Batman: Detective Comics, Vol. 1: Gotham Nocturne: Overture

Batman: Detective Comics by Ram V.

by Ram V, Simon Spurrier, Rafael Albuquerque (Artist)

It’s a new era for the detective of the night as we introduce award-winning writer Ram V ( Catwoman, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr ), and artist extraordinaire Rafael Albuquerque ( American Vampire, Superman/Batman )! Together, they’ll turn Gotham into a tragic yet beautiful gothic opera for our eyes and ears to feast on.

Something is terribly wrong with Batman. No matter the tests Bruce takes, nor the numbers he counts, the greatest detective in the world can’t pin down the source of this creeping dread—of his own inner demons and a looming mortality. Meanwhile, real demons roam the shadows as an ancient melody haunts the Gotham night. Here now the curtains rise and as the eerie tune streams in…who is human, who is demon, who is to tell? As Batman investigates the songs and the demons of Gotham, he is forced to confront the oldest question…whether there has been a demon within him all along…and if so, what does it want…and why hasn’t it taken over yet?

Collects Detective Comics #1062-1065

Genres: Comics, Batman, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction

152 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2023

About the author

Ram V (Ramnarayan Venkatesan) is an author and comic book writer from Mumbai, India. His comics career began in 2012 with the award-nominated Indian comic series, Aghori. A graduate of the City University of London’s Creative Writing MA, he has since created the critically acclaimed Black Mumba and the fantasy adventure series, Brigands.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"All those years ago when I first came to Gotham, it was as doomed then as it is now. But somehow it keeps ticking on even in its darkest despair. The city holds on to hope that someone is trying to save it . . . We ALL need saving sometimes, don't you think?" -- an unusually reflective Jim Gordon

Gotham Nocturne: Overture works best when focusing on the idea that Bruce Wayne may not be able to continue being Batman due to advancing age and/or previous sustained injuries. A human angle concerning our favorite costumed crimefighter? Sign me up for this bit of verisimilitude! Even the parallel storyline with former police commissioner Jim Gordon - now working a post-retirement gig as a low-rent private eye in Gotham's slums - handling a case that soon intertwines with Batman's investigation led to my favorite scene in the volume. (Gordon fishes an injured Batman out of the bay and subsequently attends to bandaging his wounds in darkness . . . because he respectfully does NOT want to know Batman's long-held secret identity.) However, the book makes some errors by focusing too much time on the blah mystical villains - although the Queen of Svatrstal's feature of three pupils & irises in each of her eyeballs was a truly unsettling touch - and the Harvey Dent sections that would annoyingly cut away from the more interesting narrative with the Dark Knight.

[Diz · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story in this is a bit of a slow burn, the art is fantastic. In particular, there is a section of a few pages in which Talia tells Damian an old tale which is done in an art style that is an homage to the artist Toppi. It is a wonder to behold. Now if they made a Batman comic entirely in this style, it would be a treasure. I guess for now we have to settle for a few pages.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good spooky tale. I do prefer the old format of the Detective Comics where they put all the parts of the main and mini story separate. So I could read all the parts of the main story, then they fit the mini story (all together) in where it is appropriate.

Gotham has changed.Batman feels something is wrong with him. Something is a little off. Is it the enviable effects of father time, or is it something darker and primal inside himself. However something old is coming to Gotham. What does it want and who will be corrupted. Old enemies or allies will reappear.

The book is done well with interesting stories, and the spooky artwork fits perfectly with the tone of the book. I can't wait for the next part. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery and a sketchbook.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, main story and related backups both. It’s tapping into the horror vein that Batman plays so well in and had good artwork, which was nice.

I’m looking forward to seeing the main act that grows from this overture.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay story that grips at times, but stays consistently okay for most of the experience. It is definitely lifted through the visual presentation as the dialogue and prose sometimes struggle to land. However, it's intercut with a secondary narrative that is far too busy both in writing and art. As an overall package experience, this volume sadly offers more meh than marvel.

[Naim Luqman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ram V brings in his literary style of writing onto Batman and while it made for a slow as snail paced issue to issue, it reads really well on longer form and it's just what a good Batman title needs. Gothic, inter-war fought in shadow and a Batman doing detective work. Lovely.

[Willow Heath]

For many, many years, the caped crusader has had two main comics being published in parallel: Batman and Detective Comics. Batman is the bigger deal for a number of reasons, and Detective Comics often behaves like a fun side story with its own tone and style.

That dynamic continues to be true here, with Ram V and Rafael Albuquerque’s run on Detective Comics, which promised a kind of gothic opera with Batman at its centre. Which, speaking as a fan of everything gothic and camp. it certainly is not.

