Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Detective Comics #27Detective Comics #27
DC Comics
Meltzer, Hitch, Hurwitz, Adams, Tomasi, Bertram, Barr, March, Layman, Fabok, Snyder & Murphy

The tribute issue to the first appearance of Batman (Detective Comics Volume 1, #27, 75 years ago) provides a good mix of tribute stories by a wide variety of creators. Similarly to Detective #900, this issue tries to use the number twenty-seven in many of the stories but it isn't obtuse about it. Unlike #900, this issue manages to create a celebration of the character, which seems much more in line with expectations for the hype and the inflated price tag of eight dollars. This is worth picking up if you have some room in your budget.

The first story by Meltzer and Hitch is a tribute to the origin of Batman. The story is a great way to pay homage to the classic Batman tale that has endured throughout the comic ages to even the first film version of Batman. Even Hitch's art appears to take on the golden age look which was very fitting and made the story more enjoyable. The only problem is that there is a duel narration – one of Batman in action and the other of Batman's journal entry and they collide a bit too much. Overall this was a great story.

The second story by Hurwitz and Adams is fantastic as they bring Batman, Robin and the villains through the ages. This tale definitely captures the look and feel of the various incarnations of Batman, as well as the writing style, to perfection. The comic ends with a nice tribute to a Batman creator.

The third story by Tomasi and Bertcam is also excellent as it provides an aged Bruce Wayne turning 75 and celebrating with family and friends. The comic captures the Frank Miller look which results in a great visual but it also is a reminder of him not including a story of his own or a pin-up. However, this story is a great one even if the supporting character's ages seem off in comparison to Bruce Wayne.

The Francavilla written and drawn four page story is beautiful but it is far too short to capture a lasting meaning among these other excellent stories.

Barr and March make excellent use of their limited space by providing a take that mimics, "It's a Wonderful Life" where Bruce's parents lived rather than died. The story may very well be the best of the entire issue. This story also pays tribute to Bill Finger, the largely snubbed creator of Batman.

The main story by Layman and Fabok is the launching point for upcoming storyline Gothtopia and is very out of place in this issue. It's not that it's a bad story and I understand DC needs to provide an entry to their next arc in Detective Comics but did it need to be a third of this issue at thirty pages? A ten page lead in would have been enough allowing some room for another tribute. Incidentally it would have been cool if Layman and Fabok had done their own tribute as well.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsFinally, Snyder and Murphy end the book with a bang as they provide an outstanding legacy piece that shows the heart of what makes Batman timeless. This story is drawn to perfection by Murphy.

This comic is great. Yes, there are notable absences, such as Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, but even in the pin-up section I found it surprising not to find a Kubert pin-up or maybe even a Bolland or Lee one. The exclusions do not take away from a great read though.

Detective Comics #27 is a true celebration of the character and is definitely a great pick-up. You get ninety pages of story and there isn't a dud in the bunch. The long story from the main creative team feels slightly out of a place but the content of the story is of high quality. This is definitely something to check out.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles