DETECTIVE COMICS #1111 (DC COMICS)
A promising hero taken too soon.
Psion was under the wing of Batman, Green Arrow and Black Canary. The upstart vigilante held his own amongst the established heroes. Destiny was to be one of the greats. Fate had other plans.
His death has haunted the trio for years. Now, Psion’s daughter has entered their lives with a whole new mission behind her.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1111 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janín and Wes Abbott (DC COMICS) exposes the mystery behind the hero’s death.
Let’s take a closer look at what unfolds here.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1111 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janínand Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Taylor exposes the tragic reasons behind the young hero’s passing. The writing teases much optimism as he outduels Batman in his detective skills. As he’s ready to ascend in their ranks, a twist in plans results in the shocking derailment. Taylor delivers this moment with perfection as no one sees this coming. The rare accident hits hard as the heroes are helpless in saving the young man. This moment carries the same burden into present day, setting up more gravity to the current fight.
Readers watch as Dinah’s guilt overwhelms as she tries helping Psion’s daughter. The cold exchange between her and Rita Reynoso pushes into more uncomfortable territory. Instincts kick in to pivot directions onto a thrilling escape. Knowing what has been unlocked here shifts gears to a more calm state. The writing captures Arabella’s newfound freedom and wonder. The writing doesn’t stay long in this aspect before leading into a new conflict. Once here, Batman’s deduction of events sounds off a larger problem. It leads to a chilling conclusion and even more intense final panel. Lines were crossed and there’s no going back now.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Janín opens with Batman tracking Psion’s hideout. Their exchange locks in on the mutual respect they are building. It allows Psion to show some emotion before heading into his fateful encounter. Panels build this moment up with much optimism before tearing it all apart. His final breath is tragically delivered with a somber half panel. Once the story jumps to present, the art reflects this weight being exposed on Dinah Lance.
The sorrow in Dinah’s face speaks volumes as Arabella hears how her father passed. It sinks in long enough to shift events to a frantic escape. There are excellent action panels driving to the bid for freedom. Readers also get a great laugh with what’s inside Batman’s plane in a rare humor moment. This allows for the search for answers to commence. Batman’s drove to unlock the mystery of Arabella is upended by a personal attack. The confrontation with Rita is intense with a fantastic use of changing colors. It allows for the closing moments to cement their place before leaving with a bold panel. Rest assured, there is some hell to pay now!
FINAL POINT: 9.2
A tragic past reveal sparks an explosive search for present day answers as Batman is on the hunt! Taylor pens a striking tale of loss and heart in this latest chapter. Janín exposes the a hero’s last moments with stunning art. This series never falters on delivering high marks.
Let me know your thoughts on Detective Comics #1111 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
