Tags
A Lonley Place of Living, Alfred, Alvaro Martinez, Azeral, Batcave, Batman, Batwing, Batwoman, Cassandra, Clayface, Damian, DC Comics, DC Comics Rebirth, Detective Comics, Detective Comics #968, Detective Comics #968 review, James Tynion IV, Nightwing, Raul Fernandez, Red Hood, Red Robin, Tim Drake, Tomeu Morey
Detective Comics #968
Review by Paul Bowler
A Lonely Place of Living reaches its astounding conclusion in Detective Comics #968, with Tim Drake now back on Earth, but he’s also brought a fearsome menace back with him – a future version of himself that has been tragically moulded by fate to become the Batman! This misguided Batman is determined to complete his mission to kill Batwoman and change the future, not even the Dark Knight and his allies can stand against him, and now Red Robin must fight to save everything that he’s ever fought and died for…
Suffice to say, Detective Comics #968 is not only one hell of an action packed issue, its also probably writer James Tynion’s finest story arc so far during his run on Detective Comics. With its throwbacks to A Lonely Place of Dying and nebulous links to the Mr Oz storyline going on over in Action Comics, this storyline with its timey wimey narrative has made for compelling reading, and effectively brought Tim Drake‘s story full circle as he returns to the fold in a battle royal with his future self who now wears the mantel of the Bat!
Tynion skilfully balances the cast of Bat-characters in this issue, with Batman, Red Robin, Nightwing, Damian, Red Hood, and Alfred squaring off against the future Tim / Batman in the Batcave, while Batwoman, Azeral, Cassandra, Batwing, and Clayface bravely confront a lethal attack from hacked Colony drones at the Belfrey. Everyone in the Bat-Family gets a moment to shine in the spotlight, the dialogue and banter positively crackles from the page, and the team dynamic that makes this book so strong will no doubt be made all the richer by the dramatic far-reaching implication of the events that unfold over the course of this issue.
Detective Comics #968 also dazzles with some especially striking artwork, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez, inks by Raul Fernandez, and colors Tomeu Morey, the bold, free flowing page layouts and panoramic double page spreads exquisitely relay the frenetic action and emotional beats in vivid detail; while the concise letting by Sal Cipriano ensures the dialogue seamlessly blends the narrative across each and every panel. From the face-off in the Batcave to the showdown in the Belfrey, the extensive cast of characters are all impressively rendered, dynamic perspectives give each location a distinct tone, and the temporal effect that intermittently manifests around the future Tim / Batman also provides an interesting visual flourish.
This story-arc has been nothing short of brilliant, and James Tynion IV has excelled once himself again with this issue. Detective Comics 968 delivers an extremely satisfying, powerful, and moving conclusion to A Lonely Place of Living. It’s great to finally have Tim Drake back after his apparent demise in the battle with the Colony and his subsequent incarceration outside of time by Mr Oz. A Lonely Place of Living has offered us an intriguing glimpse into the future (or at last one possible future), it will be fascinating to what happens now that Tim has returned to the Bat-family, and I can’t wait to see what Tynion and Co have in store for this team next!
Publisher DC Comics.
Writer James Tynion IV / Pencils Alvaro Martinez / Inks Raul Fernandez
Colors Tomeu Morey / Letters Sal Cipriano
Cover Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, & Adriano Lucas
Varian Cover Rafael Albuquerque
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
Still my fav Bat-book at the moment and it just keeps getting better in my opinion. Great review!
I agree, Detective Comics is my favourite Bat-book as well. I love the team dynamic, the storylines have been excellent, and the art is always impressive. Thank you, glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
It’s my favourite comic of the week by a noticeable margin. Adult Timothy Drake not only proves to be a formidable opponent, but his motivations make it hard to know what to expect in the near future for the team.
Mine too! The future version of Tim Drake has brought a whole new aspect to Tim’s character that few could’ve expected. Great to have the present day Tim Drake back as well. Looking forward to seeing what the team do next, Detective Comics is without doubt the best Bat-book from DC right now. Cheers for commenting 🙂
I love the idea of squaring off against a warped, future version of yourself. Truly mind-bending.
Its a great premise and certainly makes for a very exciting storyline! 🙂
Detective Comics seems to have been getting it’s groove back with the last couple of arcs, a big plus had been having Eddy Barrows return in recent issues and Alvaro Martinez handling the odd installment as well. Wish both could be kept on the title permanently!
Great review Paul, I know you haven’t been a fan of Tom King’s Batman run but have you checked out the recent “War of Jokes and Riddles” arc? Think you’d enjoy it.
Hi Chris! Yes, Detective Comics has been very good, especially this storyline. I’d like the creative team to keep the same as well, its the only disadvantage with the twice monthly schedule, as it means things get shifted around a bit. I’ve heard that the War of Jokes and Riddles was quite good. I’ve not read Tom King’s Batman since I Am Suicide, it just didn’t work for me tbh. I might give WOJAR’s a look if I see it in a trade collection maybe as you’ve recommended it. Cheers for commenting 🙂
I love DC comics. I think the rebirths are great. Most of the times even better than the new Marvel comics. Cheaper, too. Have you read the watchmen? It’s one of my favourites. I haven’t read the new one yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
HI, yeah, I think DC’s Rebirth has won out over some of Marvel’s recent stuff. I also like a lot of IDW titles. Yes, I liked Watchmen, not got around to reading the new one yet though. I might wait and get it in a collected edition.