From its classic horror movie cover to the spine-chilling conclusion, Detective Comics Annual #1 is one fine book. Read Full Review

Buy as most of the books within the Bat Family have been showcasing Clayface and for good reason , as this book more than pays off what we expect from the character. Read Full Review

With this story, Tynion manages to pull from so many different sources it's almost unbelievable. But at the same time, he finds a way to integrate them all so cohesively. While this story is a new take on the origin of Clayface, Tynion executes it so masterfully and with such reverence to the heart of the character, at times it's hard to imagine Clayface's origin having ever been anything other than the way it is presented here. Read Full Review

Tying this story together with the bookend of father and son is a great touch that really just drills home the tragedy of Basil's story. The desire to live up to your father can be a powerful motivator and when that father is larger than life to begin with it leaves some very big shoes to fill. Origin stories can be simple tales for the fans to have an “ahh… so that's what happened” or “oh so that's how they became….” moment. But every now and then they add a layer that just makes the character easier to sympathise with… or at least to feel sorry for in some way. Clayface's origin story does that, it takes what we know about him being an actor and adds more depth to that… depth that adds a degree of sadness that wasn't necessarily there before. Read Full Review

This annual was simply amazing. Definitely include this issue in your pull for the week. Read Full Review

Thank you for staying and finally seeing a part of what happened to young Basil Karloff; one of Hollywood's most wanted actors who lost it all. It is truly a sad story to finally know what events caused such a great actor to lose it all and become this hideous monster everyone is afraid of now. In the end, Basil Karloff got to do what he always wanted to do, to show the people the monster that was deep inside of him. But, where it stops was the love; Fear is what he has given the people, now maybe it is true" "Nobody really loves a monster." Read Full Review

This was a deep tale about the choices we make and the mistakes that we sometimes repeat. I think that this story is a must for any Clayface fans, especially if you have been reading the current run of Detective Comics. I love a good origin story, and Basil was due for his. Read Full Review

Despite a lackluster ending, this annual gives a heartwrenching yet beautiful origin of a legendary Batman Villain. Read Full Review

Fun to look at and fun to read, this is a great introduction to comics for someone who is new to DC or for a lapsed reader like myself. Fans who remember the cartoon may be slightly confused that the character isnt named ‘Matt Hagen but it is otherwise a one hundred percent accessible take on this material. Read Full Review

In the middle of the ongoing battle in DETECTIVE COMICS proper, Tynion and Barrows take us on a detour through Basil Karlo's disturbed psyche. Exploring his past and reimagining the iconic origin story, this annual addresses continuity concerns while also contributing a worthwhile addition to the Batman mythos. Read Full Review

Detective Comics Annual #1 presents a compelling origin story for one of Batmans best rogues. It looks at Clayface with a sympathetic eye while not absolving him of his mistakes. Its an emotional tell that flows with very few hitches. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read. Read Full Review

Designed as a revamped origin story for the reformed villain Clayface, the events of Batman: Detective Comics #973 make Batman: Detective Comics Annual #1 feel less like a spotlight and more like a eulogy. Read Full Review

Clayface receives a new origin in emotional fashion that humanizes the villain into less of a monster and more a victim of tragic circumstance . Read Full Review

The artwork by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira is excellent. It can be much harder than one expects to render a deformed face, or a villain of clay, but they pullit off quite effectively. Flashback layouts involving Hagens father use film borders extensively " perhaps too much " but it adds to the scope of thesegment. And their cover is a reel treat for fans of classic movie posters. Read Full Review

"Detective Comics Annual" #1 breaks away with the annual tradition of having lower value than its main series by delivering a well-crafted, layered and compelling analysis into the mind of a monster . . . and a victim. Read Full Review

Detective Comics Annual #1 is one of the series' more cohesive stories, showing the strength behind showcasing one character instead of trying to squeeze the whole cast into a single issue. Read Full Review

James Tynion gives us a Clayface origin that starts out really strong but ends with an unnecessary change of focus.  Eddy Barrows does some really good work here and fans of Clayface will get some insight into what created the monster, I just wanted more of him.  Read Full Review

This is a good comic. While the balance, in my opinion, is definitely in favor of the artists, it's still a satisfying read. While Clayface's story may have reached its climax, the repercussions of his impact on the Dark Knight will be felt for a long time to come. Read Full Review

A well crafted, emotionally effective re-worked origin of a classic Batman villain, giving us the foundation of the character's arc in today's run of Detective Comics. Read Full Review

While this annual fits in nicely with Tynion's story, it unnecessarily changes the origin of Clayface. However, it's still an emotional and powerful enough story. Combine this with Barrows' stunning art, and you have a fun read. Read Full Review

clayface - CLAYface - CLAYFACE !!!!

Clayface has always been my favourite Batman villain ever since I was a kid, so I loved this modern retelling of his origin and hope it creates new fans. The art and environments were phenomenal.

This was book was a beautiful tragedy. I love how Tynion and company have reinvented Clayface and made him into a tragic and compelling figure. This issue did a wonderful job exploring his childhood, fame, friendship with Glory and ultimately his downfall. I loved all of it and can't wait to see where they keep taking this character.

This new origin,changes Clayface from a henchman that has powers to a guy you feel sorry for and you can sympathize with him.And Barrows and Ferreira art is still one of my favorites.The passing is a little fast at the end.But other than that,this is a great book.

Does Tynion IV love Clayface so much?

First of all, the timing of it was very well thought off considering how the last Detective ended. It's a very sad and tragic story that puts even more humanity in Clayface's backstory. He was always a great villain and the moral ambiguity they injected in him these past years is brought to a point where it's not clear what he is anymore. Hero, villain, martyr, victim? It could be a problem, but it ends up being a good thing as Basil himself must be asking these questions too about who he is. The writing is top notch and the art is great. More so in the depictions of Basil after the accident, which is fittingly gruesome and repulsive.

After Detective Comics' issue #973, most notably its cliffhanger, it feels logical and natural to see Clayface in the limelight. His new origin story portrays him as a more human, complex character, while rthe general tone of his backstory and not retconning it for the sake of retconning it (like Mr. Freeze in New 52, but about him later).
To a degree, this change reminded me of Harvey Bullock from Geoff Johns' Batman: Earth One, who was fleshed out for once, and served as a tragic hero we emphatize with during the span of the comic. Same here - Basil has his own personality, and by no means feels like just a bad guy. His story unfolds, and while we all know the outcome of it, it still feels emotional and engaging.
Similarly to aforementioned Mr. Freeze, Clayface is portrayed as a tragic antihero, who can't be called evil, but his decisions (mistakes) shaped him into something monstrous, at least at first glance. We're offered an insight into his childhood, life as an actor, warm relationship with Glory Griffin, and finally, a gruesome (both literally and figuratively) transition into a monster.
At the end of the book, you can't stop feeling sad for him, as well as for Glory, who long time readers may remember as Mudface. It's a tragic tale, connecting to possibly tragic outcome of the last issue of Detective Comics. We'll see about that.
One thing is certain for now - it's as good as it is sad. more

Reasonably entertaining merger of the original and second Clayface's origins. Great Barrows art.