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Detective Comics by Peter J. Tomasi
Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 5: The Joker War
As Batman attempts to recover from the devastating loss of his friend and ally Alfred, Two-Face returns--can Batman cure Harvey Dent once and for all, as The Joker begins his ultimate attack on Gotham?
Alfred Pennyworth was Batman's oldest friend and most trusted ally--and the greatest casualty of Bane's assault on Gotham City.
Now, as Batman attempts to move past this tragedy and continue his war on crime, Two-Face returns, looking for a power play in the wake of "City of Bane." But is redemption possible for Bruce Wayne's old friend Harvey Dent? And what role has The Joker been playing behind the scenes this whole time?
As "The Joker War" begins, Batman's nemesis launches an attack on Wayne Enterprises--using Bruce Wayne's own technology! Batwoman joins the fight, but the threats keep escalating, as Joker toxin has been pumped into Gotham's tunnels--luring out Killer Croc!
This collection also includes the Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P. one-shot, featuring an ensemble of all-star creators paying tribute to Alfred, with each story told from the perspective of a different member of the Bat-Family.
This volume collects Batman: Pennyworth RIP, Detective Comics #1020-1026, an 8-page story from Detective Comics #1027 and Detective Comics Annual #3.
Alfred Pennyworth was Batman's oldest friend and most trusted ally--and the greatest casualty of Bane's assault on Gotham City.
Now, as Batman attempts to move past this tragedy and continue his war on crime, Two-Face returns, looking for a power play in the wake of "City of Bane." But is redemption possible for Bruce Wayne's old friend Harvey Dent? And what role has The Joker been playing behind the scenes this whole time?
As "The Joker War" begins, Batman's nemesis launches an attack on Wayne Enterprises--using Bruce Wayne's own technology! Batwoman joins the fight, but the threats keep escalating, as Joker toxin has been pumped into Gotham's tunnels--luring out Killer Croc!
This collection also includes the Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P. one-shot, featuring an ensemble of all-star creators paying tribute to Alfred, with each story told from the perspective of a different member of the Bat-Family.
This volume collects Batman: Pennyworth RIP, Detective Comics #1020-1026, an 8-page story from Detective Comics #1027 and Detective Comics Annual #3.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2021
13 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Peter J. Tomasi
1,395 books468 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 60 reviews
July 9, 2021
Peter J. Tomasi closes out his dismal run on Detective Comics with a (thankfully) final dismal volume, tying into the wretched Joker War storyline.
The main storyline is Two-Face (or is it…?) randomly starting his own Two-Face religion where his followers are called Vice or Versa. I know, it’s pitiful. It makes little sense and is even less entertaining. It features some New 52 callbacks for no reason like the Court of Owls and the Mecha-Batsuit Gordon wore for a spell. Why do the Court of Owls keep dangerous insubordinate Talons like Lincoln March around instead of just killing them off entirely? How does Two-Face get the Mecha-Batsuit? Because Tomasi is a nananananana-hack-man!
The Pennyworth RIP issue is also included here. It’s just the Bat-fam, sans masks/capes, sitting in a gloomy pub swapping boring Alfred stories - snore. Another snoozeworthy tale sees Batman going to Eastern Europe to fight some nobody that had something to do with Alfred when he was “Agent Pennyworth”, and the Joker War tie-in issue is also here where Batman and Batwoman fight Joker goons in a graveyard.
Closing out this pointless and consistently boring book is a story where Killer Croc encounters some muties in the sewers (ie. a crummier TMNT-type origin story) and Mariko Tamaki writes some drivel about a cop who loses his partner in the Joker War - I expect we’ll see more of him in her run. Can’t wai… zzz…
I’m not a fan of Tamaki’s comics but I can safely say she can’t do worse than Tomasi has during his recent tenure on Detective Comics. Volume 5: The Joker War is bad and easily missable as most of the preceding books were - don’t bother, anyone.
The main storyline is Two-Face (or is it…?) randomly starting his own Two-Face religion where his followers are called Vice or Versa. I know, it’s pitiful. It makes little sense and is even less entertaining. It features some New 52 callbacks for no reason like the Court of Owls and the Mecha-Batsuit Gordon wore for a spell. Why do the Court of Owls keep dangerous insubordinate Talons like Lincoln March around instead of just killing them off entirely? How does Two-Face get the Mecha-Batsuit? Because Tomasi is a nananananana-hack-man!
The Pennyworth RIP issue is also included here. It’s just the Bat-fam, sans masks/capes, sitting in a gloomy pub swapping boring Alfred stories - snore. Another snoozeworthy tale sees Batman going to Eastern Europe to fight some nobody that had something to do with Alfred when he was “Agent Pennyworth”, and the Joker War tie-in issue is also here where Batman and Batwoman fight Joker goons in a graveyard.
Closing out this pointless and consistently boring book is a story where Killer Croc encounters some muties in the sewers (ie. a crummier TMNT-type origin story) and Mariko Tamaki writes some drivel about a cop who loses his partner in the Joker War - I expect we’ll see more of him in her run. Can’t wai… zzz…
I’m not a fan of Tamaki’s comics but I can safely say she can’t do worse than Tomasi has during his recent tenure on Detective Comics. Volume 5: The Joker War is bad and easily missable as most of the preceding books were - don’t bother, anyone.
December 20, 2021
This is labeled as The Joker War but it really could have been called Hodge-Podge of Filler until Mariko Tomaki and Dan Mora take over the book. It starts off with a couple of stories dealing with Alfred's death. I thought these two stories were the best in the collection. Then we get back to the mainDetective Comics series where Two Face has started a cult. It's really stupid. After that it's some random stories that take place during The Joker War with Batman fighting Lincoln March and Killer Croc, sandwiched around a Batwoman team-up against some Joker goons. All of it's inconsequential. Last up is the first story by the new creative team and it didn't inspire me that the book is going to get any better. It's a story about a break-in at Wayne Enterprises where a cop gets hurt and blames Batman. This is a lead-in to all the post-Future State stuff.
I typically really like Tomasi's writing but his return to Batman has been really lackluster. He works best when he's left alone to do his own thing int he DC universe and I have a feeling all the stuff going on in the main Batman title were hampering him. It's a real shame because his work on Batman and Robin was fantastic.
I typically really like Tomasi's writing but his return to Batman has been really lackluster. He works best when he's left alone to do his own thing int he DC universe and I have a feeling all the stuff going on in the main Batman title were hampering him. It's a real shame because his work on Batman and Robin was fantastic.
April 20, 2021
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Writer Peter J. Tomasi has been continuously dishing out some of the most forgettable Batman stories yet ever since he’s been put on the Detective Comics series following writer James Tynion IV’s departure from this comic book run. With the past story arcs, he has shown very little promise for the future of this series and his material continues to be marked by a resolute absence of interest and passion for the Dark Knight’s adventures. This time around, forced once again by ongoing DC events, he presents fans with a story arc set prior to the canonical Batman run’s Joker War story arc. Drawing upon the excitement revolving around that event, he offers us an inconsequential tale that features elements from the New 52 run while placing an old-friend-turned-evil at the center of his story.
What is Batman: Detective Comics: The Joker War about? Set after the tragic events that took Alfred Pennyworth from Bruce Wayne’s life, the story explores the sudden return of Two-Face who now looks to gain leverage on his competitors and take back the reins on Gotham City following the wake of “City of Bane”. Bound by duality within his personality, Harvey Dent continues to show a lack of control that forces Batman to take extreme measures to try and steer him back on the right path. Unfortunately, there is more to Two-Face’s plans than the gruesome crimes he’s been committing as the Joker seems to have had a hand in Harvey Dent’s recent uprising. This volume collects Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P., Detective Comics #1020-1026, an 8-page story from Detective Comics #1027, and Detective Comics Annual #3.
When will this madness end? Luckily for this volume, it contained an 8-page story from Detective Comics #1027 that led me to read the entire epic-size issue that celebrated the 1000-issue anniversary of the Dark Knight, containing various stories by countless famous writers and artists that showcased the best of Batman’s character and adventures. If I hadn’t had that mouthwash, I would’ve had a tough time being positive about the main story at the heart of this volume. In fact, what writer Peter J. Tomasi offers fans turns out as unmemorable as stories could get, especially when the desperation to come up with something original rests upon the use of content from the New 52 Batman and Detective Comics run. It also doesn’t help when the story gets quite ridiculous with Two-Face’s cult and derivative split-personality issues. Even when the story shoehorns Joker’s involvement, building up the Joker War event, the story resorts to bombastic action sequences to try and save its own hide.
Although the whole volume does feel like a filler, showcasing the writer’s disinterest to try and go above and beyond what is expected of Batman’s adventures, some positive thoughts can be squeezed out of penciler Brad Walker’s artwork. Responsible for most of the story arc’s art, he presents fans with a very impactful and vivid take on the Caped Crusader’s adventure through imposing character designs and huge panels. Many pages utilize a zoomed-in approach to accentuate the tension and drama, sometimes overly, to capture the sense of danger and the shortness of time that comes with this forgettable narrative. The colouring is also without reproach, managing to remain loyal to fans’ conception of Batman’s universe. Unfortunately, most of the appreciation derives from the non-central story arcs collected in this volume that capture a grimmer and much more emotional take on the Dark Knight’s current state prior to the Joker War event. Writer Peter J. Tomasi really needs to find his groove soon.
Batman: Detective Comics: The Joker War is an uninspiring tale bringing to light Two Face’s conflicted nature and Joker’s involvement in the grand scheme of things, mostly saved by the adjacent issues collected in this volume.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
March 26, 2021
I really like Tomasi's work usually but this isn't doing it for me at all.
While first few issues deal with the fallout of Alfred's death and works well, the rest is kind of typical Batman adventure stopping two face and the Joker. Neither storyline is really interesting and nothing new happens. I feel like Tomasi maybe was just putting in work to get paid at this point with the exception of the first two issues (One partially written by James).
A 2.5 out of 5.
While first few issues deal with the fallout of Alfred's death and works well, the rest is kind of typical Batman adventure stopping two face and the Joker. Neither storyline is really interesting and nothing new happens. I feel like Tomasi maybe was just putting in work to get paid at this point with the exception of the first two issues (One partially written by James).
A 2.5 out of 5.
July 5, 2021
This was quite fun.
It starts off with the formation of the Church of the two and as Harvey's multiple personalities clash and Batman finds out why, he has to help his friend but evade the attack of two face and his cult and he investigates and finds that Joker is behind it and with the Joker war beginning he has to dodge it all but before that he and Harvey must find Owl-Man aka Lincoln and then there is a story with Kate and Bats teaming up and Batman vs Killer croc as the monster has founded his own town.
And finally a look back into Alfred and who he was and how he was so instrumental in Bruce's early years as Bats and Bats teaming with Alfred's former love Marigold Sinclair as they hunt down one of his former enemies. Also the NKVDemon. Good volume and has such great stories from the redemption and cure of two face to looking back at the man Alfred was and the difference he made to the life of Bruce.
I like how this volume has Bruce realize the people he is close to and their profound impact on his life like Alfred and Kate and him finally helping Harvey and sending him on a new path. This seems like a redemption of most of these characters and allows Batman to be the guy who helps others and shows him in a different light. Also Joker by Tomasi is a bit strange but overall is okay and the art is decent throughout and ties nicely with the Joker war.
