Batman: Detective Comics (2016-) #1,000
DC Comics
Writers: Scott Snyder, Kevin Smith, Paul Dini, Warren Ellis, Denny O’Neil, Christopher Priest, Brian Micheal Bendis, Geoff Johns, James Tynion IV, Tom King, Peter Tomasi
Artists: Greg Capullo, Jim Lee, Dustin Nguyen, Becky Cloonan, Steve Epting, Neal Adams, Alex Maleev, Kelley Jones, Alvaro Martinez-Bueno, Tony Daniel, Doug Mahnke
These days it seems rare that a “landmark issue” truly feels like a landmark. An anniversary issue in the modern comics world happens every twenty-five issues, but considering that only equals about one year of comics, it rarely feels special. However, much like it’s Action Comics counterpart, Detective Comics #1,000 is worthy of the celebration. This is an anthology issue that features some of the biggest names in comics, both classic and modern. Each with varying degrees of history with the character. Though an issue like this needs more than big names and numbers, it needs heart. Luckily, it’s not at all lacking in that.
This issue features ten stories in total, so while I can’t get to all of them in-depth, each story is worth your time in one way or another. Even the more forgettable stories have fantastic artists behind them, and the reverse is true as well. For instance, the Bendis/Maleev story isn’t anything amazing plot-wise, but it gives Alex Maleev and opportunity to draw Batman and his rogues. That’s something I would pay big money to see more of in the future. Similarly, the O’Neil/Epting story has a fairly underwhelming plot but features some of Steve Epting’s best pencils to date.
Though there are a few forgettable stories, there are even more that will stick with me for years. The Snyder/Capullo reunion is the first of those. It follows Bruce as he solves his longest-running case, one that he’s been working since the start of his career. The reveal is strong, and while it’s not likely to be a plot that we’re ever going to see again, I would read more of it if it were available. This is in large part due to Capullo’s art, who always manages brings the best out of Scott Snyder.
The story by James Tynion and Alvaro Martinez was easily the biggest surprise for me. I felt unsure if they were a creative team with enough history to justify their inclusion, and as it turns out, it doesn’t matter. Regardless of their impact on Batman as a whole, this team delivers a wonderful story about Bruce’s recruitment of Dick. It’s a story we’ve seen many times over the years, but this time with a role-reversal, one that was very welcome. It offers new and interesting perspectives on the decision to bring Dick into the vigilante game. The art is spectacular, as well.
Every story has something to offer, but none so much as the one by Tom King and Tony Daniel. With so few pages, it manages to deliver on a multitude of emotional fronts. It’s funny, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s heart-warming. It’s one of the few stories that include the Bat-family, and it’s all about their importance to Bruce and vice-versa. It shows us a side of Batman comics that I would normally say is used far too sparsely. However, I’m beginning to rethink that idea, as this story demonstrates that its scarcity greatly enhances its impact.
Detective Comics #1,000 is a wonderful celebration of Batman. Every story is worth reading, and the best of them will stick with you for years to come. Even those that are more forgettable offer something, whether it’s a classic Batman artist or an interesting perspective. This issue works because it manages to be more than a number, it’s a labor of love.
Detective Comics #1,000 is a wonderful celebration of Batman. Every story is worth reading, and the best of them will stick with you for a long time. Even those that are more forgettable offer something, whether it's a classic Batman artist or an interesting perspective. This issue works because it manages to be more than a number, it's a labor of love.