Detective Comics #1034

DETECTIVE COMICS #1034 is a wild read. It almost doesn't feel like a Batman comic. But that's because this creative team isn't trying to fit a mold. They're doing their own thing and infusing this action packed series with lots of humanity. Read Full Review

This was a strong read for Batman fans with an exciting new status quo with fresh villains for Batman to face and a compelling tease for Robin #1. Read Full Review

There is a lot going on in this issue, and all of it is compelling. Not surprising from one of the most talented writers in the entire industry. Read Full Review

Dan Mora delivers some stunning visuals with beautiful details throughout both in the exteriors and interiors of the world. Gleb Melnikov does great work with the look of the characters and the utilization of shadow and mood. Read Full Review

Mariko Tamaki and Dan Mora's first issue of 'Detective Comics' is a delightful romp through Gotham's corridors of power. Read Full Review

Detective Comicsreturns with #1034 and ushers in a brand new era for Batman as @marikotamaki and @Danmora_c take on a Bruce Wayne sans the fortune in a Gotham growing increasingly tired of masks. In the backup, @Williamson_Josh and @GlebMelnikov8 tease their upcoming Robin book with the return of a fan favorite character! Read Full Review

A new creative team breathes new life into Batman's longest running title as well as into the man that is behind the cape and cowl. A stylized and gorgeous book, the series keeps the mystery/detective vibes that one expects while digging deeper into what the new status quo means for the city and its protector. Read Full Review

Tamaki's debut on Detective is awesome! The art is GREAT and I loved how the story unfolded. Although we're not there yet, we're seeing how and why the idea of the Magistrate is was formed on Nakano's end, and Bruce having to interact with the not-so-common-people but more-common-people-than-he's-used-to is a nice thing to see. I also liked where the Robin backup went by the end. Read Full Review

Mariko Tamaki and Dan Mora have a strong start as the new creative team for Detective Comics. They set all of the groundwork for how they plan to add their mark in how Bruce Wayne will be addressing the present and future of Gotham City post-Joker War and -A-Day. Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov add further quality content as they build excitement for the upcoming Robin series starring Damian Wayne. The final page with the surprise return of one of the DC Universe's top fighters and fan favorite was an double exclamation point to end Detective Comics #1034 on. Read Full Review

"Detective Comics" #1034 is a ridiculously good first issue of the most grounded Batman comic we've ever read (even if it's background story leaves a lot to be desired) Read Full Review

A spectacular start to Tamaki's Detective run is blemished slightly by a lackluster Robin story. Hopefully, the Robin backups will stop once his solo book starts. Still, the strength of the Detective story keeps my score high. I also can't wait for more Dan Mora art!! Read Full Review

Detective Comics #1034 is a great read, and looks fantastic. I've loved, and collected, this series for well over thirty years, and issues like this one make it very easy for me to want to continue. Read Full Review

Not counting Dark Detective in Future State, Detective Comics #1034 is a great start to Tamaki's run. All of the Bat-Books seem to be lining up as they should, and the issue's ending has me anxious to see what's next. It's truly unfortunate that Dan Mora can't stay on the book long-term because his work is masterful. Read Full Review

Overall, Detective Comics #1034 is a strong start for Tamaki and Mora's run, mixing the murky world of political corruption with the shallow social lives of Gotham's most fortunate souls for an absorbing read. Read Full Review

This is a good comic. There's a new mystery for Batman to solve; there are intriguing new characters; the writing is tight and crisp, save for a few slip-ups here and there; and the art is just incredible. While it's too early to say if the arc as a whole will be worth it, I think this is a solid start to Tamaki's run on the title, and I recommend this issue! Read Full Review

Both are good comics and show that the Batman line is recovering nicely from the bloated "Joker War" event. Read Full Review

Pretty straight forward, but otherwise very strong, kick off to a new Batman story. Though I would have preferred they explore the new status quo a bit more. Read Full Review

cincyfan

Mar 28, 2021

Fantastic first issue by Mariko tamaki! I really enjoyed both stories and am very excited to see where things go

