Its a terrible, dangerous time to be a cop in Gotham City. At a time when police are being targeted for assassination, Gothams Finest also face a threat from within, as a shape-changing identity thief has infiltrated the GCPD and threatens to destroy it from within. Will he unravel the mystery behind this secretive killer before he loses any more of the few allies he has left on the force?
Was this an AMAZING story? No, not really, but like I said, it continues the general theme that I've enjoyed in Layman's run. What really sold me on the issue were those stories after the main feature that expanded upon main story. If it weren't for those two stories, this would have been a generally good issue, but those two stories leant a needed emotional impact, that gave the story as a whole much more depth. Read Full Review
This annual was most enjoyable, we got a new and interesting villain in the Batman worldand it was a fun Detective story. Myonly gripe with it is, that it could of gone on and been a decent story arcover the course of a few issues. It'sbecause of stories like this that John Layman got Detective Comics out of thefunk it was in, before he started writing it, and at this point couldn't seeanyone else writing it, so hopefully Layman's work is far from over. Highly recommend this title to Batmanfans. It will help get some of the badtaste that Dark Knight leaves in your mouth after reading it. Read Full Review
Detective Comics Annual #2 is still plagued by the same problems its had before but in an oddly ironic way. Its an issue that deals a lot with identity, but in a weird sort of meta-textual way, it still struggles to find its own identity. Its on its way to developing its own persona but for now its like the Jane Doe character: it has no identity of its own, and it has to steal from its own writer. Read Full Review
Overall this was a fun, over-sized issue. The annual did a great job of tying into the on-going story arc without being tied down by it. Its an enjoyable stand-alone story that is quick and action-packed. It was great to see the spotlight shine on an under-appreciated and sometimes neglected character like Harvey Bullock. Casual readers, first time readers, and long-time readers can all find something to enjoy in Detective Comics Annual #2. Read Full Review
This issue isn't an essential read by any means, but its clearly the more successful of this week's two Batman annuals. Read Full Review
The main story gets a little rushed toward the end but the remaining two short stories were fantastic and give us a great look inside the minds of Jane Doe and, one of my favorite characters, Harvey Bullock. I wish Bullock had been drawn better in the third and final story, but overall the artwork in this book looks great. This was the best bat-title I read today and I think if you're a fan of Bullock then this annual might actually be worth your $5 bucks. Read Full Review
Layman has brought a level of craft and intelligence to DC's flagship title since he took the reins, and this annual issue continues that trend. It's a strong story that serves as an interesting wrinkle the tapestry Layman is weaving. Read Full Review
"Detective Comics Annual" #2 is a good approach to how to create an annual; it provides a payoff to both first-time readers as well as those who already pick up the main series, and it's a story that can be enjoyed as an extended one-off, while allowing for follow-ups down the line. This is the sort of comic that's perfect for a five-week month. Read Full Review
Annuals are a tough sell. They cost more than regular issues for not a lot of content. They are typically throwaway type books that don't tie in to the regular stories in the series. And the comics typically aren't by the main creative team. However, this annual is an entertaining and one-and-done comic book and there is something to be said for that. I like the mystery in the comic and I liked the new villain in the comic, even if it is not terribly inventive, Layman writes the character with a new freshness to it. This is worth checking out if you are curious about Layman's Batman work. Read Full Review
The first back up story is satisfying and there are some gems to be found in the overall narrative, but for the most part, it's pretty generic despite trying to throw us off with a twist. And again, a big hindrance is saving details you need in the first story until the final back up -- it really takes away from what could have been a powerful moment. That said, the art remains solid throughout and it seems fair to assume this is a character who will appear by Wrath's side. Read Full Review
This Detective Comics Annual tangentially references some of the events around the Batman universe at the moment, but is a mostly skippable event on the Bat-calendar. The character of Jane Doe is hinted at reappearing at a later date, and unless there is the off chance she becomes the next big villain for Batman, this is hardly a must-read. Read Full Review
There is a lot of good going on in Batman comics right now, but at the top of the heap stands Layman's Detective! I'm shocked that he's not drawn more attention than he has to the book because its so good issue in and out, plus he ties everything together tightly while still offering done in one style issues. I think a lot of writers could learn a thing or two from Layman.
Oh, and his co-writer must be good too, because I couldn't tell any sort of decrease in quality in the writing for this annual. The art, also, is top notch!
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