This was my first experience with Ram V’s writing, which proves to be disjointed and literary in style but without any real substance. V’s narration and dialogue sounds pretty, but it’s all fluff.

Albuquerque, however, is a comics art legend at this point, bur his work feels watered down here. It doesn’t “feel” like his art; it doesn’t have his recognisable edge to it.

Overture, as its name makes clear, is setting up something bigger, and it’s something that I really do not care about. It’s silly but not in a fun, cartoonish, strange way. It’s silly in a way that lacks character and interest. I can’t care about this, unfortunately.

[Rory Wilding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although DC will publish a one-off Batman comic for any creator can tell their own story about the Dark Knight Detective, resulting in good and bad titles, I haven’t been excited about the two main titles for years. Though I have been reading Mariko Tamaki’s run on Detective Comics, it was upon reading Chip Zdarsky’s current run on Batman that got me excited about getting into any monthly comic featuring the Bat. Having made a name for himself at DC with runs on Catwoman and Swamp Thing, Ram V takes over Detective.

During one night of fighting crime, Batman is briefly reunited with Talia al Ghul, who warns him of an upcoming threat, which ties into Gotham’s history, specifically Arkham Asylum. As the World’s Greatest Detective can’t pin down the source of this creeping dread, from his own inner demons and a looming mortality, there are real demons that will threaten the city.

This is one of those storylines that Ram V is playing the long game and considering that these four issues are only the overture, there are more questions raised than answered. There are some interesting ideas going on, such as Batman’s internal torment that is manifested into the demonic bat Barbatos – a name that Batman knows too well. Whilst you do have classic villains including Two-Face, who is going through his own arc, and a brief appearance from the obscured Maestro (who specializes in music), this is all about the new villains, of which there are clues throughout, but it’s hard to know what’s really going on.

Because Ram V is playing the long game with this one, the pacing can be slow as it delves deep into this new take on Gotham, presented as a gothic opera, of which artist Rafael Albuquerque visualises, such as Two-Face donning a golden mask. Having collaborated with Scott Snyder on American Vampire and the occasional Batman issue, Albuquerque sprinkles a bit of horror to this established world, whilst branching outside of Gotham, such as a stunning sequence that flashes back to Damian Wayne and his mother Talia training in a desert, whilst telling a story of the historical warrior Farhad I Parethes.

With Ram V telling the main story, writer Simon Spurrier and artist Dani tell the backup issues showcasing what James Gordon has been doing after retiring from being Police Commissioner, in which he solves a missing person case as a private detective. It may have been cool to see Gordon during this time in Batman comics where he seems negated, the story itself is rather cold that only sets up a weird partnership for the main issues.

In the long run, this could potentially be something unique for a Batman story, but based on these opening four issues, Gotham Nocturne so far left me emotionally cold.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ram V.'s Batman on the slide stuff was decent, the Jim Gordon interludes written by Si Spurrier less so. I guess I'm intrigued enough to read the next volume at some point.

[Roman Zarichnyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

​​Талановитий сценарист Рам Ві замінив сценаристку Маріко Тамакі на серії «Детективні комікси», перша сюжетна арка якої називається «Детективні комікси: Ґотемський ноктюрн — Увертюра» #162-165. Малює цю арку художник Рафаель Альбукерке.

Із Брюсом Вейном відбувається щось страшне. Бетмен бореться з власними внутрішніми демонами та страхами, незважаючи на свої численні випробування, які він пройшов і які мали б його зміцнити. Що за тести Брюс би не проходив, що б не вирахував, один з кращих детективів цього світу не може знайти джерело цього моторошного страху. Тим часом на вулицях Ґотема з'являються моторошні мелодії та справжні демони. Розслідуючи ці надприродні загрози, Бетмен змушений зіткнутися з питанням, чи був демон всередині нього весь цей час. Чи це щось нове…

Ця сюжетна арка має тільки чотири випуски, але вже зрозуміло, що Рам Ві і Рафаель Альбукерке повели Бетмена в новому напрямку. Їхня співпраця є чудовою, і вони, здається, розуміють, що змушує Темного Лицаря наполегливо працювати. Надприродні елементи, які вони вводять в історію, інтригують і додають новий рівень складності в і без того складний світ Бетмена. І ще малюнок Рафаеля Альбукерке, як же він мені подобається ще із читання коміксу «Етюд в смарагдових тонах» Ніла Ґеймана, де він був художником.

Виглядає, що вже не потрібно себе переконувати, що роботи цього сценариста в жанрі супергероїки виходять цікавими та незвичними. Мені це подобається, тому із радістю буду слідкувати за серією надалі.

