I don't read many DC books but I can never help myself when it comes to Detective Comics. Usually contained to only one or two issues, Detective Comics is the right choice for those of you out there that don't really have the time or patience to follow a continuous storyline like what readers are presented with in the Batman comic book currently being written by Grant Morrison. This month in Detective Comics, we learn the true origins of Batman's mysterious armor that he's been given by Talia Al Ghul.

Paul Dini, who normally writes the Detective Comics books, takes a break for this issue and hands the writing duties off to Peter Milligan who manages to tell a fairly interesting tale about Batman fighting off not only the villainy of Gotham Jack but also his own personal demons as Talia's Suit of Sorrow begins to show Batman it's true effects on him. It's an entertaining read but steers a little bit off coarse from the usual vibe of this comic. Not to mention, after seeing what this suit is doing to Batman, you'd think he'd have the mind to not wear it anymore. Regardless, this issue isn't quite as solid in the writing department as most of the issues by Dini, who will be returning for the next issue, but does manage to keep reader interest until the nice climax at the end.

Both Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs, who replaced Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher a while back, are actually starting to grow on me. A couple of issues ago, I really wasn't too pleased with the change in the art department but as these issue go on, I'm realizing that the change wasn't as dramatic as I originally thought it was. To be honest, the duo still keep the comic book in it's dark setting, which is really all that Batman needs. So, while it might not be the best looking art I've ever seen, it still manages to keep with the usual flow of the Batman comics and keep the Batman character in check.

Overall, Detective Comics #842 was a little disappointing considering what's been offered in the last couple months. I know that this has to do with Dini's absence in the writing slot. Milligan managed to keep me reading until the end of the comic but almost lost me halfway through the book because of the lack of action and compelling story. This is certainly not Batman at his best. Then again, it's not his worst either.

Detective Comics #842
POA Rating:
6.3/10 (How'd you get that?)

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