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RKS - Mar 31, 2021

LOL Well if you liked that I have some paint drying on my fence you can watch. This issue sucked.

cincyfan - Apr 1, 2021

People can have different opinions or is that too much for you to understand as well

KittyNone

Mar 26, 2021

Hey, this was great! Tamaki gives us a better feel for Bruce's post-Joker War life than the main title has, and Dan Mora's art is stunning here, even by his high standards. (Rating is for the main story only, the Robin trailer at the end is pretty skippable)

I Have 3 Dollars

Mar 23, 2021

I decided to jump ahead a few days and got this just to counter FENIXALASNEGRAS's ridiculous review. Bragging about spending money on their favorite series and then tank the review because they suddenly decide they are too cheap to read a comic and rate/write a review without reading the issue. Mora's art is always gorgeous and while I haven't read any of Tamaki's other writing (to my knowledge), nearly any book I have seen her write for is rated highly. After this, I see why and I'll check out her other stories.

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fearUhavemeisenough - Mar 23, 2021

And what hurts you more, that the message is to support the comics or that it consumes Red Hood?

Weird Science Jim - Mar 23, 2021

Personally, I have issues with Tamaki’s writing on superhero books. I didn’t mind future state dark detective, but overall, there was not much of a story and that’s Tamkaki’s fault overall. She is better with non hero stuff where she can take her time and write more realistic, little moments. I did not like her X-23 or Wonder Woman books so I am going onto this one with cautious hope. I like to give every issue a chance, but I am worried.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 23, 2021

Dan Mora’s art is always good enough to buy a book as well!

I Have 3 Dollars - Mar 23, 2021

@fearUhavemeisenough Comics are my life and Red Hood is my favorite member of the Batfamily. I got a tattoo of his emblem. I have nothing against supporting comics. He was going out of his way to say he DIDN'T support comics because he couldn't be bothered to buy the issue. What I had a problem with is his unnecessary inclusion of how much money he spent on them when it has NOTHING to do with the review or even the subject of this comic. If it was a Red Hood comic, it might have been relevant.

fearUhavemeisenough - Mar 23, 2021

I smell like a xenophobic here.

I Have 3 Dollars - Mar 23, 2021

Where does xenophobia even remotely fit in here?

BitchWitcher - Mar 23, 2021

@Ginnkgo apparently anyone who dares disagree "smells like a xenophobic."

Weird Science Jim - Mar 23, 2021

I thought he was calling himself out!

Phantom of Krankor - Mar 24, 2021

@Weird Science Jim If he was he wouldn't be wrong.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 25, 2021

lol

Swanktub

Mar 24, 2021

I really liked this grounded approach to Batman. I'm interested to see where this goes.

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Bats44121 - Mar 25, 2021

Bruce Wayne was billionaire, not millionaire. Big difference. With the batcaves in the sewer tunnels, this portrayal of Batman is truly "grounded." I think there is a middle ground that could be more reasonable, such as the 1969 apartment, or similar to the apartment and garage combination used by Britt Reid downtown in the 1960s. The unshaved, unkempt Bruce Wayne is more than "grounded." It is designed to humilate "people like him." Some writers enjoy this, some readers won't.

Swanktub - Mar 25, 2021

When I say grounded I'm referring to how the story focuses on Bruce, his neighbourhood and the crime in Gotham. The series seems like it is going to focus on the 'grounded' grittier aspects of Batman instead of the big 'superhero vs supervillain' storylines. I think that will make it a good counter to the main Batman book, instead of treading the same ground. I don't see Bruce's stubble as intended to humiliate. It just looks like modern facial hair drawn in Mora's art style to me.

RKS - Mar 31, 2021

It's intended to pander and find some nobility in him being broke or a common person. Let me clue you on on something, there isn't any. Broke Batman isn't Batman, end of debate.

Swanktub - Apr 1, 2021

Batman's not broke in this story though. He's still a millionaire hanging out with his wealthy neighbours. And he still has cars and bikes set up around the city. He's just not a billionaire at the moment. No status quo ever lasts in comics, he'll be a billionaire again eventually if that is what bothers you. If you want to read a more classic Batman story, Garth Ennis and Liam Sharp are dropping a Batman miniseries in June called Reptilian that looks pretty damn promising.

Green_Lantern_1992

Mar 25, 2021

Future State was not great for Batman, as the books were hit or miss. The buildup to what seems like the inevitable future, however, is much more interesting. It really seems like DC is going to stick with the idea of Bruce not being a billionaire and having to deal with those challenges as a result. Seeing Bruce actually interact with some of the wealthy elite in Gotham is interesting, and the mystery that's been set up in this issue looks promising. The backup story with Robin has me really excited for his ongoing book next month. I would love for Damian to eventually reclaim the Robin mantle, or at least come back to being a full-fledged hero, but for right now this story is really interesting. The art on both stories is pretty good, but not my personal favorite. more

F.T. Wolf

Mar 26, 2021

Very enjoyable. Both the Batman & Robin stories are well written & well illustrated. The Bruce story ties into the larger narrative well while still providing a solid new case for the detective. One that ties into both his Batman life and Bruce Wayne life AKA the best type of Batman cases. Damian's story was short again, but offered good insight in what his solo-series will be. Seems fun, though I'm not sure about the direction of his character just yet.

EDiakota

Mar 29, 2021

" I believe it's my job to have a vision for Gotham city's future and to bring that vision to life." - Mayor Nakano

Spacey Medicine

Jul 10, 2021

This was good! I'm intrigued!

Comics Code Authorities

Apr 15, 2021

Mariko Tamaki's off to a decent start I'd say. The art is good as well. This story helps us see how Bruce is adjusting to this new lifestyle. Basically the story is starting out simple, but promises to escalate. There are some new supporting characters who may turn out interesting. Already it looks like Detective will remain the better of the 2 regular titles (Though I do look forward to the upcoming new Legends of the Dark Knight series, which shows promise). In regards to reaction to Bruce losing most of his fortune, I hope those who complain don't actually expect it to last. Experience shows we have no need to expect this to be a permanent change for him. DC's just trying for the umpteenth time to put him in a scenario that has never h appened to him before. Like a few years ago when Marvel turned Peter Parker into a wealthy developer. Did anyone really expect that to last? Today no one remembers it. The downside is we don't know how long it will last though. Could be a year or two, could be five. But we know the return to Wayne manor is inevitable, as is the fact Alfred will live again. It's just a question of when. As for Damian's story, I knew it was all a poor attempt to lure us into buying his new book. i hate him and wish he'd stayed dead. So as long as he's not in Gotham, there's a plus side in all this craziness. And what happened to Talia? Remember when she was kind and likeable? She didn't want to harm innocents, but loyalty to her father kept her from doing anything about it? Now she's a selfish heartless woman with a lust for blood and power. She's totally different from what she used to be. Too bad. Like I said, she was a likeable person then. I hate when characters I like turn to ones I hate. Back to the main story, I look forward to Batman's meeting with Mr. Worth in the next issue. I expect a decent run for our new writer so long as it continues at this pace its began on, and wish her luck. Just don't let the fact you're writing Batman get to your head like it has Tynion. He was doing fine till halfway through the Joker war. Now he hopes he can create more characters than Stan Lee. more

Psycamorean

Mar 30, 2021

I enjoyed this, though it was mostly set up.

Bats44121

Mar 23, 2021

Overall, the art is well done and the story is OK. Bruce is resourceful with the mini-caves, although there is no logical reason not to have access to the Batcave, other than lack of parking near where Bruce lives in the city. The changed situation for Bruce forces him to deal with neighbors, etc., and different dynamics. The story is just OK. Not a lot of it, so going over too much of it would just be total spoiler. Weird cameo by Huntress with no follow through. I do wish Bruce would shave. It is a shame to see Bruce Wayne... sloppy and continuing to be unkempt. He can come down in the world and still afford a razor and an ironed shirt. Batcaves in the sewer tunnels. This portrayal of Batman more than "grounded," but intended to also h umiliate. Bruce Wayne was billionaire, not millionaire. He could afford more, and a story that deprives him of "all" assets, simply is not credible. I think there is a middle ground that could be more reasonable, such as the 1969 apartment, or similar to the apartment and garage combination used by Britt Reid downtown in the 1960s. The unshaved, unkempt Bruce Wayne is more than "grounded." It is designed to humilate "people like him." Some writers enjoy this, some readers won't. I don't know where Bruce's two dogs and a cat have gone. Let's hope they are somehow safe. The other reality is that for some time, we are going to have a generation of writers that not only dislike Bruce Wayne, but also dislike the very idea of a Bruce Wayne. I don't have to like it, but that's frankly just tough. It isn't changing. Over time it may, but not in the near future. So we have what we have. Bruce doesn't have his back broken, his arm cut off, or is a living dead zombie, so there is all of that. Whether the current approach is your cup of tea, well, it's not changing. I am not a fan of the "Future State" approach, but DC already made its mind up about that. I don't see a point of re-ligitating that debate now in Detective Comics. Damian story backup is also OK. Damian didn't slaughter anyone, which is good, and he is developing some detective skills. Also not a fan of the Talia al Ghul stories, but this is what they are doing. OK, some people like it. Not me. Given the campaign to make Damian involved with assassins, I would rather pay for a second story of an actual adult detective: Martian Manhunter, Spectre, etc. Of course, the DC powers that be have wasted Spectre's Earth-bound appearances for the nonsense Essence or what they call "the gods" (eye roll). So Spectre is out, which is a shame. A Bruce Wayne/Batman Detective and Spectre combo in Detective Comics would be a good sale. Or at least put Huntress in, who makes a tiny cameo appearance. The Damian assassin stories, meh? Not for me. more

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Mingthemerciless - Mar 25, 2021

Speaking of Future State isn't Tim Foxs suit simply Jason Todd's batsuit from Battle for the Cowl minus the guns,

Bats44121 - Mar 25, 2021

Looks like. On that continuing "storyline" for Jace Fox, i have given up on it, at least until they actually get some issues done and decide what they want to say. Most of it is Luke Fox as Batwing activity.

Mighty Morphin Comic Rater

Mar 25, 2021

The story itself is a solid 9.0. Excellent exploration of Bruce Wayne as a character and how he deals with setbacks and human interaction, something that is typically lacking with the overwhelming focus on the alter-ego Batman and that persona's seemingly invulnerable attitude. The reason for the downgrade is simply the price and my ability to maintain this issue on my pull list. With DC's proposed price increase to $6 and this issue coming out bi-weekly, I am not able to invest $156 a year to see how this series pans out, especially when there are multiple other comic series that are at least as good and available at 1/3 the price.

Boudi

Mar 29, 2021

Dan Mora and Jordie Bellaire make a phenomenal team. One thing I liked about this issue is how Mariko Tamaki writtes the mayor. When he was written by James Tynion IV and John Ridley they just used him as your stereotypical evil mayor, in this issue he is a guy that is seriously concerned for the people of Gotham. Mariko Tamaki also crafts very real characters, I looked at Bruce's neighbours and was like "I know someone exactly like that". The bad part is the backup feature. It ended with a real clifhanger in Batman #106. Here everything is solved easily and makes me realize I overlooked how bad the art is on this one. DC is bringing Connor Hawke back, they are probably going to mess up, a shame. They are also going to include Ravager in th e Robin series and that is scary, because I love that character yet DC writters seem to become amateurs when they write anything with her. more

C.V.R. The Bard

Mar 28, 2021

Alot of socialite Bruce in this issue, though I am most intrigued to see how Huntress plays into this. The action sequences were a slog, I have just seen this before too many times. I would have skipped the Robin side story, but I love Talia. Out of all the little editor's notes , DC could have mentioned Silencer. Surprisingly the story with Damian was more interesting than The Bat's. Jon could take some notes from here on how to properly fill in the shoes of an icon. - Audiomack.com/cvrthebard

SenpaifenixJäger

Mar 23, 2021

In conclusion, no one gave a basis to justify the qualification and instead they flew into a rage. There are honest people who did not rate this number. And who asked me why five, the truth is that I had already read it to you, but it was an excellent opportunity to do an experiment on how many people only put the rating without actually reading it. And I'm glad they were few. In other places the answer was to base their qualification with their points of view. Thank you all for your participation this was very interesting. Now talking about this number Tamaki starts with a Nakano's gala, where a Bruce who is no longer a millionaire but he was in the place, in a moment some thugs dressed as clowns or something similar brake the par ty, then Bruce leaves the place, i guess as a superman he is looking for a booth Telephone to change from Bruce to Batman to go back and beat the criminals, that does not make Nakano very happy. After this everything slows down, Tamaki tries to put suspense on the number, but it felt quite lazy. Nakano continues looking for a way to stop the vigilantes, while the neighbor is kidnapped, at the end a man with white hair and with blood on his hands appears. The only thing I really liked is how Bruce starts to make his own cave, nice part but not original. but I wonder. What did he do with the cave? exploited it? did he only abandon it? because I know Bruce left the mansion, why he did not use the cave. This has no logic, it's like just getting angry with Bruce and making him suffer. Dan Mora's art is impeccable. The backup story is a little more interesting than Batman's, Damian, in short Damian finds out about some Mortal combat type tournaments, his mother diambles between being a mother and being a cold woman putting an ultimatum on him and Damian's response is jump out of the helicopter. What I liked was Williamson's agility in writing. It is not the great story but it is decent, without getting into unnecessary drama. though it was a complete cliche Melnikov's art is decent, but not flawless. I still don't like Damian's new suit. Pfff Maybe Tamaki will not drop the story with a lot of fillers, but with this number beginning I doubt it. more

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BitchWitcher - Mar 23, 2021

I've actually spent the money to buy this book and gave it a 9 because I loved Mora's art and how Tamaki is creating a whole political thriller with lots of action in intrigue. Nobody owes a review if they give this a rating, but you tanking it with a 5.0 when you haven't even bought it is pathetic and childish. Feel free to grow up if that's something that interests you.

I Have 3 Dollars - Mar 23, 2021

So you comment just to say how much you love the Red Hood for absolutely no reason (I like him too, it has nothing to do with this, congrats you support other comics, have a cookie) and then say, "if this is good, I will buy it" but rate it low without reading it? What kind of logic is that? How will you know it's good without reading it and how would you know it's worth a five if you don't know it's good?

fearUhavemeisenough - Mar 23, 2021

confess I didn't buy it , I'm waiting for it to be free, it shows that many idiots hurt them because they did not buy the comic and possibly you discovered its cover. Nobody has really verified that I buy anything and they are crying. It is a good message SUPPORT THE COMIC. But there are bitter idiots who do not even understand the positive.Even though I won't buy it if it's bad

allenquanobi - Mar 23, 2021

so what's teh difference of you posting this with a 10? You clearly just wanted to post this to bring the rating down since you aren't a fan of the direction of the creative team or it isn't what you like.

Mingthemerciless - Mar 23, 2021

Both Fenix and I were not impressed with Tamaks effort on Future State. So we re both looking at her run on tec with a dubious eye. Tamaki has a knack for starting great and quickly miring her stories in exposition and empty characterization along with plot problems. Her desire to go with a lead in to Future State with tec is not a promising start for me.

Mingthemerciless - Mar 23, 2021

Granted the mediocre Tynion is doing the same in Batman so clearly DC editorial has made the call that Future State is the end game here. DC had a similar direction when it was steering the titles towards kingdom come. They dropped that idea and I'm hoping they do the same with Future State.

Mingthemerciless - Mar 23, 2021

Its obviously too early after Future State to change the writing in these titles so quickly but if DC wants to stay that course I'm not interested and I'm betting most fans aren't either.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 23, 2021

I think they are going to show how it is averted. Remember, black Adam was sent back to 2021 at the end of his backup so he will no doubt be working to change the future to save his wife and unborn child.

fearUhavemeisenough - Mar 23, 2021

Easy, the purpose is that people read it and show it really that people bought it and it is demonstrated with a review than with a rating since you can do it without reading it. And I think the average would be just to get attention and it is not unfair, it is more the lowest rating someone in marketing would use to get attention.

