DC Comics
Detective Comics #955
By Avi Weinryb
April 28, 2017 - 00:04

DC Comics
Writer(s): James Tynion IV
Artist(s): Marcio Takara
Colourist(s): Marcello Maiolo
Letterer(s): Sal Cipriano
Cover Artist(s): Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira & Adriano Lucas; Variant by Rafael Albuquerque



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When things are looking bleak for the Bat-team and Gotham is about to become a smoking crater, Cassandra Cain finally comes into her own and rises to stand against her mother Shiva and the League of Shadows. While the action provides a rollicking good ride filled with one person taking on a tide of bad guys, the motivation for this rush of courage is somewhat contrived. Cassandra is not willing to embrace her assassin heritage, but she just happens to come across a girl reading a book that perfectly describes her situation, and gee whiz, it’s great how the book’s tale is perfectly laid over the subsequent action sequences as villains are overcome and much butt-kicking ensues. It’s just a little too cute and tidy considering how gritty and creative this title has been for the longest while. After being spoiled by some great issues, this seemed like a bit of a let-down.

Marcio Takara continues to impress - with stunning fight sequences that are emotionally powerful as well as excessively visceral. There is a grit and beauty here that is simply sublime. And a double-page horizontal layout works wonders.

James Tynion IV has been setting the bar high and this issue may not be as strong as most but still allows Detective Comics to maintain its reputation as one of the better superhero comics on the shelves these days. And with the way this issue concludes, it’s clear the next round is going to be a doozy. Stay tuned to the same bat time, same bat channel.

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