Detective Comics #15

Event\Storyline: Death of the Family Writer: John Layman Artist: Jason Fabok Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: December 5, 2012 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 15 User Reviews: 8
8.0Critic Rating
7.4User Rating

A “DEATH OF THE FAMILY” tie-in! What has The Joker done with The Penguin? Guest-starring Poison Ivy and Clayface! Plus: In the backup story, learn the secret way to make it as a super criminal in Gotham City.

  • 10
    Gotham Spoilers - Gotham Spoilers Dec 5, 2012

    The Once again, this book has really reestablished itself well. It reminds me greatly of Some of Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen's Tec issues, prior to "Heart of Hush," which I also really enjoyed... Only this time, there's way more connective tissue between each issue, yet each stands alone pretty well, something Layman aimed to do, and pulls off really well. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at this point, but somehow, I keep asking myself "wow, did this book really get that much better?" each month. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics Are Not Dead - Comics Are Not Dead Dec 9, 2012

    Detective Comics #15 is another chapter in John Layman's Batman saga. I personally think that we have a classic story in the works right now. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Dec 7, 2012

    "Detective Comics" #15 is the third issue by John Layman with art by Jason Fabok, but it feels as though the pair have been crafting Batyarns together forever. After reading this issue, I certainly wouldn't mind if this duo continues to collaborate forever, as they haven't made a misstep yet and continue to add some nice polish to Batman's world. Introducing a new character in Emperor Penguin and crafting such an intense bond between Clayface and Ivy appear to be just a smidgeon of what this creative team is capable of, and if this is any indication of what's to come, I'll definitely be picking up "Detective Comics" as long as Layman and Fabok are listed on the cover. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Dec 5, 2012

    It's funny how the guy who used to be a Wildstorm editor, who then became the guy behind that cartoon cannibal cop comic, has also become one of the guys driving the Dark Knight. But John Layman has earned this, and continues to earn his place with Detective Comics as each issue keeps unfolding. Yeah, there are plenty of good Batman stories elsewhere, but Layman and Fabok do a great job arguing for one more. Smart plotting, strong characterization and a couple striking moments in the script make this book well worth adding to your pull list. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Crave Online - Andy Hunsaker Dec 5, 2012

    Layman may have hooked me onto another Bat-book with Detective Comics #15. Maybe the more I read of him, the more likely I'll be to take another crack at Chew. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Dec 5, 2012

    This issue was a roller coaster ride for many of the characters. We're seeing ups and downs for their plans and Layman is laying the groundwork for an upcoming story. His portrayal of Poison Ivy is great as you can't tell whether you should hate her or feel sorry for her. It's unfortunate that this is a Death of the Family crossover. It just felt really forced to have Penguin in the midst of his battle with Bruce Wayne and then Poison Ivy and now is immediately mixed up with Joker. We get some great art by Jason Fabok in the main feature as well as Andy Clarke in the back up. The art and ending make this issue shine a little brighter. It's great to see Clayface used and given a personality as part of the New 52 updates. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Imagination Centre - John McCubbin Feb 26, 2013

    Another brilliant issue from Layman and Fabok. I would recommend this to anyone who's been following the series, and would also recommend this and the previous two issues to anyone who's a Batman fan or looking to become one. I would however warn again that this isn't a proper crossover issue and that if anyone is looking at buying this to learn more about the Death of the Family crossover they'd be better of giving this a miss. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Booked - Jeff Hill Dec 6, 2012

    My one gripe is a minor issue for me, but might leave a sour taste in first time Detective Comics readers. There simply was not enough Joker to make this a full-blown actual crossover. I would consider this more of a prologue. It also has what some might see as sort of an unnecessary backup story. But those complaints are easily ignored. After all, the backup tale was well-crafted and had beautiful art so no one really will probably care that they got charged an extra buck for a story that didnt really accomplish anything. And even though the Joker is only hinted at, referenced a few times, and shown but twice, he is terrifying and menacing and its always good fun to see just how much he scares the residents of Gotham City. Even the villains. I cant wait for the next issue! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Minhquan Nguyen Dec 7, 2012

    It seems we've gotten a little carried away from the initial premise of the arc, but Layman gives an engaging diversion nonetheless. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Dec 5, 2012

    Detective Comics doesn't need a pointless event tie-in to stay relevant. Layman has reinvigorated the book with his first story arc, and I look forward to what he has in store next. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Batman-News - Andrew Asberry Dec 5, 2012

    It's far from being a Death of the Family tie-in but itR Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Dec 10, 2012

    The story is actually pretty good, and far better than most of the issues of the comic since its New 52 relaunch, even if it does give us yet another ridiculous New 52 villain in “Emperor Penguin.” But for those hoping to see the Death of the Family finally heating up, you're going to have to wait at least another month. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Pop Cultist - Josh Elliott Dec 6, 2012

    The next issue will either bring this story to a new level or drop it off a cliff; there are only so many turns a plot can take before it gets too convoluted. If Layman can keep a steady hand and work with what he's set up, it should be worth it. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Geeks Unleashed - Jo Lewis Dec 7, 2012

    Read for Laymans story rather than any Death of the Family tie in. The crossover content doesnt add anything to the event or the issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    First Comics News - Matthew Szewczyk Dec 8, 2012

    It is nothing that has not been done before but it is solid enough with the backstory of the Penguins crumbling criminal empire adding depth to the story. Read Full Review

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