Detective Comics #1091 Review

• Written by: Tom Taylor

• Art by: Mikel Janín

• Colors by: Mikel Janín

• Letters by: Wes Abbott

• Cover art by: Mikel Janín (cover A)

• Cover price: $4.99

• Release date: November 27, 2024

Detective Comics #1091, by DC Comics on 11/27/24, finds Batman keeping tabs on the serial killer's likely next victim while he contemplates undergoing Scarlett's youth-giving procedure.

---

Is Detective Comics #1091 Good?

It shouldn't be any surprise that Tim Taylor's take on the Dark Knight would put the brakes on the plot in favor of the heavy-handed social commentary that spoiled his run on Nightwing and Jon Kent. Still, when the brakes are stepped on for most of the issue, you get a comic that's long on bland talking and short on everything else. Detective Comics #1091 is a step down from the previous issue because Tom Taylor just can't help himself.

When last we left the Caped Crusader in Detective Comics #1090, Batman found himself hot on the trail of another vigilante without qualms about killing criminals. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne met with an old friend whose medical research may be just the elixir Batman needs to overcome the unrelenting ravages of battle damage and age. In the past, we learned Dr. Thomas Wayne saved the life of an abusive man. That man's name was Joe Chill.

In Detective Comics #1091, we begin with Bruce Wayne waking up from a nasty dream. He makes the most of his waking hours by connecting the dots between the recent murder victims as late teens and low-level criminals who were recently released from juvenile detention. Batman meets Bullock at the morgue to check on the results from the latest victim, and there, Batman expresses regret over hitting the armed boy. Batman believes he should have done more to disarm the armed robber without resorting to violence(???), but Bullock reassures him that his actions were humane and justified.

Oh, boy. Tom Taylor just can't help himself. Batman's entire mythology revolves around socking a criminal in the mouth to stop a crime. Late teen or not, the kid was armed and dangerous, so for Batman to suddenly become rueful about using force is out of character and silly.

Suddenly, Oracle alerts Batman that one of the teens under monitoring was kidnapped by a group of thugs and whisked away in a truck. Robin is already en route, so Batman races to the Batmobile to catch up. The Batmobile catches up to the truck with Robin latched on the roof. Batman shoots grappling hooks at the rear of the truck to rip the doors open, giving Robin the opening he needs to swing in and fight the kidnappers. Batman puts the Batmobile on auto-plot and joins the fight.

During the battle, Batman takes a crowbar to his knee from one of the kidnappers, but the fight ends in victory soon after. We learn the thugs kidnapped the teenager for stealing something from their boss - The Penguin. Batmobile orders Robin to take the teenager to a hotel room for safekeeping.

Later, Batman asks for a meeting with Superman for a quick diagnosis of his knee and to talk over the guilt he feels for considering Scarlett's youth-giving elixir. How can a man born into wealth and privilege overcome the guilt of taking a life-giving drug that so few can afford or access? Superman assures Batman that the world is better off the longer he stays in it.

The "chat" between Superman and Batman drones on for three pages, but you get the idea. No reasonable person would deny that Batman has saved the world countless times and that Batman's continued presence serves the greater good magnitudes more than the average person. Why does Batman all of a sudden feel guilt over using his money and privilege to extend his life and, by extension, his mission? The very same money and privilege that made Batman possible in the first place with his resources and gadgets? There's that nonsensical, heavy-handed messaging again.

Later, Bruce meets with Scarlett at her experimental clinic for his first treatment. Despite a side-effect of excess sleepiness, the treatment works as expected. Batman's knee doesn't hurt as much. He moves better, and he reacts quicker. Batman heads to the Iceberg Lunge to give his body a test drive, and the results are promising. After taking down the Penguin's security goons, Batman lets Penguin know he has the money the teenager stole, so his beef with the boy is over.

The issue ends with the boy receiving an unexpected visitor in his hotel room.

What's great about Detective Comics #1091?

The highlight of the issue is Batman's arrival at the Iceberg Lounge and his interaction with Penguin. They're (mostly) on opposite sides of the law, but they know how to maintain almost respectful boundaries with each other, especially when it comes to the stolen money in question. Their "dance" is the kind of classic Batman interaction we don't get much of from DC these days.

What's not great about Detective Comics #1091?

The worst aspects of this issue are the things you won't find in this issue.

The twist involving Thomas Wayne's incidental interaction with Joe Chill isn't brought up, referenced, or relevant to anything happening in this issue (of course, that may change in the future).

The mysterious serial killer doesn't play a factor in anything happening in this issue until the very last page, and even then, it's only a brief cameo.

Most of all, you won't find high energy or upbeat pacing outside of two very brief fight scenes.

 

In exchange, you get a sedate pace, a lot of mopey introspection from Batman, more than one heavy-handed, socially-minded conversation, and a bland ending.

How's the Art?

Mikel Janín is one of the better artists in DC, so there was never any doubt that the visual presentation would be top-notch. Thankfully, Janín's style shines brightest during the two brief action sequences, so Janín makes the most of what little superhero material he's given.

---

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Final Thoughts

Detective Comics #1091 slows down the pace and the plot while Batman grapples with his inadequacies and privilege in a sedate step down from the previous issue. Tom Taylor slathers on the heavy-handed pontification while progress on finding the serial killer and the twist involving Thomas Wayne go completely on the back burner. The first issue showed promise. The second does not.

5.5/10

---

We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media: 

Connect With Us Here: Weird Science DC Comics / Weird Science Marvel Comics

If you're interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.

Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support. 

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 Comic Review

• Written by: Kelly Thompson

• Art by: Hayden Sherman

• Colors by: Jordie Bellaire

• Letters by: Becca Carey

• Cover art by: Hayden Sherman (cover A)

• Cover price: $4.99

• Release date: 11/27/24

Absolute Wonder Woman #2, by DC Comics on 11/27/24, recounts the first meeting between Diana and Steve Trevor in Hell. Meanwhile, the horror foretold by Harbinger Prime makes its entrance.

---

Is Absolute Wonder Woman #2 Good?

Uh oh. When the "Absolute" lineup was first announced, the name Kelly Thompson prompted more than a few raised eyebrows with good reason. Captain Marvel was a mess, and Thompson's migration to DC didn't show any improvement with the outright horrendous Birds of Prey. But, wonder upon wonders, Absolute Wonder Woman #1 showed uncharacteristic promise from Thompson. Sadly, that promise appears to be evaporating... quickly.

When last we left Diana in Absolute Wonder Woman #1, we learned that the infant Diana was entrusted to Circe in Hell by the Gods as retribution for the misdeeds of the Amazons. As the infant grew into a woman, Circe came to love Diana as a daughter, teaching her history and the ways of dark magic. In the present, Wonder Woman appeared in man's world to confront a horde of flying, reptilian harbingers attacking Gateway City. The issue ended with Diana entering a second round of battle against the massive Harbinger Prime.

In Absolute Wonder Woman #2, we begin with Diana confronting the massive Harbinger Prime with a mix of physical and magical attacks. The horde of smaller harbingers is unable to break Diana's defenses, and Harbinger Prime appears to be at a stalemate against Diana's prowess. After a quick conversation filled with posturing and bluster, Diana orders Harbinger Prime to return from whence it came. To everyone's surprise, it agrees.

"Huh? A Kaiju-sized monster decided to go away because Diana ordered it to?" you might puzzle. Yep, just like that. Harbinger Prime states that returning to its master spells doom, but it would rather accept doom than fight Diana. The scene ends but doesn't work as plausible when you see what comes next.

The issue cuts to a flashback in Hell. Diana walks along the shores of the Wild Isle when she spots a man washed up on the beach. After a quick translation spell, Diana learns the injured man is an Air Force pilot named Steve Trevor. Suddenly, a Hydra tentacle reaches up from the depths and snatches Trevor away for a quick snack. Diana dives into the water and wrestles Trevor away from the Hydra. She takes his wounded body back to her home and Circe for tending.

