Detective Comics #950

8.6

Critic Reviews

21 Reviews
8.5

User Reviews

47 Reviews
Writer James Tynion IV
Artist Marcio Takara
Cover Price $3.99

"League of Shadows" prologue! Celebrate 950 issues of the original Batman series with this extra-sized extravaganza! Cassandra Cain has stayed out of the spotlight on Batman's team as she slowly comes to terms with the civilized world she was kept away from all her life...but the time for her to step up is fast approaching! Will she ever learn how to fit in among the masses, or will she always be more weapon than woman? Plus: a primer on the history of the League of Assassins, and an adventure with the team's newest recruit: Azrael, the Avenging Angel!
RATED T

Reviews (22) User Reviews (47) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS

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  • 10

    DC Comics News - Konrad Secord-Reitz

    Feb 08, 2017

    As any oversized special should be, this issue is packed with story. We get a look at every member of the new Bat-Family and a look ahead to what might be around the next bend. James Tynion IV is a fabulous creator and this is another notch in his impressive library of stories. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Nerd Church Radio - Brandon Reid

    Feb 08, 2017

    I really enjoyed this issue. I'm glad we're getting a more in depth look at Orphans character and that the story will revolve a bit more around her for now. It was really cool when the reader got to see things through Orphans eyes. Every time she looks at someone including Batman, her brain automatically pinpoints all the pressure points she could use to kill them. So cool. The St. Dumas story was interesting and I'm curious to see where it goes. Then the Red Robin conversation! That got me excited. What war is coming?! I want to know! The art was fantastic as well. The colors jump right off the page and the detail is beautifully done. Read Full Review

  • 10

    Newsarama - David Pepose

    Feb 13, 2017

    If you haven't been reading this run so far, it's obvious that James Tynion IV is a diehard Batman fan, and with Detective Comics #950, he's giving readers a fantastic gift to celebrate the Dark Knight's latest anniversary. Because given his ever-expanding cast of sidekicks and supporting characters, Batman truly is the gift that keeps on giving - he lends himself so well to spinoffs and new angles and endless amounts of stories. If you want to remind yourself why you keep reading superhero comic books, Detective Comics #950 is the book for you. Read Full Review

  • 9.5

    Comic Book Corps - Tim Montoya

    Feb 08, 2017

    With this being #950 and the Anniversary Edition, we get 3 stories in total from the Detective Comics team: League of Shadows Prologue: Shadow of a Tear, Higher Powers, and The Big Picture. With this being an in between for the next story arc of League of Shadows, we get these nice filler stories before that arc goes into swing. Luckily for us, these mini stories are are masterfully written and fleshes out characters from the team providing insight to their stories. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Comicosity - Aaron Long

    Feb 08, 2017

    Detective Comics #950 simultaneously explores new angles relating to the Bat-team, gives new readers a nice spot to start and plants the seeds for big stories to come. That's no easy feat, but these three stories in this over-sized tome do just that and Detective Comics #950 is a safe bet to add to your pile this week. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    We Got This Covered - Sergio Pereira

    Feb 08, 2017

    Detective Comics #950 is a fitting tribute and celebration of this legendary series. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    The Batman Universe - Ian Miller

    Feb 08, 2017

    In Conclusion: A brilliant celebratory issue for the less-exposed members of the Detective Comics team, and a great setup for the next few stories. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Batman-News - Brandon Mulholand

    Feb 09, 2017

    This story alone is worth buying the book. It's touching, informative, and subtly elegant all at the same time. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    IGN - Blair Marnell

    Feb 09, 2017

    Month in and month out, Detective Comics has been one of DC's best ongoing series. It deserves to be on the pull list of every Batman fan. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Razorfine - Alan Rapp

    Feb 15, 2017

    Of the characters rebooted by the New 52 and now Rebirth, it's been hard for Cassandra Cain to find her footing. Personally, I'd rather see her as Black Bat than Orphan, but Takara's art makes a solid argument here for a more sleek costume for the character. The cameo by Shiva at the end of the issue foreshadows trouble, as does the back-up story involving Batman and Red Robin, but the issue doesn't need to be tied to a full arc to be appreciated and enjoyed. Must-read. Read Full Review

