Detective Comics #975 Review

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Alvaro Martinez

Inker: Raul Fernandez

Colourist: Brad Anderson

Letterer: Sal Cipriano

The issue is a multiple of 25, so we get an over-sized anniversary issue. All this means is that the writer is going to pad the hell out of this issue, and we do indeed receive some kind and generous padding from Mr. Tynion IV. What's ironic is that I believe less happens in this issue than in a regular-sized comic, which is absolutely reprehensible and should, I think, be considered morally unethical.

The story concerns the trial of Batwoman. In a first for the series, Batman gathers every single member of the Bat family, namely Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon, and Damian Wayne. This is an interesting element of the story which has its moments, but this is where most of the padding can be found. Tynion even goes so far as to recap the very existence of the Gotham Knights team, which I think is unfair to the people who have been reading this since the beginning with #934.

One of the good things here is the art. Alvaro. Martinez. The team of Martinez, Raul Fernandez, and Brad Anderson is simply one of the best creative teams in the industry right now. Martinez's work is sublime and Anderson's colouring brings it to life in a very lively way. Anderson uses light in the trial scene to fantastic effect, highlighting the almost sterile nature of the conversation.

There truly isn't much going on in this issue, despite it being over-sized. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a scam, but it's pretty bad and whatever happens here will definitely be recapped in the next issue if that helps. However, the art is simply magnificent and it alone may be worth the price of admission.