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Detective Comics (2011) #6-7
Batman by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato: The Deluxe Edition
Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato present their celebrated run on DETECTIVE COMICS, collected all together in this deluxe edition for the first time.
Batman contends with the return of Anarky! As Gotham City decends into chaos at the hands of this new vigilante and his quest for revenge on both the villains and protectors of Gotham, Batman must team up with the cantankerous Harvey Bullock of the Gotham City PD to find Anarky's true motivation for bringing Gotham to its knees.
Collects issues #30-40, Detective Comics Annual #1, Batman: Detective Comics: Future's End #1 and Batman: Detective Comics: End Game #1.
Batman contends with the return of Anarky! As Gotham City decends into chaos at the hands of this new vigilante and his quest for revenge on both the villains and protectors of Gotham, Batman must team up with the cantankerous Harvey Bullock of the Gotham City PD to find Anarky's true motivation for bringing Gotham to its knees.
Collects issues #30-40, Detective Comics Annual #1, Batman: Detective Comics: Future's End #1 and Batman: Detective Comics: End Game #1.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
2 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Francis Manapul
545 books231 followersFrancis Manapul is a comic book artist living in Toronto, Canada currently working for DC comics. His list of credits include the forthcoming Adventure Comics, and Superman Batman. In the past he's worked on titles like Legion of Super-Heroes, Iron and the Maiden, Necromancer, Sept Guerrieres, Tomb Raider, Darkness, G.I Joe and of course Witchblade.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 23, 2023
While not technically BAD, I did not like it. So there.
The last third, in particular, which focused on Harvey Bullock and a dress rehearsal for a circus, and Jim Gordon in bat armor, was boring and nonsensical.
These guys are obviously talented, but they need better guidance with plotting and dialogue.
The last third, in particular, which focused on Harvey Bullock and a dress rehearsal for a circus, and Jim Gordon in bat armor, was boring and nonsensical.
These guys are obviously talented, but they need better guidance with plotting and dialogue.
April 19, 2020
Francis Manapul is a great artist. But sometimes I think he'd be served better working alongside a great writer, because sometimes his stories are all look and no substance
September 13, 2020
*Only read the ICARUS and ANARKY portions of this deluxe edition.
ICARUS
• Manapul and Buccellato are gladly showing off their talents in the art. So much good stuff there. This is my first time reading the DETECTIVE title, and what I love about this arc is that they inject those detective elements into driving the story and mystery. Alfred and Bullock’s voices here are well-written. Choosing a street-level story for this arc was really fitting. I thought the first few issues were great, but by the second to last and last issue, it became clear that the plot had maybe one or two too many moving gears in play, specifically the biker gang/drug war players, so that by its resolve and end, you’re a bit confused by it all. There are quite a few plot holes or maybe I just missed something — who’s the pink radioactive dude? Elena just gets to drive away after killing someone? Or does Jonny become the pink dude after she shoots him? If so, a bit confusing. Also, it feels like to me that there were some weird/abrupt editing going on — for example, I think the first time we hear of “Annette” with Bruce and Alfred talking about her...by the end you know they’re referring to Annie, but, that was the first time they referred to her as Annette, so it’s confusing when that name is brought up. Also, the last issue is really rushed and tried to tie things together way too quickly. But I do enjoy how Manapul’s art and colors and vibrancy show a different sort of Gotham — showing us more of the ghetto but also a lot of it in daylight makes for a different feel for a Batman story.
ANARKY
• A much tighter, refined story in comparison to ICARUS. A compelling mystery. Manapul has claimed himself the Geoffrey Unsworth of DC Comics. So much of his art you can just stare at — composition, layout, and colors by Buccelatto. Bullock’s voice continues to be nicely written. They also give Alfred something to do. The revelation of Sam Young plays out effectively despite a tad bit of loose ends that are tied up easily with “head canon” / or common sense. Last issue was a tad rushed towards the end, but overall a satisfying conclusion to Manapul and Buccelatto’s run. Wish they did more.
ICARUS
• Manapul and Buccellato are gladly showing off their talents in the art. So much good stuff there. This is my first time reading the DETECTIVE title, and what I love about this arc is that they inject those detective elements into driving the story and mystery. Alfred and Bullock’s voices here are well-written. Choosing a street-level story for this arc was really fitting. I thought the first few issues were great, but by the second to last and last issue, it became clear that the plot had maybe one or two too many moving gears in play, specifically the biker gang/drug war players, so that by its resolve and end, you’re a bit confused by it all. There are quite a few plot holes or maybe I just missed something — who’s the pink radioactive dude? Elena just gets to drive away after killing someone? Or does Jonny become the pink dude after she shoots him? If so, a bit confusing. Also, it feels like to me that there were some weird/abrupt editing going on — for example, I think the first time we hear of “Annette” with Bruce and Alfred talking about her...by the end you know they’re referring to Annie, but, that was the first time they referred to her as Annette, so it’s confusing when that name is brought up. Also, the last issue is really rushed and tried to tie things together way too quickly. But I do enjoy how Manapul’s art and colors and vibrancy show a different sort of Gotham — showing us more of the ghetto but also a lot of it in daylight makes for a different feel for a Batman story.
ANARKY
• A much tighter, refined story in comparison to ICARUS. A compelling mystery. Manapul has claimed himself the Geoffrey Unsworth of DC Comics. So much of his art you can just stare at — composition, layout, and colors by Buccelatto. Bullock’s voice continues to be nicely written. They also give Alfred something to do. The revelation of Sam Young plays out effectively despite a tad bit of loose ends that are tied up easily with “head canon” / or common sense. Last issue was a tad rushed towards the end, but overall a satisfying conclusion to Manapul and Buccelatto’s run. Wish they did more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
This was an interesting book. It's more of a Harvey Bullock character story featuring Batman than the other way around. The art is great, stellar composition, overall very cinematic. Which made me appreciate the book a whole lot more than how its actually put together. There's 3 different stories, first one being the most complete and the rest are either slightly rushed or lacks the impact it set out to have. Again, the art does the heavy lifting to fill the massive gaps emotionally between each story. I personally find that far more impressive than having an exposition fest mid story. This is not for beginners. If you love detective stories and familiar with the Batman lore than it'll work for you. I certainly liked it enough. Rating: 3.5/5
April 25, 2020
I really wish I could give this a higher score. It's definitely a 3.5 and I might even be able to bump it to a 4 if I reread it and find it more appealing. But the story was SO dull to me! I think it might be slightly exaggerated since I found the final arc gruelling to get through. The once where Batman was actually present were for better.
Luckily Manapul and Buccellato aren't writers first; they're artists and God damn is this book incredibly beautiful! I'm very happy that I got the oversized hardcover, as even the outside of the book felt so much more well crafted and beautiful than most books. Manapul isn't my favourite fit for Batman (But I think it's cause I'm comparing it to his Flash stuff, and he's literally the best Flash artist ever) but even when it isn't a perfect fit he hits it out of the park every time. The full digital artwork doesn't look any less incredible than traditional artworks and he manages to squeeze every drop of potential out of the medium of his choosing. The paint splatters and lens flares are stylish, but subtle and are always making the pictures seem more grand.
I could go on about the amazing artwork, but I'm not going to. I like the keep these short, so I will end it on this:
Who gives a shit about Harvey Bullock?
Luckily Manapul and Buccellato aren't writers first; they're artists and God damn is this book incredibly beautiful! I'm very happy that I got the oversized hardcover, as even the outside of the book felt so much more well crafted and beautiful than most books. Manapul isn't my favourite fit for Batman (But I think it's cause I'm comparing it to his Flash stuff, and he's literally the best Flash artist ever) but even when it isn't a perfect fit he hits it out of the park every time. The full digital artwork doesn't look any less incredible than traditional artworks and he manages to squeeze every drop of potential out of the medium of his choosing. The paint splatters and lens flares are stylish, but subtle and are always making the pictures seem more grand.
I could go on about the amazing artwork, but I'm not going to. I like the keep these short, so I will end it on this:
Who gives a shit about Harvey Bullock?
April 25, 2021
The story premise, that of drugs and gangs and fighting them for a better future, is simply generic and forgettable in the first third of the book, then it devolves into a plot involving the Madhatter and finally that of the generic gumshoe detective Harvey with a robot Batman in the shadows. The story telling is convoluted, unfocused and rather boring.
The main character seems to be the trenchcoat, fedora-wearing generic gumshoe that we have seen in so many detective movies, a cardboard character. Batman is just there, doing rather little.
The artwork is breathtaking, at times, rather lacklustre in others, largely however, uninspiring. The last third of the volume saw a complete change in art style due to a different artist and is bland.
The main character seems to be the trenchcoat, fedora-wearing generic gumshoe that we have seen in so many detective movies, a cardboard character. Batman is just there, doing rather little.
The artwork is breathtaking, at times, rather lacklustre in others, largely however, uninspiring. The last third of the volume saw a complete change in art style due to a different artist and is bland.
August 17, 2025
I got this deluxe edition at a bargain price since I had on single issues the first two stories of the three collected in this volume, I found it a good way of geting all te work of Manapul and Buccellato in one book (and givig away te issues to some avid Batman reader who might want them).
Having said that, this is a showcase of Manapul, who was firing on all cilinders on The Flash series just before Flashpoint, and later on the first 25 issues of the New 52 volume of the Sacrlet Speedster. That leverage got him the gig with his collaborator Brian Buccellato on three story arcs on Detective Comics. "Icarus" tells the story of a family of two that arrive in Gotham with great promise, just to suffer a terrible tragedy that is tied to a recent drug trade in the city. Then, in "Anarchy", Batman have to control a new player in Gotham, who is shaking the underground, and leveling up with each dramatic showing. This two are the meat and potatoes of the collection, showing the strenghts of Manapul's storytelling. Then, the last story ties to the status-quo post Scott Snyder's Batman: Endgame, with Gordon now gearing up in a kind of Batman armor in the wake of the pressumed death of the real Batman. This last one, being thrown in without any context, is kind of "just there". This will be my only complaint with this collection. I don't know how much of a problen can it be to contextualize this story gaps. I remember Valiant Comics doing it in the Valiant Masters collections, and in hispanic countries, Panini Comics DC an Marvel publicactions have forewords and sometimes afterwords for jumping in readers.
With a sketch and cover gallery to round up the collection, this is a good read for fans of Francis Manapul, or for people who haven read the first to stories in this volume, and can find it on bargaing in print or digital.
Having said that, this is a showcase of Manapul, who was firing on all cilinders on The Flash series just before Flashpoint, and later on the first 25 issues of the New 52 volume of the Sacrlet Speedster. That leverage got him the gig with his collaborator Brian Buccellato on three story arcs on Detective Comics. "Icarus" tells the story of a family of two that arrive in Gotham with great promise, just to suffer a terrible tragedy that is tied to a recent drug trade in the city. Then, in "Anarchy", Batman have to control a new player in Gotham, who is shaking the underground, and leveling up with each dramatic showing. This two are the meat and potatoes of the collection, showing the strenghts of Manapul's storytelling. Then, the last story ties to the status-quo post Scott Snyder's Batman: Endgame, with Gordon now gearing up in a kind of Batman armor in the wake of the pressumed death of the real Batman. This last one, being thrown in without any context, is kind of "just there". This will be my only complaint with this collection. I don't know how much of a problen can it be to contextualize this story gaps. I remember Valiant Comics doing it in the Valiant Masters collections, and in hispanic countries, Panini Comics DC an Marvel publicactions have forewords and sometimes afterwords for jumping in readers.
With a sketch and cover gallery to round up the collection, this is a good read for fans of Francis Manapul, or for people who haven read the first to stories in this volume, and can find it on bargaing in print or digital.
October 13, 2025
2.75/5🌟
It pains me to rate this deluxe edition so low however, after about a third of this it went downhill. In the Icarus and Anarchy storylines of the detective comics, included in this deluxe edition; Bruce Wayne is being framed for a drug-induced death related crime, robin-less (aside from a briefly mentioned Batgirl) and forced to work alongside Harvey Bullock as Batman was a great narrative, until.. Batman’s disappearance or implied death. Considering that this deluxe edition only contains #30-34 and #37-44 I’m assuming volumes 35-36 would’ve likely been very beneficial to my understanding of what exactly happened.
Since Batman’s disappearance, Jim Gordon now wears the cowl, or more specifically: a robot mech. Honestly this collective of #37-44 was just confusing, an absolute mess. I don’t see why Jim would become a replacement Batman when usually someone else fills in, such as Nightwing.. but since we know Damian is dead in this continuity (mentioned in the first few pages of Icarus), I simply assume the same for the rest of the batboys. Nonetheless I enjoyed reading this, the art was lovely all throughout and i appreciate the inclusion of the sketches, inks and composition thumbnails that are usually found in these deluxe editions.
It pains me to rate this deluxe edition so low however, after about a third of this it went downhill. In the Icarus and Anarchy storylines of the detective comics, included in this deluxe edition; Bruce Wayne is being framed for a drug-induced death related crime, robin-less (aside from a briefly mentioned Batgirl) and forced to work alongside Harvey Bullock as Batman was a great narrative, until.. Batman’s disappearance or implied death. Considering that this deluxe edition only contains #30-34 and #37-44 I’m assuming volumes 35-36 would’ve likely been very beneficial to my understanding of what exactly happened.
Since Batman’s disappearance, Jim Gordon now wears the cowl, or more specifically: a robot mech. Honestly this collective of #37-44 was just confusing, an absolute mess. I don’t see why Jim would become a replacement Batman when usually someone else fills in, such as Nightwing.. but since we know Damian is dead in this continuity (mentioned in the first few pages of Icarus), I simply assume the same for the rest of the batboys. Nonetheless I enjoyed reading this, the art was lovely all throughout and i appreciate the inclusion of the sketches, inks and composition thumbnails that are usually found in these deluxe editions.
September 11, 2023
Three stories tangentially related to the latter half of the Snyder and Capullo New 52 run. Batman investigates the murder of a local philanthropist, a new villain-of-the week inspires anarchy by wiping every Gotham citizen's public record, and the GCPD tries to prepare security for a large event while a crooked cop undermines their efforts.
The storylines in this run range from interesting to contrived (in chronological order). The first is rather competent if not formulaic but has some good character moments and uses both Batman and Bruce well. The second starts out with a compelling premise but devolves into a messy revenge plot which lands flat. The third is quite confused and illogical but has some good characterization for Bullock and Montoya... that is dragged down heavily by integration with Snyder's Superheavy storyline (which is just incredibly dumb).
But let's talk about that art! Being helmed by two artists it's no surprise this looks good and DAMN it's nice (well the first two storylines anyway). Dynamic panel layouts, crisp line work, and moody yet neon accented colorization make for what is one of my favorite looking modern Batman runs (though Capullo is hard to beat). Manapul's use of inks and watercolor is up there with the best I've seen and he adds this interesting spray paint like spackle that makes the more watery and bloody scenes look fantastic. The third story is largely drawn by Blanco and comes off like a budget Darwyn Cooke that, while serviceable in isolation, pales in comparison to Manapul's art direction.
The storylines in this run range from interesting to contrived (in chronological order). The first is rather competent if not formulaic but has some good character moments and uses both Batman and Bruce well. The second starts out with a compelling premise but devolves into a messy revenge plot which lands flat. The third is quite confused and illogical but has some good characterization for Bullock and Montoya... that is dragged down heavily by integration with Snyder's Superheavy storyline (which is just incredibly dumb).
But let's talk about that art! Being helmed by two artists it's no surprise this looks good and DAMN it's nice (well the first two storylines anyway). Dynamic panel layouts, crisp line work, and moody yet neon accented colorization make for what is one of my favorite looking modern Batman runs (though Capullo is hard to beat). Manapul's use of inks and watercolor is up there with the best I've seen and he adds this interesting spray paint like spackle that makes the more watery and bloody scenes look fantastic. The third story is largely drawn by Blanco and comes off like a budget Darwyn Cooke that, while serviceable in isolation, pales in comparison to Manapul's art direction.
April 29, 2022
An excellent Batman novel, beautiful artwork and and an obvious link to the recent film.
I've always been a fan of the live action and animated world but had decided to take a deeper look into the lore.
This is a great book showing off some of the lesser known characters and their place. It's influence on the latest film, the TV series Gotham particularly.
For new readers it will provide a strong jump off point for the Batman universe as you get a sense of why the character is so needed in the troubled city of Gotham and the fine line between policing and vigilantism.
The moral code behind the character is key and it runs throughout stories presented. Thoroughly recommend this to anyone wanting to get into graphic novels/comics.
I've always been a fan of the live action and animated world but had decided to take a deeper look into the lore.
This is a great book showing off some of the lesser known characters and their place. It's influence on the latest film, the TV series Gotham particularly.
For new readers it will provide a strong jump off point for the Batman universe as you get a sense of why the character is so needed in the troubled city of Gotham and the fine line between policing and vigilantism.
The moral code behind the character is key and it runs throughout stories presented. Thoroughly recommend this to anyone wanting to get into graphic novels/comics.
March 13, 2021
I didn’t love the stuff before Gordon takes over as Batman. I only read it yesterday but I’ve already forgotten what’s happened. But the stuff after it I found a guilty pleasure in reading. I like it from the GCPD’s perspective and having Batman as a side character. I think it’s very interesting to have it especially now when the whole dynamic has changed since Gordon took over.
I don’t think there was anything inherently new in that story but I still really liked to read it. I’m excited to keep on reading.
I don’t think there was anything inherently new in that story but I still really liked to read it. I’m excited to keep on reading.
Read
April 25, 2022Ugh. This is a gorgeous looking book, but if you’re not familiar with the ongoings of current DC/Bat continuity, don’t bother. There’s good character work and solid story setups, but the payoffs fall flat. Might be worth it for the artwork.
September 26, 2022
There’s a lot of Harvey Bullock in this book and I love me some Harvey Bullock.
Awesome art. Pretty good stories but they won’t go down as all-time classics. I had fun reading it. That’s all that really matters.
Awesome art. Pretty good stories but they won’t go down as all-time classics. I had fun reading it. That’s all that really matters.
December 13, 2019
Stories were pretty decent, and the art was cinematic and lovely to look at. Above-average Bat-book for sure.
June 29, 2023
The front end of this run is enjoyable. I liked both Icarus and Anarky, even with their flaws, but I’m always losing interest with the Jim Gordon as Batman portion of this history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
Batman forever
July 28, 2025
Great compendium of Batman stories in hardcover.
October 15, 2020
Centrada en arcos que tienen como protagonistas a Batman y el detective Bullock, gana más en el arte que en la historia en sí. Existe un arco final, sólo con el guión de los autores y con un cambio artístico que es sólo cumplidor. En general, está, etapa tiene sus momentos.
August 2, 2023
Good, but doesn’t hold a candle to Manapul and Buccellato’s The Flash (New 52) Masterpiece.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews