Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Daydreams and believers
Written by: Ed Brubaker
Drawing by: Brian Hurtt
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Willie Schubert
Editor: Nachie Castro and Matt Idelson
Publisher: DC Comics
THE EXPERIMENT
Our esteemed Dark Overlord, Daron, recently put forth the proposition that one reviewer per week would do a “Spotlight Review”. Which in effect, is to review a book that you don’t regularly read. I think it’s wonderful idea, and should really lend a fresh perspective to our reviews. Other than new series that you’re giving a try, the majority of your reviews should slant towards the positive. After all, these are books that we choose to read, and barring the occasional issue, you really shouldn’t hate the stuff. While it’s a great idea in theory, some problems can arise, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
WHY I DON’T READ GOTHAM CENTRAL
I read nearly every regular title that DC publishes monthly, and a hell of a lot of mini-series, as well as my share of Vertigo stuff. Yet, I don’t read Gotham Central. I did give the book a trial for the introductory two-part storyline that featured Mr. Freeze. I quickly dropped it, as did fellow 411mania reviewer Mike Maillaro, for one glaring reason. This book’s supposed to be about the cops of Gotham, and while the first two issues told a nice story centered around these officers, Batman came in and saved the day at the end. Simply put, this irked me! I didn’t stick around to ask questions, I dropped the book. Since its inception the book’s drawn rave reviews, and I admit, my attention has surely been peaked over the last few months.
LEAVE IT TO THE OVERLORD
This issue was not only good, it borders on greatness. To start, it’s a rare all-inclusive story that has a satisfying beginning, middle, and ending. This is without doubt, the perfect single issue to sample this series. Ed Brubaker fashions the story to unfold by way of a letter written by a “temp” working in the Major Crimes Unit of the G.C.P.D. Stacey, is really on hand for one very special duty, to turn the Bat-Signal on, when necessary. This gives the actual city employees, plausible deniability.
Through Stacey’s eyes we see the interactions of the regular cops in the series, and we even get a glimpse at the fallout from the first arc, which I mentioned earlier. Another nice touch is a romantic interlude of sorts between Stacey and Batman. This appearance by the Dark Knight was not only warranted, but also actually very good and added a lot to the story. Of course the title of the tale, may give you insight into the specifics.
This story isn’t the only selling point; fill-in artist Brian Hurtt’s work is top notch as well. Hurtt brings us an outsider’s perspective to the proceedings. There is also the necessary dark edge that permeates nearly every moment of a title set in the city of Gotham. Yet, Hurtt brings a positive sense to the gloomy situations. These cops do what they do, because they want to make the world a better place. It’s apparent in not only the writing but the artwork as well. A true success story, so to speak.
WHY I NOW READ GOTHAM CENTRAL
The Overlord made me do it! Thus lies the problem I mentioned early on. While a good thing from a quality standpoint, I now find myself adding another book to my regular reading list. Seriously, if this issue is any indication of the quality of the previous eight issues I missed, I’m sorry I didn’t give this book a little more time. I felt strongly about the wrap of the first arc, but I guess I jumped to conclusions. I’m going to try and pick up the books I missed, and certainly will keep on reading from here. All I know is, I’m not taking a close look at my pull list anytime soon. It’s gotten so big, I’m afraid it will eat Tokyo if I give it any encouragement.
