There's an old concept about politics - that there are only two kinds of campaigns: "It's time to move in a new direction," or "We're going back to the good old days!"
That same idea usually holds true for comic books, too.
Writer Steve Englehart's run on Detective Comics in 1977 shows that it's actually possible to have the best of both worlds!
After setting up a number of new characters and situations in the two issues before, this issue kicks into high gear as Batman starts feeling political pressure from a corrupt politician who's out to shut down the Dark Knight.
But Bruce Wayne is also suffering from injuries at the hands of Dr. Phosphorous, so he has to seek out medical help - which brings him against an enemy who dates back to Batman's earliest (Golden Age) adventures!
Adding to the intensity is the amazing artwork by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin - my all-time favorite art team on Batman. Each panel drips with drama and mood, but all with a sharp, modern (yet classic) feel to it. The characters feel "real," and the same is true for Gotham City.
So it was the best of both worlds - something new and something classic - and oh, that final panel!
And the story was just getting started!
Grade: A+
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1 comment:
Thanks for these classic reviews! I couldn't agree with you more about these Detective Comics, as it was this team of creators that got me to jump from Marvel to try DC for the first time. I loved this run!
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