Detective Comics #996

This issue gets Tomasi's run headed in the right direction with some solid detective work which filled out the plot, putting Batman in motion to find his adversary. Now that it's clear to the Batman the purpose of these attacks, it is also clear to the reader that it is a celebration of those who have helped developed the Dark Knight into the man he is. It proves to be interesting as these characters are explored in the run up to Detective Comics #1000. Read Full Review

It wasnt just the story in this issue that made it remarkable but also the art: this team of artists really brought this story to life with the action sequences. I absolutely enjoyed this issue and look forward to what Tomasi and the team have lined up next for us as we continue the countdown to issue #1000. This is easily a 5 star issue and I encourage everyone to pick it up. If you are not caught up on the what's happening so far, go back and grab the others. Youll want to enjoy this full story. Read Full Review

Detective Comics #996 is an amazing chapter in the storyline leading up to issue # 1000. Tomasi and Mahnke are creating a great and interesting story. I have no idea who's behind this plot but I can't wait to see. The only thing that is hard is the wait between issues. Read Full Review

This Dynamic Duo deliver yet another incredible chapter to this ever growing mystery, leaving readers floored with the jaw dropping ending. As the series approach the milestone issue, Tomasi and Mahnke continue to prove their weight in gold as they create an all new modern classic. With anticipation running high, this series continues to push the envelope with a character nearly a century old. Read Full Review

Three issues into the "Mythology" arc has Batman retracing his past to prevent certain mayhem in the future. But this is no sentimental mosey down memory lane: destruction and death is following our caped crusader wherever he goes. Solid rapid-fire writing and a dreamy art team of Mahke, Mendoza, and Irwin make this book a must buy! Read Full Review

Detective Comics has been injected with new energy since the change in creative teams. Tomasi utilizes Batman's extensive gallery of character to make this story feel grounded in the lore yet mysterious and fresh. Read Full Review

Doug Mahnke's art is astounding. There is so much beautiful detail in every panel that one can get lost in the visuals. Every scene, especially the action scenes, is rendered with attention to details. A visually stunning issue. Read Full Review

Comics are great entertainment, but this series has gone back to being way more than just 20 pages of bullets, bombshells and biceps. I am genuinely concerned, not just for Batman, but for everyone around him. Someone out there wants to destroy him, and everyone that made him. I'm eagerly anticipating issue #997, and Mister Miracle! Read Full Review

Tomasi begins to give Batman some more clues as he chases another lead. Hopefully, Tomasi is setting this mystery up in a way that readers can piece it together as well instead of some randomly thrown adversary. This arc has been rock solid so far and as we get closer to issue #1000 the momentum is growing. Read Full Review

Detective Comics #996 isnt afraid to delve into Batmans past as we look towards issue #1000. Tomasi, Mahnke and the rest of the team have a momentous story that succeeds on many different levels. Unfortunately, it could be a bit intimidating for those less familiar with Batmans complex history. Read Full Review

This book has become a must-read since Tomasi took over.  I have no idea where this is going but I can't wait to find out. Read Full Review

The Mythology arc truly lives up to its name. There are a lot of deified entities in play that encompass different aspects of a complex universe and some take a little more to process than others. Detective Comics #996 drinks deep from the well of Batman knowledge, and I think it's okay if you're overwhelmed given how Bats is probably feeling right now. Read Full Review

A good issue that mixes Batman's past into the narrative. Watch as Batman fights humans, monsters, and his past! Read Full Review

Detective Comics #996 successfully builds momentum and keeps the story moving, at a breakneck pace, toward Issue #1000. Read Full Review

Ive beenenjoying this storyline, as much as two chapters will allow. It has distilledBatman down to his comfortable basics, much like Batman: The Animated Series once did. I am hopeful this trendcontinues for the foreseeable future, making one of DCs flagship charactersaccessible to all. Read Full Review

Pick this issue up, and each of the other two issues leading up to #1000 it's gearing up to be one for the ages. Read Full Review

DETECTIVE COMICS #996 is great overall. There are a couple of hiccups here and there, but they're minor flaws. What works here really works well. Read Full Review

I enjoyed Tynion's Batfamily-centric vision of the series, but this more mystery and detective-centric take is more up my alley. And it lives up to the title a bit more, for sure. Read Full Review

While Batman knows what the attacks have in common there's still the question of why. Why attack those who helped Bruce Wayne years ago? What's the point (other than to create one very pissed-off Batman)? Worth a look. Read Full Review

Tomasi's run is definitely ambitious so far, but I'm not sure it's worth what it's costing the Bat-family as a whole. Read Full Review

Overall, we still have a decent Batman book here, and there’s still plenty of time for them to hit us with some crazy twists on our way to issue #1000. With how this issue ended and whom they are likely to bring into the mix, I have high hopes that we’ll see something special in the coming issues. Oh yes, I’m still on board, despite the fact that classic Batman characters seem to be rushed in front of the editorial crosshairs. Read Full Review

This issue does not have Bruce address Leslie's death and Alfred's stabbing, which I think is a travesty. Also, the plot seems to moves too quickly, jumping from location to location with no true substance. Despite the criticisms, this issue had a lot of good moments. I did enjoy it. However, this is the weakest issue in Tomasi's run. Read Full Review

The mystery at the center of this remains compelling, though at times there is too much filler. Read Full Review

Psycamorean

Jan 16, 2019

I thought this was really great. I had a ton of fun reading this. The pacing is great and so is the art. I like seeing Batman be a detective and I like that this mystery is actually slowly being unfolded. I hope Tomasi stays on Detective for a while, since his Batman is so refreshing after so much of the current Batman run and previous Detective Comics being regulated to sub-par Batman stories, or a team book. Also, maybe Damian can be alright again. Teen Titans just ruined everything Tomasi was trying to do and Super Sons is really suffering from a lack of plot. So having him interact with Batman as a supporting character might be just what the character needs. I've got high hopes for this series.

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bucswin611 - Jan 16, 2019

For what it's worth, I heard Mahnke say in an interview that Tomasi wants to do 100 issues.

myconius - Jan 16, 2019

i really wish that he would!

bucswin611 - Jan 16, 2019

*Crosses fingers*

Psycamorean - Jan 16, 2019

I don't know about 100 issues. That's a lot, even with good writers. But I hope his run is long.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

if Tomasi does stay on the series, i really hope that DC drops the bi-weekly cash-grab! they need to go back to one issue per month. that's the only way they will be able to maintain any sort of level of quality.

bucswin611 - Jan 17, 2019

From what I understand, all of the Rebirth titles were supposed to revert back to monthly, right? Many have and the quality has improved...it'll be interesting to see!

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

that'd be real nice if they all reverted back to monthly. i was pretty sure the reason they did bi-weekly was to hurry out ACTION and DETECTIVE issues 1000. guess after Detective 1000 comes out we'll see.

Psycamorean - Jan 17, 2019

Yeah, it probably will revert to monthly after 1000 and then all that will be bi-monthly is Justice League, Batman, Harley Quinn and Flash. I don't really like most of those series so it makes me think...

Darkseid24 - Jan 17, 2019

Not again, I think 100 issues are too much for one writer. It’s good so far, but Tomasi wrote pretty mediocre stories too like Arkham War or Arkham Knight.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

i'd be happy with 20 to 30 issues of Tomasi on DETECTIVE. anything more is a gamble. Grant Morrison was on Batman for 5 years, but he had many breaks in between. creators just can't run like a machine. even machines eventually break down.

bucswin611 - Jan 18, 2019

I like the way you wrote that comment...for anyone still following this thread, if you could dictate how many issues Tomasi wrote on Detective, what would you choose? I think ~25, with maybe one break for events or one-shots by other writers, would be great.

myconius - Jan 18, 2019

thank you bucswin611 . - - if i had my ideal wish fulfilled for this run of Tomasi on DETECTIVE, i’d say he has at least 30 good issues in him to tell. … he seems most at home with Batman, and already given us over 40 great issues on his New 52 Batman&Robin. …a 30 solid issues here should be child’s play for him.

bucswin611 - Jan 18, 2019

Gooooood point. Makes me want to re-read that run!

