Written by: Ram V
Art by: Jason Shawn Alexander
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Tom Napolitano
Cover art by: Evan Cagle (cover A)
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: November 28, 2023
Detective Comics #1078 enacts Catwoman's risky plan to rescue Batman from a public hanging.
Is Detective Comics #1078 Good?
Due in large part to the art, Detective Comics #1078 is one of the better issues in one of the better arcs in Ram V's tenure on the title. Ram V's plot is not without numerous flaws, but the issue is generally entertaining.
When last we left Catwoman, she gathered the last of her crew to pull off one of the most difficult heists of her career - rescue Batman from a public hanging with Gotham's citizens, the GCPD, and the Orgham's watching. Now, the plan is in motion as Lian and Jade take out the guards by the underground cages holding displaced citizens, Cassie Cain and Mr. Freeze attack the Thelemus Engine (or the Reality Engine, or whatever that thing is supposed to be), and Azrael in his Knightfall armor creates one heck of an explosive distraction. The stage is set for Catwoman to make the last move, but will it be enough?
Colors by: Dave Stewart
Letters by: Tom Napolitano
Cover art by: Evan Cagle (cover A)
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: November 28, 2023
Detective Comics #1078 enacts Catwoman's risky plan to rescue Batman from a public hanging.
Is Detective Comics #1078 Good?
Due in large part to the art, Detective Comics #1078 is one of the better issues in one of the better arcs in Ram V's tenure on the title. Ram V's plot is not without numerous flaws, but the issue is generally entertaining.
When last we left Catwoman, she gathered the last of her crew to pull off one of the most difficult heists of her career - rescue Batman from a public hanging with Gotham's citizens, the GCPD, and the Orgham's watching. Now, the plan is in motion as Lian and Jade take out the guards by the underground cages holding displaced citizens, Cassie Cain and Mr. Freeze attack the Thelemus Engine (or the Reality Engine, or whatever that thing is supposed to be), and Azrael in his Knightfall armor creates one heck of an explosive distraction. The stage is set for Catwoman to make the last move, but will it be enough?
By and large, this is an action-heavy issue as the assorted team members (sans Grundy, who isn't shown in this issue) make their moves on multiple fronts to divide Orgham's forces with the intent of creating an opening. Ram V is famously known for bad pacing, but to his credit, he keeps the players moving and the clocking ticking as the hangman's noose hungers to claim its next victim.
What's great about Detective Comics #1078? The pacing, action, and heist execution are surprisingly thrilling. You don't know what Catwoman's final move will be until it's her time to act, but the journey is just as fun as the destination.
What's not so great about Detective Comics #1078? Ram V is also famously averse to explaining for clarity. Why is the GCPD intentionally standing by to let a public hanging take place outside the bounds of law and the justice system? Where is Commissioner Montoya when this travesty is going on/ Where are any of the action-oriented members of the Bat-Family (Nightwing, Robin, Red Hood, etc.)? If Selina is adamant that nobody is killed during their heist, why did she unleash Azrael on the GCPD to make big moves that look incredibly lethal?
In short, Ram V gives you a good show as long you ignore all the particulars because as soon as you peel back the layers, the premise falls apart.
How's the art? Jason Shawn Alexander's art is the standout of this issue, saving Ram V's flawed script. The action is fast-paced and gritty, and the wow moments hit at the right time.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces:
Detective Comics #1078 is one of the better issues in one of the better arcs in Ram V's run. Selina's plan comes together with fast pacing and thrilling action, and the art steals the show. That said, don't think about the plot too much because it falls apart under the slightest pressure.
7/10
The plot was too non sensical for me to ignore. You can't have catwoman gathering other known characters from DC and then not have the reader ask where is the batfamily then? Or worse, Justice League? This isn't a case of batman being tried for something in court or being sentenced to prison where you can maybe have him tell others not to interfere or something cause he has to face this etc etc, he is literally being publicly executed. Do his children or longtime friends, colleagues or comrades have anything to say other than characters who are wayyyy less unrelated to him with the exception of selina and maybeee Jean paul??? I can't engage with it. I could have if this was a black label or if it pretended no one exists and didn't have catwoman's gang rescuing him. You can't have both, either otger DC characters exist or they don't in this plot. 7 is too high.
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