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Detective Comics (2011)
Batman – Detective Comics, Volume 9: Gordon at War
The creative team of Peter J. Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin are joined by a gallery of the greatest artists in comics for BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 9: GORDON AT WAR, a milestone chapter in the legend of the new Dark Knight, spinning off of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s BATMAN series!
Jim Gordon never imagined he’d step into the shoes of his sometimes ally, sometimes enemy and take on the role of the Batman. But now that he’s the man behind the mask, he’s discovering that the risks are more deadly than he ever believed—and the rewards greater than he could have dreamed.
Freed from the rules and regulations of the GCPD, Gordon has the power to crack his coldest cases, help his oldest friends and take the battle straight to the enemy. But history has a way of catching up, and even though he’s inhabiting a new role in the war on crime, the ghosts of the past have come calling.
Martyrs and madmen, Marines and magic, murder and mayhem—if Gordon wants to be Gotham’s guardian, he must face them all…
Collects: Detective Comics #48-52 and Batman: Rebirth#1.
Jim Gordon never imagined he’d step into the shoes of his sometimes ally, sometimes enemy and take on the role of the Batman. But now that he’s the man behind the mask, he’s discovering that the risks are more deadly than he ever believed—and the rewards greater than he could have dreamed.
Freed from the rules and regulations of the GCPD, Gordon has the power to crack his coldest cases, help his oldest friends and take the battle straight to the enemy. But history has a way of catching up, and even though he’s inhabiting a new role in the war on crime, the ghosts of the past have come calling.
Martyrs and madmen, Marines and magic, murder and mayhem—if Gordon wants to be Gotham’s guardian, he must face them all…
Collects: Detective Comics #48-52 and Batman: Rebirth#1.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
11 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Tomasi
1,394 books472 followersPeter J. Tomasi is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, such as Batman And Robin; Superman; Super Sons; Batman: Detective Comics; Green Lantern Corps; and Superman/Wonder Woman; as well as Batman: Arkham Knight; Brightest Day; Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors; Nightwing; Black Adam, and many more.
In the course of his staff career at DC Comics, Tomasi served as a group editor and ushered in new eras for Batman, Green Lantern, and the JSA, along with a host of special projects like Kingdom Come.
He is also the author of the creator-owned titles House Of Penance with artist Ian Bertram; Light Brigade with artist Peter Snejbjerg; The Mighty with Keith Champagne and Chris Samnee; and the critically acclaimed epic graphic novel The Bridge: How The Roeblings Connected Brooklyn To New York, illustrated by Sara DuVall and published by Abrams ComicArts.
In 2018 New York Times best-selling author Tomasi received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comics.
In the course of his staff career at DC Comics, Tomasi served as a group editor and ushered in new eras for Batman, Green Lantern, and the JSA, along with a host of special projects like Kingdom Come.
He is also the author of the creator-owned titles House Of Penance with artist Ian Bertram; Light Brigade with artist Peter Snejbjerg; The Mighty with Keith Champagne and Chris Samnee; and the critically acclaimed epic graphic novel The Bridge: How The Roeblings Connected Brooklyn To New York, illustrated by Sara DuVall and published by Abrams ComicArts.
In 2018 New York Times best-selling author Tomasi received the Inkpot Award for achievement in comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 14, 2022
(B-) 71% | Satisfactory
Notes: Batman in name only, but for crimes its foes are bland, not apropos: all G.I. Joe, semper fi and CSI, so utterly off-brand.
Notes: Batman in name only, but for crimes its foes are bland, not apropos: all G.I. Joe, semper fi and CSI, so utterly off-brand.
December 21, 2017
It started with Joker pointlessly cutting his face off before his latest escape from Arkham Asylum and it ends with Jim Gordon shaving off his ‘tache and pretending he’s Batman. Yup, the New 52 line of Detective Comics sure was crapalicious!
To be fair to writer Peter Tomasi, it doesn’t feel like he’s phoning it in with Volume 9: Gordon at War, but, still, neither of the story arcs contained in this book are worth reading. In the first, Gordon has to stop a serial killer with a penchant for rubber masks and historical figures and in the second Gordon goes back to Afghanistan to fight a mummy! It doesn’t seem to matter whoever’s wearing the cowl, the quality of Detective Comics remains as consistently rock bottom as ever!
The historical figure killer, who reminded me of Francis Dolarhyde from Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon, was genuinely unsettling, especially those rubber masks, so points on that score. But most everything else about him, from his reveal to his motivation, was underwhelming and forgettable. The cat and mouse story is repetitive, generic, clichéd and totally lacking in mystery and suspense though I liked that Tomasi took the ridiculous Bat-armour out of the equation this time around, making Gordon more vulnerable. Fernando Pasarin and Scot Eaton’s pencils were excellent.
The Afghanistan mummy story was just plain shit. Apparently this version of Gordon is a vet of one of the Gulf Wars so goes back to his old unit still stationed over there to investigate ritual murders that’ve started cropping up in Gotham. It’s really dull stuff, particularly once Gordon steps into the Bat-armour and the story devolves to Mecha-Batman punching one-dimensional villains. Again, Pasarin/Eaton’s art is very strong but that’s all that’s good about this one.
Also included is a weird issue called The 11 Curious Cases of Batman which is a boring read but interesting for the various artists all contributing their interpretations of old Detective Comics covers, many of which were quality. The volume closes out with Batman Rebirth #1 which I’ve reviewed elsewhere and suffice it to say it ain’t all that.
Jim Gordon as Batman was just never a good idea to begin with (thanks Scott Snyder!) and Tomasi doesn’t get any decent stories out of the failed concept here. Detective Comics, Volume 9: Gordon at War is an unimpressive conclusion to a very weak series.
To be fair to writer Peter Tomasi, it doesn’t feel like he’s phoning it in with Volume 9: Gordon at War, but, still, neither of the story arcs contained in this book are worth reading. In the first, Gordon has to stop a serial killer with a penchant for rubber masks and historical figures and in the second Gordon goes back to Afghanistan to fight a mummy! It doesn’t seem to matter whoever’s wearing the cowl, the quality of Detective Comics remains as consistently rock bottom as ever!
The historical figure killer, who reminded me of Francis Dolarhyde from Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon, was genuinely unsettling, especially those rubber masks, so points on that score. But most everything else about him, from his reveal to his motivation, was underwhelming and forgettable. The cat and mouse story is repetitive, generic, clichéd and totally lacking in mystery and suspense though I liked that Tomasi took the ridiculous Bat-armour out of the equation this time around, making Gordon more vulnerable. Fernando Pasarin and Scot Eaton’s pencils were excellent.
The Afghanistan mummy story was just plain shit. Apparently this version of Gordon is a vet of one of the Gulf Wars so goes back to his old unit still stationed over there to investigate ritual murders that’ve started cropping up in Gotham. It’s really dull stuff, particularly once Gordon steps into the Bat-armour and the story devolves to Mecha-Batman punching one-dimensional villains. Again, Pasarin/Eaton’s art is very strong but that’s all that’s good about this one.
Also included is a weird issue called The 11 Curious Cases of Batman which is a boring read but interesting for the various artists all contributing their interpretations of old Detective Comics covers, many of which were quality. The volume closes out with Batman Rebirth #1 which I’ve reviewed elsewhere and suffice it to say it ain’t all that.
Jim Gordon as Batman was just never a good idea to begin with (thanks Scott Snyder!) and Tomasi doesn’t get any decent stories out of the failed concept here. Detective Comics, Volume 9: Gordon at War is an unimpressive conclusion to a very weak series.
August 18, 2022
Much better than volume 8. Peter Tomasi's back to his high standard of writing in this one. The book also has much better art with Fernando Pasarin taking over the art chores. His art reminds me of George Perez or Eddy Barrows. This book winds up the Jim Gordon as Batman era with 2 main stories. In the first Gordon and Bullock hunt down a creepy serial killer. In the second, someone is hunting down Gordon's old Marine unit and he heads back to Afghanistan to investigate. The stories showcase the detective side of Gordon and work very well. There's also a short story with a rotating group of artists all of which have recreated old Batman covers. Lastly, is Batman: Rebirth. I keep hearing good things about Tom King but this story did not impress. Calendar Man now gets older and then rejuvenates with the changing seasons. Yeah, it was dumb.
December 15, 2016
I didn't pay enough attention to recognize this wasn't part of Tomasi's run on Batman and Robin. It still fit in with what is going on in the other books even thought I haven't read the preceding volumes so it wasn't any loss to pick this up. :)
July 16, 2017
These issues of Detective Comics feel like detective stories - this was the first thing that hit me when I was reading them. Yeah, there's a supervillain and a robot Batman suit and stuff, but the core of these two stories are about Batman (albeit the Jim Gordon version) trying to solve a mystery, which I really appreciate.
We start with a three part story that has Gordon trying to track down a serial killer who idolizes heroes, and has a really weird MO in terms of his murdering. The real star of this story is Fernando Pasarin, who is so at home in the dingy streets of Gotham that I'd love to see him on another Batman book as soon as possible. The level of detail he puts into all five issues here is superb, considering they all came out monthly.
The second story is the Gordon At War one which is a story that could only be told in this status quo with Bruce being out of the picture and Jim in the driver's seat, which is another thing I really appreciate. The rest of it feels a bit tacked on, as if there was probably more story here but Tomasi only had two issues to explore it all so it had to be wrapped up a little too quick. There's also a back-up story from issue 50 included with guest artists paying homage to iconic Batman covers which I thought was pretty neat too.