It starts off with the formation of the Church of the two and as Harvey's multiple personalities clash and Batman finds out why, he has to help his friend but evade the attack of two face and his cult and he investigates and finds that Joker is behind it and with the Joker war beginning he has to dodge it all but before that he and Harvey must find Owl-Man aka Lincoln and then there is a story with Kate and Bats teaming up and Batman vs Killer croc as the monster has founded his own town.
And finally a look back into Alfred and who he was and how he was so instrumental in Bruce's early years as Bats and Bats teaming with Alfred's former love Marigold Sinclair as they hunt down one of his former enemies. Also the NKVDemon. Good volume and has such great stories from the redemption and cure of two face to looking back at the man Alfred was and the difference he made to the life of Bruce.
I like how this volume has Bruce realize the people he is close to and their profound impact on his life like Alfred and Kate and him finally helping Harvey and sending him on a new path. This seems like a redemption of most of these characters and allows Batman to be the guy who helps others and shows him in a different light. Also Joker by Tomasi is a bit strange but overall is okay and the art is decent throughout and ties nicely with the Joker war.
March 19, 2021
3.5, rounded up.
The loss of Alfred during Bane's conquering of Gotham hits the Bat Family hard in two over-sized stories, and then the Joker War strikes, and no one is safe!
This volume's a bit of a combination of aftermath (from City Of Bane) and tie-in stuff (for Joker War), so it's kind of pulled in two directions. On the one hand, I'm glad the Annual and the Pennyworth RIP issues are collected, since they'll likely have been forgotten otherwise, but they do stick out as more sombre than the rest of the book. They're very good - the RIP issue which focuses on each Bat Family member individually (except Dick I believe, since he was busy having brain damage at the time), especially shows why Tomasi and Tynion IV are the current Bat writers; they just get these characters.
The Joker War tie-ins are kind of a mess though. The first three issues are supposed to be a Two Face story (which Tomasi has historically not had much luck with, and this one's no exception since it involves a weird Two Face cult for some reason) before it dovetails into the Joker War and we get the return of Lincoln March and the Joker. Once the Joker actually shows up, the story improves a lot, but it does feel like Two-Face's story just gets thrown aside as a result, like it changed gear midway through and forgot what it was supposed to be doing.
There's also two one-and-dones, one featuring Batwoman and the other featuring Killer Croc which are solid, although I feel like the Croc story has been told many times before.
The art's not to be sniffed at however; Brad Walker handles five of the seven Detective Comics issues, while Kenneth Rocafort takes the remaining two at the end. Sumit Kumar shows up for a rare DC appears on the annual, alongside superstar Eduardo Risso, while the RIP issue is split between (deep breath) Chris Burnham, David Lafuente, Diogenes Neves, Eddy Barrows, Marcio Takara, and Kumar as well (exhales).
Of all the Joker War tie-in books, Detective is probably the most uneven since it does two other things as well as tying into the Joker War. It's solid Batman stuff despite the Two-Face hiccup, but I expect people showing up specifically for the Joker War stuff will be surprised to find so much other stuff in here.
The loss of Alfred during Bane's conquering of Gotham hits the Bat Family hard in two over-sized stories, and then the Joker War strikes, and no one is safe!
This volume's a bit of a combination of aftermath (from City Of Bane) and tie-in stuff (for Joker War), so it's kind of pulled in two directions. On the one hand, I'm glad the Annual and the Pennyworth RIP issues are collected, since they'll likely have been forgotten otherwise, but they do stick out as more sombre than the rest of the book. They're very good - the RIP issue which focuses on each Bat Family member individually (except Dick I believe, since he was busy having brain damage at the time), especially shows why Tomasi and Tynion IV are the current Bat writers; they just get these characters.
The Joker War tie-ins are kind of a mess though. The first three issues are supposed to be a Two Face story (which Tomasi has historically not had much luck with, and this one's no exception since it involves a weird Two Face cult for some reason) before it dovetails into the Joker War and we get the return of Lincoln March and the Joker. Once the Joker actually shows up, the story improves a lot, but it does feel like Two-Face's story just gets thrown aside as a result, like it changed gear midway through and forgot what it was supposed to be doing.
There's also two one-and-dones, one featuring Batwoman and the other featuring Killer Croc which are solid, although I feel like the Croc story has been told many times before.
The art's not to be sniffed at however; Brad Walker handles five of the seven Detective Comics issues, while Kenneth Rocafort takes the remaining two at the end. Sumit Kumar shows up for a rare DC appears on the annual, alongside superstar Eduardo Risso, while the RIP issue is split between (deep breath) Chris Burnham, David Lafuente, Diogenes Neves, Eddy Barrows, Marcio Takara, and Kumar as well (exhales).
Of all the Joker War tie-in books, Detective is probably the most uneven since it does two other things as well as tying into the Joker War. It's solid Batman stuff despite the Two-Face hiccup, but I expect people showing up specifically for the Joker War stuff will be surprised to find so much other stuff in here.
December 20, 2021
Four or five storylines crammed together in a volume makes for an uneven read, and there are more notated callbacks to prior issues in this one volume than I've seen in the last few years of collected volumes, which means there's either a new editorial policy to remind fans where to find things (good, but unlikely) or the stories are so poorly written that they are unintelligible without tons of prior knowledge (bad, and also most likely).
October 25, 2024
When the plot for the various stories that make up the book isn't a cheap second-rate blockbuster or a woe-is-me piece about Alfred's death, it vacillates between the powerfully uninteresting and the profoundly stupid - Two-Face's 2 sidekicks called Vice and Versa win the cake hands down on that one.
May 17, 2021
Detective Comics: The Joker War picks up where the previous volume left off and collecting the next seventh issues (Detective Comics #1020–1026) of the 2016 on-going series, a story from Detective Comics #1027, Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P., and Detective Comics Annual #3 and covers seven stories.
"Ugly Heart" is a three-issue storyline (Detective Comics #1020–1022) that has Bruce Wayne as Batman confronting Harvey Dent as Two-Face. Two-Face has turned cult leader now, and it seems tied to the end of Big Burn where he'd shot himself in the head. Apparently, The Joker fitted him with a controlling device (via Hugo Strange and Mad Hatter), and has been forcing Harvey to build up his cult. It is an interesting story as the Harvey persona teamed with Batman against Two-Face.
"Prelude to Joker War" is a two-issue storyline (Detective Comics #1023–1024), "Tales from the Joker War" and "Monster Men" are a one-issue storyline (Detective Comics #1025 and 1026 respectively) that collects the many tie-in stories of the Joker War with villains in Hugo Strange, Lincoln March and the Talons, Mad Hatter, Two-Face, Killer Croc, and of course the Joker and it is up to Batman and his compatriots to take them on.
"Blowback" is a short story from Detective Comics #1027, which has Bruce Wayne in a death trap, which would be release only if he dies. As Batman lays submerged, he ponders his past and figured a way out. "Who Dares Wins" is a one-issue storyline (Detective Comics Annual #3), who has Bruce Wayne as Batman going after an unmemorable villain, but shows his life after Alfred Pennyworth's death. Finally, "Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P." is a one-issue special that has Bruce Wayne, an amnesiac Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne to come together and remember their faithful and fallen ally.
Peter Tomasi penned the entire trade paperback with some help from Brad Walker (Detective Comics #1024) and James Tynion IV (Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.). For the most part it was written moderately well. In truth, individual the stories works well on their own, however combined in one trade paperback it give an overall mediocre feeling as it lacked focus and felt the storyline and the reader into too many directions. Furthermore, it doesn't help that tie-in are notoriously bad when separated in trade paperback form.
Brad Walker (Detective Comics #1020–1023), Kenneth Rocafort (Detective Comics #1025–1026), Sumit Kumar (Detective Comics Annual #3 and Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.), Norm Rapmund (Detective Comics #1024), Brad Walker (Detective Comics #1027), Eddy Barrows, Diogenes Neves, Marcio Takara, Chris Burnham, Eber Ferreira, and David Lafuente (Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.) penciled the trade paperback. For the most part the pencilers have distinct penciling styles and suffer from too many cooks in the kitchen, as some pencillers are better than others, and it is up to the individual taste, the artistic flow suffers greatly.
All in all, Detective Comics: The Joker War is a mediocre continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
"Ugly Heart" is a three-issue storyline (Detective Comics #1020–1022) that has Bruce Wayne as Batman confronting Harvey Dent as Two-Face. Two-Face has turned cult leader now, and it seems tied to the end of Big Burn where he'd shot himself in the head. Apparently, The Joker fitted him with a controlling device (via Hugo Strange and Mad Hatter), and has been forcing Harvey to build up his cult. It is an interesting story as the Harvey persona teamed with Batman against Two-Face.
"Prelude to Joker War" is a two-issue storyline (Detective Comics #1023–1024), "Tales from the Joker War" and "Monster Men" are a one-issue storyline (Detective Comics #1025 and 1026 respectively) that collects the many tie-in stories of the Joker War with villains in Hugo Strange, Lincoln March and the Talons, Mad Hatter, Two-Face, Killer Croc, and of course the Joker and it is up to Batman and his compatriots to take them on.
"Blowback" is a short story from Detective Comics #1027, which has Bruce Wayne in a death trap, which would be release only if he dies. As Batman lays submerged, he ponders his past and figured a way out. "Who Dares Wins" is a one-issue storyline (Detective Comics Annual #3), who has Bruce Wayne as Batman going after an unmemorable villain, but shows his life after Alfred Pennyworth's death. Finally, "Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P." is a one-issue special that has Bruce Wayne, an amnesiac Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne to come together and remember their faithful and fallen ally.
Peter Tomasi penned the entire trade paperback with some help from Brad Walker (Detective Comics #1024) and James Tynion IV (Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.). For the most part it was written moderately well. In truth, individual the stories works well on their own, however combined in one trade paperback it give an overall mediocre feeling as it lacked focus and felt the storyline and the reader into too many directions. Furthermore, it doesn't help that tie-in are notoriously bad when separated in trade paperback form.
Brad Walker (Detective Comics #1020–1023), Kenneth Rocafort (Detective Comics #1025–1026), Sumit Kumar (Detective Comics Annual #3 and Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.), Norm Rapmund (Detective Comics #1024), Brad Walker (Detective Comics #1027), Eddy Barrows, Diogenes Neves, Marcio Takara, Chris Burnham, Eber Ferreira, and David Lafuente (Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P.) penciled the trade paperback. For the most part the pencilers have distinct penciling styles and suffer from too many cooks in the kitchen, as some pencillers are better than others, and it is up to the individual taste, the artistic flow suffers greatly.
All in all, Detective Comics: The Joker War is a mediocre continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.
April 12, 2021
Detective Comics Vol 5. Joker War collect issues 1020-1027, Detective Comics Annual 3, and Batman: Pennyworth RIP.
The main series collects issues involving Two-Face and a story set during the Joker War. The Annual involves Batman teaming up with a former British secret agent who used to work alongside Fred. Pennyworth RIP is set after Alfred's funeral with the Batfamily gathering to reminesce and tell stories.
This collection is titled Joker War and only contains one actual story set during the event. Most of the series involves Two-Face who is leaning more and more into the Two-Face split personality and less and less of Harvey Dent. This arc delved a lot into New 52 time period that Timasi previously worked on and included appearances of Talons as well as New 52 Joker. I really enjoyed the annual with the secret service agent and it worked well with helping Bruce come to terms with Alfred's death. I didn't really care about the RIP issue as the Batfamily all came across as petty assholes. Over all this was just an okay collection. I though Timasi was really getting into a groove and the Joker War just kind of stalled that. Hope he gets back on track.
The main series collects issues involving Two-Face and a story set during the Joker War. The Annual involves Batman teaming up with a former British secret agent who used to work alongside Fred. Pennyworth RIP is set after Alfred's funeral with the Batfamily gathering to reminesce and tell stories.
This collection is titled Joker War and only contains one actual story set during the event. Most of the series involves Two-Face who is leaning more and more into the Two-Face split personality and less and less of Harvey Dent. This arc delved a lot into New 52 time period that Timasi previously worked on and included appearances of Talons as well as New 52 Joker. I really enjoyed the annual with the secret service agent and it worked well with helping Bruce come to terms with Alfred's death. I didn't really care about the RIP issue as the Batfamily all came across as petty assholes. Over all this was just an okay collection. I though Timasi was really getting into a groove and the Joker War just kind of stalled that. Hope he gets back on track.
April 26, 2021
Since Tomasi too this over I really have found it difficult to love. Previous run was great
Read
March 23, 2021Solid volume with plenty of extras aside from the main Joker War lead up.
Tomasi writes the classic Batman you expect perfectly, reading his Batman is akin to putting on a favorite coat that never goes out of style.
As well as a platter of talented artists and inkers that make this a solid volume of Detective comics. A good Two face story that plays with all sorts of elements from the New 52 era, two tie in Joker stories that are a blast and self contained, a tribute to Alfred that's as good as it can be without a proper Dick Grayson, a really solid annual tale, and a charming one shot showing just how good the rogues gallery is.
For anyone looking for Batman comfort food among the constant main title shakeups this is it.
Tomasi writes the classic Batman you expect perfectly, reading his Batman is akin to putting on a favorite coat that never goes out of style.
As well as a platter of talented artists and inkers that make this a solid volume of Detective comics. A good Two face story that plays with all sorts of elements from the New 52 era, two tie in Joker stories that are a blast and self contained, a tribute to Alfred that's as good as it can be without a proper Dick Grayson, a really solid annual tale, and a charming one shot showing just how good the rogues gallery is.
For anyone looking for Batman comfort food among the constant main title shakeups this is it.
June 2, 2021
Basic plot: Batman deals with Alfred's death, stops a Two Face cult, and deals with the beginnings of the Joker War.
There are some emotional gut punches in here and some eyebrow-raising weirdness. Frankly, it's just a lot in one volume. The art is solid, though, and the stories flow well.
There are some emotional gut punches in here and some eyebrow-raising weirdness. Frankly, it's just a lot in one volume. The art is solid, though, and the stories flow well.
January 19, 2022
I read this hoping to find out more detail about how the Joker somehow took over Wayne Enterprises in the recent "Joker War." Well, there was nothing here to explain that. It was, instead, a hodgepodge of stories, not even all of them connected to said "Joker War." The book starts with some memorials to Alfred, which are nice, before segueing into an arc about Two-Face, and then some rather unconnected filler material. About the best thing this volume has going for it is the artwork. If you're expecting some kind of connected arc, look elsewhere.
April 26, 2022
I'm here for it. A cult of two-face? Why not? Killer Croc starting an underground city? Why not? Meanwhile the Joker pulls the strings in the background. Why not everyone in Gotham trying to make it despite Batman constantly telling everyone how to live? What next? Bruce Wayne buys Twitter? Why not?
May 3, 2022
The arc told in Issues 1020 - 1024 was just the B-plot from Snyder's "Own Worst Enemy" arc, turned into a generic Two Face tale that was ultimately crammed into a Bat-Family crossover. So many call backs too. Just too much for one arc. I did like Walker's panels individually, but thought the flow between panels was choppy.
Didn't like "Pennyworth RIP" as much as I did when I first read it in single issues. Annual #3 was good. Tight little Alfred story.
Loved the Batwoman part of the story in Issue #1025. Excited to see where Tamaki takes her Batman story as well.
Didn't like "Pennyworth RIP" as much as I did when I first read it in single issues. Annual #3 was good. Tight little Alfred story.
Loved the Batwoman part of the story in Issue #1025. Excited to see where Tamaki takes her Batman story as well.
June 9, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot I really enjoyed the spread with batman & killer croc throughout everything going on with the joker war batman still finds time to talk , encourage & just help with two face , killer croc & bat woman he still stands tall with the lost of a loved one
Rip Alfred !
Rip Alfred !
January 6, 2022
This volume is all sorts of choppy.
The first story, Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P., written by James Tynion IV & Peter Tomasi was only OK IMO. Maybe a 3.5 star rating.
Text boxes: It should have been sooner.
The family each thinks this in turn. It should not have taken the dedication of a new building to bring them all together.
It should have been natural. It should have happened the moment Bane's stranglehold on the city was dismantled.
It should have happened before the body of a man they all loved went into the ground.
But they each know why this didn't happen.
Alfred wasn't there to tell him to do it.
There were parts that were written really well. I loved the spotlight on each of the batfamily and their personal feelings of loss. (Poor Damian!)
But I found the character writing to be both great and bad at points. Bruce has the "kids" come together for a private little wake for Alfred (while Catwoman, Orphan, Signal, and Batwoman patrol Gotham). And some character writing was really on point here (Babs, Damian & Jason), but some were just really weird (Bruce, Tim & "Ric").
Damian is crying and says Alfred's death was all his fault & Bruce's response is "Damian know's he's welcome here. He knows there's...no blame." Babs is yelling at him, "he clearly does not understand that." And not only does Bruce not go after Damian, which is so awful, Tim interrupts Babs' righteous yelling to toast Alfred and "get this back on track" while Damian is off on his own in his feelings. So messed up. I thought that was so out of Tim's character, let alone, Bruce! (Bruce could have at least said something like, "give him time, I'll find him later when he calms down," but he says nothing, letting poor Damian suffer.)
While I did love Tim's offer to move back in with Batman, I also didn't like it.
Tim to Bruce: "You know...I could set up in the cave for a while. Move back into the manor. Work the computer, help with the little things. I'm as willing to help you now as I was then. But I need you to ask. I need you to want the help...otherwise, I don't know what good it would do."
But Tim didn't ask last time. He inserted himself in Batman's life because that was what Batman needed. Why would he ask now? When Bruce needs him the most but would never say yes? Tim's exit was also weird. Like it was written for someone else.
Tim: "It sucks. I didn't want to believe it, but deep down I kind of knew. When we lost Alfred, we lost you too." :(
If there's one thing I've learned from Batman, it's that Batman is never lost for good. He always comes back. He always finds more hope and strength and drive. Tim shouldn't have given up on him so quickly here.
Jason, on the other hand, is written perfectly. He's a dick for blaming Damian, but he also shuts Ric up (ug, why is Ric even there?), when he insensitively calls Alfred "the butler". And his exit is the most positively surprising.
Jason: "I won't be a part of this. This weird crucifixion of Bruce, when he's hurting so much more than the rest of us."
Jason to Bruce: "...But you need to see how angry the rest of them are, and put that incredible brain of yours to fixing it. Or there won't be anything left to fix."
Of course, all the badass Alfred stories told by each in remembrance are the best part of this issue. The saddest Alfred story is Dick's, told by Bruce. (How Alfred shared his belief that the Waynes' deaths saved thousands of Gotham citizens over the years, and the world, many times over. That Bruce's parents would have been so proud of their sacrifices. That without their deaths, Batman would have never been.)
I actually liked the Detective Comics Annual #3, Who Dares, Wins by Tomasi, a lot.
The issue opens with some old-world Alfred spy action (love), and then cuts to a current Batman story. We see Batman save a mom and her disabled child, promise the kid a state-of-the-art brand new wheelchair by the next day (all in a day's work), and then come home to a mess. The cave is a disaster, the fridge is empty, and there's a strange lady standing in Bruce's study. lol
Marigold Sinclair is an old associate of Alfred's. She shares some of Alfred's unfinished MI-6 business with Bruce in the off chance he can pass along the information to someone (hint hint) who could help her with one more mission in Alfred's name. <3
(Batman then joins Marigold in Ukraine, and they get the bad guy.)
The last pages of this issue are Bruce cleaning the manor and Marigold sharing old photos and stories of Alfred with Bruce. <3 <3
5 stars for this story.
Detective Comics Annual #3, The Week by Tomasi, was also enjoyable, but I really didn't like the art by Eduardo Risso. The Week is a letter written by Alfred to Marigold (love the continuity) about the week he had, but obviously, we see through the accompanying pictures that he leaves out pretty much every true detail (of taking care of Batman) from his week.
4 stars for this story.
Issues #1020-1024 was an OK Two-Face story (+ "prelude" to the Joker War).
I didn't love the art by Andrew Hennessy. A lot of the action looked really zoomed in & up close, which made it hard to really see what was going on. And Batman's eyes had weird reflective lights in a lot of frames which looked kind of like googly eyes.
See the weird reflective eyeballs? :-/
Also, this.
Weird Batman reflective eyes; cute little kids at the New Hope Children's Hospital.
I generally like a good Harvey Dent & Batman comic, and this story had its moments, but the religious cult plotline was a little distracting.
I totally forgot Two-Face's "ending" in Batman & Robin and thought the Joker's (+ Hugo Strange's + the Hatter's) messing with his brain was actually a really good surprise reveal.
The fun part of a Two-Face comic is that Batman is always trying to save Harvey Dent. When Two-Face inevitably takes over, everything always goes to shit.
(Adding to this mess is the Joker annoyingly bringing back Lincoln March & the Talons, which surprisingly has nothing to do with Nightwing, Vol. 10: The Gray Son Legacy.)
Batman and Dent fight side-by-side against the Joker (love), and the storyline ends on win. Batman is able to fix the damage Joker inflicted on Dent (by removing the tainted bullet from his brain)... I love when Batman is able to do sensitive brain surgery in the middle of a non-sterile battle zone.
Also, loved Matches Malone's checking in on Harvey in Blackgate at the end. <3
Overall, a bit of a busy story (too many plot points), but I love Harvey Dent, so 3 stars for these issues.
Issue #1025 was the Joker War add-in included in The Joker War Saga. I didn't love the art here either by Kenneth Rocafort. While I didn't think this tie-in was so crucial to the Joker War, I did enjoy it when I read it in the collected volume. On its own though, it's very out of place in this volume. :-/
Storywise for #1025, we get to see Batwoman, who we haven't seen in this title in ages (since her falling out with Batman over Clayface). Love the cameo from Harvey Bullock and the GPD as they try to gain back ground from the Joker's clowns. And for someone who has been pretty pissy towards Batman since Gordon has been out of commission, I loved the scenes in the graveyard...
Harvey Bullock: "Blast anyone without a cape!"
(And also, Bullock: "Much as I hate to say it, thanks for the save, Bats.")
Batwoman to Batman: "What's your plan? Knowing you, I'm sure you've got some secret contingency plans for crap like this."
Batman: "As a matter of fact, I do." (Me: YAY!)
Batman: "I'll drive."
Batwoman: "Don't think so."
Batman: "I don't ride the pillion."
Batwoman: "My bike. My rules."
Next image is of Batman riding pillion behind Batwoman. Lol. (^ц^)
The plan is a tank. Lol.
I liked this issue in connection to the Joker War Saga (would probably give it a 3.5 rating), but in this volume, without context, it reads like a 2.
I really liked Monsters of Men by Tomasi in the last issue in this volume, #1026. It's a good Batman & Killer Croc story. I didn't love the art here either (also by Rocafort), but I did love this bottom frame of Batman between two gargoyles:
And the last page of Batman and Croc shaking hands.
