Booknote: Batman: Detective Comics, Volume 6

Francis Manapul and Brian Bucellato, Batman: Detective Comics, Volume 6: Icarus. New York: DC Comics, 2015. ISBN: 9781401254421.

Genre: comics and graphic novels
Subgenre: superheroes, murder mystery
Format: e-book galley
Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

After reading a few Batman titles that varied in quality, this was a nice return to a good Batman story where Batman works as the detective. A new drug, Icarus, is hitting Gotham once again. Detective Bullock of the GCPD had a hand in getting the drug off the streets years ago, so when the drug returns, it becomes a personal issue for him. Now Bullock and Batman are both trying to find where the drug is coming from and stop its distribution while trying to solve the murder of a wealthy activist who was planning on revitalizing a bad part of the city in partnership with Bruce Wayne.

After reading a few comics with big events for Batman, and as I mentioned of varying quality (some were better than others), I felt this was a refreshing return to a more classic Batman. What we have here is a crime procedural with a good amount of action and intrigue. It is a gritty almost noir story, and the art style reflects that. The art captures the essence of the corrupt city quite well. The portrayal of Detective Bullock is a bit more charitable in this comic series when compared to other works. He comes across as a bit more sympathetic, and he even has a humane moment or two. In addition, Batman is still reeling from losing Damian, so we get to see him cope with the loss still.

I say that if you want a Batman story that is solid without too much flash or big events, then this may be a good book for you. For libraries with graphic novel collections, if you already collect Batman titles, this is one you need to add to your collection. I am very likely to get it for our library here. It is a title that I really liked for its fast pace, good story, the detective and mystery elements, and overall a good read.

For those of you who keep track, this collection includes issues 30-34 of Batman: Detective Comics and the Detective Comics Annual #3. I will admit that I did not care as much about the annual, but it does add a bit more value to the set. 

4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2015 Book Reading Challenges: