You can pickup your copy of Detective Comics #1000 now where all good comics are sold!
Synopsis
After 80 years, it’s here-the 1,000th issue of DETECTIVE COMICS, the title that literally defines DC! This 96-page issue is stacked with an unbelievable lineup of talent that will take you on a journey through Batman’s past, present and future…plus a sensational epilogue that features the first-ever DC Universe appearance of the deadly Arkham Knight! But who is under the mask? And why do they want Batman dead? The incredible future of Batman adventures begins here!
Review
Happy Birthday Batman. What more fitting way to celebrate 80 years of The Dark Knight than with a star studded issue like Detective Comics #1000. First up is “Batman’s Longest Case” written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo.
The story is an excellent character study on Batman as the worlds greatest detective. It has all the hallmarks of a classic detective story and really focusses on a side of Batman that is often overlooked. It’s great to see a more pulpy Batman being drawn by Capullo. These two are a great pairing and given their amazing run over the last few years it makes sense to have them first up in this book.
The next story, “Manufacture For Use” is written by Kevin Smith with pencils by Jim Lee and inks by Scott Williams. This one blows the issue wide open, maximising on the amazing artwork by Lee to cameo as many major-league Bat villains as possible.
As impactful as the imagery is, the final moments of “Manufacture For Use” are some of the most poignant in Batman’s history. Seeing him reclaim the gun which killed his parents and what he ultimately does with it was quite the gut punch I hadn’t expected this book to deliver.
“The Legends of Knute Brody” comes from the mind of Paul Dini and the pencil of Dustin Nguyen. This story leans in towards the more Batman: The Animated Series side of The Dark Knight. Natural given that it was written by Dini.
“The Batman’s Design” by Warren Ellis and Becky Cloonan focusses on a more empathetic side of Batman. Taking place in one short scene it sees The Dark Knight taking down an arsonist only to talk him down in a way that only Batman could. This is one of the more visually striking issues with the book and highlights how violence is not always the most useful tool in Batman’s utility belt.
Next up is “Return to Crime Alley” written by classic Batman writer Denny O’Neill with artwork by Steve Epting. The issue opens on a striking, full page, image of Leslie Tompkins and tells a story which flashes back to the night that Bruce lost his parents.
Lee Tompkins has always been a moral centre for Bruce. Her presence has been mostly absent for a while now so it’s great to see her reappear for this seminal issue. Once again she provides a moral compass for Bruce when he takes his violence a step too far. It’s a classic tale for the two characters and something I would love to see more of in the future.
“Heretic” written by Christopher Priest with art by Neal Adams reflects a darker period in the character’s history. It represents many of the important character in both Bruce and Batman’s life with appearances by R’as Al Ghul and first Robin, Dick Grayson.
The classic costume and styling of Adams artwork evoke a Batman that I began reading in the 90s and gave me all the nostalgic feels. Though his appearance is brief this story also honours just how important Dick Grayson is too Bruce.
It’s a great nod to a different era of Batman to have Dick wear the costume, even just for a moment.
“I Know” by Brian Michael Bendis is an excellent what-if moment in the middle of the book. With some gritty artwork by Alex Male the story shines the spotlight on a heavily Danny DeVito inspired Penguin.
No spoilers as to where this story goes it does certainly make for a great talking point amongst fans.
Geoff Johns and Kelley Jones “The Last Crime in Gotham” jumps away in to the future to show an older Batman with an updated Bat-family around him. The story feels like somewhat of a departure for Johns more closely aligned with his Earth-1 tales than anything in main continuity.
Once again I don’t want to spoil this one because it goes to some interesting places but is certainly a thought provoking story.
“The Precedent” once again focusses on Dick Grayson and Robin. Written by James Tynion IV with art by Alvaro Martinez-Bueno, Raul Fernandez and Brad Anderson it evokes a more hopeful, colourful era of Batman. This one again drives home the point that Dick, more so than any other Robin, is important to the existence of Batman.
Reading “The Precedent” kind of drove home how sad it is seeing the current Ric Grayson saga going on in Nightwing comics.
Tom King’s “Batman’s Greatest Case” with artwork by Joelle Jones and Tony S. Daniel is a love letter to the contemporary Bat-family. It’s another emotional tale as Bruce visits the graves of his parents. The combination of King’s mournful writing and Jones excellent imagery creates a very atmospheric story.
The double page spread featuring the full Bat-family is one of the best panel in comics ever, to date. This needs to be on my wall asap.
Final story “Medieval” by Peter J. Tomasi and Doug Mahnke caps of the book perfectly. The splash pages honour some of the classic villains and costumes of Batman and then bring us a perfect tease for the future.
Just who is the Arkham Knight? He’s certainly not Jason Todd this time around!
Verdict
Detective Comics #1000 is a triumphant celebration of 80 years of Batman. The stories widely reflect his strong history whilst simultaneously looking to his future. The all-star lineup of writers and artists make this a fitting tribute to The Dark Knight.
10/10
Detective Comics #1000 features stories written byBrian Michael Bendis, Paul Dini, Warren Ellis, Geoff Johns, Tom King, Denny O’Neil, Christopher Priest, Kevin Smith, Scott Snyder, Peter J. Tomasi and James Tynion IV. Artists include
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