Peter J Tomasi and Kyle Hotz take on more of a traditional approach with this storyline and leave the currently popular decompressed nature at home. Taking only a mere two issues, this dynamic duo delivers a complete and fulfilling story albeit lacking overall importance. With each story able to stand on its own, the series acts as almost a spiritual successor to Tales of the Dark Knight and seemingly serving as an anthology series. With each new arc, Tomasi continues to work with a whole host of collaborators new and old.

As the Dark Knight and The Spectre continue their hunt for police officer Jim Corrigan, Batman begins to hunt for clues from a related crime scene. While looking for answers, the Caped Crusader comes across a crucial piece of evidence leading the two detectives toward an old landmark of Gotham history. As the duo comes across a cult attempting to sacrifice Corrigan and become hosts themselves, they take action against these wayward souls. With little more than a bit of ease, the now trio are able to completely thwart the plans of this crazed cult.  

The pencil work of Kyle Hotz is quite reminiscent of late 90’s comic style but with the modern day sensibilities. From his bold splash ages accompanied by his more rough and gritty pencils, Hotz’s artistic sensibilities are quite fitting with this current arc with his high rendered work. Accompanied by David Baron on colorwork, he paints a wonderfully dreary motif quite befitting for Gotham City started by the vibrant emerald hues of The Spectre himself.

Peter J Tomasi is obviously just having fun at this point, with a two-issue filler arc. The JSA and Legion continue to make their way into the DCU proper with Doomsday Clock, slowly but surely the rest of the universe begins to remember these legacy characters as well. Bringing The Spectre back into the forefront is quite apropos with so much of the past returning as well. Tomasi reintroduces Jim Corrigan and the living embodiment of God’s vengeance to new readers. Playing on the good cop bad cop roles, the two detectives play off of one another incredibly well.

With the next arc teased to be including the Joker, readers will be sure not to miss it. Not since Snyder’s time on Batman has the Clown Prince of Crime made his debut to a Batman book proper outside of a few very small instances. As Tomasi continues his exciting anthology series of tales, each new arc will continue to be accompanied by yet another magnificent collaborator.

Grade: B+