BTAS feel to it. |
 
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 09-07-2006 00:26 |
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I was about to post a new thread. I'll do a thread for the Batman arc.
Here is my review to DETECTIVE COMICS #821
PLOT:
Gotham's wealthiest citizens find themselves victimized by the mysterious new villain Facade. Operating with a gang trained to pass as members of the cities' elite, the masked mastermind's crimes baffle the police and leave members of Gotham society fearing for their lives. It's up to Batman to use a "facade" of his own, that of socialite Bruce Wayne, in order to bait the villain's underlings and discover the true identity of their elusive leader.
REVIEW:
Lets start with a "wow" for this issue. Paul Dini has written something that gives us a detective mystery feeling page by page, and above all to all DCAU fans; an issue that feels like its an episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Even the text in the boxes of the panels are written like the letters from the BTAS logo. Including the talk between Batman & Robin, Batman & Gordon, Bruce and Alfred, even the final lines of the issue have all these feelings from the show. The only thing that doesn't have that feeling, from Dini's writing, are those boxes that sound like the Dini/Ross book: BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME.
At first I thought that would be it for the review, but I decided that I should talk about the new villian. Simiply because he is NEW. The villian, Facade, is pretty weird. He must have an obsession for dummies as he collects them. He must have this thing for faceless people as he also wears a mask that covers his face so you can't see inside and reflects everything. A villain that was a nobody that wanted to be a somebody and knew how to get that.
Overall; this was nice. Now, this isn't an arc at all. At first I thought it was but it seems it isn't. The next issue is different that this. The only thing these issues of Detective Comics share is the cover by Simone Bianchi. I could be wrong if the next issue picks up where this left off, which the next ones don't have anything that seem to come from this issue. And that the title doesn't have Part 1 next to it. So this is one story issue. The next will be new and un-connected to this one.
RATING: 9/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Darknight
Dark Knight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 10-07-2006 10:05 |
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It looks like from the information for issues 822 and 823 that those will also be single issue stories. I am with Spencer, after so many 6 to 12 issue story arcs, it is great to have these one issue stories. It breaks up the montony, and Dini is pretty good at tying things up within an issue.
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
batchat
Arkham Inmate
Posts: 59
Location: St. Louis Metro East Area (Illinois)
Joined: 14.07.06
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| Posted on 26-07-2006 21:58 |
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While this issue is an excellent comic overall, I think that the end of the story seems a bit rushed and anti-climatic. I consider two-to-three issues to be the best length for a short storyline.
Did anyone else enjoy how Batman callously kills that thug at the beginning of the issue? I loved it! Don't give me that "it was an accident" B.S., either. I think that the would-be victim reminds Batman of his mother, and he acts especially brutal as a result. Could just be me, but... ;-)
- D
Edited by batchat on 26-07-2006 22:00 |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 02-08-2006 19:16 |
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DETECTIVE COMICS #822
PLOT:
When Karrie Bishop, a woman that Bruce Wayne saw her last, is murdered. Her case ends up being sloved by a seemly-reformed Riddler. Not even trusting the man who still may or may not his secret behind the mask, Batman decides to solve the murder case even if Riddler tends to stay around.
REVIEW:
Paul Dini must like doing the Batman books as Roxy Rocket, a character he and Timm created for the show, makes her first comic book appearence. While only a cameo appearence, and her looking as the same as the show, her appearence alone gives her the opening for the future in the books.
But on the book itself, it was another good mystery story. I can't but see it as a BTAS episode, of course with some adult elements since this is a comic book (for example: BDSM scene). Dini likes to gives us a detective story and have us, the audience, find out when Batman has pieced everything together. Some people may want a story where we find out everything before Batman does but this is better. This is written nicely.
The Riddler comes here so its not a new villian. It seems that what happened that got him into a coma a year ago has made him forget Bruce is Batman that was told in Batman: Hush. I should also point out that his green mask has been replaced with just sunglasses like I saw him wear in Alex Ross' Justice. I don't know if that was an idea they threw in or its what Riddler will look like until the next change. Either way, I like what he looks like better.
I don't know but it seems Riddler had made alot of "friends" in the BDSM private club as he said he met his henchgirls there. Yes, maybe in THAT way. Batman knows the headmistress by the name Pandora. But no, not in THAT way though.
Overall, as I said above, this was a good mystery storyline by Dini on Batman. Dini said these issues will lead up to something. I wonder what it is.
RATING: 9/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Darknight
Dark Knight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 03-08-2006 08:40 |
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It was another fun detective story. Dini did a lot better this time since things actually pointed to the person who committed the murder. I guess it took an issue before he figured out how to properly write.
I am a little disappointed that they wrote out Riddler knowing Batman's identity so quickly. First they do nothing with it, then throw it out the window. This is almost as bad as what they did with President Luthor (that would be absolutely nothing).
Riddler was wearing sunglasses to show that he was reformed. Sure Williams may have talked to Alex Ross, but if you are trying to show the Riddler as having given up his criminal ways you don't put him in a mask. Criminals wear masks. That always bugged me about that Batman: TAS episode.
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 03-08-2006 19:34 |
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BTW, probably in keeping witht he fact that Gotham is based on NYC, Pandora's Box is ana ctual BDSM place in NYC.
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
batchat
Arkham Inmate
Posts: 59
Location: St. Louis Metro East Area (Illinois)
Joined: 14.07.06
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| Posted on 04-08-2006 22:32 |
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Nate wrote:
REVIEW:
Paul Dini must like doing the Batman books as Roxy Rocket, a character he and Timm created for the show, makes her first comic book appearence.
I love the Roxy Rocket character in the animated series (the voice actor is *perfect* for the character, too). I would have rather Dini had written her as the central character of a story than a pointless cameo appearance.
I don't know but it seems Riddler had made alot of "friends" in the BDSM private club as he said he met his henchgirls there. Yes, maybe in THAT way. Batman knows the headmistress by the name Pandora. But no, not in THAT way though.
LOL. That paragraph is great. 
Overall, as I said above, this was a good mystery storyline by Dini on Batman. Dini said these issues will lead up to something. I wonder what it is.
RATING: 9/10
This issue is good but falls a long way short of great. I find it unlikely that the Riddler, as intelligent and perceptive as he is, would fail to notice the trail of blood leading away from the room. Also, I wonder why he doesn't notice Batman leaving the room to follow the trail. Sure, the Riddler is arrogant, but is he *that* arrogant? This part left a bad feeling with me when I read the issue.
Also, as I previously posted, I consider two-to-three issues to be the best length for a short storyline.
I am somewhat disappointed with Dini's run so far.
I do like the sunglasses. B)
- D
Edited by batchat on 04-08-2006 22:44 |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Caleson
Dark Knight
Posts: 1631
Location: Rockville, IA
Joined: 24.06.05
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| Posted on 26-08-2006 17:13 |
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This was a really cool story with a great emphasis on detective skills. It reminded me of BTAS a lot, too. I almost wish they extended it into two issues with its complexity. The short scene where The Riddler rides in the Batmobile was pretty funny, and the ties with OYL made it all the more interesting. As far as I remember, this is one of the only major roles Riddler has played since he ran into hiding from Hush.
Edited by Caleson on 26-08-2006 17:16 |
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RE: that issue was great |
DavidG
Gotham Civilian
Posts: 198
Location: Home
Joined: 26.07.06
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| Posted on 27-08-2006 04:47 |
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that issue was great it looked just liked i was watching batman the animated series i also liked the end of the issue on riddler,s face when he figured out it was batman who solved the case.
Edited by DavidG on 27-08-2006 04:51 |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 07-09-2006 19:28 |
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DETECTIVE COMICS #823
SPOILERS INCLUDED
PLOT:
When Poison Ivy's plants act strange and begin attacking her, Batman takes her to the cave and puts her in a tube just in case. But as Robin watches Ivy and Batman goes out to investigate, it becomes clear that the victim in all this isn't Ivy as the twist is revealed.
REVIEW:
Its Poison Ivy's turn to shine by Dini's writing pen. This storyline was actually a fast read. Unlike the other two which were, in my mind, long as the story was complex as a detective storyline, this went by quick. In no way does that suggest its light or not really good, its interesting.
The mystery itself was why the plants were going against Ivy. This is due to Ivy's victims becoming plant-like thus creating a new plant-like villian: Harvest. The new villian is basically alot of roots with heads of Ivy's victims. This causes Ivy to look at his plants, for the first time, with fear. So now this villian is not only an enemy to Ivy but her fear as she is afraid it'll come back and maybe from the plants next to her.
Overall, this was again a fast read. While we get a new development of the character of Ivy and a new villian, and Paul managed to throw in Harley, beyond this that is it. That may sound like this issue turned out to be not as good but again; its not. Still get it.
RATING: 8/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Edited by Nate on 07-09-2006 22:47 |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
spencer1984
Dark Knight
Posts: 1271
Location: Upstate NY
Joined: 30.06.05
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| Posted on 07-09-2006 21:51 |
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I agree: it was a really quick read, but very well done (I certainly can't complain a bout the art, either). I'm still liking the flow of Dini's run: episodic, but there's still a nice sense of continuity with the other stories he's done as well as the DCU as a whole.
One minor note, though: the new plant villian is actually named "Harvest." |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Darknight
Dark Knight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 05-10-2006 14:10 |
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#824 seemed to have a more comic book less rejected or filed away cartoon story feel to it. I am not really able to explain it, but up until now Dini's stories have really just felt like rehashes of Batman: TAS stories.
This one felt different and new. It was not the best comic ever, but a great improvement. That art was especailly good in this issue as well. I really like it when someone does a good classic style. I get a little sick of new interpretations. The interaction between Riddler and Penguin (the two reformed criminals) was handled well. Mr. Zzz was a pretty neat character idea. Hopefully this is the kind of thing that we will see for the rest of Dini's run.
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 05-10-2006 19:16 |
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DETECTIVE COMICS #824
SPOILERS INCLUDED
PLOT:
One of the Dark Knight's most ruthless foes returns to Gotham City ready to resume business and settle old scores. Both Batman and Bruce Wayne find themselves at odds with the dirty bird as Penguin feathers a new nest with lies, deceit and murder.
REVIEW:
After a short Poison Ivy story from the previous issue, Paul Dini gives us here a Penguin issue. At first I thought the story was going to be a Batman vs. Penguin story and it didn't turn out to be. The story is actually Batman ending up helping Penguin when someone seems to be sabotaging his club. So for someone thinking this issue was going to be about what the solict said it was going to be, they'll be surprised its something different.
If anyone who knows Paul Dini knows he loves Zatanna. Heck, he married a real life Zatanna in the form of Misty Lee. So with him as the writer of Detective Comics, we knew Zatanna had to be comign sooner or later. And it happen to be this issue. Looking at her, it seems that they used Misty Lee for the basis for drawing Zatanna for this issue. I looked at her again from the issue and compared her to pictures of Misty and the faces have similarities. Also, Lois Lane appears as well with Bruce. She wasn't thrown in as she helps out Bruce in the situation on Penguin and his situation with a Mr. Zzz (because he always sleeps). So for fans, this issue had two of the well known women of the DCU: Lois & Zatanna.
Speaking of women, Bruce's "date" was obiviously based on Paris Hilton. From the dog to the "that's hot" line she is known of. And like us, Bruce was so annoyed by her. Who wouldn't?
Overall, the story was fine and there wasn't any shockers. It felt like a regular issue instead of having a feel of that of Batman: The Animated Series. In no way was this bad. It wasn't short, like the previous issue. I liked it and can't wait to see what's in store with the next issue. Which is the only issue that doesn't have Paul Dini.
RATING: 7.5/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
Edited by Nate on 05-10-2006 19:26 |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
DavidG
Gotham Civilian
Posts: 198
Location: Home
Joined: 26.07.06
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| Posted on 06-10-2006 05:16 |
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sounds like a great issue can,t wait to get it, Detective Comics is one of my favorite Batman Books ever. |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Darknight
Dark Knight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 24-10-2006 09:24 |
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Dini recently had a telephone press conference that dropped some hints about upcoming things, and about the issues he's put out.
You can read highlights at Newsarama or at Wizard Universe. Both include preview art for Detective Comics #826.
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
real-dark-knight
Caped Crusader
Posts: 726
Location: The Shadow Of St Albans Abbey
Joined: 28.07.06
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| Posted on 01-11-2006 15:53 |
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The cover art on 826 is marvellous! That is a great picture! |
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 01-11-2006 19:21 |
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DETECTIVE COMICS #825
SPOILERS INCLUDED
PLOT:
The enigmatic Doctor Phosphorous returns after he was believed to be dead, and now he is more powerful than ever. He goes out seeking revenge on crime boss Rupert Thorne and our one and only Dark Knight is the only one who can stop him
REVIEW:
For those who may not know him, Dr Phosphorus is one fo those least known Batman villians. Sure he appeared in the well known Steve Englehart run back in the seventies but he does not appear often. His last appearence was back in 2000, and now like in this story; he's back. Dr Phosphorus is like Blight from Batman Beyond. From his visual to his powers. In this issue, he has one single minded purpose that is to kill the three that made him the way he is.
This is the shortest review I will make. I didn't know if this was the fact that it was night time while I read it, but after readign it and thinking through, the issue wasn't good. No shockers, just a medicore storyline that only does one thing and that is bring Dr Phosphorus back into the Batman books. So overall, this can be skipped.
RATING: 5/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Darknight
Dark Knight
Posts: 1010
Location: NW Arkansas
Joined: 26.06.05
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| Posted on 04-11-2006 17:38 |
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Also note that this is not written by Paul Dini, and it definitely showed. The story really had that whimsical feel to it. I expected there to be laughter coming out of Wayne Manor at the end of the issue. When you read the last scene imagine them laughing after the dialog ends and it fits perfectly. Not necessarily a terrible thing to have a lighter-hearted issue, but I would imagine that many modern fans dislike this story.
Was the appearance of Dr. Phosphorus in 2000 the thing mentioned with Ted Knight (Starman)? I haven't seen a comic with him since the Englehart run.
The art in this issue was pretty good. I go back and forth on a photo realism (outside of Alex Ross's stuff), but this actually managed to be dynamic when necessary, as opposed to the recently ended story in Legends of the Dark Knight that had very static poses when action was trying to be implied.
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RE: Paul Dini and J.H. Williams III Run on Detective Comics |
Nate
City Hall Board Member
Posts: 1099
Location: Cheektowaga, NY
Joined: 29.07.05
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| Posted on 06-12-2006 21:52 |
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DETECTIVE COMICS #826
SPOILERS INCLUDED
PLOT:
Alone and incapacitated, Robin must summon every bit of his courage and ingenuity to free himself before the madman ends the Boy Wonder's life!
REVIEW:
If there was one thing that made me excited to get this title, it was the return of Paul Dini. While he wasn't actually "gone" as he just skipped an issue of his run, the last issue (Detective 825) left a bad taste in my mouth. I kinda wish he had done that issue. At least he would've added more than what was there in that issue.
Since the plot deals with him, the one thing about this issue that everyone is most likely wondering about is the Joker. While you can't kill off a good villian, he was "shot" at the beginning of Grant Morrison's run of the Batman title and he is gonna return when Morrison's run resumes after the "Grotesk" arc. So the question is: does this take place before "Batman and Son" or after the upcoming Batman #663? The answer: before Batman & Son. How I knew? Well it wasn't anything hard.....there was a note on the bottom left of the first page. There was alot of funny things in this issue. Like when he runs over someone, he calls the police to report it, only to run over another and then another in the process. Normally he wouldn't even bother calling the police. He says it was because of the holidays. 'Tis the season.
This is basically Robin's story. Batman appears, but at the end. You can fun with Robin against the Joker and Dini pulled it off here. The way we read about his thoughts as he tries to figure out how to escape without alerting the Joker and in turn having him hurting others. It was like reading the mind of a strategiest. Tim is becoming much like his mentor. Looks like it didn't stop with just the change in the costume design.
Overall, this was a welcome back Paul Dini and your great Batman writing as we had a bad issue last time. Not only was this a Robin/Joker issue, it was also a Christmas issue. He wrote Christmas episodes during his time on the DCAU so since its christmas time here, I expected no less. This was funny at times, and the time Robin was with the Joker showed his Batman-esque side.
RATING: 8.5/10
You don't get it, boy... this isn't a mudhole... it's an operating table.
(crack!)
And I'm the surgeon.
- Batman - The Dark Knight Returns
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