Detective Comics has been Rebirthed (and is one of if not my favourite Bat book right now), but these last few issues of the New 52 weren't half bad either.
We start with a three part story that has Gordon trying to track down a serial killer who idolizes heroes, and has a really weird MO in terms of his murdering. The real star of this story is Fernando Pasarin, who is so at home in the dingy streets of Gotham that I'd love to see him on another Batman book as soon as possible. The level of detail he puts into all five issues here is superb, considering they all came out monthly.
The second story is the Gordon At War one which is a story that could only be told in this status quo with Bruce being out of the picture and Jim in the driver's seat, which is another thing I really appreciate. The rest of it feels a bit tacked on, as if there was probably more story here but Tomasi only had two issues to explore it all so it had to be wrapped up a little too quick. There's also a back-up story from issue 50 included with guest artists paying homage to iconic Batman covers which I thought was pretty neat too.
Detective Comics has been Rebirthed (and is one of if not my favourite Bat book right now), but these last few issues of the New 52 weren't half bad either.
July 5, 2023
Another volume featuring Gordon as Batman. This time we get to see him in the robotic bat suit as well as a more traditional Batman outfit. Pretty good stories really, but 1. I'm not warming up to this particular James Gordon. 2. I just prefer Bruce Wayne in the Batman suit.
August 22, 2021
Une fin bien en dessous de ce qu'on pouvait attendre de la série. Au final nous n'aurons aucune réponses, juste un spin off lamentable qui trahit le personnage de Jim Gordon. Ensuite on passe au rebirth qui efface tout et recommebce, là encore, aucun fil conducteur. DC et Marvel méritent vraiment plus leurs places de leader du marché de comic book. C'est fainéant et mal organisé. J'espère que la periode rebirth va relever le niveau sinon j'arrête le tir. On peut pas commencer une série avec un arc comme la cour des hiboux et finir sur ça, c'est pas acceptable.
March 16, 2021
A lot of these stories are gross but have no substance. one story in this was some guy using strips of human flesh to cover his body and became super strong because of it? I mean it’s gross but it doesn’t really go anywhere meaningful for all it’s gore. It’s the same terrible storyline that’s in every comic except this time it’s a little grosser so maybe the edgy teens will buy it. Very disappointed.
June 20, 2017
Not a huge fan of the Gordon as batman arc, but these stories are pretty cool. They're only tangentially Batman, stories, but that's all right. Having Gordon suit up to go after a problem with his old unit in the USMC is a interesting twist on anything that ever normally happens in a Batman book that's for sure.
May 17, 2025
Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 9: Gordon at War
Having settled into the suit, Gordon uses the anonymity and the power that being the Batman provided to help him solve some of his most personal cold cases.
A superb storyline conclusion, effectively and emotive drawn for maximum impact.
Having settled into the suit, Gordon uses the anonymity and the power that being the Batman provided to help him solve some of his most personal cold cases.
A superb storyline conclusion, effectively and emotive drawn for maximum impact.
January 6, 2025
Honestly really good Detective stuff and with Jim Gordon too which was very surprising. Not really a huge wrap up to new 52 detective comics but nice little side story with Gordon before he’s done being Batman.
May 5, 2021
More Bat-Gordon. Meh.
December 28, 2016
Detective Comics Volume 9 was a mixed bag but had more good moments than bad. Peter Tomasi is writing this last outing for Commissioner Gordon's run as Batman because "Duh" Bruce is coming back as Batman as we transition from the New 52 era of DC Comics in the "Rebirth". What I enjoyed about the book first is that it is a mystery and really lends itself to being what Detective Comics is all about, solving mysteries and edge of your seat thrillers. What confused me about this book was that for a while the editors at DC Comics have said that the Detective comics books were the more kid friendly books. Which they tended to be up until the Francis Manupal's run and this volume. The story here is pretty dark. Jim Gordon aka Batman is after serial killer who picks his victims based on historical figures of american history who made great sacrifices for the greater good of mankind. It gets stranger has the killer is wearing weird mask on his face and has some odd dialogue before killing his victims. I mean at one point he acts like a dog, as if Gotham doesn't already have enough strange characters. The tale is chilling but strange. My biggest gripe was the pacing and the excessive exposition. It felt like I was reading a TV NCI or CSI show which in my opinion can be very boring and too technical. I did enjoy the banter between Harvey Bullock and Jim. This has always been the problem when writing Batman. Many writers either focus too much on the crime noir/detective side of the Batman mythos or there is too much focus on just the action and fighting. Finding the balance between the two. Not too many writers can do this well with Batman. I think writers like Scott Snyder, Ed Brubaker, and Grant Morrison can do this perfectly when it comes to Batman. Do not get me wrong Tomasi has had an amazing run with Batman in the Batman and Robin series he was writing for the New 52. I highly recommend fans of Batman read Batman and Robin, Volume 4: Requiem for Damian, Batman and Robin, Volume 5: The Big Burn, Batman and Robin, Volume 6: The Hunt for Robin and Batman and Robin, Volume 7: Robin Rises. They are all really good. The artwork was handled nicely in this book and the last tale of the book was interesting. The final issues of this series saw Jim getting back to his prior military roots with a case involving members of his former military unit. So if you want a littel history into Gordon's prior military experience it was worth a read. Readers also get a treat with the addition of the Rebirth #1 issue of Tom King's Batman series. I found it odd that DC Comics did not include the Detective Comics Rebirth issue.
November 28, 2016
What a dud of a book with a forgettable, wack job of a villain in the first story and a Mummy in the second one. Thank goodness the "New 52" is at an end, and James Gordon will no longer be playing dress up.
March 15, 2021
Ostatni tom przygód Batmana z serii Detective Comics w ramach New 52 jest doskonałym przykładem jak problematyczna jest cała ta seria. O ironio, w końcu doczekałem się wątku detektywistycznego pełną gębą, a czego wyraźnie było brak wcześniejszym odsłonom. Bo od jakiegoś czasu Detective Comics to był taki bardziej akcyjniak, gdzie pierwsze skrzypce grało mordobicie, a nie cała ta droga śledztwa. Tomasi poszedł w odpowiednim kierunku, ale i on nie ustrzegł się głupotek w scenariuszu.
Mamy seryjnego mordercę, który lubi nakładać na twarz maski odzwierciedlające twarze innych ludzi, albo i zwierząt. Motyw dobrze znany z masy horrorów, aczkolwiek tutaj chyba są one z lateksu, bowiem nie widzimy momentu ich 'pozyskiwania'. Niemniej świr w ramach sobie znanego wzoru porywa i zabija ludzi, pozyskując z ich ciał fragmenty kości. Gordon, będący tu nadal w stroju Batmana, korzystający ze wsparcia detektyw Bullocka, próbuje rozwikłać zagadkę, która obróci się w takich historycznym kierunku, bowiem obaj Panowie dosyć szybko dojdą do wniosku, iż całość jest w jakiś sposób powiązana z pomnikami znajdującymi się w różnym części miasta.
Co je łączy? Jakie jest modus operandi sprawcy? Ile jeszcze osób zginie zanim całość nabierze jakiegoś kształtu i da się ustalić sprawcę. Towarzyszy temu naprawdę ciekawa, choć raczej typowo ukazana, robota policyjna. Niemniej duet Gordon-Bullock działa i ogląda się całość przyjemnie, nawet mimo wizerunku misia polarnego "przytulającego" zwłoki psa. Uśmiałem się na tym fragmencie, co było oczywiście niezamierzone, ale jednak... Dziwił mnie także jeden aspekt. Wcześniej Gordon często(nawet za często) korzystał z tego swojego królikowego mecha. Tutaj tak jakby o nim zapomniano, co mi absolutnie nie przeszkadzało, ale w pryzmacie całej opowieści na pewno uczyniło by całość o niebo łatwiejszą i pozwoliło by złapać przestępce w połowie historii... I może właśnie o to chodziło. Żeby sztucznie zwiększyć trudność śledztwa i wydłużyć wątek.
Niestety potem nie jest już tak różowo i przyjemnie. Na progu domu Gordona zjawia się znajomy z wojska i zostaje zamordowany. Przeszłość w jakiś sposób daje o sobie znać i nasz przyszywany Batman rusza aż do Afganistanu, gdzie daje się we znaki lokalnym rzezimieszkom, jak i nieco ubrudzonym przedstawicielom amerykańskiej armii. Sprawa zatacza się wokół zaginionych żołnierzy, a która doprowadzi Gordona do pewnej świątyni i przeciwnika, który lubuje się w bandażach. Była to część tego zbioru, która wynudziła mnie masą kiepskich dialogów. Po tak dobrze zapowiadającym się początku, oczekiwałem czegoś więcej...
Fernando Pasarin uraczył nas wyrazistą i dobrą kreską, co znacząco uprzyjemniło mi odbiór całości. Nie jest to co prawda poziom Buccellato z poprzednich tomów, ale i tak pasuje to do ukazywanej tu historii. I troszkę szkoda mi całej tej serii, bo trafiała ona raczej na autorów, którzy są rzemieślnikami i nic unikalnego do swoich dzieł nie wnieśli.
Podsumowując całą tą serię w polskiej skali szkolnej (gdzie najsłabsza ocena to jeden, a najlepsza to sześć) Batman: Detective Comics w ramach New 52 to takie naprawdę mocne 3, może 3 plus. Na przestrzeni tych dziewięciu tomów trafiały się naprawdę ciekawe pomysły i z pewności zapamiętam trzeci tom omawianej serii, przy czym cały zbiór zawartych tu opowieści był jak najbardziej poprawny, choć nic ponad to. Daje to nam produkt, któremu z braku laku możemy się przyjrzeć, ale raczej tylko wtedy, kiedy na rynku panuje istna posucha. W innym przypadku jest masa innych pozycji, które zasługują na uwagę dużo bardziej.
Mamy seryjnego mordercę, który lubi nakładać na twarz maski odzwierciedlające twarze innych ludzi, albo i zwierząt. Motyw dobrze znany z masy horrorów, aczkolwiek tutaj chyba są one z lateksu, bowiem nie widzimy momentu ich 'pozyskiwania'. Niemniej świr w ramach sobie znanego wzoru porywa i zabija ludzi, pozyskując z ich ciał fragmenty kości. Gordon, będący tu nadal w stroju Batmana, korzystający ze wsparcia detektyw Bullocka, próbuje rozwikłać zagadkę, która obróci się w takich historycznym kierunku, bowiem obaj Panowie dosyć szybko dojdą do wniosku, iż całość jest w jakiś sposób powiązana z pomnikami znajdującymi się w różnym części miasta.
Co je łączy? Jakie jest modus operandi sprawcy? Ile jeszcze osób zginie zanim całość nabierze jakiegoś kształtu i da się ustalić sprawcę. Towarzyszy temu naprawdę ciekawa, choć raczej typowo ukazana, robota policyjna. Niemniej duet Gordon-Bullock działa i ogląda się całość przyjemnie, nawet mimo wizerunku misia polarnego "przytulającego" zwłoki psa. Uśmiałem się na tym fragmencie, co było oczywiście niezamierzone, ale jednak... Dziwił mnie także jeden aspekt. Wcześniej Gordon często(nawet za często) korzystał z tego swojego królikowego mecha. Tutaj tak jakby o nim zapomniano, co mi absolutnie nie przeszkadzało, ale w pryzmacie całej opowieści na pewno uczyniło by całość o niebo łatwiejszą i pozwoliło by złapać przestępce w połowie historii... I może właśnie o to chodziło. Żeby sztucznie zwiększyć trudność śledztwa i wydłużyć wątek.
Niestety potem nie jest już tak różowo i przyjemnie. Na progu domu Gordona zjawia się znajomy z wojska i zostaje zamordowany. Przeszłość w jakiś sposób daje o sobie znać i nasz przyszywany Batman rusza aż do Afganistanu, gdzie daje się we znaki lokalnym rzezimieszkom, jak i nieco ubrudzonym przedstawicielom amerykańskiej armii. Sprawa zatacza się wokół zaginionych żołnierzy, a która doprowadzi Gordona do pewnej świątyni i przeciwnika, który lubuje się w bandażach. Była to część tego zbioru, która wynudziła mnie masą kiepskich dialogów. Po tak dobrze zapowiadającym się początku, oczekiwałem czegoś więcej...
Fernando Pasarin uraczył nas wyrazistą i dobrą kreską, co znacząco uprzyjemniło mi odbiór całości. Nie jest to co prawda poziom Buccellato z poprzednich tomów, ale i tak pasuje to do ukazywanej tu historii. I troszkę szkoda mi całej tej serii, bo trafiała ona raczej na autorów, którzy są rzemieślnikami i nic unikalnego do swoich dzieł nie wnieśli.
Podsumowując całą tą serię w polskiej skali szkolnej (gdzie najsłabsza ocena to jeden, a najlepsza to sześć) Batman: Detective Comics w ramach New 52 to takie naprawdę mocne 3, może 3 plus. Na przestrzeni tych dziewięciu tomów trafiały się naprawdę ciekawe pomysły i z pewności zapamiętam trzeci tom omawianej serii, przy czym cały zbiór zawartych tu opowieści był jak najbardziej poprawny, choć nic ponad to. Daje to nam produkt, któremu z braku laku możemy się przyjrzeć, ale raczej tylko wtedy, kiedy na rynku panuje istna posucha. W innym przypadku jest masa innych pozycji, które zasługują na uwagę dużo bardziej.
October 31, 2019
Detective Comics: Gordon at War picks up where the previous volume left off and collecting the last five issues (Detective Comics #48–52) of the 2011 on-going series and covers three stories: "The Bronze Age", "The 11 Curious Cases of Batman", and "Our Gordon at War".
"The Bronze Age" is a three-issue storyline (Detective Comics #48–50) has James Gordon as Batman trying to solve a cold case of his during his time on the Force and the freedom that being Batman could solve the long-time cold case. However, his decisions on this case could also affect his future as Batman as well as Gotham City.
"The 11 Curious Cases of Batman" is the back-up story for the over-sized issue Detective Comics #50 and has Bruce Wayne as Batman recalling what would constitute an average night in Gotham City from jewel thieves taking to the skies, underwater submersibles, specters, and Black Mask. Eventually it is revealed that Batman is not addressing an audience instead he is just commiserating with Superman.
Peter Tomasi penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it was written rather well, albeit rather forgettable. Tomasi pens the last two adventures for James Gordon as Batman and it seemed rather lackluster. Solving a cold case and helping out an old Marine friend seems like stories told in early or mid-tenure of a career – not the end of one. I was hoping that James Gordon as Batman would have gone off with a bigger bang and not a quiet whimper – comparatively speaking.
With the exception of two issues, which Scot Eaton co-penciled (Detective Comics #50) and the plethoria of pencilers that penciled the back-up in the same issue, Fernando Blanco penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style. The pencilers listed for the back-up story in Detective Comics #50 are: Scott McDaniel, Rafael Albuquerque, Frazer Irving, Shawn Crystal, Kelley Jones, John McCrea, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Cameron Stewart, John Paul Leon, Carlo Pagulayan, and John Timms.
Overall, this particular Detective Comic series started out rather mediocre and never really found its footing to reach something wonderful or spectacular. It didn't help matters that it had more than the average creative teams with Tony S. Daniel, John Layman, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, and Peter Tomasi taking the helm during the run. Furthermore, new and forgettable villains were introduced that made this particular run rather mediocre overall.
All in all, Detective Comics: Gordon at War is a somewhat good conclusion to a rather mediocre series run.
"The Bronze Age" is a three-issue storyline (Detective Comics #48–50) has James Gordon as Batman trying to solve a cold case of his during his time on the Force and the freedom that being Batman could solve the long-time cold case. However, his decisions on this case could also affect his future as Batman as well as Gotham City.
"The 11 Curious Cases of Batman" is the back-up story for the over-sized issue Detective Comics #50 and has Bruce Wayne as Batman recalling what would constitute an average night in Gotham City from jewel thieves taking to the skies, underwater submersibles, specters, and Black Mask. Eventually it is revealed that Batman is not addressing an audience instead he is just commiserating with Superman.
Peter Tomasi penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it was written rather well, albeit rather forgettable. Tomasi pens the last two adventures for James Gordon as Batman and it seemed rather lackluster. Solving a cold case and helping out an old Marine friend seems like stories told in early or mid-tenure of a career – not the end of one. I was hoping that James Gordon as Batman would have gone off with a bigger bang and not a quiet whimper – comparatively speaking.
With the exception of two issues, which Scot Eaton co-penciled (Detective Comics #50) and the plethoria of pencilers that penciled the back-up in the same issue, Fernando Blanco penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style. The pencilers listed for the back-up story in Detective Comics #50 are: Scott McDaniel, Rafael Albuquerque, Frazer Irving, Shawn Crystal, Kelley Jones, John McCrea, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Cameron Stewart, John Paul Leon, Carlo Pagulayan, and John Timms.
Overall, this particular Detective Comic series started out rather mediocre and never really found its footing to reach something wonderful or spectacular. It didn't help matters that it had more than the average creative teams with Tony S. Daniel, John Layman, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, and Peter Tomasi taking the helm during the run. Furthermore, new and forgettable villains were introduced that made this particular run rather mediocre overall.
All in all, Detective Comics: Gordon at War is a somewhat good conclusion to a rather mediocre series run.
November 25, 2023
Finally a decent James Gordon as Batman arc!! When men dressed in historical outfits turn up dead it is up to Gordon to figure out who is causing this homicidal historical spree and killing innocent civilians. Thanks to the help of Harvey Bullock, Julia Pennyworth, & Darel it looks like the killer is in sight then a regiment of the 54th ends up dead alongside George Washington, A Nasa Astronaut, Joan of Arc & a dog. Gordon ends up tracking down the case and it ends with the killer in Knight's armor attempting to open a portal to hell. Will The Robo-Batman be able to end this battle? The second arc focuses on Gordon's past military days as an old marine friend tracks him down in Gotham to tell him that a great evil in the desert has arisen once more. The man is killed by an assassin and the unknown assassin dies via suicide the trail becomes a mystery that Batman must solve. Gordon calls in some favors and ends up on base where it is discovered that the men from his unit all share a recent encounter with the monsters in the desert as 2 men went MIA & 2 more attempted a recon only to end up in the same position. Gordon discovers the cover-up from the top trying to hide what's happened and then takes matters into his own hands. After a sandstorm and Gordon is presumed stranded he finds his marine buddies again as they set him on track. The Batman robo suit appears right on time and all is right before a battle begins. The Marines and Gordon find the men and infiltrate an underground desert where it is discovered that many more victims are being skilled alive for a disturbing Zelot's cause. Gordon takes him on and rescues the men but will he be able to overcome the evil power that dwells in the sand? Overall not a bad set of mysteries for Gordon to solve as Batman. It was interesting and kept the reader engaged but the climax could have been better. 7.5/10. Not the best way to conclude the Detective Comics series but not a bad ending for Gordon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2017
The New 52 era of Detective Comics comes to a close in this final volume from Peter J. Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin. The current Batman, former commissioner Jim Gordon, uncovers a new serial killer plaguing Gotham. Men, women, and even dogs are being found dressed in historical garb, representing famous figures from across history. Alongside detective Harvey Bullock, Gordon must discern the motives of the madman as his terror campaign rages across Gotham. The second arc brings Jim back to his Marine roots after his old platoon is targeted for death. Arriving in Afghanistan, Gordon and company return to an underground temple in the desert. There they uncover a mystic ritual calling for the skin of the Marines, and a cult leader determined to see it through. The volume concludes with a series of tribute covers to classic Batman tales, and the preview of the Batman Rebirth issue. Tomasi offers two distinct tales to conclude Gordon's time as Batman. The first half of the book focuses on the detective skills of Gordon and Bullock, highlighting their intellect as policemen. As good as the mystery is, the final resolution seems to be rushed and slightly unsatisfying. The second half is more of a callback to Gordon's Marine background more than anything else, as both the antagonist and the overall plot are fairly lacking in depth. The art chores from Pasarin are the saving grace of the volume. The figures are well-designed, showcasing a wide range of styles, expressions, and movement. Backgrounds are full and expressive, whether it be a Gotham City medical examiner's room or a desert temple. Pasarin does a great job bringing eyeballs into the world of the Batman. Detective Comics: Gordon at War wraps up Gordon's final tour of duty and hints at a return to civilian life for the commissioner and Dark Knight fans alike.
September 28, 2024
2.75 stars. Another volume with Gordon as Batman and the end of N52 Detective Comics. Peter Tomasi takes over the writing here. New art team here as well, and it was really good.
The first arc is Gordon tracking down this creepy killer whose victims are made out as historical figures like George Washington. The highlights of this are that it is actually unsettling how creepy this guy is, as he has a lot of victims and is removing random bones from their bodies and genuinely seems psychotic. Also, it is a good detective story with Gordon trying to piece together clues. But ultimately we do not even learn who the villain is once he is taken down and there is no motive other than he is deranged.
The next arc is Gordon going back to Afghanistan with his military buddies from back when he served. It seems a little odd that after being out of the service for a long time Gordon is just able to walk right in there and start giving orders. The story is fine, it leads everyone to some underground cult where they are cutting up peoples' skin for this mummy guy. The story was only 2 issues so not super fleshed out and a Gordon military story is straying pretty far from what you would expect to see in Detective Comics. Then there is a very short story with different artists making homages to previous covers. Then there is the preview of Batman Rebirth #1 which was not interesting to me.
N52 Detective Comics was a weird and generally disappointing run. Many different writers and artists in a short span. Usually the art was great but sometimes not so much. There were times when stories were not fleshed out much and the stories that were given more time weren't always the most interesting. Usually the stories had some flaws. Ending this run with Gordon as Batman in his robot suit was a low point to end on, but it was not particularly high to begin with.
The first arc is Gordon tracking down this creepy killer whose victims are made out as historical figures like George Washington. The highlights of this are that it is actually unsettling how creepy this guy is, as he has a lot of victims and is removing random bones from their bodies and genuinely seems psychotic. Also, it is a good detective story with Gordon trying to piece together clues. But ultimately we do not even learn who the villain is once he is taken down and there is no motive other than he is deranged.
The next arc is Gordon going back to Afghanistan with his military buddies from back when he served. It seems a little odd that after being out of the service for a long time Gordon is just able to walk right in there and start giving orders. The story is fine, it leads everyone to some underground cult where they are cutting up peoples' skin for this mummy guy. The story was only 2 issues so not super fleshed out and a Gordon military story is straying pretty far from what you would expect to see in Detective Comics. Then there is a very short story with different artists making homages to previous covers. Then there is the preview of Batman Rebirth #1 which was not interesting to me.
N52 Detective Comics was a weird and generally disappointing run. Many different writers and artists in a short span. Usually the art was great but sometimes not so much. There were times when stories were not fleshed out much and the stories that were given more time weren't always the most interesting. Usually the stories had some flaws. Ending this run with Gordon as Batman in his robot suit was a low point to end on, but it was not particularly high to begin with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
While Scott Snyder's run on Batman tells the main story of Detective Gordon as Batman, Detective explores smaller cases that he works on during his tenure.
This is the tale of a four star and a two star story.
The first storyarc: The Bronze Age is a fun villain of the week style story. A serial killer is dressing as those who've been deemed important enough historically to have statues in Gotham, and collecting bones from a variety of victims. It's creepy but it's street level creepy, and gives us some great moments between Gordon and Bullock.
