Detective Comics # 817 By Koppy McFad Mar 18, 2006 - 4:14:00 AM

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Detective Comics # 817
DC COMICS
WRITER: James Robinson
ARTISTS: Leonard Kirk, Andy Clark
COVER: Simone Bianchi

This is suppose to be the first part of a major story by acclaimed writer James Robinson. It is also suppose to be the start of a new era for the Batman. And yet, there are so many false notes, it comes off as underwhelming. It opens with the old status quo restored: Gordon as commissioner, Batman and Robin again in the good graces of the police with no signs of residual bitterness. But the tone remains dark, bloody and cynical, you'd think this was the start of "War Games II." Batman is still the arrogant ass who won't shake a friendly policewoman's hand. Poison Ivy attacks a corporate conference and Gordon says he can almost sympathize with her. Huh? Robinson is probably very serious about environmental concerns but this is not the kind of thing a hardened, middle-aged cop would say about a mass murderer. The art further emphasizes the "grim and gritty" atmosphere of this new Batman. So what is so new here? Even the cover is clearly just part of a bigger poster, intended to sell for a lot of money after the comic is published. This is suppose to be "One Year Later" but it looks like a continuation of the "Dark Ages" to me.

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