“Medieval” – Part Five
Artists: Brad Walker and Andrew Hennessy
Color Artist: Nathan Fairbairn
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Review by Steve J. Ray
Detective Comics #1005 really is a sight for sore eyes. The all-new Arkham Knight, along with her army of zealots and insane asylum escapees, has launched her masterplan, and the father/son Dynamic Duo of Batman and Robin are all that stands in her way.
Sometimes all I crave is action, action, and more action. If you’re the kind of person who sometimes just wants to pick up a comic chock-full of fist-fights, explosions, and high octane thrills, then this is the title you need to read this week. As a Brit, I’d say that this book’s a blinder!
Peter J. Tomasi has unapologetically given us an issue that is 100% pure comic-book, from cover to cover. I love psychology and drama as much as the next man, but to receive a book that isn’t trying to hard to be “deep” or pretentious feels like a breath of fresh air. This is the type of thrill ride that got me hooked on comics as a kid.
Here Comes The Sun
In this line of work you sometimes hear the strangest comments from fellow critics. The silliest complaint I’ve heard about the “Medieval” storyline is that Brad Walker’s art is “too comic-booky.” What? Seriously?
Whilst I am a sucker for lavish painted artwork, this is a comic-book, people. Do some readers really want all their comics to look like Kingdom Come? I don’t. I frequently crave good, old-fashioned, comics art. Give me Alan Davis, give me Norm Breyfogle, give me Brad Walker and Andrew Hennessy. These guys are delivering 20+ pages of classic comics art every two weeks, dagnabbit!
The Batman and Robin we see in this issue pages are a modern day classic Dynamic Duo. Damian is a blur of movement, and if you like your Batman dark and grimacing, then you’re in for a treat. There are few people who deliver a grimace like Walker and Hennessy do.
Color artist Nathan Fairbairn and letterer Rob Leigh are also on fire this week. Burning Un-Men, Batman HACKKSLASSHHACKKing away at the Arkham Knight’s defences, and trying to survive the gauntlet led by Arcane and Doctor Phosphorous is just damn hot.
Damian Wayne is a total badass!
Conclusion
Peter J. Tomasi is one of my favourite writers, and the team of artists he has working with him on this series are pure class. Detective Comics #1005 may not be a literary masterpiece, but I dare you to find a more action packed or entertaining comic to read this week. Go on… I dare ya!
Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment