Ghosts of the Wayne family past resurface in the present. A caped crusader questioning his actions. A doctor struggling with ethics. Millionaires trying to find new ways to cheat death. Gotham City goes “All In” with a new creative team taking the reigns on one of their longest running titles.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1090 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janin, and Wes Abbott welcomes readers into a case tying back to the days of Thomas Wayne!
Let’s take a deeper dive into the new tale!
DETECTIVE COMICS #1090 by Tom Taylor, Mikel Janin, and Wes Abbott (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Leave it to Tom Taylor to throw a shocking curve into the mythos of the Bat. Bringing up a past moment with Thomas Wayne adds a new dynamic into the present crisis. Seeing how Batman deals with his tactic concerning a young robber spirals into a complex situation. By making a choice in the moment, it turns deadly with responsibility falling on the Bat. It is a moment that shows room to grow as the story plays out.
The side plot with Scarlett and the wealthy cheating death leans into a side of Wayne doesn’t like to live: augmentation. This proves for an internal struggle as the code he’s built now comes into question. Seeing the trepidation with events plays up well heading to the closing act. With the spotlight back on Thomas Wayne, the close drops quite the surprise. “No good deed goes unpunished” has never been more true with Taylor’s close. It will have readers shocked with the final panel. Talk about making a first impression.
Janin sets the eerie mood right from the start. The full page image carries weight as the Bat tries breaking down the situation. This is complimented with a full page splash of the Bat soaring and contemplating. The more impactful portion goes back to the early days of the Waynes. Janin’s art shows off a different side of the family. Thomas Wayne’s struggles to deal with his conflict pours with emotion. It is an struggle with grave consequences.
It mirrors with his son’s current dilemma. The art presents the temptation of extending life. Bruce Wayne’s thoughts clearly race with each panel. As imposing as his caped persona is, Thomas Wayne takes this issue. His choices come with much pain as the right thing isn’t always the easy one. The art leaves readers with a strong closing panel, lighting the match for an explosive path.
FINAL POINT: 9.2
The past actions of a father loom over a son’s quest for justice in a big opening chapter. Taylor’s writing constructs a unique build. Janin and Abbott mask the conflict behind an intimate picture of a doctors choice. If this is any indication, prepare for another classic run!
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