“The Tower ” – Part Five, and “House of Gotham” – Part Five
Writers: Mariko Tamaki and Matthew Rosenberg
Artists: Max Raynor and Fernando Blanco
Color Artists: Luis Guerrero and Jordie Bellaire
Letterers: Ariana Maher and Rob Leigh
Review by James Attias
Arkham Tower is starting to crumble and our heroes are tugging at the thread of lies that’s been woven into this new establishment. How will everyone maintain balance? Find out in Detective Comics #1051
Under Control
I want to start this review by just saying that the art in this issue was absolutely wonderful, and every page made me love it more. Max Raynor is killing it on this title at the moment and I just wanted to give credit where credit’s due. I’m really enjoying the look of the characters, the mystery that the art invokes, and all in all how great all of these characters are looking in general.
That said, the writing from Mariko Tamaki hasn’t faltered since I started reviewing this series and it’s still a thrill ride to read. I love the ticking clock element and non-linear narrative this run has. It really makes me excited when revealing how we got to where we are.
The story in this issue shows us how the reveal at the end of the last issue; Psycho Pirate’s involvement with Arkham Tower and the long con. This also explains how heroes and villains of significant stubbornness and stature are all singing and holding hands, after all, he’s one of the most powerful metahumans in the multiverse.
We also see riots, fights, villains, and heroes all going toe to toe. How can one man possibly control a tower full of powerful maniacs? Read the issue and find out (it’s quite similar to how I finished my second year of Uni). I’m loving the story and knowing some of the characters’ fates from the first issue of the arc definitely adds a flavor to the tale which helps us know whether we should get attached or not. Weekly Detective Comics is the way to go!
New Bird on the Block
Young Roy Dowd is probably the unluckiest kid in the world; he’s been in Arkham Asylum, he’s been terrified by almost every single big bad in Gotham City, and when he’s finally given a clean bill of health and trusted into the adoptive care of a new home… That home is with Oswald Cobblepot! The Penguin has some dark designs for this youngster, and I’m almost worried to see what they are. We know he’s not going to be OK, but the beauty of the writing is, even though we know this, we still really hope he will be. Great story, great art and it’s exciting to watch, even through the worried grimace on my face.
Conclusion
Detective Comics #1051 is once again keeping the fire of great comics burning. I feel like I’m watching Die Hard when reading this book, except with more superheroes. You should definitely be reading this story!
For more Detective goodness, check back here next week! Same Bat-site. Same Bat-reviewer.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