п.с. Іде тут є запрошений художник Серджо Топпі. Українською мовою є навіть його робота «Шараз-Де», яку можна придбати. Пошукайте. І купіть, звісно.

[Frédéric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to this new arc. Nothing exceptionally original - but what is these days? - but Ram V, Albuquerque and Stewart agree to lay the foundations for a very dark story, fraught with conspiracies and threats for Batman.
V comes close to overdoing it but manages to keep the balance, which is less the case with Spurrier in the back-ups. It's worth noting, however, that these are real back-ups, which enrich the history.
Albuquerque does a very good job, much less sloppy than I remembered.
Stewart's colouring is, as always, excellent, with dark, earthy tones

[Tom Ewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong stuff in a brooding, Gothic vein - no pretence at resolving anything so this is all the easy, fun, set-up part, and does the “dark secrets of early Gotham” well have much more to draw up? I don’t know. But this is stylish and looks good throughout - particularly the Jim Gordon and Two-Face back-ups where the art by DaNi gets more stylised and chunky, reminding me of both Mazzuchelli (Year One is a fairly constant presence here) and John K Snyder.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a promising start to this run. It definitely dragged at some points but there was a good deal of Batman being Batman and some solid action sequences. There’s also a lot that I don’t yet understand but I’m hoping some things get cleared up in future volumes. The story alone is probably closer to a clean three stars, but I gave it the extra star for the artwork which was at times stunning.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It was slow burn with good mystery and Ram gave me Talia so that's plus for me.

[a ☕︎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

picked this up following ram v’s aquaman, but spurrier’s back-ups outdo v’s story by a mile (lbr the amnesiac found in a mecha ruin/bluish glacier/ancient machine/what-have-you trope is so good). to be totally honest, my biggest issue w v is that he wants to present himself as literary, but always ends up unpleasantly verbose. contrived dialogue, descriptions suffering from the supposedly-poetic ‘__ and __ and __,’ essays chunked out in tiny font across tens of pages—it’s such a trial. i’m tryinggg to read a comic here. and the stupid music thing isn’t conveyed very well. OK sorry, i feel so mean, what did i like...umm talia al-ghul (more damian please) and those baroque evan cagle covers.

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.

Collecting issues #1062-1065 of Detective Comics, writer Ram V. (Catwoman, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr) teams up with artist Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Superman/Batman) to explore a brand-new era for the world’s greatest detective. Told with an operatic flair and a grander vision of the darkness that haunts all that live and breathe the eerie air of Gotham City, the story unfolds with a new threat arriving from far to retrieve what they claim is rightfully theirs while the Dark Knight looks to demystify the mystical and supernatural danger that lurks in the shadows and the strange melody that bedevils the streets of his city. Unusual and undermining, Bruce Wayne also finds himself battling with his own inner demons, painstakingly haunting him and forbidding him from understanding the source of this dread that he constantly feels within him.

Following a gruesome encounter with a bizarre and transformed Bruno Maroni, Sal’s nephew, who happens to now possess a terrifying and uncontrollable strength, Batman is forewarned by Talia al Ghul of an incoming threat that he’s not ready to take on. Feeling inexplicably weak despite no indication of anything being physically wrong about him, Bruce Wayne struggles with a demon appearing by his side, chanting and warning him of his looming mortality, as he goes out into Gotham’s nights to solve the mystery around an ancient melody and the trouble stirring in the wind. As he seeks help from questionable individuals who happen to also be struggling with their own identities muddled by their pasts, the clues might, unfortunately, lead him a bit too late to stop what’s coming to the city he vowed to rid of its criminals.

Now, this is what I’m talking about! I can’t say if it’s the numerous disappointing story arcs that I had to trudge through to get to this point but writer Ram V. and artist Rafael Albuquerque hit all the right notes with this overture, brilliantly transforming Gotham into a gothic opera and hinting toward a supernatural threat growing in the shadows and consuming on the fear of those that it causes paths with. Channeling into Gotham City’s rich history, they cautiously set the foundation for new and powerful forces ready to lay siege to this land and make sure that its people never forget who both the Orgham and Arkham families were and where they came from. Although four issues are too few to delve any deeper into this visionary lore, it serves as an excellent prelude that is bound to expand into more substantial narrative pieces to come. Impressively enough, this story works wonderfully as a stand-alone chapter that doesn’t require readers to read any of the previous stories to appreciate what’s in store for them here. On top of the brilliant exposition, there’s a fantastic exploration of Bruce Wayne’s character achieved throughout these issues as his long years of crusade finally show signs of wear, especially with age, not only on his physique but now his psyche. The internal monologues also give him an authentic voice exposing a glimpse into his mindset, one highlighted by a sense of endurance and resilience unlike anything found in anyone else as a bat-shaped creature haunts his mind.

The first three issues also contain a three-part story called “The Coda” written by Simon Spurrier (Star Wars: Doctor Alphra, The Dreaming) that follows Jim Gordon in a new mystery that gets him back into the action, having been mostly falling off the map ever since he was forced out of his job as commissioner for the Gotham City Police Department. His internal monologue is probably going to be a hit-or-miss element here but remains the main forte of this short story, poetically written like something found in a noir detective mystery. Dani’s artwork is also extremely fuzzy and rough, somehow brilliantly fitting with the tone of the story. While the tale does lead up to some interesting alliances, it’s even more satisfying that it eventually ties up directly with the main story in the final issue. Speaking of which, the final story also includes the first of three parts of another short story still written by Simon Spurrier called “A Tale of Three Halves” but drawn by Hayden Sherman. This offers a unique look into Harvey Dent/Two-Face’s mind as he becomes a key character in Ram V’s new story. It is a bit more on the nuttier end of the stick, both narratively and artistically, as it splits his character into two entities. It is the voice of his evil side that isn’t exactly what I’d have expected but it remains to be seen if parts two and three achieve the desired effect though.

Although the story doesn’t wrap things up neatly by the end of the fourth issue, clearly just setting up the pieces for bigger things to come, it does help readers understand the direction and tone of Ram V’s Detective Comics series. And, based on everything I’ve read so far, this definitely seems more promising than anything written by previous writers of this series in the past months.

Batman: Detective Comics (Vol. 1): Gotham Nocturne: Overture is a fantastic step-up to the series as it opens up with a mysterious gothic tale where the world’s greatest detective fights his inner demons while in pursuance of answers about the emerging supernatural menace.

[Alex Sarll]

I won't go through my objections to modern Batman again, and while I've enjoyed lots of Ram V's indie work, I've tended not to click with his superheroes. Despite both of which hurdles, something about the looming baroque mood of the covers for this series made me want to give it a chance and oh goodness yes, this is much more like it. No sign here of Bruce Wayne the priggish CEO of vigilantism, with his 27 sidekicks and counting; instead, a haunted figure who feels his grip on his city and his self slipping, beginning to wonder if there might be something to all those cracks he keeps hearing about getting too old for this game. And it is a game, or a masquerade, Rafael Albuquerque and Dave Stewart's art taking Gotham back to the warped fairytale of its eighties-nineties prime, its overclocked gothic shroud only deepening with the arrival of mysterious visitors from a far away somewhere who bring with them notes of Yellow King and Red Death. It's not perfect - some areas of the city still look as boring as the Nolan films; I can't see how it can possibly resolve itself in anything but a colossal anticlimax; and even in the meantime a reformed, gold-masked Harvey Dent was far too fine a piece to undo in the same issue that introduced him, notwithstanding the new twist on Two-Face that's then introduced. But it's still by far the best new Batman I've read since Flashpoint took the wind out of the Morrison run. Plus, a back-up strip with Si Spurrier and DaNi following former Commissioner Gordon through the city's underside - only the comic the Joker solo series could have been.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

3
I want to like this. But I just don't. There are some strong moments and amazing art. But it is a chore to get through. It's pretentious and expositiony. Very little character development. Keep hoping it will turn a corner. I'm continuing on for the good moments and because it's Detective Comics.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok.... this was an odd start to the new run on Detective Comics. I think I understand what they are trying to do with a darker more gothic perspective on the city of Gotham, but it feels very cryptic and forced. I guess time will tell whether or not it ends well.
Highlights:
- Bruce is starting to lose his touch. While most will attribute it to age, he is hearing the voice of Barbatos, who if memory serves me, was the dark bat-like God from Dark Nights Metal. Not sure exactly how this will play out, but he needs to get his brain back on track, or someone is definitely going to have to save him, and I don't mean Gordon...
- Talia and the League of Shadows have something to do with what is going on as well, and they are linked to the...
- Orgham Family has come back to Gotham after hundreds of years away. These criminals lay claim to all the lands and property of Arkham, and have both the money and power to back it up.
- Then we also have Two-Face rearing his head again in this Volume. Starting off "cured" by wearing a gold mask over the bad side of his face, the Harvey Dent side of his personality seems to be in charge. But soon the criminal is back to his old ways, and is tied into what is going on with all the other plotlines.

Guess the next Volume will provide some answers. I really hope so.
Recommend with reservation, might want to wait till this title gets back to something more straightforward,
Orgham Family

[Neil Pearson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is just a review of the single issues collected, I don't know if there are any extras included in the printed collection.
I honestly think it might be too soon to know whether this is the start of an amazing run or is just a bit pretentious/empty. It certainly feels different from any of the other batbooks I've read in quite a while. If anything it reminds me of something much more gothic and supernatural like it could almost be a vertigo title (remember how Batman appeared in "The sandman"?). Which isn't a bad thing, I just don't have a feel for the characters yet as it's more focused on setting the tone of this Batman's world.
I hope to be regretting this low score in future when it becomes apparent something great was unfolding. For now, though I'm waiting for it to meet its potential rather than already embracing it .
This is probably a great book for people wanting to try batman without distractions involving all the other batbooks and wider DC heroes.

[Lucille · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’étais très hypée par ce titre mais malheureusement j’ai trouvé le dessin à l’intérieur trop inégal par rapport aux couvertures qui étaient des dingueries et promettaient une thématique fantastique de folie. Le début était sombre, psychologique et intriguant pile comme j’aime mais c’est vite parti dans des directions qui m’ont ennuyée. Dommage :( j’étais peut-être trop fatiguée pour apprécier l’intrigue à sa juste valeur aujourd’hui mais le dessin n’a pas aidé

[Matt Maielli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should have guessed from the “Overture” title that this was going to feel more like a prelude. Ram V. seems particularly good with characters — in this case he’s able to cut to the quick of several well-established comics characters. Then he throws his ancient, mythological storytelling sauce over what could have been a straightforward Batman story, and now I’m patiently waiting for the payoff.

[Billy Jepma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this was pretty good! It feels like a lot of setups for the next volume(s), which means the momentum Ram V builds doesn't really go anywhere, but it's good momentum with some sharp hooks that make me optimistic about where it could go. The art is also excellent and lives up to the "Nocturne" subtitle more than the story itself does, at least so far. Lots of moody environments, strong lighting, striking coloring choices, and generally impressive layouts give the occasionally slower, tenser pages an ominous air that I very much vibe with. The backup story with Gordon is a nice bonus, even if it ends on a lackluster note. It's not uncommon for these backups to be pretty forgettable and frivolous, but I like how this one leans into the vibes of Ram V's story and gives it some additional dimensions.

Consider this a soft four stars, as my final sentiments of the collection will likely depend on how well the rest of the story does or doesn't capitalize on the potential. But I will say it's nice to feel some excitement about the setup for one of the main Batman comics.

[Andrew A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong start to a new arc, great artwork dripping with atmosphere, interesting supernatural twists.

Leaning a bit too hard in the bar bat os schtick they have decided is too important in recent years.

Also more of the " historical gotham citizens mean gotham locations are more significant than they were" trope which is OK. But feels a little cheap.

But good action, the back up strips are great little detective tales. The Harvey dent approach is facilitating. Intrigued how the next volume plays out

[Nick Pratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a minute to get my feet under me with this one, but after finishing it, I’m definitely in. This is going to great pains to arrange all the pieces on the board and I’m very excited to see where the next chapter heads.

[Gavin Peterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's crazy how good Batman can be. This story is the perfect outline of Batman's mental fatigue mixed with the mystery of Gotham and its uncovered sins. I love slow burn mystery comics and this hit the spot.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! I am definitely still new to comic books/graphic novels and I feel like I needed a little more background into the Batman story to completely appreciate the story but was still amazing! The art work was incredible!!!

[Jojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het is oké, begreep er alleen soms maar weinig van (plus een open einde technisch gezien) omdat het een samenvoeging is van losse comics in een serie, en dus niet een opzichzelfstaand verhaal

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I’ve read every type of Batman comic 15 times over.

[Brandon Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 2: I stopped reading this after the first trade, because it became clear that this would read better as a whole. I’ve returned to it now that it’s over. As expected, everyone I trust is saying it’s an all-timer.

Upon reread, more of it is clear, and there’s even more to appreciate. I forgot to mention the lettering by Ariana Maher in the first review. Even though I myself have lettered many comics in the past, I rarely mention them. But Ariana’s work here is very much adding to the overall experience and worth close inspection.


Review 1:
One of the best Batman books I have read. I have been a big fan of both Ram V and Si Spurrier for. They bring a fresh take to the character, but it’s also very reminiscent of some of the best bat stories. It feels like they are planting g seeds for a long run, and I’m stoked for it. The art team of Rafael Albuquerque, Dave Stewart, Dani, and Hayden Sherman all help make this one of the best looking bat books in recent memory. Dani in particular has become a favorite. Their work is very similar to Frank Miller and Tim Sale, and it works very well here.