Darkseid24 - Jan 18, 2019

20 would be more than enough for me.

myconius - Jan 18, 2019

i'd be happy with with a 20 issue run, but i'd be even happier with 30. - - Tomasi's Batman & Robin is one of the few series that i actually kept my single issues of from the new 52.

Darkseid24 - Jan 20, 2019

30 would be too much in my opinion. I’ve read too many mediocre stories from Tomasi to want him so long.

myconius - Jan 20, 2019

guess we'll all find out when we find out.

Darkseid24 - Jan 21, 2019

True

I Review Comics

Mar 18, 2020

I just reviewed Batman #62 from Tom King and it's almost surreal how different the take on the Batman character is in this series. Whereas Tom's Dark Knight almost feels ineffectual and weak, Tomasi's Batman feels like one of the toughest and capable bastards you'll ever run into. It's really striking especially reading both books back to back. This issue follows Batman in the aftermath of a brutal takedown of his rogues in Arkham. I really wish we could have got to see the fight but I'll give the omission a pass because this issue is generally awesome. The rest of the issue remains focused on Bruce's investigation of the attack on Alfred in his home and the murder of Leslie Thompkins in the previous issue. The comic takes Bruce aro und the world as he encounters Henry Deckard, the man that trained him to track enemies. He also has a really cool scene in one of the monasteries in which he learned how to fight. The issue features another cool cliffhanger as the excitement ramps up toward the #1000 anniversary issue. The art is great and the pacing of the book is perfect. How Tomasi isn't the writer on the main Batman title is beyond me. I will pick up the pace on my Batman reviews, at least on Detective comics. It's not a slog like the Tom King run has been. Now that we're past that god awful Two-Face arc the last few issues have been perfect. more

Wrobinso

Jan 16, 2019

Incredible. Tomasi has my full attention on this series already.

Linkush

Jan 16, 2019

Another fantastic issue. I really liked the detective stuff in this issue. I felt a lot of tension and a sense of mystery unlike anything else I read in a while. The part with Henri Ducard was great and unexpected, Damian being in this issue was also a great touch and the ending have me intrigued. Combine all of this with Mahnke's top-notch art and you got yourself one of the best comic books available right now.

Dorival

Jan 17, 2019

Wow! I underestimated Tomasi!

Nihilist

Jan 16, 2019

Batman is called the world's greatest detective for a reason, we know that, but we rarely have an opportunity to see his detective, forensic and investigative skills being put to proper use. Usually his comics are following the basic patternn: hero gets defeated by a villain who uses their weaknesses against them, then hero learns from their mistakes and overcomes their weaknesses to finally defeat the villain in the last, final fight. That's a classic trope, and I don't have anything against it, but as I said, we rarely see Batman using his unique skill set in step 2: overcoming his weaknesses. Most of the time that comes naturally - he makes a plan we don't know about, executes it and gets the upper hand against the villain. That's it. To masi has put emphasis on Bruce investigating what's happening, and how his current nemesis targets his...or its victims. We kinda know its methodology, but we don't know what's its ultimate goal, who will it target next, where does the story go. And that's something I truly appreciate about this issue. It builds the mystery and allows Batman to think, forces him to look for ways to outrun the enemy for once, be a step ahead of it. But he can't. That's one good build up, and while some may perceive it as a bit lacking in terms of sheer action, I would say we need only more comics like this one. Tension feels real, stakes are high, no one's safe, and the mystery is still a mystery. more

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myconius - Jan 17, 2019

this run has been really good so far. all i can say is, Tomasi had better get a nice long stay on Detective Comics.

Nihilist - Jan 17, 2019

Oh, yes, couldn't agree more. I hope he stays for long, especially now, when Detective Comics is the only comic with Batman which isn't unreadable. I certainly have very high expectations for his run.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

absolutely!!! i can't tell you how long i've been waiting for an actual GOOD Batman series!

egonnn244 - Jan 17, 2019

I have a feeling that after issue 1000 Tomasi will be gone from this book and DC brass will put someone else. Hopefully someone good.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

IF they replace Tomasi after 1000 hopefully it'll be someone good. ...and hopefully they'll drop the bi-weekly release schedule.

