Detective Comics Annual: 2021

Writer: Matthew Rosenberg, Mariko Tamaki Artist: David Lapham Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: December 1, 2021 Cover Price: $5.99 Critic Reviews: 8 User Reviews: 32
7.2Critic Rating
7.0User Rating

+ Pull List

“We don’t choose who we save, Bruce. You treat the patient who needs your help.”-Thomas Wayne “Shadows of the Bat” begins here! In the prelude to January’s epic new Detective Comics event, Mayor Nakano has signed off on the construction of a new Arkham Tower in the heart of Gotham City, and the Bat-Family is torn. Batman has long seen Arkham as a necessary, if flawed, cog in the gears of Gotham City-a temporary solution to larger problems that in many ways mirrors his approach as Batman. Nightwing, however, who grew up watching Arkham mutate into a villain factory, believes a different approach is needed. But Bruce and Dick will more

  • 10
    COMICON - Scott Redmond Dec 3, 2021

    Detective Comics continues to be at it's very best when the focus turns heavily to the characters themselves, while also realistically tackling some very big hard to solve issues. This is hands down one of the best stand-alone (sort of) issues of a Batman-related comic over the years, as it's solid and gorgeous and memorable on so many levels. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Nov 30, 2021

    As one Bat-event ends, another is ramping up. Shadows of the Bat, a weekly event in Detective Comics, will apparently see Bruce Wayne's time as the guardian of Gotham come to an end by choice. It's an interesting direction, very different from the last few times he was replaced, and this setup issue by the two creators in charge of the weekly shows how he's starting to ask some tough questions about his time as Batman. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    But Why Tho? - William J. Jackson Nov 30, 2021

    This is a nice prelude to what fans can expect in the regular series soon. Arkham tower looks to be a story that will be more inclusive for a wide variety of characters beyond Batman. With any hope, its effects will be felt for a long time coming and offer more of Gotham to absorb than just the same villains and crossovers that have little impact. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Nov 30, 2021

    With so many Batman releases this week, this might not feel essential, but for readers that do pick it up they likely won't be disappointed. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Dark Knight News - James Attias Nov 30, 2021

    As this title will soon be going weekly, it was great to see DC and its heroes taking the time to enjoy using the full Detective Comics Annual 2021to talk about the mental health of characters and what happens when the violence stops. I can't wait to see what new horrors come from Arkham Tower and also if rehabilitation in Gotham isn't as far-fetched as it seems. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer Dec 1, 2021

    I appreciate that Tamaki is willing to tackle sticky issues in her superhero comics, although I think the fundamental nature of superhero comics (or at least DC's current status quo) prevents any real lasting change, which feels pretty depressing. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez Dec 6, 2021

    When the focus was on Batman and Nightwing's dynamic Detective Comics Annual 2021 was at its best. Their different perspective on what the new Arkham Tower represents spotlights how we are going to see the Batman Family tackle the status quo for Gotham City. But while there is intrigue there Detective Comics Annual 2021 did not sell me on investing in a weekly event that Shadows of the Bat will be with so many other notable comic books releasing at the same time. I'll wait for the trade collection of this event instead. Read Full Review

  • 3.5
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Nov 30, 2021

    To me, this comic is boring because the villain is weak, there is no conflict, the heroes don't have to put in any effort to win, and the art looks bland. Additionally, the whole scenario about a new Arkham doesn't seem that interesting, or at least no creative team has been able to convince me yet. This comic is also too expensive and it's a prelude to an upcoming event, not an annual that you can just read by itself. So, no, I don't recommend this issue. Read Full Review

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