Who is the Dollmaker? You find out in this issue.
The Good
One thing that most people don't even notice, that I'm extremely picky about is Batman's ears. I've never liked it when Sam Kieth drew the character because the ears seemed as tall as the character. One thing I really loved about this issue, and series so far, is that Batman's "ears" are shorter and sleeker. Personally, I think it makes the character look more menacing and tougher.
The book is called "Detective Comics," so of course you're going to see some detective work. I've always loved seeing Batman and Gordon go into battle together. For me, they're the real dynamic duo. This issue, and the next couple it seems, will revolve around both of these characters together. They both strive for the same goal but their execution is a bit different.
Dollmaker, the new villain in this issue, has a really cool design. Like most Bat-villains, there is an element of horror in his look, with one nutty personality. He could make a fine addition to Batman's rogue gallery.
The Bad
The number one thing I didn't like about this book was Tony Daniel's writing. Frankly, it was a bit boring, and the dialogue, for anyone not named Batman or Gordon, was pretty cheesy. Case in point is the reveal page for this issue. I like Tony Daniel as an artist, but I've never liked his writing on either of the Batman books he's worked on. The stories overall may be interesting, but the individual issues are dull and flat.
In the morning, Bruce Wayne works. In the evening, Bruce Wayne/Batman (Catwoman #1) is having sex with random women. At night, Batman patrols the streets. When does he sleep?
The final reveal page was ridiculous. Without giving anything away, it's issue #2 and we have another "big time" shocker reveal page featuring a major character. Why does everything have to be a huge shocker? I used to have "Event Fatigue." Now I have "Reveal Page Fatigue."
The Verdict
I don't like Detective Comics. It's not a bad book though. It's just not my cup of tea. I really enjoy Batman and Gordon working together, as well as the Dollmaker design. But as much as I try, I do not like Tony Daniel's writing. In addition, that final reveal page is ridiculous. I know a lot of people that loved the first issue of this series, and they'll probably love this issue, so I'll recommend it to you folks, but if you're anything like me, then skip out on this book.
Since I plan on reading the first three issues of the new 52, I plan on giving my rating for the 1st and 2nd issues, just to see if the book is either holding up or getting better than the first.
Detective Comics #1 - 3
Detective Comics #2 - 3