BitchWitcher - Mar 23, 2021

@Mingthemerciless what you and this reviewer thought of Dark Detective is irrelevant to this discussion. Giving a 5 to a book you haven't read is idiotic, whether or not you've hated the author's past work

fearUhavemeisenough - Mar 23, 2021

It's really funny how we fail wonderfully, confirming that the comics are not being bought. no one is making a real criticism of this comic, I just see people barking. Fenix has said that he will change this to raise or lower the grade, but xenophobic hypocritical peoples have no reading ability. like @BitchWitcher.

I Have 3 Dollars - Mar 23, 2021

'NO, I have not bought it', followed up with, 'If this number is good enough, I'll buy it.' and finished off, 'THE ONLY WAY TO DEMONSTRATE THAT YOU REALLY LIKE THE CHARACTER OR THE BOOK IS TO BUY IT'. If you are supporting this backwards reasoning, I don't get it.

I Have 3 Dollars - Mar 23, 2021

@fearUhavemeisenough Why put up a review if you are just going to 'read it later'? Why are you defending that? That's my biggest issue.

allenquanobi - Mar 23, 2021

@fearUhavemeisenough you know there are plenty of people who buy books and don't leave reviews right? And your logic is basically supporting not buying books. You're supporting this person for leaving a review even when they haven't even read the book. The problem with doing this is it's unfair not only to the book, but also the creators who see a big fat 5. They see that number and get discouraged with how fans are taking the content. It also influences people to not buy the book.

allenquanobi - Mar 23, 2021

It also discourages people who don't usually pick up books to not pick it up when they see bad reviews on a book. For example, if you go on steam or amazon and see review bombs or bad reviews, you would never pick up that product. Putting a review up without even reading is horrid, and Fenix is just hypocritical for doing so, and you are as well for defending this kind of behavior

BitchWitcher - Mar 23, 2021

@Ginnkgo I'm similarly baffled. Also, now I'm a "xenophobic hypocrite" for pointing out the senselessness. @fearUhavemeisenough where you're from is irrelevant, you and your friend make no sense. You also don't know where I'm from either, btw

Mingthemerciless - Mar 23, 2021

I'm curious bwitch...how are our thoughts on how Tamaki handled Future State Dark Detective irrelevant when it appears she's starting her run ontec with a build up to Future State? If you're coming from the position that each issue should be viewed as it's own individual piece rather than a component of a larger vision then you're narrowing the discussion of the larger view of where the writer is going. That's your prerogative but the larger view of the direction chosen is not irrelevant at all.

Mingthemerciless - Mar 23, 2021

Tom King may have had a good issue or two but overall his story was awful. So much so he was pulled prematurely from finishing his run at 100 issues. All Um saying is Tamaki dropped the ball on her future state title and she's running again with an FS centric build up. If a reader didnt like FS why would a run towards it be welcome by the same writer? Irrelevant?

myconius - Mar 26, 2021

@Mingthemerciless - WORD!!!

myconius

Mar 26, 2021

This was probably one of the most boring Batman comics i've read in a long time. It starts with a Mayor's speech (i'm bored already). Then the speech is broken up by an attack by Party Crashers. The the Party Crashers get taken down by Batman in the most uninteresting "Over-Before-You-Know-It" ways possible. Bruce is in a DIY cave, He hurts his back, He's living in some apartment, His neighbor Lydia flirts with him, she invites him to a party, The mayor has a meeting about the Party Crashers, Batman finds the Party Crashers and beats them up, Bruce's Neighbor Sarah gets attacked, Yadda-Yadda-Yadda.... Aside from decent art, this comic kinda stinks. As for the backup story. Damian is interacting with Talia? the same Talia who ha d him killed in Batman Inc? No thanks! more

RKS

Mar 30, 2021

Ok, I get it...According to some people being rich is bad. So we had to take the Wayne fortune away from Batman. Yeah, that was part of the escapism and part of the character he's a millionaire playboy. If the writers don't like that then go create your own character and watch it not sell. Anyway, this issue and story arc sucks. DC is just circling the drain at this point.