Thompson somewhat mimics the standard first meeting between Diana and Steve Trevor, portraying Steve as a soldier brought to Diana's home by fate. That said, nothing about Steve Trevor's arrival is set up or makes sense, a problem we noted in the review of issue #1 that's much bigger here. How did Steve Trevor wind up washed ashore in Hell? There's no precursor, context, or leadup to make it make sense. One moment, there's nothing, and in the next, Steve is there.

Later, Diana breaks the news to Trevor that he's in Hell. The only explanation Diana can offer is that "it's just sometimes where we've ended up." Steve asks Diana to show him where she found him. The walk gives them a chance to get to know each other, planting the seed for a probable romance.

Talk about forced hand-waving. Sure. You could make the excuse that Steve's arrival in Hell will get some explanation in a future issue. For now, the way Thompson presents Steve's presence is frustrating, confusing, and annoying, which is inexcusable for a $4.99 prestige comic.

In the present, Steve Trevor strides out onto the beach to greet Diana after the Harbinger Prime departs. Diana is surprised and heartened to see Trevor, giving the impression they haven't seen each other in a while and they last parted on good terms. Trevor explains he has orders to escort Diana to meet with his superior officer, an order she graciously agrees to oblige.

The issue ends with Diana putting a small man in his place, Steve Trevor learning that Diana's Pegasus is THE Pegasus, and getting a good look at the Harbinger Prime's boss.

What's great about Absolute Wonder Woman #2?

Despite the problems with his appearance and ongoing presence, Thompson creates palpable chemistry between Diana and Steve Trevor that bodes well for their future. The moments between them work, even if the path to get to those moments doesn't.

Further, Diana's patient yet commanding domination of Steve Trevor's commanding officer is amusing.

What's not great about Absolute Wonder Woman#2?

All the engaging moments in the world aren't enough if you can't buy into the journey that makes those moments possible.

Harbinger Prime's departure for no particular reason other than by Diana's say-so doesn't make a lick of sense. Is the reader supposed to somehow accept Harbinger Prime believes Diana is a more imposing threat than its impressively sized boss, the Tetracide?

Steve Trevor's arrival doesn't make a lick of sense, partly for the logistics of it and partly due to the timing of his arrival. Was he shot down in a war? If so, what war? Did his plane experience some kind of technical failure? Why is Steve Trevor the only other person Diana has ever seen in Hell? Surely, there have been others. None of this makes sense, either because Thompson is doing a very poor job of setting it up or because the terminology in use, "Hell" versus "a supernatural dimension," is creating false impressions, or likely a bit of both.

Further, how and why the Tetracide's attack and Diana's appearance on Earth happening at just this moment? Why won't Diana simply drop a brief word to explain how she knew the Harbingers were attacking and how she was able to leave Hell to face them?

Sure. Yes. You could make the excuse that you have to give the title a chance to develop and unfold in its natural time, but if that's the case, why is Thompson presenting so many key elements out of sequence, which inevitably will cause frustration and confusion? It's this type of boneheaded story planning that caused those raised eyebrows when Kelly Thompson was announced as the writer.

Yes. Sure. This is just issue #2, so perhaps the following issues will fare better, but past performance is usually an indicator of future performance.

How's the Art?

Hayden Sherman's art is perfectly serviceable, but his artsy indie style isn't doing Thompson's clunky script any favors. In the still moments where Diana and Steve are exchanging kind glances, Sherman's style works beautifully. In the bigger action sequences, Sherman's squiggly inks and lack of pop kills the energy.

---

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Final Thoughts

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 unveils the big boss behind Harbinger Prime's attack and introduces readers to Absolute Steve Trevor. Unfortunately, Kelly Thompson's lack of setup and disjointed narrative flow hurt this sophomore issue in a big way, and Hayden Sherman's indie arthouse style only suits the parts of the story that don't involve action.

