“Batman, Do Not Solve My Murder” and “Batman and David Rosales, Seventh Grader”
Writers: Al Ewing and Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Stefano Raffaele, John McCrea, Fico Ossio and Mike Morton
Color Artist: Lee Loughridge, Triona Farrell, Ulises Arreola and Nick Filardi
Letterers: Tom Napolitano and Troy Peteri
Review by James Attias
Detective Comics Annual 2025 #1 is a double story that works as a perfect palate cleanser between main story arcs. Let’s jump in.
Batman, Do Not Solve My Murder
After the epic conclusion of Tom Taylor’s first arc this annual tells us to enjoy the break and dishes out a double dose of detective, mystery solving fun. We start with a closed door murder mystery that has deep ties to the Sandman story, and is a love letter to Grant Morrison. My old mate Al Ewing, whom I met at Thought Bubble last year, takes us on a tour of a little UK town, after a Tech Billionaire is found murdered in his own, locked smart home. Batman must connect the dots, after the murdered man has written a note in his own blood to the caped crusader, asking him not to solve his murder.
This story is full of twists and turns and is told in a three act format, so don’t expect a few pages and a quick solution, this one keeps us on our toes.
I really enjoyed the story as I was at the mercy of the writing, struggling to work out who dunnit! It’s not often that happens, so a murder mystery that wasn’t scooby doo level obvious was a great change of pace.
Batman and David Rosales, Seventh Grader
The second story we were given was a wonderful little nostalgia trip, very reminiscent of I’ve got a Batman in my basement, the very polarizing episode of the flawless Batman The Animated Series. We’re introduced to David, a young kid, who loves Batman and is every single comic book reader in their prime. Wanting to be a hero, wanting a taste of adventure. Well his wish is granted, when people at his school start to lose their minds. Young detective David, and his sidekick Batman are on the case. This story really warmed my old bat heart, so I don’t want to give too much away. Great story, great art, very warm smile reading this one.
Conclusion
Detective Comics Annual 2025 #1 is fun for multiple generations of Bat-reader. So grab a copy. Enjoy the little inbetween treat. And I’ll see you guys back for the next Epic Detective Comics next month!
Review Written to Honor Steve J Ray – May he Rest in Peace.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
