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Detective Comics #1063
- Writer:
- Ram V, Simon Spurrier
- Artist:
- Rafael Albuquerque, Dani
- Letterer:
- Ariana Maher, Steve Wands
- Cover Artist:
- Evan Cagle
- Publisher:
- DC
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-08-23
- Colorist:
- Dave Stewart
A new era begins in the history of Detective Comics as superstar writer Ram V takes the title back to its Gothic roots, covering up the mystery in a mist of mysticism. By his own admission, the new storyline will have the overall structure and style of an opera, with the opening issues forming the overture, the introductory piece that sets the mood for the rest of the plot. Traditionally, the events here are kept separate from DC's main timeline, which allows Ram V, artist Rafael Albuquerque, colorist Dave Stewart, and letterer Ariana Maher to explore the underbelly of Gotham City in unique ways. Detective Comics #1063 also features a backup that follows the retired Jim Gordon as he spends his nights solving a missing person case.
Detective Comics #1063 opens with the newly reformed Harvey Dent enjoying a cabaret show in a bar he once used to own when Bruce Wayne gives him a surprise visit. Bruce addresses Harvey about his concerns about the changing landscape of Gotham, of a shifting shadow that has him terrified. He wants to learn if his old frenemy knows anything about the gruesome transformations that are causing criminals to disintegrate into dust. Meanwhile, a group of strange demonic beings makes their way to Gotham with an edict in hand that transfers the mayorship of the city to them. Unaware of the incoming danger, Batman turns to the incarcerated Maestro for insight into a mysterious music box that has been haunting his dreams.
Ram V's writing amplifies the claustrophobic atmosphere with suspenseful rumblings as something unholy festers in the shadows. Even though it is still in its formative stages, Detective Comics #1063 maps out a complex framework for an enthralling dark fantasy. The story follows two men, one running from and another running towards their diametric fates. Although the focus is primarily on Batman's nightly escapades, the exposition and the intensity that each of the narratives offers gives this overture its signature symphony. As the tension builds up slowly, so does the insanity, making monsters out of men and bringing nightmares to life. Meanwhile, the backup story (aptly named "The Coda") by Simon Spurrier seems to be going down the noir route rather than a gothic one, mixing an undertone of melancholy into the storyline with Jim Gordon's sleuth work opening a can of worms.
Heavy inkwork adorns the panels as crouching shadows grasp the characters and swallow them whole. Artist Rafael Albuquerque captures the movements of the caped vigilante in suspended animation as the rain comes down hard, blending with the cross-hatching to create an eerie atmosphere. The intense close-ups make each page resonate with emotion. But more than that, they are instrumental in showing the mystical powers of Gotham's newest guests, whose mere presence gives the book a different dimension. Colorist Dave Stewart imparts an earthly glow to the characters that immediately grabs the reader's attention.
In signature Ram V style, Detective Comics #1063 incorporates the supernatural into its narrative, bringing an air of mysticism into the superhero genre. But honestly, Batman being as dark and brooding a character as he is, the synchronizing of the two comes as no surprise. Ram V plays the cards close to his chest, creating scary moments for Albuquerque to render beautifully. Throughout the issue, a sense of dread seems to have taken hold of Batman due to the re-emergence of a shadow from the past, bringing Detective Comics #1063 to a cliffhanger halt with multiple momentous developments on the horizon.