Detective Comics #1008

If you've been reading a lot of DC books this month you're familiar with the Year of the Villain offer tie-in. This one offers an intriguing setup for one of Batman's longtime foes with something they've desired since their early days as a criminal. If Luthor can provide it, what lengths will they go to take down Batman? I'm ready to see where Tomasi and Mahnke take that storyline as YOTV plays out. For now, enjoy another stellar issue of the most consistently entertaining Batman book on the stands today. Read Full Review

As with most recent DC titles, this issue includes the shrouded spirit of Lex Luthor visiting a DC villain with an offer. Thankfully, he does not go for the obvious A-listers, but in this case, a respectable name in Batman's rogues gallery. Read Full Review

VerdictThis wonderful throwback tale not only features the Clown Prince of Crime, but it successfully recalls a classic era through style as well as numerous references to classic Batman tales of the past. The postscript with Mr. Freeze feels like a different story entirely, and it's good that it does, because the Joker doesn't need any sort of urging to give Batman a “fun” night out. Read Full Review

Tomasi and Mahnke make for a dream team. The art and the story are tops here. I really love the direction this comic book has taken. It's only getting better and better and it's a good thing. I also like that this a a stand alone issue and you don't really have to read anything else. This is great. It's at the top of my reading list whenever it comes out! Read Full Review

Doug Mahnke delivers some amazing art in this issue. Joker looks gloriously menacing in every page and the character details are fantastic. Read Full Review

It's definitely a recommended read. Read Full Review

Presented in Detective Comics #1008 is a classic Joker story that sees the Clown Prince of Crime testing the Dark Knight's wits, making it clear that he is back in Gotham. Read Full Review

With everything being so huge and world-changing in DC right now, Tomasi has brought their most epic villain back to his basics for at least one issue. The Joker is free and he's terrorizing a carnival just because. I mean, that's it. There's no complication here. And he does it so goddamn well with each individual that he threatens. This really felt to me like an ode to the classic Batman and Joker rivalry.  The art was great with the one exception of the most important character in the story: the Joker. I didn't like the way he looked, but I really liked the story. Read Full Review

DETECTIVE COMICS #1008 may essentially be a filler to prepare for the upcoming "TAKE YOUR SHOT" storyline, but it has the satisfaction of reading like one of the classics. No baggage, just two archenemies in a clash to see who can outsmart the other. Read Full Review

This is a classic single issue, one-and-done story of the best sort. Tomasi's writing is as sharp as always, nailing the unpredictable menace and lunacy of the Joker and the taciturn, protective drive of Batman. Mahnke, Mendoza, and Baron make a welcome return as well, with dynamic storytelling that makes even the smaller moments exciting. Frankly, we need more issues like this: self-contained stories that aren't beholden current continuity, but enhance it by being easily accessible. Read Full Review

All hell is about to break loose in Gotham in more than one book, so a breather issue pitting Batman against his nemesis is a fun change of pace. Read Full Review

Another solid issue of Tomasis top-notch run. This one-shot highlights a fun and creepy reunion between Batman and Joker, with stellar art and an exciting epilogue of whats in the near future. Read Full Review

This is a hilarious issue and one of Tomasi's best so far. Read Full Review

'Detective Comics #1008' is a commendable attempt at a one-shot with appeal that goes deeper than face value. It's a respectable issue that fans will find enjoyment in, even if it doesn't necessarily go anywhere meaningful. Read Full Review

Detective Comics #1008 is filler. It's a perfectly passable story that followed yet another filler sequence before the main “Year of the Villain” storyline. There are a couple panels that resonate, but for the most part it's kind of forgettable. Read Full Review

The Joker is back in town in DETECTIVE COMICS #1008. It doesn't seem too significant in a broader narrative context, but it's a very enjoyable one-and-done story. Just a solid, classic, and simple episode. Read Full Review

While I would have liked a bit more headway as to what Luthor's "Offer" really entails, Detective Comics #1008 was a fun side-story as the Year of the Villain starts up in earnest. Read Full Review

Tomasi is a very good writer so I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Next issue should be rather interesting. Pop into your local comic shop to grab this title. Read Full Review

Joker needs to work on his material. Read Full Review

In short, this is a fine Batman/Joker story, but don't expect any fireworks. Read Full Review

Soul Assassin

Jul 26, 2019

Flawless Art from a legend

CrackerCJ

Jun 26, 2024

Un gran Joker y un cruel y sádico juego. Un clásico bien representado, que si bien lo hace un número con poca acción, logra transmitir esa tensión confusa de un juego mortal.

myconius

Jul 24, 2019

this was an ok issue. i was honestly expecting more. there were some funny and amusing moments. but it was all a bit predictable, except for the resolution. that caught me off guard, and was pretty damn funny! overall a fun comic. the art was really quite beautiful. as well as his Batman, i just love how Doug Mahnke draws The Joker. i really wish the Variant cover would have featured the Joker. that is truly a missed opportunity there. having the variant be Mr. Freeze over JOKER??? what were they thinking? the nods to Brian Bolland, as well as Flex Mentallo were a little distracting, but still really cool!

DSMister

Jul 24, 2019

After all those plot-driven stories that take up... ahem. 85 issues. I think it's high time we took a little break from it. And what better way than a classic Joker and Batman story? Honestly, Tomasi is really breaking through to me as a great Detective Comics writer. He nails the Joker, and even brings back the classic one-shot comics. It felt nostalgic (ah, who am I kidding, I'm only 20 years old). Great issue, great read, and nice twist at the end there.

Anotherfan

Jul 24, 2019

Tomasi feel like an Anti-Tom King. And it is a compliment. His writing style really his good and this was a terrific one shot. I really like the difference between the main Bat-books. A Joker centric issue could be a hard thing to do because it has to be really good to keep up with all the other ones but Tomasi managed to do it, helped by a Manhke in great shape. Very good issue

EDiakota

Jul 25, 2019

"Tell Everybody i'm coming ! And fun's coming with me ! "

Psycamorean

Jul 24, 2019

This was a really fun one-shot. More of this would be appreciated.

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myconius - Jul 31, 2019

definitely!

Linkush

Jul 24, 2019

That was fun. Not much else to say, it's a classic Joker story that shows perfectly well why Joker is such a fun villain.

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myconius - Jul 31, 2019

i felt kinda bad for laughing at the peanut gag. X'D

Linkush - Jul 31, 2019

c'mon, ya only live once. hahah ye it was pretty funny

myconius - Aug 7, 2019

love the irony!

Darkseid24

Jul 24, 2019

Good issue. It’s nothing special just Joker hanging out with Batman in an Amusement Park, but it had some funny scenes& Tomasi writes a classic in character Joker, what is really nice these days. However DC doesn’t care about contuinity, logic or the timeline. How can Batman hang out with Joker in Gotham Amusement Park& be in the Himalaya ( or wherever he is in Kings Batman run), while Bane is mind controlling the villains in City of Bane at the same time? Makes no sense. You could think DC could plan Year of the Villains better without having these inconsistencies. As for the art, it’s great. Feels like a good old classic Batman story. I’m also happy, that Tomasi brings one shot storylines& smaller storylines back. It is also nice, that he focuses on the villains. I would prefer a new Scarecrow story, but I’m curious about the Mr. Freeze story coming up. more

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myconius - Jul 31, 2019

did you ever read the Joker story that Doug Mahnke illustrated called 'Batman: The Man Who Laughs'?

Darkseid24 - Jul 31, 2019

Yes, but that was quite a while ago. I need to reread it.

myconius - Aug 7, 2019

definitely! it was really a good read.

Simon DelMonte

Jul 24, 2019

Nothing we haven't seen before. But after so many subpar Joker stories, one that gets back to basics is so welcome. And I think the Joker speaks for all of us who are finding DOOM to be oppressive and dull.

egonnn244

Jul 26, 2019

"Have a cookie" Now this, this was some proper Joker fun. No master plans or surprising plot twists, no connections to some bigger overarching story (well ok, except last two pages), just the Joker being crazy and evil. Plain and simple. Very simple actually. Joker has hostages and Batman can't beat him to a pulp, even though he really wants to, because he will gas all those innocent folks. Like I said, simple. Reminds me of that time both of them were in a church in a similar conundrum. Just, honestly, done better without all the psychological, supposedly profound, bull. And the art is great here too. With gentlemen Manhke, Mendoza and Baron making sure that every smile the Joker makes is as creepy and unsettling as humanly p ossible. We need more issues like this one. Simple, well written and with a pleasantly looking artwork. more

Batman Jones

Jul 24, 2019

A good issue but by no means a great one. The art made it worthwhile. The story was blah. I miss "Batman and Robin" Peter Tomasi.

Spacey Medicine

Sep 03, 2019

This was fine.