5/10

---

We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media: 

Connect With Us Here: Weird Science DC Comics / Weird Science Marvel Comics

If you're interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.

Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support. 

Superman #20 Comic Review

• Written by: Joshua Williamson

• Art by: Dan Mora

• Colors by: Alejandro Sánchez

• Letters by: Ariana Maher

• Cover art by: Dan Mora (cover A)

• Cover price: $4.99

• Release date: November 27, 2024

Superman #20, by DC Comics on 11/27/24, reveals Time Trapper's purpose in visiting Superman during a Doomsday attack, but will his arrival be a harbinger of worse things to come?

---

Is Superman #20 Good?

All things considered, Superman #20 is a gripping issue that delivers big action, an intriguing setup connected to Time Trapper's arrival, and the promise of bigger challenges on the horizon. For the first issue in a long while, Joshua Williamson is building anticipation for what comes next.

When last we left the Man and Woman of Steel in Superman #19, Clark and Lois settled into a routine of saving threats around Metropolis and Superman and Superwoman when Lois gained powers from the fallout of the Absolute Power event (Don't stress. It doesn't make sense.) During one of their quick acts of heroism, the wedded super couple comes face-to-face with Doomsday after the unstoppable villain escapes from Hell. Before Superman could jump into the fray, Time froze, and Superman was greeted by Time Trapper, who is currently in the body of Doomsday from the future, with a dire warning.

In Superman #20, Time Trapper gives Superman the lowdown on his past through to his very distant future. In short, Time Trapper, existing within Doomsday's body, is at this last stage of evolution, but he can't break through to become the ultimate form of himself unless he dies. Only Superman can give Time Trapper what he wants - a final death to achieve godhood. Superman, of course, refuses, but before the Time Trapper leaves, he gives Superman a head start against Doomsday and a warning that Superman's loved ones will suffer and die if he refuses to help the Time Trapper die.

The head start is a pause in Time that gives Superman a chance to wind up the mother of all punches to sock Doomsday with everything he's got. The punch rocks Doomsday, but not enough to knock him out. Superman directs Superwoman to handle the Hell Hounds while he continues the fight. Meanwhile, Mercy calls in Super Corp reinforcements and a special ally equipped to deal with just such a threat - Parasite.

Parasite chows down on Doomsday energy enough to weaken the monster, but the energy-siphoning Parasite pays the ultimate price for his intervention. Still, Doomsday is weakened enough to give Superman and Super Corp a window of opportunity to incapacitate Doomsday.

The issue ends with Superwoman feeling the sting of battle and Doomsday's emergence drawing the attention of Calaton.

What's great about Superman #20?

Big action, big stakes, and big questions abound. Joshua Williamson delivers one of the strongest comics he's produced on any title to set up Superman's coming trials. Where has this Joshua Williamson been for the last few years?


What's not great about Superman #20?

By all accounts, this Doomsday should be stronger and more dangerous than the version of Doomsday that took Superman's life over thirty years ago. Even with the added help from Superwoman and Parasite, you would expect the battle to take down Doomsday would be tougher than what was presented here. You'd almost expect the battle to spread over two issues. So, to end as quickly as it did is a bit of a letdown, even if the fight is spectacular in the moment.

How's the Art?

It's Dan Mora. No artist working at DC right now beats Dan Mora. His art style exemplifies everything great about DC, so Williamson should get on his knees and thank his lucky stars for nabbing Mora to bring this story to life.

---

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Final Thoughts

Superman #20 revisits a classic matchup between Superman and Doomsday to portend tougher times for the Man of Steel as if Doomsday wasn't bad enough. Joshua Williamson's script has all the makings of a winning arc for Big Blue, and Dan Mora's art simply can't be beat.

9/10

---

We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media: 

Connect With Us Here: Weird Science DC Comics / Weird Science Marvel Comics

If you're interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.

Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.