More writers in the Big Two should be taking note at John Layman's work in Detective Comics, which consistently builds up villains and thrills its audience with accessible, done-in-one storytelling. Tie-in comics don't usually elicit high expectations, but that winds up rewarding bad behavior when the books sell just on concept. But if you're looking for a tie-in book that doesn't just stand on its own two feet but actually kicks the doors down, Detective Comics #16 is as good as it gets. Read Full Review

The While this isn't really a "Death of the Family" tie in, hell Joker isn't actually in it, but it works on it's own so well. Layman would have never gotten away with Bruce and Joker duking it out here, because it just wouldn't work in any sort of context. Instead, Layman manages to spin his own tale, with Death of the Family as a backdrop, that is not the least bit less compelling to read. Combined with the continued great art, I don't see how anyone couldn't enjoy this book. Read Full Review

I've really been enjoying Fabok's artwork over the last couple of issues, particularly his close-ups of various characters. It's the little things that make his work such a pleasure to look at; a furrowed brow, a slightly unshaven face, etc. I find myself stopping to admire every panel rather than skimming through them at a regular reading pace. If that doesn't speak volumes for Fabok's talent then I don't know what will. Read Full Review

Shortly after putting Layman on “Detective Comics”, it became very striking how good the Batman books have been. Snyder and Capullo have been getting all of the press – and with good reason. Layman and Fabok haven't yet started aiming for the major landscape-shifting stories that Snyder has in his pocket. But with a Joker tie-in issue that delivers on every promise it makes, this is a great opportunity for more comic readers to see why Layman and Fabok might be the next great Batman creative team. Read Full Review

A thoroughly respectable tie-in issue that just scrapes the underside of being original. Read Full Review

I'm not sure about the reveal of the Merrymaker, the villain apparently pulling the strings of the League of Smiles, but this is again a really good Batman comic – something in short supply since the launch of the New 52. Worth a look. Read Full Review

"Detective Comics" these four months have jumped into a must-read category, and this issue is no exception. Hopefully those who might not have wised to how good the new Layman and Fabok creative team are will use this tie-in issue to see the error of their ways. If you aren't reading "Detective Comics" but like Batman, do check this issue out. You won't be disappointed. Read Full Review

It's a stunningly illustrated work that continues the Emperor Penguin plot all while starting something entirely new with a gang called the League of Smiles, who are lead by a baddie with a very interesting character design. I felt it was money well spent. This creative team knows what they're doing and I can't wait for them to get away from the crossover events and produce an arc that is purely their own. Read Full Review

The backup story comes in especially handy this month, as it allows Layman to continue his exploration of Ogilvy's rise to power without conflicting with his Death of the Family tie-in. This segment is a fun read, bolstered by the nonlinear approach and a strong depiction of the increasingly villainous Emperor Penguin. Andy Clarke's art is a highlight, providing plenty of dramatic facial work and character designs that are equal parts kooky and creepy. Read Full Review

Layman again proves that he has what it takes to write Batman. This issue does not blend too smoothly with the expectations that were set up last month. I also felt there was a bit too much happening this time around, but this is still a very fun issue. Anybody looking for a good Batman story should enjoy it. If you are considering purchasing this for the "Death of the Family" tie in, it may or may not be a good purchase depending what you want. Joker is not in this nor does it appear that he will be in the next issue, but it is a good story which explores the fallout of Joker's reappearance, so make your decision from there. Read Full Review

A fantastic issue, and a brilliant addition to the Death of the Family crossover. I would highly recommend this issue, as it start's the new chapter of Layman's run on the series perfectly, making it a brilliant starting point for new readers, and for anyone who feels that the Death of the Family crossover's used Joker too much will like this, as it's quite different from any other series'. Read Full Review

Detective Comics sixteen is a perfect late pickup for those of you who missed it this past Wednesday. Read Full Review

Part of me wants more Joker, and part of me is already over this Emperor Penguin guy, but to be completely honest, an even bigger part of me is somewhat impressed with Laymans ability to tell a story about the Joker without him actually being in it. Needless to say, Im interested to see where this goes. And man, do I hope Joker kills all of these new ridiculous characters sooner rather than later. I mean, come on. Did you get a look at the new Penguins gang? They almost deserve to die just for looking that stupid. Cant wait to see how they croak. Read Full Review

Given that the pre-crossover story has been relegated to the back-up issue, Layman has a long way to go to get this title back on track. Read Full Review