Unfortunately, the second storyarc is Military Veterans Haunted By A Terrible Ghostly Secret In Their Past. And Gordon is one of the military veterans. It's a cliche style of story, and it just doesn't appeal to me. It's told adequately, and it hits all the expected beats but it just felt hollow, which was a disappointment after The Bronze Age.
This volume is also padded out with a preview of the first Rebirth issue, which I assume will also be available in Rebirth.
This is absolutely worth picking up in a library but I wouldn't recommend buying it unless it was on a significant discount.
This is the tale of a four star and a two star story.
The first storyarc: The Bronze Age is a fun villain of the week style story. A serial killer is dressing as those who've been deemed important enough historically to have statues in Gotham, and collecting bones from a variety of victims. It's creepy but it's street level creepy, and gives us some great moments between Gordon and Bullock.
Unfortunately, the second storyarc is Military Veterans Haunted By A Terrible Ghostly Secret In Their Past. And Gordon is one of the military veterans. It's a cliche style of story, and it just doesn't appeal to me. It's told adequately, and it hits all the expected beats but it just felt hollow, which was a disappointment after The Bronze Age.
This volume is also padded out with a preview of the first Rebirth issue, which I assume will also be available in Rebirth.
This is absolutely worth picking up in a library but I wouldn't recommend buying it unless it was on a significant discount.
March 11, 2025
Weak but fitting end for this era of the book.
You can tell Peter Tomasi wanted to do more with what he got, but the then incoming DC Rebirth relaunch of the entire DC Universe cut his plans short. At least he’d get another shot at writing Detective a few years later.
The book itself is unfortunately consistent with how this title was before Buccellato and Manapul took over: rushed and poorly explained and plotted, so I guess it’s fitting that it ended as it started. At least the art is pretty damn good.
You can tell Peter Tomasi wanted to do more with what he got, but the then incoming DC Rebirth relaunch of the entire DC Universe cut his plans short. At least he’d get another shot at writing Detective a few years later.
The book itself is unfortunately consistent with how this title was before Buccellato and Manapul took over: rushed and poorly explained and plotted, so I guess it’s fitting that it ended as it started. At least the art is pretty damn good.
August 6, 2017
Not particularly sure about this. On one hand, we see Detective Comics placing emphasis on ratiocination, to the point that we see a military-grade Jim Gordon on a military-grade Batsuit. This brings me, on the other hand, to the question of replacing Wayne with a Batman who leans more to the law rather than on his own habits and preferences as the Dark Knight. In the end, some things just don't seem to fit with Gordon being Batman.
January 8, 2019
The Detective Comics series has, by-and-large, been a thing of joy as the New 52 rebooting has rumbled on — even if putting Gordon in the suit was a bit of an iffy move.
But Tomasi, Pasarin and Ryan know what they're doing and in volume nine we have a proper romp of a Batman tale.
Bones, gore and a serial killer in the first half, mad mummy-man in the second, the story is just the right side of bonkers while the artwork is vibrant and exciting.
And, at times, brilliantly brutal.
But Tomasi, Pasarin and Ryan know what they're doing and in volume nine we have a proper romp of a Batman tale.
Bones, gore and a serial killer in the first half, mad mummy-man in the second, the story is just the right side of bonkers while the artwork is vibrant and exciting.
And, at times, brilliantly brutal.
August 9, 2019
The first story wasn't so bad, but the only interesting thing was the teamwork between Gordon and Bullock. The second story, with a military tone, was so uninteresting that I stopped reading it when Gordon came to the camp and I just looked at the pictures. Not a very good conclusion to the New52 Detective Comics, but Bat-Jim wasn't a good idea so I didn't really expect something thrilling.
January 3, 2022
Gordon as Batman, with his mech like armour and back up team in a massive dirigible that surely gives away where Batman is all the time, is just such a stupid idea that it is probably the worst in Batman's history, and yes i include the 50's stuff in that statement. Making Gordon an athletic, younger soldier just makes it even worse.
July 18, 2020
Some solid use of James Gordon as Batman. The stories also evoke the Detective nature of the title well. It's interesting to see Tomasi slowly build James up as dealing with the same weird shit as Bruce, and also get him out of the mecha suit as much as possible.
May 26, 2021
I want to see more of Gordan as Batman going against his traditional foes. It was a good take to keep him out of the armor most of the volume.
The New 52 run on Detective was odd and choppy, especially compared to the concurrent run on Batman with Snyder and Capullo.
The New 52 run on Detective was odd and choppy, especially compared to the concurrent run on Batman with Snyder and Capullo.
September 2, 2025
It’s unfortunate that we end on such a low note. I didn’t find these stories captivating. While they produced some good stories, the concept of Gordon as Batman simply didn’t work as intended. It was a one-time experiment that didn’t pan out.
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