REVIEW: ‘Detective Comics,’ Issue #1063

Detective Comics #1063 from DC is a grim, moody venture across Gotham and into the frailty of Batman. The Batman tale is written by Ram V, with art by Rafael Albuquerque and letters by Ariana Maher. The Gordon tale is written by Si Spurrier, with art by Dani and letters by Steve Wand. The reliable Dave Stewart delivers the colors in both stories. Both characters are in the thick of it in ways both tragic and awesome, but let’s first delve into the Bat. Last issue, Bruce was off his game, while Talia gave him a dire warning about not being ready for what’s next. Not to worry, though, because Barbatos stopped by and gave him a hug. Oh, wait.

Yeah, things are not copasetic for old Bruce, and it’s interesting because the word ‘old’ gets used a bit in this storyline. I’m not sure if it’s just to put him down, mess with his mind, or if the reunion of all timelines (meaning this Batman is the one Batman since 1939) is now catching up to him. Either way, forces are acting that are beyond his control, and to be blunt, Bruce is shook. He knows a new evil has penetrated Gotham, yet not a soul will talk about it. So who does he go to for advice? Harvey Dent, cured of being Two-Face and sporting a suave golden half mask. Not gonna complain. I love Two-Face. Always felt his unique psychosis would make him an anti-hero, but anyway, he is here; the bar they talk in is moody, dark, and surreal. These are two broken men playing at being whole, wondering what happened and whether the darkness is them or Gotham. I love the dialogue by V and the sinister art from Albuquerque with its tangible shadows and dour faces. 

Detective Comics #1063 next finds Batman trying to comprehend the music box he got hold of in the last issue, which takes him to some interesting places and more eerie, gothic dialogue with an interesting revelation. I’m very much looking forward to what becomes of this. We also get more disturbing reveals about the ancient Orgham family. Oh, and the ending got me. Did not see it coming, but I should have. Darn good work.

Writing, pacing, art, deep colors, and detailed lettering all stand out. Maher’s lettering stands out for variety and typeface. It equals the powerful art behind and around it so that both swirl into a love letter to modern Gothic storytelling. I have no doubt you will love this issue, even if Batman is not your favorite character.

Detective Comics #1063 rolls on with the even more impressive Gordon tale penned by Spurrier. Gordon came across a naked wild child in the crater of Arkham Asylum. He has no idea who he is and is really searching for a different missing child. It’s a complicated plot, to be sure. There are a lot of twists in the tale, and Gordon is being played. While there is a lot going on, the dialogue between him and Harvey Bullock is great.

The art by Dani continues to blur the literal lines between real figures and dreamy hazes, which makes the entire affair look convoluted and fits Gordon’s mood. Gotham is depicted in a manner more gritty than Gothic, and that’s the other side of its coin played to perfection here. Stewart pulls back from the richness of the Batman arc to make hues here brown and worldly. It gives an atmosphere of inescapable realism matched by Wand’s typewriter thought blurbs and old-school-looking font in the word balloons. This story is phenomenal, and everybody loves Jim Gordon.

I can’t wait to see if Batman falls or rises again, better than before. With only one more part left in the Gordon tale, I am anxious about what future awaits him. But we shall see. If you haven’t gotten into this book yet, allow these stories to motivate you. They are beautifully penned and rendered, and I pray the payoffs for both are as meaningful as the road to their respective ends. 

Detective Comics #1063 is available wherever comic books are sold.