Detective Comics #987 Review

Writer: Bryan Hill / Artist: Miguel Mendonça / DC Comics On the Outside The Hill Administration promised us an explosive finale and folks, the Hill Administration delivered. The conclusion to On the Outside is a brilliant capstone to what has been a thrilling and captivating Batman story. Here is a pertinent question given what’s going on in the main title: is Batman stronger alone or with his allies? One of the most exciting things about Detective Comics #987 is the roundtable shot of Black Lightning, Orphan, The Signal, and (late arrival from Detective Comics #986) Katana staring at a holographic globe. They’re demarcating possible threats arising due to the Brianiac Files from No Justice. In that moment, Hill shows that Karma, a villain with a vicious vendetta, is part of a much larger scheme. It is that balance between global stakes and deeply personal motivations that make this arc so engaging. Hill tethers these impossibly complex emotional drives to this newly-introduced, far-reaching mythological element of the DC universe. It is a bold feat that pays off in spaces.

Mendonça’s artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. This issue features some of the finest action sequences of comics this year, and the grand spectacle that takes up the meat of the issue is wonderfully realized. Seeing the Outsiders in combat is just pure eye candy, especially with Orphan and Katana’s martial arts at the center of the showcase. I do wish The Signal had more presence, but I have been th…