Posted in: Comics, DC Comics, Review | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Batman: Detective Comics #986 Review – Orphan Steals the Show

Batman readies for his assault on Karma's hideout, and Black Lightning has just discovered that Orphan has left the penthouse with Batgirl's blessing. Batman arrives at the hideout just behind Orphan and tells her to take care of the hostages while he faces down Karma. Black Lightning is on his way to help too.

Batman: Detective Comics #986 cover by Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas
Batman: Detective Comics #986 cover by Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas

Batman: Detective Comics #986 completes this leg of the new Outsiders story, with Batman, Black Lightning, and Orphan finally taking the fight back to Karma.

Much of the comic is Batman fighting Karma while Orphan tries to defuse the bomb attached to the school kids and pondering Batman's cryptic, "Follow the light."

As happy as I am to see Jefferson Pierce possible leading a reunited Outsiders (are they getting a new title or what?), Orphan steals the show this issue. Her small moments of kindness, fear, and badassery really make the highlight moments of this issue.

Of course, the Bat himself gets some pretty cool moments in fighting Karma.

Karma himself doesn't get much of an ending in this issue. He gets made to look like a punk and escapes. Presumably, he will come back in the next stretch of this story. I was a little disappointed with his showing here, though.

Batman: Detective Comics #986 art by Philippe Briones and Adriano Lucas
Batman: Detective Comics #986 art by Philippe Briones and Adriano Lucas

Philippe Briones' artwork still looks quite gorgeous in this issue, even if he draws Barbara in a ridiculously lanky fashion while Jefferson and Bruce get to keep broad and built figures. I know, I know, it's how things have been done for a long time, but I'm still harping about it because I can. In any case, this book looks largely damn good, and the action sequences are especially well-constructed. Adriano Lucas gives a popping color palette that is pleasing to the eyes and keeps them trained on the page easily.

Batman: Detective Comics #986 brings this first part of its Outsiders story to a solid close. The big action sequence is nice, Black Lightning, Batman, and Orphan each get to have moments of badassery, and Briones and Lucas contribute great artwork. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.



Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!

Joshua DavisonAbout Joshua Davison

Josh is a longtime super hero comic fan and an aspiring comic book and fiction writer himself. He also trades in videogames, Star Wars, and Magic: The Gathering, and he is also a budding film buff. He's always been a huge nerd, and he hopes to contribute something of worth to the wider geek culture conversation. He is also happy to announce that he is the new Reviews Editor for Bleeding Cool. Follow on Twitter @joshdavisonbolt.
Comments will load 20 seconds after page. Click here to load them now.