Detective Comics #1084 Review

      

           

Written by: Ram V
Art by: Javier Fernandez
Colors by: Dave McCaig
Letters by: Arian Maher
Cover art by: Evan Cagle
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: April 23, 2024

Detective Comics #1084 marks the beginning of the end when Gotham's Dark Knight returns from the desert to put the Orghams on notice that their actions have consequences.
Is Detective Comics #1084 Good?

All things considered, Detective Comics #1084 ain't half bad. Ram V kicks off the final six-issue arc on his run with a slow-moving train of momentum that gradually picks up speed when Bruce accepts a little R&R in the desert with Talia before returning to Gotham as Batman to put an end to the Orghams' plans.

When last we left Bruce Wayne, his final test in the desert left him weak and wounded but finally free of the Azmer and the knowledge that Azmer's parasitic effect could be counteracted with sound. Meanwhile, Gotham City appears to be enjoying a new era of peace and security, but at the cost of the unwanted and undesirables quietly disappearing in record numbers.

Now, Bruce takes some time to recover with Talia by his side. He learns Talia's soldiers have recovered Arzen Orgham's body, and she intends to resurrect him with Lazarus potion to keep a promise. Bruce decides the Orghams have lived consequence-free for too long, so Batman makes a grand return to the city by defeating an Azmer-infected Hulk and reuniting with Jim Gordon, the Question, and Catwoman.

The issue ends with Batman setting off a fiery display to announce his return to the Orghams and Catwoman reaching out to another villain to ensure Batman is never killed by the Orghams again.

What's great about Detective Comics #1084? In the entirety of Ram V's run, this is one of the better issues. The plot is clear with steady pacing, good scene transitions, and a modest reduction in Ram V's signature need for flowery, pretentious narration. For all the ambiguous trouble the Orghams have caused, Batman feels poised to finally step up, take action, and do something about it.

What's not so great about Detective Comics #1084? The last page twist is intriguing but concerning. It took a very long time to get here, so if the best Ram V can do is fall back on the Joker to wrap this story up, the disappointment will be immeasurable. Plus, there are a plethora of questions yet to be answered, such as a clear explanation of the Reality Machine, the Orghams' intention for Arkham Tower, how they managed to get away with a public hanging, what happened to Grundy and Azrael, and much more. Falling back to a Joker team-up without answering those longstanding looks bad for Ram V in more ways than one.

How's the Art? Javier Fernandez does an excellent job with strong figure work, outstanding backgrounds, clean lines, and dramatic panels.

Backup

Alex Paknadel delivers a short story explaining how Lady Shiva smuggled Arzen Orgham's body out of Gotham to be delivered to Talia. Cass Cain makes an appearance to confront her mother and lend a hand when Azmer Demons attack their impromptu meeting.

On the whole, this was a fine short that enhanced the main story with unnecessary but entertaining information. All backups should follow this model.


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 #1084 is a perfectly serviceable issue that gets Batman back to Gotham for the last leg of Ram V's tenure on Detective Comics. The plotting, pacing, action, and dialog are solid and largely free of Ram V's trademark overwritten narration. Even the backup is worth your time as it enhances a key development in the main story.

7.2/10