VerdictThe surprise reveal of the Arkham Knight's identity is executed excellently! The journey is clearly worth it in the case of Detective Comics #1003. This issue while having a major plot element also delves into the Bruce/Damian dynamic while providing a bit of retro fun. The questions it raises with the reveal of the Knight's identity are probably more entertaining…. This issue succeeds on multiple levels and should not be missed. So far, the surprises herein are more satisfying than the arc which preceded Detective Comics #1000. Read Full Review

If you're looking for the best Batman and Robin book in some time, Detective Comics is the place to be. Read Full Review

This is a book that only gets better and better. I can't believe how good it has gotten and I can't wait to see where this creative team takes us next. Read Full Review

Readers can quickly jump on with this new chapter, but they will definitely want to pick up the first two issues of the arc as well. With more still to uncover about the new villain, fans will not want to miss out on this exciting new chapter in the Dark Knights history. As Tomasi continues to build towards something truly epic Brad Walkers art will be an absolute treat to behold along the way. Read Full Review

The identity of the Arkham Knight is here and it is well worth the wait! Newcomers, longtime fans and speculators alike will all find something to love about Detective Comics #1003. This is one you don't want to miss out on! Read Full Review

I love to see the Batman and Robin partnership back together again. It feels so good. Damian's little showdown with the Knights was great, and I enjoyed pretty much everything in this issue. This arc is exactly what I need right now. Read Full Review

A good issue that fans of the Damian Wayne and Batman relationship can't miss. Read Full Review

This is a classic Batman mystery story with a well-trained villain. Fans of the character will love his use of superior detectives skills throughout with less emphasis placed on his brutal use of strength. I highly recommend this story to fans of Batman and the DC universe. Read Full Review

With almost all of the set up taken care of, the true test of“Medieval” is going to lie with its next installments. Tomasi and Walker have created a solid foundation and tinkered with time tested tropes to create an intriguing core conflict. Having Damian at the center of all the commotion helps distinguish the story, but the story hasn't caught fire just yet. Although, knowing this creative team, I'll be eating my words in a couple weeks. Read Full Review

From the strong writing to the excellent visuals, this book is firing on all cylinders. Read Full Review

While there are a few elements of the plot that could have used a little bit more time in the oven, it’s hard to deny the excitement and enthusiasm that pops off the page in Detective Comics #1003. And it’s because at its core, this is definitely a crowd-pleaser of a series, whether it’s the inclusion of video game character Arkham Knight, Tomasi’s reunion of Batman and Robin, or the simply wonderful artwork of Brad Walker. If you’re looking for some rock-solid adventuring without the heavy mood of the flagship Batman title, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on Detective Comics. Read Full Review

I'm excited to see what she does, to be honest. Because so far her capabilities are definitely there. I need more tension before the showdown too. Read Full Review

I'll admit I was skeptical when this story arc began in Detective Comics #1,000, but that's mainly because DC couldn't seem to allow that issue to be a standalone. The story has become more engaging, and so long as it doesn't drag on too much longer, I'm eager to see where it leads. Read Full Review

So, now we know who; the question remains, though… why? Defending Robin is one thing, but the fighting prowess, training and attitude on show are something else entirely. I thought that the reveal may have come a little to soon, but, rather brilliantly, Detective Comics #1003 has raised more questions than the reveal has answered. I can't wait to see what comes next. Read Full Review

Brad Walker's art is fantastic throughout and both the action and characters look great. Read Full Review

Though not as action-packed or consistent as our last issue, DETECTIVE COMICS #1003 is a respectable next chapter in Tomasi's ongoing story. We finally learn the Arkham Knight's identity, as well as the depths of her followers' loyalty, and get a taste for how wide her reach extends. Read Full Review

Ultimately, it feels like Bruce and Damian are fighting an edgelord teenager, not a serious supervillain. Compared to the Jason Todd version in the video games, she feels like a lightweight villain. Definitely not the anti-Batman villain she was hyped up as. Read Full Review

Although this issue moved the plot along, I still feel empty. I hope the next issue dives into the motivations of the Arkham Knight and her followers. I want to know why they are doing what they are doing. Read Full Review

Tomasi's depiction of the Batman and Robin's relationship is spot on.

this run continues to be very enjoyable and fun.
i cannot praise it enough.

i am really glad the Arkham Knight wasn’t who i thought it was.
(((SPOILER)))and no, i didn’t think that it was Jason Todd.(((END SPOILER)))

i really loved Damian’s response to learning who the Arkham Knight’s identity was,
as well as his taunts to the Arkham Knight’s zealots.

i really enjoy how Peter Tomasi write’s Batman dialog as he deduces and detects.
his dialog for Bruce & Damian continues to be pitch perfect. i really like how both characters are written to be very cerebral, logical, and of high intelligence. as they should be.
it was excellent to see Tomasi show how gifted and artist Damian Wayne is, as he had previously established in his New52 Batman&Robin run. this definitely feels like a nice continuation of that run. definitely points to Tomasi for keeping continuity and consistency from what he’s written before. i even enjoyed the casual nod to Damian's formal introduction in Grant Morrison's Batman run, to which Tomasi was the editor of.

another thing thing i’m also absolutely loving in this story-arc is the art.
it’s cartoonish, but has a nice rendering and high detail. it also continues to be very dynamic and action packed.

one thing i will say about the Arkham Knight and Zealots, is they are truly NUTS!
i appreciated the reveal to who the Knight's identity is.
((((MINOR SPOILER))))((((MINOR SPOILER))))((((MINOR SPOILER))))
((((MINOR SPOILER))))if you've read Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum, you get the significance of the Arkham Knight's heritage.((((END MINOR SPOILER))))((((END MINOR SPOILER))))((((END MINOR SPOILER))))

if you haven’t checked out this run yet, you really should. more

Terrific issue.

This is exactly what I wanted when I saw that Damian will play a big part in this arc. Tomasi completely nails the relationship between Batman and Robin and it's so much fun to read. We also discover the Identity of Arkham Knight (*Spoiler Alert*) and get to know her better. The story is going in an interesting way and the art was fantastic. Really, I don't have much to say except that it's really good and you should read this.

All in all, if you are a fan of the relationship between Batman and Damian then this is an issue you'll want to get.

THE GOOD:

-The art is still fantastic, surprisingly enough. I love how Brad Walker draws Doctor Phosphorus.

-This issue fixes the pacing issue of the previous two issues. It's not rushed and thankfully it doesn't slow down so much that it becomes boring. Just the right pace.

-Damian is still the best here. Funny, badass, just everything.

-The Robinsignal was just really cool, especially how they executed it.

-The dialogue is great here. Tomasi knows how to write Batman and co.

THE BAD:

-So… we get the identity of Arkham Knight… and I dunno. It seems overhyped to say the least. If this were a completely different and new mystery villain, nobody would give a shit about their identity, and maybe then I wouldn't be so let down. It seems kind of random, and that last page was really rushed. more

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Darkseid24 - May 10, 2019

Totally agree about the AK reveal. That’s what ruined this issue for me.

ohhaimark - May 10, 2019

Yeah, I still enjoyed it overall, but that twist was very forced for me.

Darkseid24 - May 11, 2019

I hope new AK gets more interesting next issue& we learn more about her motivations.

ohhaimark - May 11, 2019

Yeah, that might improve the character.

Darkseid24 - May 11, 2019

Agreed.

myconius - May 12, 2019

i actually really liked the reveal of the identity of Arkham Knight. she is a direct descendant of Amadeus Arkham. so if you've read A Serious House on Serious Earth, there is significant history there.

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A very good issue. Writing and the artwork is on point.

Arkham Knight's identity is a clever one and makes his/her's motivation so much cleraer now.

I’m actually not sure who she is, but I like this plot well enough.

I like that Tomasi has come up with a way to reinvent his Arkham Knight character for comics.

