Filtered by: Scitech
SciTech

BOOK REVIEW: Detective Comics #27: Celebrating 75 years of The Batman with style


“I made a promise on the grave of my parents that I would rid this city of the evil that took their lives. By day, I am Bruce Wayne, billionaire philanthropist. At night, criminals, a cowardly and superstitious lot, call me... Batman.” – Batman/Bruce Wayne
 
Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of something is a feat some things rarely accomplish, but when it comes to a certain Caped Crusading vigilante of Gotham City, it’s hardly impossible to imagine given the character’s immense popularity.
 
This 2014 marks not only the beginning of a new year, but the 75th Anniversary of the DC Comics superhero Batman. Created by the legendary Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the character first known as “The Bat Man” got his start in May of 1939 in the 27th issue of “Detective Comics”, introducing readers of that generation to a dark and brooding figure who terrorized criminals deemed “a cowardly and superstitious lot”. As the secret identity of Billionaire playboy and philanthropist Bruce Wayne, Batman quickly became a popular figure, and his ongoing mission to fight crime after witnessing the death of his parent at a young age proved to be a theme many readers could relate to.
 
As such and 75 years later, Batman has continued to be a staple among comic book readers, and is arguably the most recognizable superhero in popular culture to date. Though various interpretations of the character have come and gone through the years ranging from being a campy hero to a Dark Knight defender, the essence of fighting for justice has virtually remained unchanged. To celebrate a milestone, DC Comics has released a mega-sized issue of their current rebooted “New 52” universe that sees a timely coincidence and celebration of the character’s legacy, with the second volume of “Detective Comics #27” making its way to newsstands and comic book shops worldwide. Any Batman fan who needs to own a piece of history may want to get their hands on this anniversary issue, as its thick 80-page content more than justifies the price tag of $7.99 (or P400 in local currency).
 
Those planning to pick up Detective Comics #27 Vol. 2 should be aware that the issue has multiple covers drawn by some of the best artists the comic industry has to offer today. From regular Batman staple artists Greg Capullo and Tony S. Daniel to legendary icons like Frank Miller and Jim Lee, there is a total of seven different covers to choose from, each representing a facet of The Dark Knight’s long and impressive career in DC Comics. In fact, the multitude of talents and creators alone featured in the issue have more or less left their mark in Batman comic book history over the years, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
 
Whether you’ve been keeping up with Batman over the years or the current New 52 timeline, Detective Comics #27 is an easily accessible issue to all kinds of readers, and can be considered a “One Time, Big Time” celebration for fans of The Caped Crusader. However, that’s not to dismiss the impact and legacy many classic Batman tales have had over the years, and DC Comics and the creators involved in this issue have taken special care in honoring those stoylines to great extent. For instance, the very first story written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Brian Hitch called “The Case of The Chemical Syndicate” is a direct nod and homage to the original Detective Comics #27, by retelling the first adventure the Batman in modern setting and adding a new dynamic to things by letting readers know what exactly drives Batman to do the things he does. It certainly isn’t the first time it’s happened, but it’s a welcomed tale to initiate new readers into the fold and break down the character and his methods contemporarily. 
 
On the flipside, those who revel on the character’s dark and brooding nature will absolutely adore Peter J. Tomasi and Ian Bertram’s “Better Days”, which is a love letter to fans who loved Frank Miller’s seminal work “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns”. Set during the character’s 75th Birthday in a possible future setting, the story sees Bruce Wayne celebrate his nameday alongside his closest allies, while reminding readers that the shadow of his mantle is never too old or tiring for him even for his age. It’s a blissful entry for fans who love the modern take of Batman, or even those who’ve grown up watching Batman: The Animated Series and its various spin-off entries. In fact, reading these storylines while imagining Kevin Conroy’s iconic voice playing on your head is a testament to how devoted a Batman fan one can be. 
 
Those who keep up with current Batman events in The New 52 universe will also revel at John Layman and Jason Fabok “Gothtopia”, which plays up an interesting scenario of The Dark Knight’s world becoming an orderly police state. Not all is what it seems of course, and this first chapter sets the stage for an ongoing storyline that will play out in related Batman books for collectors to pursue. However, those expecting something from Scott Snyder will be pleased to know that the writer of the main “Batman” title has left his own entry for the anniversary issue. Together with artist Sean Murphy, both talents have concocted a fitting futuristic storyline called “Twenty-Seven” that looks at Batman above and beyond. There’s certainly evidence of paying homage to various interpretations and cycles of the character, while adding the hopeful aspect that the hero’s legacy will endure for generations… Or even more.  


 
Whether you’ve grown up reading the classics, watching Adam West’s campy adventures in the 1960’s, seen Christian Bale suit up in “The Dark Knight Trilogy”, or followed the works of Neal Adams, Frank Miller, or Jim Lee, Batman is literally everywhere. The fact that the character possesses no superpowers and is a collection of a man’s desire to push himself to his limits to fight crime with his available resources makes him relatable and all the more aspiring as a human being. Picking up this monumental piece of history is truly for any Batman fan out there… Or for those who certainly want to know how he came to be. Truly, Detective Comics #27 is a must read, and DC Comics genuine gift to their flagship character of 75 years – The Batman. — TJD, GMA News