Comic Review: Detective Comics #989

Detective Comics #989

DC Comics

Writer: James Robinson

Artist: Stephen Segovia

Batman is back to his detective roots and investigating a simple murder. But, being Batman, it’s not simple at all. That’s where we are now in Detective Comics #989. Batman finds that the murder victim is more than meets the eye, and is out to solve the mystery.

This issue starts with Alfred and Batman discussing the murder victim in the Batcave. Later discussing the case with Commissioner Gordon, we learn the victim was a planner for terrorists. To find out more, Batman tracks and questions the two Fireflies, who lead direct him to their boss, and the man behind the murder.

I’ve got some mixed feelings about Batman in this issue. It’s probably because of Tom King’s Batman, but I feel like the Batman in this issue talks way more than he should. In my head, it’s him trying to change his ways after the whole wedding debacle. Even so, it’s not too much of a problem, it’s just not the Batman I’m expecting. Besides that, I did enjoy this issue, with the highlight for me being the two Fireflies. The conversation they have about losing to Batman, as well as Firefly admitting to being a third tier villain, put a smile on my face.

I like Tynion’s run on Detective Comics, and I like the previous arc about forming a new Outsiders team. This being Detective Comics though, I like that Batman is back to solving a mystery. Kind of. I say kind of because while he is solving a mystery, we don’t really see him doing it. He searched the murder victim’s place in the last issue, but then in this one he just kind of knows everything and explains it to Alfred or Jim Gordon. It’s nitpicky, I know, but for someone who is “the world’s greatest detective,” we never see him do much detecting.

The art is also really great in this issue and fits the tone of the story. There’s a page where Batman busts through a skylight, and it’s how I always picture Batman in my mind. I also like the use of shadows throughout the whole issue. The costumes for both Fireflies are really good, and in sync with each other. On top of that, I think the colors in this issue, done by Ivan Plascencia are really well done. Besides some nitpicky things, I don’t have anything negative to say about the art.

Although it’s not such a simple murder mystery, I like that Detective Comics is taking Batman through an actual mystery. Batman talks a little too much, but that’s really just my own preference for the character. The story is good, although not entirely what I was expecting. The characters are pretty good, with the Fireflies stealing my attention. And the art is very enjoyable. It’s a good issue, and worth a read.