  • 8.8

    Weird Science - Jim Werner

    Feb 08, 2017

    Though the idea of an "Anniversary Issue" seemed forced, this was a really good way to get readers ready for the League of Shadows story coming up.  Tynion finally focuses on Cassandra, gives us a cool introduction to Azrael (and a great Odd Couple dynamic) and we even get to see Tim Drake...in a flashback.  Overall, the writing and art were really good and I can recommend this to Detective fans, especially those craving more Cass. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Graphic Policy - Joe Ryan

    Feb 08, 2017

    There is a reason Detective Comics is one of DC's best books, it simply delivers. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Comic Book Bin - Avi Weinryb

    Feb 12, 2017

    Batman and the Bat-family have been well represented across the various Bat-titles for the last while and this issue is no exception. Heres to future milestone issues! And all that comes between. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    AIPT - Gregory Paul Silber

    Feb 08, 2017

    Detective Comics #950 is essentially just an ordinary issue of Detective Comics that just happens to be nearly twice as long, but by no means is that a bad thing. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

    Feb 08, 2017

    Detective isn't an overstuffed worthless issue and helps to flesh out the backstories of the underutilized team members. Tynion used the extra space effectively for character development. Next issue kicks off the next big arc, League of Shadows, and there likely won't be many quiet moments ahead for Team Batman. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Beat - Kyle Pinion

    Feb 08, 2017

    Just what are these "dark days" that are ahead for us in 2017? After almost a year of really fun Batman books, with Detective at the head of the class, I can't wait to find out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Multiversity Comics - Ken Godberson III

    Feb 09, 2017

    A good look into some neglected characters while providing interesting teases of events to come. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Comics: The Gathering - mahargen

    Feb 10, 2017

    There we have it. A great, powerful issue with perfect writing and great art across the board. Everything a milestone issue should be. I, for one, can’t wait to see what #1000 brings. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    All-Comic - Milo Milton Jefferies

    Feb 13, 2017

    Detective Comics #950 has a lot to recommend about it, feeling like an issue worthy of a milestone like this. If youre a fan of Cassandra Cain, Azrael and Batwing or want to know where Detective Comics is headed in the future then this issue should make a great addition to your weekly comics haul. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Weekly Comic Book Review - Noah Sharma

    Feb 14, 2017

    Detective Comics #950 is not a celebration issue or the traditional launch or landing of a major story, despite some attempts to convince you otherwise. Instead it provides a deepening effect, allowing its extra pages to go towards giving readers a greater sense of who the characters are in ways that, while rewarding, often would have ended on the cutting room floor. Read Full Review

  • 5.5

    We The Nerdy - Jean-Luc Botbyl

    Feb 08, 2017

    So when it comes down to it, my excitement wasnt really warranted. Detective Comics #950 is pretty disappointing. Sure, its an oversized special, so perhaps it isnt indicative of the quality of the book. Maybe Ill give it another issue, but this has left an awful taste in my mouth. Read Full Review

  • N/A

    Dark Knight News - Kevin Gunn

    Feb 10, 2017

    This oversized special did a fine job of letting readers know what's happening in the coming weeks, but it was also very engaging. If I were rating the lead story alone, I would give it a perfect score. This does not diminish that the overall issue is worth the $3.99. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS

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  • 10

    aleyuma

    Feb 08, 2017

    detective comics continues to be one of the best rebirth titles and the one that surprised me the most.

    + Like Comment
  • 10

    jorgezade

    Feb 08, 2017

    It was so good! The character development is impressive and the humanizing factor of the Bat Team is taking this book into another level... a deeper level actually. I read part of the Batman And Robin Eternal and I have to say that I was actually expecting some development based on that story and this was precisely that. The way Cassandra drives the story between her thoughts and her feelings and her reflections of all the things she sees around her was so relatable. Two thumbs up!

    + Like Comment
  • 10

    Comicman

    Feb 11, 2017

    For some this would come across as a filler issue.But the structure is understandable because it's an anniversary special.Still is an amazing issue this book really gives more development for Orphan.Who was mostly in the background in previous issues.Introduces Azrael into the team.And both Azrael and Batwing have a great conversation about religion.And the last story is about Red Robin and Batman,and highlights both Robin detective skills and Batman's well known mania for preparation.I personally like the 3rd story the most because I am a big Tim drake fan,plus you get some interesting information,and the redbird makes a little appearance.I totally recommemd this issue.

  • 10

    super_rex

    Feb 22, 2017

    Very nice issue, especially the first story that heavily focuses on Cassandra Cain. The art is amazing too all the artists' drawing of this issue are just beautifully done.

  • 9.5

    cincyfan

    Aug 17, 2020

    Fantastic issue I love the orphan character

  • 8.5

    pocketmegar

    Feb 12, 2017

    Characterization continues being the most impressive aspect of this series. In these three excellent stories, Tynion skillfully manages to develop his bat-team and introduces new intriguing threats at the same time. Nevertheless, it feels more like a "deluxe fill-in" than an "oversize anniversary special. I would have preferred this issue to be a stand-alone story rather than a prologue to the next arc. The three artists, Takara, Martinez and Barrows, along with their respectives inkers and colorists, deliver a very strong work.

  • 8.5

    Kitaru

    Feb 20, 2017

    I think the Oversize issue is worth the extra few dollars. I am a fan of Cassandra Cain and am interested in seeing how her involvement in the team and as a person will evolve over time. The only reason I did not give it a higher score is that this story seems really similar to a Secret Six storyline that I have read.

  • 8.0

    Mister Bungle

    Feb 08, 2017

    Series gets better and better. By no means Perfect 10 but very good.

  • 8.0

    Jack's Yattering

    Feb 24, 2017

    SCORE: 7.8

  • 7.5

    Kgphil01

    Feb 08, 2017

    This reads almost like an annual issue. We get three stories two of which focus heavily on members of the team. More specifically Orphan and Azrael. The Orphan story while very well written had exposition narration that felt a little long in places and seemed to get a little repetitive. With Azrael we get a look into Azrael's mindset in a quick little interaction with Batwing. Finally the third story shows us interaction between Red Robin and Batman presumably before the series began. Overall some great writing & phenomenal art. But this feels like filler & double shipping is starting to takes its toll on story telling.

  • 7.5

    Rick Jonez

    Feb 12, 2017

    What Kgphil01 Feb 8, 2017 said.

  • 7.5

    Spock's Brain

    Feb 14, 2017

    I liked the exploration of Orphan's character, which opens the book. However, this is followed by an Azreal story I didn't really care for, and a Batman story that was more of a hint of things to come than an actual story. So, okay, fine, but not great.

  • 10

    TheFallenKing13

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 10

    GlenWizard

    Feb 09, 2017

  • 10

    Jason The Dude

    Feb 14, 2017

  • 10

    PatrickF.

    Mar 25, 2017

  • 9.5

    Rotivv

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 9.5

    jpablojr

    Jun 20, 2025

  • 9.5

    Frenkyboy911

    Jan 31, 2026

  • 9.0

    Xtian95

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 9.0

    EDiakota

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 9.0

    MKW69

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 9.0

    EvilPenguin543

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 9.0

    Veido

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 9.0

    Bloodraven

    Feb 09, 2017

  • 9.0

    Afre

    Apr 30, 2017

  • 9.0

    Julhin

    Apr 28, 2021

  • 8.5

    sebastianorellana95

    Feb 09, 2017

  • 8.5

    Nuckster77

    Feb 09, 2017

  • 8.5

    Cyraano

    Jul 30, 2017

  • 8.5

    VGCinema

    Jul 23, 2018

  • 8.5

    DoctorLaze

    Dec 23, 2018

  • 8.5

    duBEARck

    Apr 05, 2021

  • 8.5

    Hex

    Jan 10, 2022

  • 8.0

    Gunnarthehuman

    Feb 19, 2017

  • 8.0

    BlueDream

    Feb 20, 2017

  • 8.0

    Sherman The Wonder Dog

    Dec 25, 2017

  • 8.0

    bigteebomb

    May 21, 2018

  • 7.5

    Omer

    Apr 27, 2018

  • 7.5

    iPodwithnomusic

    Jul 12, 2019

  • 7.0

    Nobodyisemo

    Mar 11, 2017

  • 7.0

    Melkor

    May 05, 2017

  • 7.0

    MCDCFan

    Dec 12, 2019

  • 7.0

    Talia @ sssuperman.com

    Jul 07, 2024

  • 6.5

    WhistleBlower

    Feb 08, 2017

  • 6.5

    CraigR

    Feb 14, 2017

  • 6.5

    ProfessorZoom93

    Feb 24, 2017

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