Detective Comics #949
By Avi Weinryb
January 31, 2017 - 08:13
DC Comics
Writer(s): James Tynion IV & Marguerite Bennett
Penciller(s): Ben Oliver
Inker(s): Ben Oliver
Colourist(s): Ben Oliver, Gabe Eltreb & Hi-Fi
Letterer(s): Marilyn Patrizio
Cover Artist(s): Ben Oliver; Variant by Rafael Albuquerque
Missed opportunities aside, the art by Ben Oliver (and a two-page contribution by Szymon Kudranski) is excellent. Characters look realistic, with Batwoman being a full-figured, fit woman in tights and Batman being a ripped but real imposing figure, standing in your doorway in a cape. It’s hard to describe in writing, but there is a realism within the anatomy, muscle tone and movement that just rings true, making the accompanying action more visceral. Panel distribution takes no real risks, but composition is playful; the moment when Batwoman uses a simulator to make extra copies of herself leads to a delightful shot in which a dozen red-gloved hands are grasping one unlucky baddie, shooting into the frame from every direction. Costume design is strong too - the villain, Simon, has unique, high-style duds that would not look out of place in a next generation edition of a Halo-type video game. The book is very easy on the eyes.
Here’s hoping Detective Comics #950 doesn’t miss any story opportunities, biting off more than it should chew. The ambition of rolling out a Rebirth (or should I say reborn) universe is great, but DC Comics should stop to smell the roses and not jam heavy exposition into a single issue when it’s a story dying to be told in a longer format. That’s not economic storytelling - it’s a missed chance.
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