Detective Comics #21 Review

DETECTIVE COMICS #21

by John Layman, Scot Eaton and Andy Clarke

Cullen, if this is a Wednesday night, go give Arrow a try!

Detective Comics #21 sets up a new storyline, and it has Harper Row in it. All right, not bad. Right? Right. Layman actually makes a very interesting story. He brings back a character from Detective Comics #0, albeit, with dark skin, and she can now make weapons made of shadow. Though, they really look like Indigo Tribe constructs. As usual, one of Layman's biggest strengths is his characterization. He perfectly nails Harper's voice, and surprisingly, even Cullen's. Though the role Harper plays in this issue isn't too exciting, she provides some much needed comic relief, and further proof that she's being set up as the next Robin. Even better, while this issue is the first chapter of a new arc, it works as a standalone tale. 

While Layman dishes out one of the best Detective issues yet, Scot Eaton replaces Jason Fabok and gives us some very Ed Benes like work. His Batman feels like  he's trying to imitate David Finch, but his everything else makes it feel like he was influenced by Walt Simonson. Eaton's pencils are loose, and all over the place. However, I'm just not the biggest fan of his style. 

The backup story is very creepy, and spins directly out of Detective #19. Turns out, the Man-Bat serum is having a Hulk-like effect on Kirk. Or to be more specific, werewolf. At night, he turns back into Man-Bat, and simply hides out in this bridge, but it turns out...  People are getting KILLED there! Is Kirk responsible, or not? Not only is this a very well written backup, but Andy Clarke's art is awesome. 

DC #21 is a true winner. Even though the art is hit-or-miss, you get Man-Bat, a fun standalone story, and Harper! What more could you want?

STORY: 4.5/5

+ Harper!

 + Fun standalone
+ Great characterization

- Harper's role is a little bit dull

ART: 3/5

+ It's... OK, I guess?

- Inconsistent

- I'm not the biggest fan of Eaton's style

BACKUP: 4.5/5

+ Very creepy

+ Andy Clarke's art

VERDICT: 4/5