Psycamorean - Jan 17, 2019

It's been announced that Tom King will be taking over after 1000.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

hahahaha! are you serious? so what are we going to have TWO bad Batman series now? 😆

egonnn244 - Jan 17, 2019

And I thought my jokes were bad.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

that last comment, egon ... you just reminded me that i REALLY need to re-watch The Dark Knight again some time real soon.

Nihilist - Jan 17, 2019

Haha, so true. I need to rewatch it as well. Brilliant movie.

Psycamorean - Jan 17, 2019

I rewatched it recently. My opinion of the movie wavers more and more. I don't find Batman very interesting in it and Bale's voice is really bad. And some of the dialogue is bad. In some rewatches, I've just watched the Joker scenes. And I don't really blame my past self for doing so.

egonnn244 - Jan 18, 2019

With time I started to view Nolan's Batmen as good movies, but not necessarily good Batman movies. Does that make sense? They're just not comic book-ish enough.

myconius - Jan 18, 2019

all commenter bring up excellent points. True the Nolan movie lack the fantasy element to make them truly feel like like a comic adventure. the fighting was a bit bland, and Bale's Batman voice got worse as they went on. plus soume of the cop/court room drama was very pretentious. BUT there still are things i enjoy about the movies. it's been years since i've seen them, but there was a time when i'd them multiple viewings. same with the Michael Keaton Batman films. (mostly the 89 film)

myconius - Jan 18, 2019

i don't think we've ever truly gotten an actual comic faithful adaption of Batman in live action, except for the Adam West movie. (which i personally love) but it's not for everyone. i think Mask of the Phantasm was an excellent Batman film, but it's no live action. i'm keeping my fingers crossed that Matt Reeves' The Batman will be good. when i do see it (i have to see every Batman movie in the theater) i'll go in without setting my expectations overly high, and just enjoy it for what it is.

waltgator93

Jan 16, 2019

While the artwork on Damian is eh ok and seeing Two-Face even tho in Detective Comics, he shouldn’t be here, issue was still amazing! Thank you Tomasi! My hopes of Bruce and Damian rekindling their relationship are going up! The mystery behind the villain is quite a mystery indeed. Although the cliffhanger really was only a cliffhanger for the scene not a cliffhanger for next issue so really didn’t feel anything for when it ended.

egonnn244

Jan 16, 2019

"Your lack of merry makes you so scary" Another solid issue of Detective Comics with a truly delightful opening page in Arkham. Pete Tomasi wastes no time, and after assuring us that Alfred will be fine, he sends Batman to France to continue his investigation. The Dark Knight doesn't wander or walk around like in the fog. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it ("a few basic disguises is all you need") and I love it. This all leads us to an amazing action scene in the catacombs under Paris. The art shinies at this moment. The arena is small, the battle is brutal and chaotic, and ends with a bang. And there is just something inherently cool about Batman fighting with a sword. Definitely worth a read. The art and the dialog ue are top notch and the mystery is getting a little bit clearer. If I were to nitpick I would say that the ending feels a bit abrupt. It could use one more panel to show the next scene. But that would be it, no other complaints. more

myconius

Jan 16, 2019

an alright issue. Tomasi’s first two issues of this run came out of the gate really strong, this one started a lot slower. it needed to make up for the lack of story from the more action and suspense based storytelling from the previous issues. it’s still a good issue though. still was cool seeing Batman actually being a detective. even though i understand why it needed to be there, wasn’t crazy about the reminder of the current relationship issues between Bruce and Damian, though i did like that Damian dropped everything and came to Alfred’s aid. i also enjoyed Tomasi’s callback to his first arc on New52 Batman & Robin.