Batman: "We've all had something taken away from us that ends up changing us. It's not giving in to the darkness that defines us, Waylon."
Croc/Waylon Jones: "Thanks, Batman."
Batman: "For what?"
Waylon: "For using my real name."
<3
4 stars.
A Gift by Mariko Tamaki, was only ok, though. A short cop story that goes bad, leaving a surviving GCPD officer blaming Batman for the murder of his partner. It takes place during the Joker War and is a short back-to-basics Batman scene. Batman's living in a hotel room alone & writing in his Black Casebook. Enjoyable, but pretty 2D.
2/3 stars.
Overall, this volume gets a 3 star rating for the hodgepodge collection.
The first story, Batman: Pennyworth R.I.P., written by James Tynion IV & Peter Tomasi was only OK IMO. Maybe a 3.5 star rating.
Text boxes: It should have been sooner.
The family each thinks this in turn. It should not have taken the dedication of a new building to bring them all together.
It should have been natural. It should have happened the moment Bane's stranglehold on the city was dismantled.
It should have happened before the body of a man they all loved went into the ground.
But they each know why this didn't happen.
Alfred wasn't there to tell him to do it.
There were parts that were written really well. I loved the spotlight on each of the batfamily and their personal feelings of loss. (Poor Damian!)
But I found the character writing to be both great and bad at points. Bruce has the "kids" come together for a private little wake for Alfred (while Catwoman, Orphan, Signal, and Batwoman patrol Gotham). And some character writing was really on point here (Babs, Damian & Jason), but some were just really weird (Bruce, Tim & "Ric").
Damian is crying and says Alfred's death was all his fault & Bruce's response is "Damian know's he's welcome here. He knows there's...no blame." Babs is yelling at him, "he clearly does not understand that." And not only does Bruce not go after Damian, which is so awful, Tim interrupts Babs' righteous yelling to toast Alfred and "get this back on track" while Damian is off on his own in his feelings. So messed up. I thought that was so out of Tim's character, let alone, Bruce! (Bruce could have at least said something like, "give him time, I'll find him later when he calms down," but he says nothing, letting poor Damian suffer.)
While I did love Tim's offer to move back in with Batman, I also didn't like it.
Tim to Bruce: "You know...I could set up in the cave for a while. Move back into the manor. Work the computer, help with the little things. I'm as willing to help you now as I was then. But I need you to ask. I need you to want the help...otherwise, I don't know what good it would do."
But Tim didn't ask last time. He inserted himself in Batman's life because that was what Batman needed. Why would he ask now? When Bruce needs him the most but would never say yes? Tim's exit was also weird. Like it was written for someone else.
Tim: "It sucks. I didn't want to believe it, but deep down I kind of knew. When we lost Alfred, we lost you too." :(
If there's one thing I've learned from Batman, it's that Batman is never lost for good. He always comes back. He always finds more hope and strength and drive. Tim shouldn't have given up on him so quickly here.
Jason, on the other hand, is written perfectly. He's a dick for blaming Damian, but he also shuts Ric up (ug, why is Ric even there?), when he insensitively calls Alfred "the butler". And his exit is the most positively surprising.
Jason: "I won't be a part of this. This weird crucifixion of Bruce, when he's hurting so much more than the rest of us."
Jason to Bruce: "...But you need to see how angry the rest of them are, and put that incredible brain of yours to fixing it. Or there won't be anything left to fix."
Of course, all the badass Alfred stories told by each in remembrance are the best part of this issue. The saddest Alfred story is Dick's, told by Bruce. (How Alfred shared his belief that the Waynes' deaths saved thousands of Gotham citizens over the years, and the world, many times over. That Bruce's parents would have been so proud of their sacrifices. That without their deaths, Batman would have never been.)
I actually liked the Detective Comics Annual #3, Who Dares, Wins by Tomasi, a lot.
The issue opens with some old-world Alfred spy action (love), and then cuts to a current Batman story. We see Batman save a mom and her disabled child, promise the kid a state-of-the-art brand new wheelchair by the next day (all in a day's work), and then come home to a mess. The cave is a disaster, the fridge is empty, and there's a strange lady standing in Bruce's study. lol
Marigold Sinclair is an old associate of Alfred's. She shares some of Alfred's unfinished MI-6 business with Bruce in the off chance he can pass along the information to someone (hint hint) who could help her with one more mission in Alfred's name. <3
(Batman then joins Marigold in Ukraine, and they get the bad guy.)
The last pages of this issue are Bruce cleaning the manor and Marigold sharing old photos and stories of Alfred with Bruce. <3 <3
5 stars for this story.
Detective Comics Annual #3, The Week by Tomasi, was also enjoyable, but I really didn't like the art by Eduardo Risso. The Week is a letter written by Alfred to Marigold (love the continuity) about the week he had, but obviously, we see through the accompanying pictures that he leaves out pretty much every true detail (of taking care of Batman) from his week.
4 stars for this story.
Issues #1020-1024 was an OK Two-Face story (+ "prelude" to the Joker War).
I didn't love the art by Andrew Hennessy. A lot of the action looked really zoomed in & up close, which made it hard to really see what was going on. And Batman's eyes had weird reflective lights in a lot of frames which looked kind of like googly eyes.
See the weird reflective eyeballs? :-/
Also, this.
Weird Batman reflective eyes; cute little kids at the New Hope Children's Hospital.
I generally like a good Harvey Dent & Batman comic, and this story had its moments, but the religious cult plotline was a little distracting.
I totally forgot Two-Face's "ending" in Batman & Robin and thought the Joker's (+ Hugo Strange's + the Hatter's) messing with his brain was actually a really good surprise reveal.
The fun part of a Two-Face comic is that Batman is always trying to save Harvey Dent. When Two-Face inevitably takes over, everything always goes to shit.
(Adding to this mess is the Joker annoyingly bringing back Lincoln March & the Talons, which surprisingly has nothing to do with Nightwing, Vol. 10: The Gray Son Legacy.)
Batman and Dent fight side-by-side against the Joker (love), and the storyline ends on win. Batman is able to fix the damage Joker inflicted on Dent (by removing the tainted bullet from his brain)... I love when Batman is able to do sensitive brain surgery in the middle of a non-sterile battle zone.
Also, loved Matches Malone's checking in on Harvey in Blackgate at the end. <3
Overall, a bit of a busy story (too many plot points), but I love Harvey Dent, so 3 stars for these issues.
Issue #1025 was the Joker War add-in included in The Joker War Saga. I didn't love the art here either by Kenneth Rocafort. While I didn't think this tie-in was so crucial to the Joker War, I did enjoy it when I read it in the collected volume. On its own though, it's very out of place in this volume. :-/
Storywise for #1025, we get to see Batwoman, who we haven't seen in this title in ages (since her falling out with Batman over Clayface). Love the cameo from Harvey Bullock and the GPD as they try to gain back ground from the Joker's clowns. And for someone who has been pretty pissy towards Batman since Gordon has been out of commission, I loved the scenes in the graveyard...
Harvey Bullock: "Blast anyone without a cape!"
(And also, Bullock: "Much as I hate to say it, thanks for the save, Bats.")
Batwoman to Batman: "What's your plan? Knowing you, I'm sure you've got some secret contingency plans for crap like this."
Batman: "As a matter of fact, I do." (Me: YAY!)
Batman: "I'll drive."
Batwoman: "Don't think so."
Batman: "I don't ride the pillion."
Batwoman: "My bike. My rules."
Next image is of Batman riding pillion behind Batwoman. Lol. (^ц^)
The plan is a tank. Lol.
I liked this issue in connection to the Joker War Saga (would probably give it a 3.5 rating), but in this volume, without context, it reads like a 2.
I really liked Monsters of Men by Tomasi in the last issue in this volume, #1026. It's a good Batman & Killer Croc story. I didn't love the art here either (also by Rocafort), but I did love this bottom frame of Batman between two gargoyles:
And the last page of Batman and Croc shaking hands.
Batman: "We've all had something taken away from us that ends up changing us. It's not giving in to the darkness that defines us, Waylon."
Croc/Waylon Jones: "Thanks, Batman."
Batman: "For what?"
Waylon: "For using my real name."
<3
4 stars.
A Gift by Mariko Tamaki, was only ok, though. A short cop story that goes bad, leaving a surviving GCPD officer blaming Batman for the murder of his partner. It takes place during the Joker War and is a short back-to-basics Batman scene. Batman's living in a hotel room alone & writing in his Black Casebook. Enjoyable, but pretty 2D.
2/3 stars.
Overall, this volume gets a 3 star rating for the hodgepodge collection.
February 18, 2026
Alright, this was the side story adjacent to the Joker War event that we needed to break up all the tension from the actual Joker War occurring in the main comics... and I kind of love it 😏👍❤️.
The writers could have skipped the title "Joker War" and called this arc "Two-Face's Revenge" or leaned into the multiple side story approach, which would have been more accurate. Although, I'm not disappointed with this title regardless.
Our plot begins with a Memorial held in honor of Alfred Pennyworth at the newly dedicated Alfred Pennyworth Children's Hospital. The ceremony encompasses the attendance of Ric Grayson (timeline correspondence with Batman #55 from Tom King'detonationrbara Gordon, and Jason Todd (who was not invited but crashed the party. What the fudge is wrong with you Bruce 😂?) Tim Drake and Damien Wayne (who is now around 14 years old, so I guess this takes place post-Teen Titans). Bruce makes a heartfelt speech and we briefly focus on how each member of the family responds with Damien notably hanging on to every word while others like Tim are more intuitive about what is going on with Bruce. At the end of the ceremony, all five of them go to a hotel & bar on the outskirts of Gotham to honor the last wish of Alfred Pennyworth which is to spend a night together in the morning.
We begin with a dysfunctional family fight from the Batkids when Ric mentions that he is only here to honor "the butler" to which Jason takes immediate offense followed by Barbara noting that neither Jason nor Dick were in Gotham during the "City of Bane". Jason rebuts Barbara's claim by emphasizing that he was told to stay clear and then diverts blame to Damien who did (which resulted in the loss of Alfred). Bruce then enters to quench the argument and what follows is a one-by-one session where each Batfamily member recounts a happy memory that they shared with Alfred followed by a raised glass before leaving the room. This dynamic storytelling is beautifully done and expertly shows the complexity of each Batfamily members' greif.
Damien is the first to recount one of his early arguments with his father and how he snuck out to go on patrol. Robin learned that he had taken on more than he could control and Alfred arrived at the screen to rescue him. A valuable lesson is learned about respect and Alfred in exchange offered his word to keep the events of that evening between them. Damien's words carry a deep sadness to them as he leaves with the guilt of knowing that he caused Alfred's demise and Bruce doesn't argue. Barbara's anger and disdain rise as she tells Bruce to go after his son. She argues that it is one thing to treat the rest of this way but has an obligation and responsibility to Damien.
Next is Tim who focuses more on how Alfred was always there to welcome the outsider. Tim expounds upon this idea by noting that he once felt like he could never measure up to Dick's phenomenon run as Robin nor Jason's tragedy which left Bruce in shambles but how Alfred understood that there was room for Tim to make his own mark on the title as Robin. Upon concluding his story Tim turns to Bruce and expresses that this time feels very reminiscent of the past and pleads with Bruce not to lose himself during this time of immense loss like he once did. Tim also offers to help by becoming Robin once more but he requires Bruce to vocalize his need for help by asking him to do it. Bruce refuses Tim's offer and he leaves.
We then focus on Jason who recounts a similar story to Damien when Alfred rescued him as Red Hood from a rough situation. Once Jason concludes the tale he turns to Bruce and states that Tim recounts how he was there to save Bruce after his death and proposes that maybe it's time for Bruce to work this out himself. Jason notes that he understands that Bruce is hurting right now but he implores him to look around at the rest of the family and to notice their anger. Jason leaves with sound advice for Bruce to bring this family together or else risk it all falling apart.
Barbara takes a moment to express how this was not how she thought this night would go but how it brings to light all of the mixed emotions the citizens of Gotham are feeling in light of all that has occurred. She then expounds by stating that now is the time that the City of Gotham as well as this family need the best from Bruce at this moment. Bruce remains still and Barbara rises up in anger flipping the table yelling at Bruce to "React to Something!". Barbara then goes on to share a heartfelt memory she once shared with Alfred where he took her on a drive three hours outside of Gotham to hike Mount Kane. The two conclude their hike at noon at the top of the mountain where Alfred surprises Barbara with a cupcake in celebration of her anniversary of completing spine rehabilitation. Barbara then leaves.
Ric & Bruce are the remaining two in the bar. Ric pours Bruce a ginger ale noting how he knows Bruce doesn't enjoy alcohol then asks the man what story would Dick Grayson share with everyone on this night. Bruce goes on to tell a story about how he once tracked Alfred down as Nightwing to Park Row when he noticed the pattern of Alfred leaving flowers on a very particular day. Bruce recounts how Nightwing asked Alfred if he would share a meal with him to which Alfred agreed. Once the meal concluded Nightwing asks his question and Alfred responds by sharing that he leaves the day of mourning the anniversary of the Waynes' death for Bruce but how he also wanted to notice a day for solidarity for their lose so he chose their wedding anniversary. The following year on the death anniversary Nightwing visits Batman on patrol and tells him about what Alfred did in recognition to which Batman thanks him. Ric states that Dick Grayson must have been a very heartfelt man and how this role would have naturally been expected of him. Ric apologizes for letting Bruce down but thanks him for sharing more about the memories/character of Dick Grayson before pinning a photo to the wall and leaving. Bruce goes to look at the photo and it is one of the entire Batfamily with Alfred at the center.
Our second arc focuses on Alfred Pennyworth's spy days as he worked under Great Britain's Crown with Marigold Sinclair & Kendle Pierce. Marigold takes notice of Batman as he goes on patrol then finds her way into Wayne Manor that evening to share how she is aware of Alfred's passing and that she was informed to never bother his successor unless she needed help and had nowhere else to turn. In a roundabout way, she expresses that she has an old case to investigate involving her partner Kendle who turned out to be a double spy sharing secrets with the Soviet Union. Marigold also expresses how the Crown would look down at the investigation of this old case as it marked cold years ago. She gives a vague address and tells Bruce that Kendle intends to commit suicide in an old wear house surrounded by his bodyguards and how she intends to bring him to justice. Batman arrives on the scene and encounters an assassin named NKVDEMON. Batman throws the fight allowing himself to be captured which leads him directly to Kendle. Batman confronts the man on his treachery and Kendle retorts that Russia is where his loyalty lies. Marigold then appears with a loaded gun aimed at Kendle and yells that he betrayed "God, Country, & our team". Kendle recounts how he was never a part of their team rather that the partnership was always between Alfred & her. Marigold raises her weapon and a bullet lands in the wall right next to Kendle's head. She then informs Batman to prepare Kendle for the alerted authorities and leaves. What follows after this encounter is Bruce slowly piecing his life together in the wake of Alfred's loss and we end with Marigold once more appearing in the manor to share a scrapbook of her adventure with Bruce. This is a very touching scene and a well-written arc that further adds to the life and legacy of Alfred👍💯.
Our third plot focuses mainly on Two-Face/ Harvey Dent. We begin with a coin flip that determines the fate of the Demarco brothers who are twins. Batman investigates the crime scene at the Black Market high-end coin dealership to find a slew of silver dollars bloodied on the floor, both guns from the brother had been fired, and their eyes gouged out. The items stolen are minted '22 silver dollars and a trail of blood. Batman pulls up a forensic file in the Batmobile to evaluate the samples and finds that Harvey was shit twice and seeks to determine where he traveled for treatment.
In an urgent care, we see Harvey receive treatment from a late-night physician who tediously tries to remove the bullets. The pain starts to get to Harvey as he begins flipping his coin then makes a note of how he appreciates the physician for treating him and that he's forgotten how his disposition can be unnerving especially with fresh wounds. The doctor although nervous seems not to mind and continues treating Harvey when he suddenly snaps and shoots the doctor, killing him in cold blood. Harvey is shaken by the scene but Two-Face pulls him in tighter to regain control then takes a scaple and removes the bullet from his arm. The doctor moves and earns himself another bullet. A report comes through the police line of a shooting at an urgent care and Batman leaps into action to track Two-Face down. Meanwhile, the henchmen of Two-Face seek to burn the facility down lining the building with gasoline. A match is lite but Batman arrives just in time to squelch the flame. The goons begin fighting Batman with a manic movement to their steps and Batman notes their outfits are matching which is very uncharacteristic for Harvey. The Men speak about how Batman disturbed the balance and shoot at Batman causing a chain reaction fire. Batman drags the men out of the burning building but they are all spontaneously killed by a bomb detonation in their brains. The henchmen are delivered to the mouge and Batman performs an autopsy where he determines that the majority of the men were ill but is left with more questions as they are all so vastly different. Suddenly as Batman is driving the Batmobile he hears a yell from Two-Face standing in front of the road "Bruce!!" prompting him to immediately stop. Armed with a batarang Batman steps out and asks Two-Face what he has done to their city and what is happening to which Harvey pleads for help claiming that he's noticed how Two-Face has been acting irrationally and erratically more so than usual. Harvey claims that he has come to surrender himself as he fears Two-Face has become too strong. Batman responds by telling Harvey that he needs to fight for the life Two-Face has taken from him and bury him once in for all. Batman then makes a breif stop at the old Gotham Courthouse believing that he needs to learn about what Two-Face has planed. Left alone to his thoughts Harvey begins to surcome to Two-Face. Two-Face seeks a way out of the Batmobile and presses the eject seat then finds his way inside.
Meanwhile, Batman finds his way to the lower floor where he walks into the cult meeting of Two-Face's chanting henchmen as the man of the hour, Two-Face, appears behind Batman shooting him down. In the next scene we see Batman lured over a vat of acid as Two-Face stands sanctimoniously above with the desire to give Batman a Baptism of mind & body. Batman calls out telling Harvey to stop consuming himself in darkness and that the war he has waged is a loosing battle. (This scene is phenomenal by the way 👏. The bitter sweet irony of Batman's advice to Harvey mixed with Two-Face's literal meaning of baptism to show Batman his perspective is beautifully displayed. This part is perfectly scripted!!). All seems lost as Batman is droped into the acid but our Dark Knight is a fighter who rises above the green vat and takes matters into his own hands dumping it's acidic contents onto the floor. The disciples of Two-Face scramble to avoid the toxic chemicals while Two-Face uses his followers like stairs to asscend to the next level. Batman swings across leaving a grapple wire for the henchmen a lifeline to hang onto the next level yelling "SAVE YOUR MISERABLE LIVES". The henchmen count the survivors and notice that there were no fatalities. Two-Face retorts that Batman is buying himself time and disturbing the balance.
We cut the next scene where we see two henchmen working on a detonators to destroy a children hospital but Batman intervenes saving the day once more on his way to an apartment building to follow a lead. Batman meets with a woman who explains that her husband learned of his terminal cancer diagnoses while in prison and Two-Face offered funding for their family including a Swiss account to help pay for their sons' college, their apartment, and when the time came his funeral in exchange for his service. Batman informs the woman that her account will be untouched then leaves to follow another lead. Batman returns to the only fully scarred henchmen he captured from the courthouse and demands the man tell him about how he met Harvey Dent. The man explains that he was homeless after he survived a drug explosion that left him permanently disfigured. He was searching for food near a back ally way when he heard groaning from within and noticed Two-Face on the ground in a pool of blood (This takes place after Batman & Robin Volume 5 The Big Burn. I highly recommend this volume, it is so well written and adds great depth to Harvey Dent's character.) The men considered robbing Two-Face before selling him to the highest bidder in the underworld when Joker appears and demands that the two henchmen load Harvey into his truck. The Joker takes Two-Face to a base where Hugo Strange & The Mad Hatter preform an endoscopic surgery on Harvey's brain to push a lodged bullet deeper into his mind. Joker explains that this is all apart of a more elaborate plan for Batman and that Harvey is mearly a pawn. We then redirect our attention to the Dark Knight who stands there asking himself what does Joker have planed.
In our next scene & the build up to our grand finale, we see the Joker rummaging through the "Tomb of the Unworthy" for one very particular Talon. The Joker stops when he arrives at a casket marked L.M. and produces a syringe to revive his fallen Talon. Lincoln March rises and claims that he serves to court to which the Joker retorts that he will serve his bidding. We then focus on Batman who stands upon the city skyline tracing through his clues and determines that he must hunt down Hugo Strange & Mad Hatter to get the answers he needs. Batman successfully tracks down Hugo Strange and takes his endoscope. Hugo lunges to attack him but Batman swiftly disarms him. The Mad Hatter attached to an array of wires attempts to distort Batman's judgement to make him see his deceased loved one while the question lingers "Who do you fight for?". The Dark Knight swiftly banishes that thought and takes down The Mad Hatter then returns his attention to Hugo Strange to demand that he locates Harvey Dent via the microchip they implanted in him.
Over the Gotham City Police Armory Batman lies poised for battle as he seeks to reason with Two-Face about Joker's sick plan but Two-Face isn't in the mood to talk and hits Batman by surprise dressed in the retired Robo-Bat suit (when Jim Gordon was Batman in the New 52/post "We Are Robin"). The two begin dueling and in the midst of battle Batman breaks the face protection injuring Two-Face breifly causing him to address the vital hit. Batman moved to approach him but is cut off by the swift motion of the Talon as LM declares that the Joker sends his regards.
We've reached our Finale as Talon stands with an army of Owls prepared to take down Batman. The Dark Knight makes one final plead to Harvey asking if he chooses to stand on his side or with the Joker who has hired the Talon. Two-Face rises up and denounces the Joker as he, the army of Two-Face disciples, & Batman fight back. In the heat of battle Batman breaks Lincoln's mask to reveal a Jokerized version of the man linked up via cameras and a microphone to clue in the Joker. Batman gets the upper hand freezing the Talon in place. Two-Face tries to fight back the other Talons but out of options yells for Batman to get clear before letting of an explosion. Once the smoke clears Batman returns and paralyzes the Robo-Bat suit so he can preform surgery on Harvey to remove the bullet. Batman is successful in the extraction as he calls out to Dent who replies "Let's get out of here". We then see the Joker laughing in the background at the entertaining show he arranged.
In our following scene, we see Harvey Dent locked up in BlackGate Prison reading through individual cases to help various inmates and write helpful advisments to their DAs. A long line of patients sits there eagerly waiting council but the first of the line decides to take sometime to ask Harvey more about himself. The man expresses that he has been tried by him as Harvey Dent before to which Harvey responds that he is not that guy any more. The man retorts that he has also worked for Two-Face before as well to which Two-Face replies that he isn't that guy either. The man recognizes Two-Face & Harvey's unique prospectives and praises it claiming that skill must come in handy with winning cases. Two-Face agrees and gives credit to the man before asking his name. All the man says is Matches Malone handing Two-Face a bullet as a gift from an old friend.
Believe it or not our plot continues with three additional arcs involving- 1. A Batman & Batwoman team up to save Mr. Fox from the grip of Punchline & the Joker in Joker War. 2. A Killer Croc plot, whereby, Croc attempts to save the citizens from Joker War by drawing them below the surface into the sewers then makes them drink sewer water which turns them into Gentic creatures. Batman puts a stop to it and Croc agrees hoping that the genetically modified people could be saved. 3. Finally, an indepth look at how Mr. Nakano lost his partner and how Batman become synonymous linked & implicated to the reason why Nakano hates vigilantes.
Overall, this was a fantastic collection of stories that is sure to draw you in with its thrilling head turning plots and will make you stay with those subtle heartwarming tales. I loved the indepth character analysis of Two-Face and the explored parallels he shares to Batman in terms of his duality as both Harvey Dent & Batman fight to redeem the good within Two-Face. I also found the initial plot involving the morning of Alfred to be so cathartic and raw in rich indepth emotional turmoil for each Batfamily member. This arc beautifully displays the levels of mourning each member felt regarding Alfred as well as their interpersonal ties to Bruce and their individual desires to have the man reunite their dysfunctional family once more. This volume is easily a 10/10 🌟 for it's brilliant use of layered writing that perfectly balanced an emotional subplot with an active engaging over-arching plot involving Two-Face. I loved this volume and can't wait to read the final Detective Comic installment for this series 😉👍🦇.
The writers could have skipped the title "Joker War" and called this arc "Two-Face's Revenge" or leaned into the multiple side story approach, which would have been more accurate. Although, I'm not disappointed with this title regardless.
Our plot begins with a Memorial held in honor of Alfred Pennyworth at the newly dedicated Alfred Pennyworth Children's Hospital. The ceremony encompasses the attendance of Ric Grayson (timeline correspondence with Batman #55 from Tom King'detonationrbara Gordon, and Jason Todd (who was not invited but crashed the party. What the fudge is wrong with you Bruce 😂?) Tim Drake and Damien Wayne (who is now around 14 years old, so I guess this takes place post-Teen Titans). Bruce makes a heartfelt speech and we briefly focus on how each member of the family responds with Damien notably hanging on to every word while others like Tim are more intuitive about what is going on with Bruce. At the end of the ceremony, all five of them go to a hotel & bar on the outskirts of Gotham to honor the last wish of Alfred Pennyworth which is to spend a night together in the morning.
We begin with a dysfunctional family fight from the Batkids when Ric mentions that he is only here to honor "the butler" to which Jason takes immediate offense followed by Barbara noting that neither Jason nor Dick were in Gotham during the "City of Bane". Jason rebuts Barbara's claim by emphasizing that he was told to stay clear and then diverts blame to Damien who did (which resulted in the loss of Alfred). Bruce then enters to quench the argument and what follows is a one-by-one session where each Batfamily member recounts a happy memory that they shared with Alfred followed by a raised glass before leaving the room. This dynamic storytelling is beautifully done and expertly shows the complexity of each Batfamily members' greif.
Damien is the first to recount one of his early arguments with his father and how he snuck out to go on patrol. Robin learned that he had taken on more than he could control and Alfred arrived at the screen to rescue him. A valuable lesson is learned about respect and Alfred in exchange offered his word to keep the events of that evening between them. Damien's words carry a deep sadness to them as he leaves with the guilt of knowing that he caused Alfred's demise and Bruce doesn't argue. Barbara's anger and disdain rise as she tells Bruce to go after his son. She argues that it is one thing to treat the rest of this way but has an obligation and responsibility to Damien.
Next is Tim who focuses more on how Alfred was always there to welcome the outsider. Tim expounds upon this idea by noting that he once felt like he could never measure up to Dick's phenomenon run as Robin nor Jason's tragedy which left Bruce in shambles but how Alfred understood that there was room for Tim to make his own mark on the title as Robin. Upon concluding his story Tim turns to Bruce and expresses that this time feels very reminiscent of the past and pleads with Bruce not to lose himself during this time of immense loss like he once did. Tim also offers to help by becoming Robin once more but he requires Bruce to vocalize his need for help by asking him to do it. Bruce refuses Tim's offer and he leaves.
We then focus on Jason who recounts a similar story to Damien when Alfred rescued him as Red Hood from a rough situation. Once Jason concludes the tale he turns to Bruce and states that Tim recounts how he was there to save Bruce after his death and proposes that maybe it's time for Bruce to work this out himself. Jason notes that he understands that Bruce is hurting right now but he implores him to look around at the rest of the family and to notice their anger. Jason leaves with sound advice for Bruce to bring this family together or else risk it all falling apart.
Barbara takes a moment to express how this was not how she thought this night would go but how it brings to light all of the mixed emotions the citizens of Gotham are feeling in light of all that has occurred. She then expounds by stating that now is the time that the City of Gotham as well as this family need the best from Bruce at this moment. Bruce remains still and Barbara rises up in anger flipping the table yelling at Bruce to "React to Something!". Barbara then goes on to share a heartfelt memory she once shared with Alfred where he took her on a drive three hours outside of Gotham to hike Mount Kane. The two conclude their hike at noon at the top of the mountain where Alfred surprises Barbara with a cupcake in celebration of her anniversary of completing spine rehabilitation. Barbara then leaves.
Ric & Bruce are the remaining two in the bar. Ric pours Bruce a ginger ale noting how he knows Bruce doesn't enjoy alcohol then asks the man what story would Dick Grayson share with everyone on this night. Bruce goes on to tell a story about how he once tracked Alfred down as Nightwing to Park Row when he noticed the pattern of Alfred leaving flowers on a very particular day. Bruce recounts how Nightwing asked Alfred if he would share a meal with him to which Alfred agreed. Once the meal concluded Nightwing asks his question and Alfred responds by sharing that he leaves the day of mourning the anniversary of the Waynes' death for Bruce but how he also wanted to notice a day for solidarity for their lose so he chose their wedding anniversary. The following year on the death anniversary Nightwing visits Batman on patrol and tells him about what Alfred did in recognition to which Batman thanks him. Ric states that Dick Grayson must have been a very heartfelt man and how this role would have naturally been expected of him. Ric apologizes for letting Bruce down but thanks him for sharing more about the memories/character of Dick Grayson before pinning a photo to the wall and leaving. Bruce goes to look at the photo and it is one of the entire Batfamily with Alfred at the center.
Our second arc focuses on Alfred Pennyworth's spy days as he worked under Great Britain's Crown with Marigold Sinclair & Kendle Pierce. Marigold takes notice of Batman as he goes on patrol then finds her way into Wayne Manor that evening to share how she is aware of Alfred's passing and that she was informed to never bother his successor unless she needed help and had nowhere else to turn. In a roundabout way, she expresses that she has an old case to investigate involving her partner Kendle who turned out to be a double spy sharing secrets with the Soviet Union. Marigold also expresses how the Crown would look down at the investigation of this old case as it marked cold years ago. She gives a vague address and tells Bruce that Kendle intends to commit suicide in an old wear house surrounded by his bodyguards and how she intends to bring him to justice. Batman arrives on the scene and encounters an assassin named NKVDEMON. Batman throws the fight allowing himself to be captured which leads him directly to Kendle. Batman confronts the man on his treachery and Kendle retorts that Russia is where his loyalty lies. Marigold then appears with a loaded gun aimed at Kendle and yells that he betrayed "God, Country, & our team". Kendle recounts how he was never a part of their team rather that the partnership was always between Alfred & her. Marigold raises her weapon and a bullet lands in the wall right next to Kendle's head. She then informs Batman to prepare Kendle for the alerted authorities and leaves. What follows after this encounter is Bruce slowly piecing his life together in the wake of Alfred's loss and we end with Marigold once more appearing in the manor to share a scrapbook of her adventure with Bruce. This is a very touching scene and a well-written arc that further adds to the life and legacy of Alfred👍💯.
Our third plot focuses mainly on Two-Face/ Harvey Dent. We begin with a coin flip that determines the fate of the Demarco brothers who are twins. Batman investigates the crime scene at the Black Market high-end coin dealership to find a slew of silver dollars bloodied on the floor, both guns from the brother had been fired, and their eyes gouged out. The items stolen are minted '22 silver dollars and a trail of blood. Batman pulls up a forensic file in the Batmobile to evaluate the samples and finds that Harvey was shit twice and seeks to determine where he traveled for treatment.
In an urgent care, we see Harvey receive treatment from a late-night physician who tediously tries to remove the bullets. The pain starts to get to Harvey as he begins flipping his coin then makes a note of how he appreciates the physician for treating him and that he's forgotten how his disposition can be unnerving especially with fresh wounds. The doctor although nervous seems not to mind and continues treating Harvey when he suddenly snaps and shoots the doctor, killing him in cold blood. Harvey is shaken by the scene but Two-Face pulls him in tighter to regain control then takes a scaple and removes the bullet from his arm. The doctor moves and earns himself another bullet. A report comes through the police line of a shooting at an urgent care and Batman leaps into action to track Two-Face down. Meanwhile, the henchmen of Two-Face seek to burn the facility down lining the building with gasoline. A match is lite but Batman arrives just in time to squelch the flame. The goons begin fighting Batman with a manic movement to their steps and Batman notes their outfits are matching which is very uncharacteristic for Harvey. The Men speak about how Batman disturbed the balance and shoot at Batman causing a chain reaction fire. Batman drags the men out of the burning building but they are all spontaneously killed by a bomb detonation in their brains. The henchmen are delivered to the mouge and Batman performs an autopsy where he determines that the majority of the men were ill but is left with more questions as they are all so vastly different. Suddenly as Batman is driving the Batmobile he hears a yell from Two-Face standing in front of the road "Bruce!!" prompting him to immediately stop. Armed with a batarang Batman steps out and asks Two-Face what he has done to their city and what is happening to which Harvey pleads for help claiming that he's noticed how Two-Face has been acting irrationally and erratically more so than usual. Harvey claims that he has come to surrender himself as he fears Two-Face has become too strong. Batman responds by telling Harvey that he needs to fight for the life Two-Face has taken from him and bury him once in for all. Batman then makes a breif stop at the old Gotham Courthouse believing that he needs to learn about what Two-Face has planed. Left alone to his thoughts Harvey begins to surcome to Two-Face. Two-Face seeks a way out of the Batmobile and presses the eject seat then finds his way inside.
Meanwhile, Batman finds his way to the lower floor where he walks into the cult meeting of Two-Face's chanting henchmen as the man of the hour, Two-Face, appears behind Batman shooting him down. In the next scene we see Batman lured over a vat of acid as Two-Face stands sanctimoniously above with the desire to give Batman a Baptism of mind & body. Batman calls out telling Harvey to stop consuming himself in darkness and that the war he has waged is a loosing battle. (This scene is phenomenal by the way 👏. The bitter sweet irony of Batman's advice to Harvey mixed with Two-Face's literal meaning of baptism to show Batman his perspective is beautifully displayed. This part is perfectly scripted!!). All seems lost as Batman is droped into the acid but our Dark Knight is a fighter who rises above the green vat and takes matters into his own hands dumping it's acidic contents onto the floor. The disciples of Two-Face scramble to avoid the toxic chemicals while Two-Face uses his followers like stairs to asscend to the next level. Batman swings across leaving a grapple wire for the henchmen a lifeline to hang onto the next level yelling "SAVE YOUR MISERABLE LIVES". The henchmen count the survivors and notice that there were no fatalities. Two-Face retorts that Batman is buying himself time and disturbing the balance.
We cut the next scene where we see two henchmen working on a detonators to destroy a children hospital but Batman intervenes saving the day once more on his way to an apartment building to follow a lead. Batman meets with a woman who explains that her husband learned of his terminal cancer diagnoses while in prison and Two-Face offered funding for their family including a Swiss account to help pay for their sons' college, their apartment, and when the time came his funeral in exchange for his service. Batman informs the woman that her account will be untouched then leaves to follow another lead. Batman returns to the only fully scarred henchmen he captured from the courthouse and demands the man tell him about how he met Harvey Dent. The man explains that he was homeless after he survived a drug explosion that left him permanently disfigured. He was searching for food near a back ally way when he heard groaning from within and noticed Two-Face on the ground in a pool of blood (This takes place after Batman & Robin Volume 5 The Big Burn. I highly recommend this volume, it is so well written and adds great depth to Harvey Dent's character.) The men considered robbing Two-Face before selling him to the highest bidder in the underworld when Joker appears and demands that the two henchmen load Harvey into his truck. The Joker takes Two-Face to a base where Hugo Strange & The Mad Hatter preform an endoscopic surgery on Harvey's brain to push a lodged bullet deeper into his mind. Joker explains that this is all apart of a more elaborate plan for Batman and that Harvey is mearly a pawn. We then redirect our attention to the Dark Knight who stands there asking himself what does Joker have planed.
In our next scene & the build up to our grand finale, we see the Joker rummaging through the "Tomb of the Unworthy" for one very particular Talon. The Joker stops when he arrives at a casket marked L.M. and produces a syringe to revive his fallen Talon. Lincoln March rises and claims that he serves to court to which the Joker retorts that he will serve his bidding. We then focus on Batman who stands upon the city skyline tracing through his clues and determines that he must hunt down Hugo Strange & Mad Hatter to get the answers he needs. Batman successfully tracks down Hugo Strange and takes his endoscope. Hugo lunges to attack him but Batman swiftly disarms him. The Mad Hatter attached to an array of wires attempts to distort Batman's judgement to make him see his deceased loved one while the question lingers "Who do you fight for?". The Dark Knight swiftly banishes that thought and takes down The Mad Hatter then returns his attention to Hugo Strange to demand that he locates Harvey Dent via the microchip they implanted in him.
Over the Gotham City Police Armory Batman lies poised for battle as he seeks to reason with Two-Face about Joker's sick plan but Two-Face isn't in the mood to talk and hits Batman by surprise dressed in the retired Robo-Bat suit (when Jim Gordon was Batman in the New 52/post "We Are Robin"). The two begin dueling and in the midst of battle Batman breaks the face protection injuring Two-Face breifly causing him to address the vital hit. Batman moved to approach him but is cut off by the swift motion of the Talon as LM declares that the Joker sends his regards.
We've reached our Finale as Talon stands with an army of Owls prepared to take down Batman. The Dark Knight makes one final plead to Harvey asking if he chooses to stand on his side or with the Joker who has hired the Talon. Two-Face rises up and denounces the Joker as he, the army of Two-Face disciples, & Batman fight back. In the heat of battle Batman breaks Lincoln's mask to reveal a Jokerized version of the man linked up via cameras and a microphone to clue in the Joker. Batman gets the upper hand freezing the Talon in place. Two-Face tries to fight back the other Talons but out of options yells for Batman to get clear before letting of an explosion. Once the smoke clears Batman returns and paralyzes the Robo-Bat suit so he can preform surgery on Harvey to remove the bullet. Batman is successful in the extraction as he calls out to Dent who replies "Let's get out of here". We then see the Joker laughing in the background at the entertaining show he arranged.
In our following scene, we see Harvey Dent locked up in BlackGate Prison reading through individual cases to help various inmates and write helpful advisments to their DAs. A long line of patients sits there eagerly waiting council but the first of the line decides to take sometime to ask Harvey more about himself. The man expresses that he has been tried by him as Harvey Dent before to which Harvey responds that he is not that guy any more. The man retorts that he has also worked for Two-Face before as well to which Two-Face replies that he isn't that guy either. The man recognizes Two-Face & Harvey's unique prospectives and praises it claiming that skill must come in handy with winning cases. Two-Face agrees and gives credit to the man before asking his name. All the man says is Matches Malone handing Two-Face a bullet as a gift from an old friend.
Believe it or not our plot continues with three additional arcs involving- 1. A Batman & Batwoman team up to save Mr. Fox from the grip of Punchline & the Joker in Joker War. 2. A Killer Croc plot, whereby, Croc attempts to save the citizens from Joker War by drawing them below the surface into the sewers then makes them drink sewer water which turns them into Gentic creatures. Batman puts a stop to it and Croc agrees hoping that the genetically modified people could be saved. 3. Finally, an indepth look at how Mr. Nakano lost his partner and how Batman become synonymous linked & implicated to the reason why Nakano hates vigilantes.
Overall, this was a fantastic collection of stories that is sure to draw you in with its thrilling head turning plots and will make you stay with those subtle heartwarming tales. I loved the indepth character analysis of Two-Face and the explored parallels he shares to Batman in terms of his duality as both Harvey Dent & Batman fight to redeem the good within Two-Face. I also found the initial plot involving the morning of Alfred to be so cathartic and raw in rich indepth emotional turmoil for each Batfamily member. This arc beautifully displays the levels of mourning each member felt regarding Alfred as well as their interpersonal ties to Bruce and their individual desires to have the man reunite their dysfunctional family once more. This volume is easily a 10/10 🌟 for it's brilliant use of layered writing that perfectly balanced an emotional subplot with an active engaging over-arching plot involving Two-Face. I loved this volume and can't wait to read the final Detective Comic installment for this series 😉👍🦇.
July 21, 2021
Stupid book making me feel stupid emotions. Peter J. Tomasi is an excellent writer, especially when it comes to writing families. And no one else could have so perfectly written the fall-out from Alfred's death. I knew this would be a tough one to read... And yeah, it was an emotional punch to the gut. I didn't actually get tears, but those first few pages... at the dedication of the children's hospital in Alfred's name... yeah, that was rough. I hope to see Bruce step up with the family; I know he's tried (and failed) with Damian--he needed to work through his feelings with Damian, rather than working on his first, and then seeking out Damian--but that's the thing with feelings, isn't it? They're not logical. All of that said, I loved getting all these special little "Alfred moments" between him and the Bat-kids. I need more of those moments--if they must be through memory, then so be it. All of that, plus a pretty engaging Two-Face story and some great set-up/tie-ins to the lager Joker War. I'm eager to see what is in store next for the Bat Family... and I'm hoping that they come together just like Alfred would have wanted.
April 28, 2022
While part of this volume plays in the shadow of the absolutely horseshit event Joker War, it offers us fun action and heartfelt moments while doing it. The bulk of the book gives us our first glimpse at Two-Face since Tomasi wrote him in Batman & Robin #28 way back in New 52, it’s been a minute and his arc is really good! Brad Walker draws a really nice Batman that doesn’t really follow the typical DC house style, Rocafort’s art isn’t on Walker’s level but still easy on the eyes.
April 29, 2021
Bruce Wayne is very unlikeable from the Alfred story . Which makes me not to want to continue more .
March 31, 2022
I am a fan of Peter Tomasi's writing. I feel he is a gifted writer, but that is almost allways sidelined and tasked with writing fill in stories or secondary titles, while other writers, even new ones, take over the main titles of top characters.
Despite that, he has written some of the best Batman stories of the last decade in the new52 "Batman and Robin" title, and the best Superman stories of the last decade in Rebirth's "Superman" title, despite those being titles that played second fiddle to whatever was happenning in the concurrent Batman and Action Comics series.
But despite proving himself time and time again, he keeps getting sidelined, a complaint his frequent colaborator Patrick Gleason had had as well regarding their treatment of both by DC comics, despite their amazing collaborations having sold well and being acclaimed, to the point that Gleason left DC for Marvel comics.
It kind of feels like Patrcik Gleason leaving DC comics might have been the last straw for Peter Tomasi, as his Detective Comics run, while not bad, had not came close to the sucess his early Batman and Superman runs. His heart just doesn't seem to be in it.
And this 5th volume, that has to fill the obligatory crossover and reference whatever is happenning in the batman title (in this case, the mediocre Joker War saga) features some of the worst writing I have seen from Tomasi. It is incredibly dull and convoluted.
The first half of the book is not bad. There is a few stories centered on Alfred Pennyworth that are emotional and endearing, and a second story, where Batman has to help someone from Alfred's past solve a mystery. These are good, if not great, stories. But once the Two-Face Joker War related issues kick in, it becomes an inchoerent and nonsensical mess. It's all downhill from there.
Its some of the worst Batman stories I've read in a while, worst even than Tynion's work on the charater, which I find to be terribly mediocre.
The usually pretty good Brad Walker delivers chaotic and unclear panels that further muddle the already messy story. Even Walker seems to want to just get it over with, and churn out the pages he has been comissioned. Its a poor show for anyone involved. Walker's Joker though, is very cool looking and menacing, so there's that plus, I guess.
The next volume collects Toamsis's final issues of Detective Comics, and its probably for the best that he is leaving the title, because he seems to be about done with it. Too bad, as he is very talented, but it kind of feels he is incredibly frustrated with DC at this point to really deliver content up to his usual high standards. And I really can't blame him.
Despite that, he has written some of the best Batman stories of the last decade in the new52 "Batman and Robin" title, and the best Superman stories of the last decade in Rebirth's "Superman" title, despite those being titles that played second fiddle to whatever was happenning in the concurrent Batman and Action Comics series.
But despite proving himself time and time again, he keeps getting sidelined, a complaint his frequent colaborator Patrick Gleason had had as well regarding their treatment of both by DC comics, despite their amazing collaborations having sold well and being acclaimed, to the point that Gleason left DC for Marvel comics.
It kind of feels like Patrcik Gleason leaving DC comics might have been the last straw for Peter Tomasi, as his Detective Comics run, while not bad, had not came close to the sucess his early Batman and Superman runs. His heart just doesn't seem to be in it.
And this 5th volume, that has to fill the obligatory crossover and reference whatever is happenning in the batman title (in this case, the mediocre Joker War saga) features some of the worst writing I have seen from Tomasi. It is incredibly dull and convoluted.
The first half of the book is not bad. There is a few stories centered on Alfred Pennyworth that are emotional and endearing, and a second story, where Batman has to help someone from Alfred's past solve a mystery. These are good, if not great, stories. But once the Two-Face Joker War related issues kick in, it becomes an inchoerent and nonsensical mess. It's all downhill from there.
Its some of the worst Batman stories I've read in a while, worst even than Tynion's work on the charater, which I find to be terribly mediocre.
The usually pretty good Brad Walker delivers chaotic and unclear panels that further muddle the already messy story. Even Walker seems to want to just get it over with, and churn out the pages he has been comissioned. Its a poor show for anyone involved. Walker's Joker though, is very cool looking and menacing, so there's that plus, I guess.
The next volume collects Toamsis's final issues of Detective Comics, and its probably for the best that he is leaving the title, because he seems to be about done with it. Too bad, as he is very talented, but it kind of feels he is incredibly frustrated with DC at this point to really deliver content up to his usual high standards. And I really can't blame him.
July 27, 2022
Batman Detective Comics: Wojna Jokera rozpoczyna się tam, gdzie skończył poprzedni tom z trwającej serii z 2016 r. (numery #1020–1026) i zawiera komiksy z Detective Comics nr 1027, Batman: Pennyworth RIP oraz Detective Comics Annual #3, obejmującą siedem różnych historii.
Najbardziej emocjonująca jest trzyczęściowa fabuła Szpetne serce (Detective Comics #1020–1022), w której Bruce Wayne jako Batman konfrontuje się z Harveyem Dentem jako Dwie Twarze. Two-Face stał się teraz przywódcą kultu i wydaje się, że przegrywa ze swoją mroczną stroną. Okazuje się, że wcale nie dąży do zagłady Gotham, lecz jest sterowany, by jego mroczna połowa kierowała nim całym. To interesująca historia, ponieważ postać Harveya połączyła siły z Batmanem przeciwko Dwóm Twarzom. Piękna psychologiczna gra i nawiązania m. in. do zeszytów Batman Trybunał Sów.
Preludium do wojny Jokera to wątek składający się z powiązanych historii wojny Jokera ze złoczyńcami takimi jak Killer Croc. Killer Croc napotyka w kanałach mutantów i właściwie chowa się z nimi przed światem Gotham. To przypomina nieco historię pochodzenia Wojowniczych Żółwi Ninja.
Jednoczęściowa fabuła Detective Comics Annual #3, w której Batman ściga złoczyńcę, na którego polował jeszcze młody Alfred Pennyworth. Teraz, po jego śmierci, sprawę pragnie zamknąć jego była partnerka. Wspominki o Alfredzie występują też w historii Tydzień, gdzie poznajemy jak bardzo lokaj dbał o młodego Brucea, jednak najbardziej nacechowany emocjami jest rozpoczynający zestawienie zeszyt Batman: Pennyworth RIP. To jednowątkowy odcinek specjalny. Bruce Wayne, cierpiący na amnezję Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, Tim Drake i Damian Wayne spotkają się i będą wspominać wiernego lokaja i to, jak na każdego z nich wpłynął.
Więcej na: https://www.monime.pl/batman-detectiv...
Najbardziej emocjonująca jest trzyczęściowa fabuła Szpetne serce (Detective Comics #1020–1022), w której Bruce Wayne jako Batman konfrontuje się z Harveyem Dentem jako Dwie Twarze. Two-Face stał się teraz przywódcą kultu i wydaje się, że przegrywa ze swoją mroczną stroną. Okazuje się, że wcale nie dąży do zagłady Gotham, lecz jest sterowany, by jego mroczna połowa kierowała nim całym. To interesująca historia, ponieważ postać Harveya połączyła siły z Batmanem przeciwko Dwóm Twarzom. Piękna psychologiczna gra i nawiązania m. in. do zeszytów Batman Trybunał Sów.
Preludium do wojny Jokera to wątek składający się z powiązanych historii wojny Jokera ze złoczyńcami takimi jak Killer Croc. Killer Croc napotyka w kanałach mutantów i właściwie chowa się z nimi przed światem Gotham. To przypomina nieco historię pochodzenia Wojowniczych Żółwi Ninja.
Jednoczęściowa fabuła Detective Comics Annual #3, w której Batman ściga złoczyńcę, na którego polował jeszcze młody Alfred Pennyworth. Teraz, po jego śmierci, sprawę pragnie zamknąć jego była partnerka. Wspominki o Alfredzie występują też w historii Tydzień, gdzie poznajemy jak bardzo lokaj dbał o młodego Brucea, jednak najbardziej nacechowany emocjami jest rozpoczynający zestawienie zeszyt Batman: Pennyworth RIP. To jednowątkowy odcinek specjalny. Bruce Wayne, cierpiący na amnezję Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd, Tim Drake i Damian Wayne spotkają się i będą wspominać wiernego lokaja i to, jak na każdego z nich wpłynął.
Więcej na: https://www.monime.pl/batman-detectiv...
May 19, 2021
3.5 Stars.
This tie-in Volume with The Joker War has a lot less to do with the Joker than most of the other tie-in Volumes. Mostly focusing on Two-Face, this Volume is still action packed, and actually functions better with less of the Clown Prince and his minions.
Highlights
- Beginning on a more somber note, we have the issue called "Pennyworth RIP", which shows the dedication of the new Alfred J Pennyworth Children's Hospital, and the Bat-Family getting together to remember him. Quite a lot of stress built up towards Bruce (but this is mostly resolved by the end of the Joker War in the main Batman title)
- Two-Face, under mental control from the Joker (surgical implant), ramps up everything! Gathering tons of new followers, he establishes the "Church of the Two" and flips a coin daily to determine whether they will help the city or plunge it further into chaos. But.... the implant is causing the Harvey side of him to want to be out more, and when that happens, he seeks out Batman for help.
- After switching back, Two-Face tries to scar Batman like he is. It doesn't work, but we get a very cool acid bath action sequence.
- Seeing that Harvey is compromised, Joker wakes up Talon (Lincoln March) and puts him to work, as well as causing an issue with Killer Croc when he poisons the sewer waters. Just more work for Batman....
Overall, these stories were pretty good, but I look forward to getting past the whole Joker War storyline. Recommend.
PS: Both "Joker War" and "War of Jokes and Riddles" hold no candle to the threat level Joker caused in "Death of the Family".
This tie-in Volume with The Joker War has a lot less to do with the Joker than most of the other tie-in Volumes. Mostly focusing on Two-Face, this Volume is still action packed, and actually functions better with less of the Clown Prince and his minions.
Highlights
- Beginning on a more somber note, we have the issue called "Pennyworth RIP", which shows the dedication of the new Alfred J Pennyworth Children's Hospital, and the Bat-Family getting together to remember him. Quite a lot of stress built up towards Bruce (but this is mostly resolved by the end of the Joker War in the main Batman title)
- Two-Face, under mental control from the Joker (surgical implant), ramps up everything! Gathering tons of new followers, he establishes the "Church of the Two" and flips a coin daily to determine whether they will help the city or plunge it further into chaos. But.... the implant is causing the Harvey side of him to want to be out more, and when that happens, he seeks out Batman for help.
- After switching back, Two-Face tries to scar Batman like he is. It doesn't work, but we get a very cool acid bath action sequence.
- Seeing that Harvey is compromised, Joker wakes up Talon (Lincoln March) and puts him to work, as well as causing an issue with Killer Croc when he poisons the sewer waters. Just more work for Batman....
Overall, these stories were pretty good, but I look forward to getting past the whole Joker War storyline. Recommend.
PS: Both "Joker War" and "War of Jokes and Riddles" hold no candle to the threat level Joker caused in "Death of the Family".
April 14, 2021
Unfortunately, I read this after the finale to the Joker War, so be sure to read this first.
The first issue is all about Alfred and his effect on the team. It's pretty good, showing how each loved Alfred for different reasons, and it also gives each a chance to yell at Bruce. It's probably the strongest issue of the book. Following that is an Annual detailing an adventure from Alfred's early days as an agent, which ties into something in modern times. It doesn't feed into the current storyline, but gives some background to Alfred.
The next 4-5 issues are about Two-Face and what's he's been up to during the Joker War. It has some interesting ideas, trying to change and update his whole mantra and place in the Bat universe. I can't decide if I like Walker's artwork or not. There are times when it looks really good, and other panels where I have trouble figuring out what's happening. It reminds me a little like Bart Sears' work, but not quite to that extreme.
This volume wraps it up with what seems like back-up stories taking place during the Joker War. Nothing memorable here.
The first issue is all about Alfred and his effect on the team. It's pretty good, showing how each loved Alfred for different reasons, and it also gives each a chance to yell at Bruce. It's probably the strongest issue of the book. Following that is an Annual detailing an adventure from Alfred's early days as an agent, which ties into something in modern times. It doesn't feed into the current storyline, but gives some background to Alfred.
The next 4-5 issues are about Two-Face and what's he's been up to during the Joker War. It has some interesting ideas, trying to change and update his whole mantra and place in the Bat universe. I can't decide if I like Walker's artwork or not. There are times when it looks really good, and other panels where I have trouble figuring out what's happening. It reminds me a little like Bart Sears' work, but not quite to that extreme.
This volume wraps it up with what seems like back-up stories taking place during the Joker War. Nothing memorable here.
January 26, 2022
A disjointed volume that has more hits than misses, but is very much a product of editorial intervention. The Pennyworth RIP story at the beginning was touching and beautifully showcases the impact Alfred had on the Batfamily. Following this was a storyline that involves the return of Two-Face after his apparent suicide during The New 52 Batman and Robin run. Seeing the cult he had built up and how he survived was really intriguing, but once it ties into Joker War and it’s revealed Joker had a hand in most of what was happening (which I believe is editorial trying to tie these in and issue Tomasi out of this Bat title) the volume spirals downwards. The Court of Owls/Lincoln March get dragged into the story, and the two main tie ins were underwhelming. While it was cool seeing the return of the “Bunny Mech Batman” suit and seeing Two Face and his gang join up with Batman to take down the court, it didn’t hit the highs it could have.
Not a bad volume, but definitely robbed of the greatness it could have been by the quick change of pace due to the Joker War, and due to editorial laying the foundation for the writers switching on Detective Comics.
Not a bad volume, but definitely robbed of the greatness it could have been by the quick change of pace due to the Joker War, and due to editorial laying the foundation for the writers switching on Detective Comics.
December 19, 2024
This volume had a bit of a rough time because it is essentially having to do the double duty of wrapping up the Tom King - City of Bane stuff, and at the same time introduce the new Joker war material as well.
Two issues of the Bat family dealing with Alfred's death gives way to a story about Two Face, who now runs a cult of some kind. Honestly, this story was a bit of a slog to read through and is probably the low point of the volume. I find a lot writers have difficulty writing a good Two Face story and unfortunately, the trend continues here as Peter J. Tomasi tries his best to make Two Face interesting/relevant again. We then have a Killer Croc story, which was actually pretty interesting and of course the Joker War tie ins.
This volume is not bad per se, but it just had a lot in it that made it feel fractured and unfocused. Hopefully Tomasi can get Detective back on a more solid foundation in the next volume.
Two issues of the Bat family dealing with Alfred's death gives way to a story about Two Face, who now runs a cult of some kind. Honestly, this story was a bit of a slog to read through and is probably the low point of the volume. I find a lot writers have difficulty writing a good Two Face story and unfortunately, the trend continues here as Peter J. Tomasi tries his best to make Two Face interesting/relevant again. We then have a Killer Croc story, which was actually pretty interesting and of course the Joker War tie ins.
This volume is not bad per se, but it just had a lot in it that made it feel fractured and unfocused. Hopefully Tomasi can get Detective back on a more solid foundation in the next volume.
October 21, 2021
This is an average volume of Batman fighting the likes of Two-Face and Killer Croc as they are manipulated by Joker into doing his bidding. We've seen a very similar plot in the recent Batman: City of Bane - The Complete Collection series, and Tomasi doesn't add anything new, and everything seems rushed. The redeeming part of this volume are the first two or three stand-alone stories that pay tribute to the late, great Alfred. The artwork, by a variety of artists, is good but not terribly memorable.
Kindle edition, 251 pages.
Kindle edition, 251 pages.
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