Written by Chuck Dixon.
Art by Enrique Alcatena; David Hornung; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft.
Cover Art by Enrique Alcatena.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics, this June 1994 64-page Elseworlds-themed annual is untitled. Evidently set in the 18th Century, the crusading masked pirate known as Capitan/Captain Leatherwing pursues seagoing evildoers in the name of England. Aboard his formidable floating arsenal known as The Flying Fox, Leatherwing, his assistant Alfredo, and their crew retrieve an abducted a Native American princess, who believes she has subsequently married her rescuer. In Kingston, Jamaica, young ‘Robin Redblade’ becomes the Fox’s stowaway and later the mysterious Leatherwing’s protégé.
Meanwhile, the sinister Laughing Man (aka the Joker) and rival pirate Capitana/Captain Felina conspire to infiltrate and then plunder Leatherwing’s legendary stronghold, Vespertilio Cay (aka Bat’s Cay). First, an undercover Felina devises a means of seducing Leatherwing. Once Robin learns of Felina’s treachery, a final showdown is unleashed pitting this reality’s Batman vs. his vilest enemy.
Note: Neither Bruce Wayne nor Selina Kyle (or by any variation of their names) are identified.
REVIEW:
Aside from writer Chuck Dixon laying the “Shiver me timbers, me buckos,” pirate lingo on a bit thick, this annual proves a solid read. Inspired by classic pirate movie clichés, Dixon’s storytelling serves up a predictable swashbuckling caper. More than equal to this task is the art squad, as their atmospheric visuals are high-caliber.
While Detective Comics Annual # 7 is not a must-have, its artwork is by all means a most welcome catch in the bargain section.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “DC Universe # 17” column presents high school yearbook quotes from Damage, The Ray, Anima, Tim Drake’s Robin, & Superboy.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