Darkseid24

Jan 16, 2019

Overall I liked this issue, but I’m still sad about Leslie’s death. One of the good things in this issue is, that Batman actually is doing some detective work here& is even dressing up as other people than Batman like in the good old days. The monster he fought is kind of pretty weird, but also quite disturbing on the other side. However I didn’t like how he beat up the villains at the beginning of the story. While this totally fits Batman ( so no complain to Tomasi) I cant believe Gotham police is just dealing with this. Beating up helpless people, even so they are criminals& actually mentally ill shouldn’t be tolerated by police. Not even Gordon can excuse that. So while it’s good to see a more psychopatic Batman again, I think this should have more consequences for him. Until then Batman is still on the hunt for Leslie’s murder. Still hope there will be a plot twist where she isn’t dead. As for the art I like it, but thank you DC for putting the logo right on Scarecrow‘s face on the cover 😑 more

Simon DelMonte

Jan 17, 2019

A touch too busy - Gotham, Paris, Korea, New Mexico, boom! - but great to look at and lots of funs, or at least intrigue.

ohhaimark

Jan 18, 2019

THE GOOD: -I liked the art, but it was a step down from the first two in my opinion. -Glad to see Tomasi making ties to his Batman and Robin run. It added to this issue nicely. -I still think the characterization is spot-on here. I especially found Henri Ducard to be a great character in this issue. -That creature from issue one's appearance was just perfect. Bizarre and memorable. Apparently Mahnke and Tomasi heard the criticism that the creature looked too bland in the first issue, because they have really amped it up, in a good way. -That line about the people who made Batman being unmade really resonated with me. I liked it a lot. I also liked that they didn't force a splash page on it, the line was powerful enough al ready. -I thought that the temple scene was really cool. Awesome battle scene that isn't stretched to the point of filler, or too short. Nicely done. -That end is just… Wow. I won't spoil it. If you haven't read this issue yet and plan on doing so, I suggest avoiding spoilers. THE BAD: -I will admit, the ending of last issue was continued rather anticlimactically this issue. -This issue did feel kind of rushed, especially towards the end. The last page really felt like they crammed too much in there. So much so, I was very confused as to what exactly happened in those last few panels. more

Spacey Medicine

Jun 03, 2019

I’m interested in seeing where this is going, but I sometimes don’t like the dialogue.

bucswin611

Jan 16, 2019

You know Tom King often stretches one issue into three? Well this felt like two or three crammed into one. Maybe some will enjoy that, a throwback to '70s plotting, but it felt rushed and disjointed. Mahnke's linework appeared more rushed as well, potentially a function of so many characters and plot, leaving little room for detail. But my issue is the dialogue, which felt clunky. Good ideas with disappointing execution compared to the past two issues, but of course I am still on-board with where this is going. Biggest highlight? Reading HaHaNoraSoColdMarryMeBreakYou was a lot of fun!

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myconius - Jan 16, 2019

i wonder if the reason this issue (while still very good) felt clunky, is that both writer and artist are feeling the effects of the bi-weekly burnout? ...i really appreciated the point you brought up about this feeling like several issues crammed into one. most definitely!

bucswin611 - Jan 16, 2019

Oh yes, that could be - maybe this was more functional than trying to make it visually perfect like the first two. BUT we're spoiled to even get B-minus work from this team. Makes the A-plus even better...maybe again next issue.

myconius - Jan 17, 2019

i noticed most of my favorite comics always have a lot going on in one single issues. i prefer this type of storytelling over when the writer feels they need to spoon-feed the reader pages upon pages of info before any action even begins to happen. i still think the dialog could have been ironed out a bit, but i'm going to chalk that one up to the release schedule.

bucswin611 - Jan 18, 2019

I totally agree, example being Batman Annual #2. Totally self-contained. But I acknowledge the nature of the industry is having to construct full arcs for sales and longer narratives. Let's mix in both!

bucswin611 - Jan 18, 2019

Well that was short-lived.. "BRAD WALKER Taking Over DETECTIVE COMICS" - Newsarama...starting with #1001

bucswin611 - Jan 18, 2019

Oh wait - it's with Tomasi...d'oh

myconius - Jan 18, 2019

Tomasi is actually staying on after issue 1000?

Psycamorean - Jan 19, 2019

Yes. Some opportunistic article authors made it sound like he was being replaced with that title. Nope, Brad Walker is the artist, not the writer.

myconius - Jan 19, 2019

that's great news!! well i'll enjoy it for however long it lasts. it'll be good to finally have a well written Batman series on the stands for a change. especially since i don't have much hope for the other current Batman series.