Detective Comics Annual #3

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi Artist: Sumit Kumar, Eduardo Risso Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: January 29, 2020 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 15 User Reviews: 22
8.5Critic Rating
7.3User Rating

+ Pull List

Of all the mayhem and madness that "City of Bane" visited upon Batman's world, the death of Alfred Pennyworth had the greatest impact. As Bruce struggles to pick up the pieces of his life, the absence of the man who had always helped him is felt with devastating consequences. With new storm clouds brewing on the horizon, does Bruce Wayne have what it takes to honor his dearest friend's memory?

  • 10
    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd Jan 31, 2020

    “The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect Read Full Review

  • 10
    Dark Knight News - Steve J Ray Jan 29, 2020

    Great dialogue and action, combined with stunning visuals, make Detective Comics Annual #3 a must buy issue. Highly recommended. Read Full Review

  • 9.7
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Jan 29, 2020

    Kumar and Risso bring some great visuals to this issue. Both stories have a unique style and the contrast in art styles is well executed. Kumar's contemporary story is filled with sharp, focused lines while Risso's story is softer and more introspective in its art. A great looking issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Jan 31, 2020

    We get to see a story of Alfred in the past. It is a wonderfully illustrated story by Eduardo Risso. This is a real treat. It really shows the relationship between Alfred and Bruce perfectly. You don't get much better than this. This is a truly excellent and emotionally perfect annual. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jan 29, 2020

    The death of Alfred Pennyworth is not a storyline I'm happy DC has decided to go with, but I can't say that the execution so far hasn't been excellent. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Tanveer Kalo Feb 3, 2020

    Detective Comics Annual #3 is an great reflection and commemoration of Alfred Pennyworth's incredible life. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jan 29, 2020

    As an appetizer to the RIP special, this is a nice setup as were approaching the point where Alfred will not be a prominent member of the cast even in flashbacks. Like Batman its best to appreciate these flashback glimpses while weve got them. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Batman Universe - Donald Townsend Jan 29, 2020

    Final Thoughts: This is a touching eulogy for Alfred Pennyworth, and the arc it represents sees Bruce Wayne through the final stages of his grief in a way we are most familiar with Tomasi's thoughtful storytelling. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer Jan 29, 2020

    Both stories are a great catharsis for fans mourning Alfred's loss, which has only been tangentially dealt with in Batman's main series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - Christopher Franey Jan 29, 2020

    A decent issue with a blast from the past memory to celebrate the life of Alfred Pennyworth. Nice memories of yesteryear and some insights to how important Alfred was to Bruce and his mission. Plus closing out an open case from Alfred's secret agent days is a nice goodbye. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison Jan 30, 2020

    . This is a solid annual and must-read for fans of spycraft and superheroes. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford Jan 29, 2020

    All in all Detective Comics Annual #3 delivered an enjoyable, if somber, look at the life of Batman's oldest and dearest friend. It felt fitting and respectful of the character it was an ode to. I'm sure he would be touched to read it. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Weird Science - Joey Casco CSW/CSS Jan 28, 2020

    We get a Batman who cares and talks once again. And it's a nice one-shot tribute to Alfred. What he used to do, what he left unfinished, and what his absence means to Bruce now. Really, it's how Alfred gave up his career and left that thing unfinished because he felt a sense of responsibility to an orphan named Bruce. So, yeah, I get it. But the things beyond that or the specifics of that just didn't hit with me. Yet I do realize that this is an Annual, and sometimes that means it's isolated one-shot issues that you just need to relax about and enjoy. Seriously though, the art is fantastic. I love how Batman is drawn and the color schemes throughout this entire issue. So my gut rating is really all about the power of a few character moments and the art. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Jan 29, 2020

    This is a fun comic, but it's not flawless. There are issues with dialogue and pacing, and the villain and NKVDemon aren't very convincing. But this annual ends on a nice, positive note that ties everything together and motivates Bruce to work on becoming a better person. If you have some extra cash and time, pick this one up. It's not great, but it's entertaining for sure! Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez Jan 30, 2020

    Detective Comics Annual #3 does a good job in diving into the impact Alfred Pennyworth's death has had on Bruce Wayne. Peter Tomasi presents a story that shows how the pain of Alfred's death may not disappear easily the good memories are what will help Bruce heal over time. It's just a shame that the back-up story didn't explore the greater impact Alfred had on not only Bruce but the entire Batman Family. As is, Detective Comics Annual #3 is a comic that is more for hardcore Batman fans rather than the wider DC Comics audience. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    EDiakota Jan 31, 2020

    " Alfred would be proud of marigold. But he'd be completely ashamed of what i've let this place turn into. I can hear him now... Did i teach you nothing dear boy ? I miss him. Every second of every day. But i have to face that he's gone. And i have to honor his life's work. Face it, Bruce, it's time to start taking care of yourself... And your home. "
    - BRUCE WAYNE

  • 8.5
    Batman Jones Jan 29, 2020

    The first story was fine but it wasn't much. The second story was terrific. The best of Tomasi in this run so far and Risso is fantastic as always. A classic Alfred story.

  • 8.0
    egonnn244 Feb 2, 2020

    "Did I teach you nothing, dear boy?"

    The name's Pennyworth. Alfred Pennyworth. Now, that's the quality I would expect from Pete Tomasi.

    Nicely paced and interesting story, that makes Alfred even a cooler character. Good dialogue and a Batman that just is a very good Batman.

    That is all I need from my Batman comic. Especially when it's a self-contained story within an annual issue.

  • 7.5
    M1sf1r3 Jan 30, 2020

    Prelude:
    This'll be an interesting annual especially after Alfred's death.

    The Good:
    Really enjoyed the first story.

    The Bad:
    On the other hand, pretty much everything of the second story failed for me.

    Conclusion:
    I'll give it a passing grade due to the first story though the second weighed it down quite a bit.

  • 7.0
    myconius Jan 29, 2020

    the first story was entertaining. had decent (dynamic, action-packed) art.

    the second story was a bit of a slog, and Eduardo Risso's art usually looks much better than this.

    it's good to see DC doubling down of the crappy decision of letting a worthless hack writer kill-off Alfred. one of the best characters in the entire Batman history, next to Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. they are shooting themselves in the foot. may their drop in sale numbers serve them well.

    + LikeComments (12)
  • 6.5
    Amazing Psycamorean Jan 30, 2020

    This was fine. I don't believe we'll get a really good story about Bruce's grief until the RIP one-shot that's coming.

  • 6.5
    Simon DelMonte Jan 29, 2020

    8 for the stories. 5 for killing Alfred in the first place.

  • 6.0
    Spacey Medicine Mar 14, 2020

    Well, this surely happened.

  • 1.0
    LunaMoody Jan 29, 2020

    Boring, unnecessary waste of your time and money. It looks and feels like it was just thrown together. The art work is dreadful. The only tidbit that was of any interest was how wrecked Bruce let his gome get in Alfred's absence. That showed a lost man grieving. The rest of the book was junk. More worthy of a negative 1 rather then a 1 rating.

  • 9.0

  • 9.0
    Grifter Jan 31, 2020

  • 8.5
    BitchWitcher Feb 2, 2020

  • 8.5
    Radar Jan 31, 2020

  • 8.0
    cincyfan Sep 15, 2020

  • 8.0
    tonpas1989 Jul 6, 2020

  • 8.0
    sebastianorellana95 Feb 1, 2020

  • 8.0
    Justin Ray Feb 1, 2020

  • 7.5
    batman_forever Dec 18, 2022

  • 7.0
    Adsun22 Sep 8, 2021

  • 7.0
    Marvelll Aug 24, 2020

  • 7.0
    Jason The Dude Feb 4, 2020

  • 6.0
    Watchtower022 Feb 1, 2020

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