DETECTIVE COMICS #1106 (DC COMICS)
A city is scared of a bat no more!
The Lion unleashed a deadly virus attack on Gotham City. One of its’ first victims was Batman himself. Eliminating fear from someone isn’t everything it’s told to be true. The virus leads to some dangerous choice and fatal endings. Batman is trying to find a cure at all costs. It is a noble plan with one major hiccup. The amount of infected cases is more than he can image. Gotham City has been poisoned weeks prior. Now, it is revolting against any type of order Batman has created.
Just the way the Lion wants it.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1106 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janin, and Wes Abbott (DC COMICS) concludes “The Courage That Kills”
Let’s take a deeper dive into this story arc finale.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1106 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janin, and Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Taylor gives readers a blueprint into how Batman looks at fear for this finale. The opening sequence shows The Lion basking in his anarchy. Readers see the initial results of a city without fear. There are many risks taken, some more dangerous than others. None making a louder statement than the people of Gotham fighting against Vandal Savage’s police. There is no shying away from the possible repercussions of such an action. Even Jim Gordon’s confrontation with Savage shows how the Lion is orchestrating his dirty work.
Readers watch as Batman takes an unorthodox measure to fight back. It results in him facing some of the best and worst moments of his life. The move also ushers in a new understanding of fear’s power. This fuels the Dark Knight as he embraces the Lion’s attack. What results is a rather quick finish to the main conflict. It allows for the City’s problems to take the stage. Readers watch as that is addressed in only a way Batman can do with his fellow residents. Taylor throws a solid curve into play to wrap up events on. The epilogue shows two lost souls that have more alike than anyone would think. A steady finish to an exciting take.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Janin begins with examples of the citizens of Gotham being “not afraid”. The depictions cover various examples. As previously mentioned, the residents of Gotham uprising takes the top prize. Two half panels shows the chaos in full glory. There’s no way to downplay the significant attacks. Savage’s reaction is cold and unfazed as ever. Fans will enjoy seeing Jim Gordon punch him in the face in a great panel. It’s a small moment but mirrors the Lion’s effect on the City.
Batman’s fight with the Lion takes an unexpected twist. The art shows the extreme measure taken. It results in a few stunning visuals covering love and fear. The end result sees him stare down the Lion’s worst form. Action scenes move quick but end too suddenly. It makes sense for story purposes but feels like they were stopped abruptly. The bright spot in this move is to allow the City struggle to take lead. Mr. Terrific flying over the angry mob speaks volumes. This moves into an epic page showing the confrontation between residents and police. The moment ends with a full image of Batman taking order back. Panels capture this impact sending the story to close. A parting image in the epilogue wraps up the parallels between hero and villain. Both broken souls on different paths Excellent work.
FINAL POINT: 9
The Lion unleashes the masses on Gotham City’s finest with Batman caught in-between. Taylor hits readers with a masterful display of storytelling. Janin constructs a vivid and engaging guide into the heart of fear. Detective Comics is consistently a must-read series with issues like this. Don’t miss out!
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