There is unfinished business for Batman. It’s explored and exploded in DC’s Detective Comics Annual #2.
The Black Case Book is front and centre on the issue’s cover. And in this story of international flavour (featuring my favourite cliché: “Paris, FRANCE”, haha) an evildoer from Batman’s case book of horror has returned with a vengeance. And quite literally so.
Peter J. Tomasi contributes “story and words”, Travis Moore and Max Raynor on art, with Tamra Bonvillain and Nick Filardi as colourists.
This story has the feel of older Batman stories from the ’70s, perhaps because it relies less on the Arkham Asylum gang. Batman appears clearheaded, free of psychotropic influence, which is a welcome change for this reader. And perhaps because of the reappearance of an old villain from 1971.
And therein lies one ‘off note’ to this tale. As Batman recounts his introduction to this villain, he mentions that he had just become Batman. But instead of a 1930s roadster or coupe, we see a 1970s car. And Batman with a pistol. It’s a jarring “Huh?” moment amidst a very good tale.
But don’t let ‘time/space” quandaries sink your interest in this book. It’s got its innocent moments, some lightheartedness, lots of dark drama and action too. A good annual!
Story continues in Detective Comics #1005.
DC Detective Comics Annual #2, $4.99 for 36 pages of content, Rated Teen
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