Detective Comics #997 // Review
Long time collaborators, Peter J Tomasi and Doug Mahnke continue to delve deeper into their new mystery spanning all the way back to Bruce’s original journey of becoming the Dark Knight. With both the milestone issue #1000 and the 80th anniversary of the Caped Crusader right around the corner, this series is the perfect starting point for any reader. The contention for best Batman title still stands in favor of this dynamic duo as they deliver yet another amazing chapter in this new journey.
After being captured by unknown forces, Batman finds himself alongside the original Mister Miracle, Thaddeus Brown, and trapped within a building set to drown them both. Man’s struggle to survive in shark and piranha infested waters pits the world's greatest detective and the world’s greatest escape artist side by side as they must find a way out from this underwater grave. Narrowly out-swimming death and Facing down the mutated monster man one last time, the pieces fall into place as Bruce seeks out the one final villain behind it all.
Even under the threat of death, Tomasi’s Batman never loses composure and always finds a way to survive. With everything outside of shark repellent, he is able to thwart his sea dwelling foes and prove to readers why he is the most dangerous man on Earth. Peter J Tomasi is the perfect writer for the current era of the Batman. Surrounded by a sea of damaged depressive caricatures of the hero, Tomasi delivers an absolutely calculated, intimidating, and a completely true to form hero of Gotham City.
The high tension and gruesome nature of this chapter are put on full display by Doug Mahnke in truly horrific fashion. Felt throughout the issue, Mahnke displays equal power and desperation as the pair of heroes stare down the face of death. From the high stress threat of drowning, to the desert battle against the monster man, and down to the smaller character beats, Mahnke expertly delivers a high stakes action packed mystery for the ages. The gritty colorwork of David Baron continue to accentuate Mahnke’s pencil work, highlighting the horror and action of the series.
With yet another amazing chapter under their respective utility belts, Tomasi and Mahnke continue to perfect an old classic and take the Batman into new and mysterious places. As the approaching milestone reels right around the corner, the ever growing speculation behind the Arkham Knight continues to spread as the landmark issue draws near. With anticipation running high, Tomasi is sure to deliver yet another modern classic in the Dark Knight’s long standing history.
