Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato launched The Flash as part of the New 52 initiative back in September 2011 to great acclaim. It was fun, looked great and they were not scared to experiment with layouts at least once every issue. Because of this, for a long time I used one of their Flash pages as my desktop wallpaper. This week sees them move onto something a little different, Batman. Detective Comics #30 sees the start of their run on the character, with this opening arc focussing on Batman trying to solve the mystery of a new narcotic that appeared in Gotham City.
Detective Comics has always been traditionally more of a crime based Batman title, involving mystery and Batman using his detective skills. In this opening arc, titled Icarus, The Dark Knight will have to use all of his detective skills in order to find out who is responsible for a brand new narcotic that has been circulating around Gotham City. Who is responsible? You’ll have to read to find out.
Detective Comics will be tonally different to their run on the Flash, but artistically it looks equally as great. Manapul’s signature style coupled a watercolour wash allow for a Gotham City that look expansive, but also gritty. The way he draws Batman is dynamic, with Batman looking rather acrobatic but at the same time iconic. Buccellato’s colours top off the art, adding to the grittiness of the back alleys but also the warmth of the city lights.
Detective Comics #30 is a good jumping on point for the series and it is not required to have read any prior issues. So if you have been looking for a monthly Batman title to jump onto I highly recommend this issue.
Detective Comics #30 is available from April 2nd in all good comic book stores and digitally.
Take a look at the MAD Magazine variant cover by Hermann Mejia as well as a five page preview below.
Will You Be Reading Detective Comics #30?
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