Detective Comics #1017 Review: The Scared and the Frozen

A missing young man from the Wayne Orphanage. Temperatures rapidly dropping in Gotham. It’s a race against the clock to save him. Spoilers for Detective Comics #1017.

Keeping in line with the previous storyline, this standalone issue of Detective Comics continues the cold motif but ignores villains altogether. This is simply a story about Batman and Robin attempting to find a lost kid. It’s such a small-scale story that is largely ignored by a good portion of mainstream comics and it’s wonderful to see here. This is a great single issue that manages to pull every fiber of emotion out of its pages.

This issue excels for several reasons, but the most notable is its ability to show the humanity of Batman and Robin. These are two characters that have had so many larger than life adventures over the years, so bring them back down to a grounded level, it works so well. This issue displays the human cost that is often associated with their responsibilities. Sure, there’s a conspiracy that, thankfully, as it could be used in further stories, isn’t explained, but its focus is on saving this one kid. Because of that, the issue manages to be heartwarming, funny, and heartbreaking within the same double page spread. That’s difficult to do, but Tom Taylor and Fernando Blanco pull it off beautifully.

Image by DC Comics/Art by Fernando Blanco

Another thing that this issue does extremely well is the fact that they make Damian grow as a character in around four pages and it feels completely organic. Honestly, this is the most I’ve ever liked Damian Wayne other than his times with Dick Grayson. Within only a few pages, Damian goes from the uncaring jerk that he’s often portrayed as to a compassionate person who is devastated that he couldn’t save a life. He’s no stranger to death, so to see him so beat over someone he didn’t even know displays leaps of character work done with him. Plus, seeing Batman and Robin sitting together in the hospital, waiting for the surgery to end speaks volumes with no words.

Fernando Blanco does an excellent job of bringing this issue to life as well. He manages to capture the cold that is enveloping Gotham extremely well and his pacing really makes this issue feel urgent. His layouts and linework works wonderfully in tandem with each other to create a great story flow that works incredibly well. His art is humorous when it needs to be, tender at times, and will punch you in the gut. It’s honestly some his best work.

CHECK OUT: Detective Comics #1016 Review: The Frost and the Frozen

Related articles

Incredible Seasons Greetings : Lou Ferrigno,The OG Big Green Coming to Pop Culture Con

If you're looking for the perfect gift for your favorite comic geek, then why not get tickets for Pop Culture Con, coming March 2025 to Houston, TX? Headlining this groovadelic event will be the...

The Mysterious Oarfish: A Harbinger of Doom?

The oarfish, a long and enigmatic creature of the deep sea, has captured the imaginations of sailors, fishermen, and storytellers for centuries. Known scientifically as Regalecus glesne, the oarfish is the longest bony fish...

Rey Skywalker’s Crucial Role in the Future of Star Wars

In the ever-expanding Star Wars universe, few characters have generated as much attention and intrigue as Rey, the heroine at the center of the sequel trilogy. Played by Daisy Ridley, Rey Skywalker’s journey from...

Pee V Pee: Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Lawrence and Media Double Standards

In the world of celebrity news, it’s no secret that certain stories catch fire based on how they align with – or challenge – public expectations. Sometimes, these narratives reveal deeper cultural biases, particularly...

10 Actors Who Could Play Agent Venom in an Upcoming Movie

With the success of Venom and its sequel, fans are eagerly speculating about what’s next for the symbiote in the Spider-Man universe. One of the most intriguing directions a future Venom movie could take...
spot_img

Latest articles

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Detective Comics #1017 acts as a wonderful standalone issue from a great guest writer and artist team.Detective Comics #1017 Review: The Scared and the Frozen