Batman has died, battled demons, and lost the faith of Gotham, but it all comes to an end this week in Detective Comics’ latest story arc, the grand finale of “Gotham Nocturne,” in which Batman takes down the Ogre Family for good, with multiple parties involved.
Like any good Batman fight, Detective Comics #1089 is all about his plan coming to fruition. We’ve seen bits and pieces here and there, like the involvement of Azrael and Two-Face, but now it’s all payoff. In fact, there are barely any stakes in this issue because Batman’s victory is so inevitable. The Orgasm Queen is always outnumbered, and Batman always seems certain he’ll win.
The greatest danger is that the people of Gotham may succumb to the Orgasm Queen’s weapon. This leads to one of the best scenes in the issue, as Batman tries to stop the Celemus Engine the only way he knows how. Others think it will cost them lives, but everyone knows Batman won’t fall that low. Or will he? The result is not only clever in that it returns Batman to the status quo, but it also tests him against his only rule:
This issue also seems to set up future storylines for major characters like Two-Face and Mr. Freeze – it’s subtle, but you get the impression that there are plans for them and that their stories don’t end here.
Are you ready to get pounded, girl?
Credit: DC Comics
Guillem March draws the first 18 pages, while Christopher Mitten takes over for the final 12. Both artists give the book a gritty feel: March draws the action scenes and the creepy Orgasm Queen, and March uses a clever color-shifting map of Gotham to convey the changes in the city.
Writer Dan Watters also takes over writing when Mitten takes over during the break, creating an epilogue feel while still carrying the theme through to the end.
Ultimately, this is the story of the Dark Knight standing tall and proud for his city. Ram V established that Batman is more than just a man, he’s something more, he’s an icon. The claim has been made before, but here Batman acknowledges it and is proud to be that person for the people. Proud to be the embodiment of the very fears of the people of Gotham.
Detective Comics’ latest epic concludes a powerful tale of life, death and everything in between that ends like a musical, dramatic opera – epic in tone and atmosphere, even as the danger seems seemingly past but inevitable.
Detective Comics #1089 comes to a fitting end
Detective Comics #1089
Detective Comics’ latest epic concludes a powerful tale of life, death and everything in between that ends like a musical, dramatic opera – epic in tone and atmosphere, even as the danger seems seemingly past but inevitable.
Ending a series that feels in keeping with the theme so far
Batman and Scarecrow funny scene
Both artists are courageous in their art.
The stakes never seem higher for our heroes, but they do feel that way for the people of Gotham.
