Written by Denny O’Neil.
Art by Guillem March & Jared K. Fletcher.
Cover Art by Guillem March.
SUMMARY:
DC Comics released this issue for February 2009. Entitled “Batman: Last Rites – Last Days of Gotham, Part 1 of 2,” the prologue reveals a standoff between glamorous actress Millicent Mayne and a trio of Two-Face’s thugs in a posh Gotham theatre prior to the city’s massive earthquake.
Years later, one thug impersonating Two-Face vindictively attacks Mayne with a vial of acid at a high-profile charity function. With Batman presently missing, Alfred calls upon Nightwing from New York City to investigate. While Mayne enigmatically copes with her new reality, a likely exhausted Nightwing is unaware that he is pursuing Two-Face’s impersonator (not to mention, Two-Face, who is also on the loose).
A fiery cliffhanger ends the issue, as the storyline now shifts over to Batman # 684.
Though the image isn’t available here, Tony S. Daniel is the variant artist.
REVIEW:
Denny O’Neil’s plotting and Guillem March’s almost-ethereal visuals combine for a terrific read. Not only does O’Neil’s storyline affect a welcome sense of unpredictability, it provides an ideal fit for March’s top-flight artwork. For faithful Bat-fans, Detective Comics # 851 is most definitely a welcome find.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for Batman # 684.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
