BATMAN ANNUAL #27

The Eighth Deadly Sin, Part One:  Casting The First Stone

2009

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Pencils by J. Calafiore

Inks by Mark McKenna

 

Cover by J. Calafiore

 

Synopsis

At St. Paul church, Detectives Bullock and MacDonald investigate the murder of a priest and the desecration of a grave.  Batman and Robin also decide to investigate.  They determine the perpetrator was after something hidden in the tombstone, but don’t think they found what they were looking for.  Since the tombstone belonged to one of the richest and oldest families in Gotham, Batman thinks the descendants may be targeted next.  Batman is watching the family’s home when a man dressed as a bird tries to kidnap the family’s son.  Batman and Robin are able to foil the attempt.  In an attempt to lure the kidnapper out again, Robin disguises himself as the son while Batman disguises himself as the chauffer.  The kidnapper tries again.  This time Azrael interferes and the kidnapper is able to escape.  Later, Batman confronts the Order of Purity for answers and to contact Azrael.  Together, the two investigate further, but realize they need help.  Elsewhere, the kidnapper reveals the seven keys, in the form of children, have been found and the children must die for the eighth deadly sin to be restored. [continued in Detective Comics Annual #11]

  

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This was an enjoyable issue.  I wouldn’t say there was anything special to it, but Nicieza has crafted a decent mystery with religious overtones that suits the new Azrael.  In other words, it is the right story for the right character.  I think what I really like about it is that Nicieza takes his time to slowly build the mystery, adding bits and pieces for the readers to learn as the plot progresses.  The plot and story rolls out at even pace, revealing what it needs to when it needs to.  Other writers might have been tempted to futz around with time or break apart one scene and space it throughout the story or try to cram everything into a few pages.  And that would not have worked for this story.  The pace and the tone is perfect for the story, which is why I liked it. 

 

I also liked Azrael’s first appearance, arriving with swords blazing, slicing into the car, and making it explode.  It sets the tone early for the character.  It may not have been the smart thing, but it was memorable.  

 

The most surprising aspect of this issue is the opening sequence with Batman and Robin as we get a lesson from the Dark Knight to the Boy Wonder.  It is the type of character building that is occurring over in the Batman and Robin title.  Don’t get me wrong, it was great to see and it definitely adds to the characters, but in a book that is basically introducing Azrael, it is not something I would have expected. 

 

My first thought when I saw the first page is that Bullock was still partnered with Jamie (Billie) Harper.  I thought maybe this story would explain why she moved to Metropolis, as seen in Superman.  However, it is a different character.  Given how much they look alike I am willing to bet that it started out as Harper but then had to be changed later. 

 

Darker Than Black, Part 1

Written by Mandy McMurray

Art by Kelley Jones

 

Synopsis

At the Gotham City Blood Bank, the police investigate a robbery in which the thief left behind a bat drawn in blood.  When Barbara Gordon (aka Oracle) notices the crime scene photos, she decides to investigate on her own.  She finds hidden text within the drawing.  And two DNA sources, one from the image and one from the text.  The next day she runs the DNA and finds a match: police officer Christopher Abrams.  The police are able to apprehend Abrams, but Barbara doesn’t think it was him.  The next morning, Barbara wakes up to find a bat drawn in blood on her ceiling and someone waiting for her…

 

Review

I liked this short little story.  I also liked the last page with the bat drawn in blood.  It is creepy, giving the moment a shiver of fear.  I am not sure what else to make of the issue, other to note the fact it is a nice story that showcases Barbara and her strong, analytical mind.  Too often stories focuse on her computer abilities when in reality it is her brain that gives her the hacker skills.  So kudos for McMurray to work at that.  Otherwise, the story seems fairly predictable.  I am willing to bet the new forensic psychologist is the murderer.  It is one of those laws that states in a murder mystery any time a guest star pops up for what seems like an inconsequential role, that person will be the killer.  Of course, the law was written for tv and movies, but I think the same applies here.

 

 
       
 

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