"Up is down and black is white"
So, it's been a few issues now since Jim Gordon became Batman. He's had his share of appearances in a few books and in all of them there's been a lot of action going on. But this and the main Batman book have been his main books in which he shall star or at least co-star in this one. Manapul and Buccellato have turned this book to the old schoold Detective Comics in which the GCPD, and more importantly Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya and others are the stars of the show.
Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul have been trying to put that detective vibe back into the game with their Detective Comics run but to be honest, so far they haven't done that good of a job. They've set up a few mysteries with Icarus, Anarky and now this one but things just aren't clicking that well for them. There's tension, mystery and a good load of fighting but most of the times things come out as flat and have disappointing in terms of conclusion. I like however that they are bringing Renee Montoya and Harvey Bullock together and the dynamic they had in the pre-Flashpoint universe and I would love to see their connection strengthening up with time and in what kind of messes they will get involved.
Now, I haven't really shared my opinion on Jim as the new Batman but now I will do. I do like the change and I am looking forward to what will happen next in the Batman universe with him and also with Bruce himself. I agree that Jim doesn't have the training Bruce has and he will have lots of problems with almost any kind of super lunatic or a Gotham freak that comes out and threatens someone but so far in each and every one of Jim's appearances as Batman, he has had his ass handled to him more than once in just 22 pages. That isn't normal even if you are just a normal cop, if you have been so many years in this bussiness then you would have a better shot against some thugs that aren't even C-listers. As one of the cops said in this issue 
Now don't get me wrong, I understand how difficult this job is but I think that writers are just underestimating Jim's capabillities a lot and are making him a push-off, a joke even and that needs to stop quickly.
The story isn't one of the compelling but it's a good read if you just want to see how this change is affecting the GCPD and Harvey and Montoya. There's some greater scheme going on and it will most definitely be Harvel who will unveil it and stop everything alongside with Jim and Renee. And all of this looks better and you enjoy it way more because of the artwork. I really love what Fernando Blanco is doing in this book because his style fits perfectly the characters and the whole tone of the story and the book itself. I hope he stays after this arc as well because I would love to see him draw Batman, Harvey and whoever will appear in this as well.
Things are heating up for Jim and we will definitely see his hand to hand skills in next issue but I more interested in what is going on with Harvey's girlfriend. As much as I don't think that this books is that good I find it entertaining enough to read it. I'm a sucker for an entertaining detective story no matter if it's good or if it isn't. I hope that things will get better and Buccellato or whoever will continue writting this book will make it better as it was under John Layman. Also if you want to see Jim in action then you should read it but don't expect much.