I was disappointed at how they just let Robin go without a fight, although her "loyal" henchman put up a fight it still was stupid in my opinion to let Robin get captured. Also, did she really think she could convince him to switch sides ??

I like when Damian isn't written like such a tool. Batman, too. I don't feel much of anything for the Arkham Knight reveal, but it didn't ruin the issue for me.

No one writes Damian like Tomasi. Walker's designs on Damian were very inconsistent and kind of distracting - but he made up for it with his Arkham Knight designs (helmet on AND off) and Fairbain made some interesting color choices.

Worth reading alone for the return of the Bruce-Damian partnership. Never mind the art, or the incredibly rapid pace of events. Tomasi is not one for dragging things out, and that is so welcome in the age of decompression.

Solid issue with great art and dialogue that I thoroughly enjoyed as I was reading! Unfortunately my issue with this issue is I don’t think the writers talk to one and other because isn’t her base the same place where Bane’s base is?...

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Darkseid24 - May 8, 2019

Tomasis Detective Comics doesn’t really connect with other titles, so I think it can take place either before or after Kings Batman run.

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"Yeah, good times"

Well, I did not see that coming. Is it a good surprise or a bad one, remains to be seen. All I know is that I want to know more.

But no matter the revelation this issue shines with the good 'ol father and son banter. Tomasi proved time and time again in the past that he can write Bruce and Damian together very well and #1003 is no exception. Damian is arrogant and snarky, but you can tell that he enjoys the hell out this "job". Bruce is calm and collected, but he can still compliment on his son's drawing skills. Also, what is really nice to see, is that both the father and son are smart and can think their way out of a predicament. And the little remark about a sword to a throat was a cherry on top.

As for Arkham Knight. I liked her from the beginning, back then I assumed she's a he, but I digress. She seemed like a challenging foe for the Bat and I liked that. But now I am more interested to learn what exactly drives her and how she became the Knight. And if she maybe, possibly, sways Robin to her side?

Just don't disobey her orders, you might need a hand later. more

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myconius - May 14, 2019

it won't ruin the story for me if he doesn't, but i do hope that Tomasi utilizes Astrid's family history, with the founder of the Asylum. ...i mean, i don't see why he wouldn't. the family history is pretty significant.

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Eh. I like the creative team but this arc has felt really generic. I'll be glad when they're on to whatever happens next.

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Darkseid24 - May 10, 2019

I agree with you here. I’m quite disappointed with this arc.

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This story arc continues to be disappointing& I’m happy, when it’s finally over.
On the positive side Bruce& Damien are both well written, in character& their interaction is good. I also love the art.
On the negative side we get some plot progression, since the identity of the new Arkham Knight is finally revealed& it’s a big disappointment.

SPOILER WARNING
We learn, that the comic Arkham Knight is Jeremiah Arkham‘s daugther Astrid Arkham. Other than Jason in the game she feels pretty weak& not like a threat. At least up until now. This can still change. I guess we are finding out about her motivations next issue, so I don’t criticize that yet. However this daugther/ son of a popular character turning psycho idea is quite a stereotype& DC is using this stereotype quite often: Penguin’s son, Riddler‘s daugther ( she wasn’t that psycho though), Hugo Strange’s son and of course Jeremiah Arkham also has a daugther out of nowhere now, who turns psycho, because you have to explain the Arkham in Arkham Knight of course. It just isn’t creative at all. The same goes for the gender swap. Because turning Arkham Knight into a woman makes the character more interesting. How about some character exploration instead? The story also still gives the feeling, that the popular name of the Arkham Knight is just used to get more attention for the story. Why not create a new character? Money of course.
Thank god Rocksteady didn’t do something lame like that in the game. I also take it back, that I want Jason or Scarecrow in the story. The new Arkham Knight is just too lame.

SPOILER ENDING

Overall this issue was a let down& maybe it gets more interesting, when we learn more about new AKs backstory next issue. I’m not hyped though.
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Batman Jones - May 9, 2019

Same.

Darkseid24 - May 10, 2019

Just wrote something similar under your review lol

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