The Good
In all honesty, the story could have been total nonsense (which it thankfully isn't) and I still would have remotely enjoyed this issue because of Jason Fabok and Blond's awesomely awesome (yup, it's that awesome) artwork. I continue to find myself floored by how masterfully they bring the Dark Knight to life. From the slight frown on his face to the minor details in the cowl as he viciously punches a thug across the mug, I absolutely adore their work on Bruce whenever he's in costume. Wrath's armor also looks magnificent. It's certainly a dark setting when the two meet, but Blond's coloring fills the panels with energy as electricity flows and bullets soar and ricochet off Batman's armor. I particularly appreciate the glow provided when we're treated to Wrath's sight through the scope of a rifle. In case you can't tell by now, I think the art team did a stellar job with this chapter.
The fight between them is quite brief, but, man, I loved every panel of it. I'm absolutely itching to see a rematch between Batman and his latest "anti-Batman." Wayne has such a great rogues gallery, but I've always been a sucker for Wrath(s), so I'm very excited to see what will happen between the two as this conflict escalates (and it totally does by the final page).
Writer John Layman has yet to really dive deep into this story's villain (beyond the basics of his agenda, of course, but I'm sure that's all being saved for a big reveal/twist), but that's alright because everything else is playing out in a swift pace. I especially love his ability to flesh out the surrounding cast, even if a character has a trivial role (such as the first victim). They feel like minor departures from the narrative, but they always have a connection to the bigger picture -- if they don't now, I'm certain they will later on.
The Bad
The sparring scenario was a bit too out there for me. A sparring floor extended off of a skyscraper with zero protection like railings or barriers? I guess Caldwell took a playbook from the Death Star's architects. Unless it's revealed he knows Bruce Wayne is Batman (and at the moment, he apparently does not), throwing down with Bruce like that in such a setting is too over the top for me. Additionally, considering Wayne's level of skill, was his only option really throwing Caldwell over the ledge and potentially killing him? Yes, I know Wayne has to hold back when he's not in the cowl and yes, I know he despises Caldwell for his actions, but that seemed a bit drastic.
Minor gripes: I know Caldwell wants to access Batman's technology, but why not also attempt to get an extra look when he had Batman essentially at his mercy? Or at least snag the belt while he's defenseless? Also, did anyone else notice the dialogue boxes between Wayne and Caldwell are switched in one panel?
The Verdict
With terrifically detailed illustrations, solid coloring and a fine plot trucking along at a steady pace, DETECTIVE COMICS continues to prove it's one of the Batman titles you should definitely have on your radar. I'll admit, my love for the pre-52 version of the villain definitely enhances the reading experience for me, but it's still being executed quite well and is turning out to be a solid story. After two big developments, I can't wait to see what the next issue has in store for us. Fingers are crossed we get more of an insight into Wrath and, of course, a longer fight with Batman.
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