Batman: Dark Detective #6 Review

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Reviewer: Andy Campbell
Story Title: Crack House

Writer: Steve Englehart
Art: Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin
Colors: Chris Chuckry
Letters: John Workman
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
Publisher: DC Comics

The sixth and final installment of the Dark Detective mini-series does not disappoint! This mini has been a pleasure to read, as it is an enjoyable throwback to 1970s-era Batman stories. The stylistic, almost poetic narration boxes, Batman’s internal monologue, and the over-the-top scheming of the Joker — all of this screams “classic.”

The title of the mini-series, Dark Detective, is aptly named, for this series really has taken a look at the “detective” part of Batman. What the title does reflect is that the book also explores a part of Batman that is usually left alone, and that is his love life.

This series has seen Batman/Bruce Wayne get back together with his flame Silver St. Cloud, who has not been seen (I believe) since Englehart, Rogers, and Austin last collaborated, many years ago. This issue sees Batman enter the Joker’s house to attempt to rescue Silver from the Joker’s clutches. The bulk of the book follows Batman as he faces the many death traps that litter the house, as you might expect.

The series comes to its inevitable conclusion, but the ride was well worth it. This may not be the style that the Batman books are written in now, but it still works, and it’s an enjoyable change of pace for that. Thanks guys!