Review: Batman Detective Comics #13

By Chuckie Valdez on Oct 04, 2012 with Comments 0

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***

JOHN F-ING LAYMAN!

That was my first reaction after reading Batman Detective Comics #13, which was beautifully written by new writer John Layman and artwork duties Jason Fabok. I am not gonna lie, this book had been kind of bad for the last couple of months. However, Don’t get me wrong I love me some Tony S. Daniel B-Man, but it was time for a new creative team to take over and my wish was granted.

Chew writer/Badass/Cool guy – John Layman takes over the writing duties with this being the first time writing for DC Comics and boy what a good choice that was. The story is intriguing, fun, and badass. Penguin is out to become emperor of Gotham and knows the only person in his way is Bruce Wayne. Penguin sets up a hit on Bruce Wayne with the help of the Ghost Dragons but things don’t play out the way they are supposed to.

Layman has been one of my favorite writers since Chew first came out over at Image comics in 2009. I really enjoyed his Godzilla mini-series and also really enjoying Mars Attack mini-series over at IDW. But what I like most about this issue is that Layman truly understands the Dark Knight. Everything from gadgets to timing, he hits all the key points that make Batman cool. Even Alfred’s dialogue is spot on. Top it off this whole issue reads with an underlying sense of humor, which I think is great and different then the other Batman books out there. I can’t wait to see what kind of story he is going to tell and how this book will tie into ‘Death of the Family’ story arc that is kicking off next week in Batman #13.

I can’t give Layman all the glory here; Jason Fabok did a fantastic job too on art duties. I love his Batman Annual #1 issue that came out a couple of months ago, which focused on Mr. Freeze. His art is clean but can be dark when it needs to be. The fight sequences are high energy and his character monologue is clear and to the point. One thing I love about Fabok is how he draws Batman and his gadgets. Everything has a light hearted feel but in a good kind of way.

Lastly, can’t forget about the back-up story which was also written by John Layman and had artwork by Andy Clarke. Back-up story mainly focused on one of the henchmen that was in the main story but It was a short and sweet and the artwork was great.

Overall this issue was fantastic and I am glad I can finally enjoy three Batman books in my life right know!

Batman Detective Comics #13 gets 4/5

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